The Convention Against Torture
WHAT IS THE CONVENTION AGAINST TORTURE (CAT)? You may have seen or heard the term CAT in connection to the asylum process, but what is it? Introduction The first step in seeking asylum protection in
January – August 2023 Immigration Court Statistics
Total new cases January – August 2023: 1,488,110 Jan-Aug 2023 Immigration Bond Statistics 2020 vs. 2021 Asylum Statistics
Mandatory Detention
When a foreign national is taken into the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), one of the initial steps taken by the deportation officer is to determine whether or not to grant a
Non-Minister Special Immigrant Religious Workers Sunset Date
Today, September 30, 2023, was the final day or the “sunset date” for Non-Minister Special Immigrant Religious Worker Program. On Dec. 29, 2022, the president signed into law H.R. 2617, which extended the program through
Extension and Redesignation of Venezuela for Temporary Protected Status (TPS)
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the extension of Venezuela’s 2021 Temporary Protected Status (TPS) designation for 18 months and a separate redesignation of Venezuela for TPS for 18 months. DHS has posted a Federal Register notice for
Employment Authorization Documents (EAD) Validity Extended to 5 Years
USCIS has updated guidance in the Policy Manual to increase the maximum validity period to 5 years for initial and renewal Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) for certain noncitizens who are employment authorized incident to status or circumstance,
Mayor Limits NYC Shelter Stays To 30 Days For Adult Migrants
New York City Mayor Eric Adams is further tightening shelter rules by limiting adult migrants to just 30 days in city-run facilities — to help ease pressures on the city’s already struggling shelter system and
Extension and Redesignation of Venezuela for Temporary Protected Status
On September 22, 2023, Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas announced the extension and redesignation of Venezuela for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for 18 months, due to extraordinary and temporary conditions in Venezuela that
Employment Authorization
Who Qualifies for a Work Permit in the United States? Only individuals with legal residency (green cards), U.S. citizenship, or specific types of work visas are eligible to work in the U.S. without obtaining an
Important Update on Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals
On Sept. 13, 2023, the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas issued a decision finding the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) Final Rule unlawful and expanding the original July 16, 2021 injunction and
What Are Immigration Assistance Services
New York State does allow for these immigration assistance services to operate providing limited services, but it is regulated by NY law and THEY ARE NOT PERMITTED TO PROVIDE LEGAL ADVICE. There are registration requirements and requirements
Affirmative Asylum Applicants Must Provide Interpreters Starting September 13, 2023
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services announced that affirmative asylum applicants must bring an interpreter to their asylum interview if they are not fluent in English or wish to proceed with their interview in a language