The New (Ab)normal Under the Trump Administration: Increased Processing Times Delays and changes to U.S. immigration policy have been international news over the last few years. Many of my clients are frustrated over increased wait times at every step of the visa or permanent resident application. Under the Trump administration, processing delays have nearly doubled even as the number of immigration applications Read More
Maine ACLU Obtains US Border Patrol Training on Transportation Checks
Maine ACLU Obtains CBP Training on CBP Transportation Checks The US Border Patrol routinely uses "transportation checks" as a means for investigating the immigration status of individuals it accidentally or purposefully encounter. The document above describes the law that arguably allows for stops anywhere within 100 miles of a US border. In Maine and other states along the Canadian border, much of the state is Read More
Uncertain Processing Times of I-765 Applications for Employment Authorization
Many of my clients feel frustrated right now because of the uncertain and often slow processing times for USCIS benefits. One of the most significant problems is with I-765 Application for Employment Authorization, aka "work permit." Many of my clients file for "work permits" in conjunction with I-485 Application for Adjustment of Status ("green card"). Historically, the work permit took under 90 days to process, and Read More
Did You Know That You Can Pay G-1450 Fees Via Debit Card or Credit Card?
Submit Payment for G-1450 with Debit Card or Credit Card Did you know that you can pay some USCIS fees via credit card? Go to https://www.uscis.gov/g-1450 to read about which fees can be accepted by credit card. For the most part, any fee for a form that goes to a "Lock Box" can be paid by credit card. To pay by credit card, submit Form G-1450 with the USCIS form that you file with USCIS. However, before submitting Read More
Why is my USCIS Case Taking So Long? Where is my Case?
Are you wondering, "Where is my USCIS case?" Check out this free resource: Why is my USCIS case taking so long The American Immigration Lawyers Association recently released the attached memo that explains the rise in processing time and possible reasons behind the slow-down in USCIS processing times. As case processing times increase, individuals and businesses with pending applications and petitions suffer from Read More
Proposed “Extreme Vetting” Topics
AILA recently posted the following information about DOS's proposed supplemental questions for visa applications from certain nations: The proposed questions includes (quoting from AILA below): "[T]he new 'extreme vetting' questions for certain non-immigrants applying for visas through the consulates. State is requesting emergency review and approval from OMB by May 18, which would be valid for 180 days. Read More
How Can I Check My USCIS Case Status Online?
USCIS Case Check Status Online If you have an application pending with USCIS you should have received a Receipt Notice from USCIS. That notice will have an application form number, Receipt Number and a Priority Date or Received Date. Also, generally at the bottom left of the form, there will be a USCIS office listed. You can check the status of your case online by going to USCIS.gov/check case status and punching in Read More
First they came and I did not speak out
First they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out— Because I was not a Socialist. Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak out— Because I was not a Trade Unionist. Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out— Because I was not a Jew. Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me. Quote attributed to MARTIN NIEMÖLLER Read More
Welcome Immigrants
Give me your tired, your poor, Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, The wretched refuse of your teeming shore. Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed, to me: I lift my lamp beside the golden door. By Emma Lazarus Read More
Prepare for your N-400 English and Civics Tests
The English test and civics tests can be scary for some applicants. Some tips to get ready: Practice English as much as you can with as many people as you can! Check out USCIS's N-400 guide at https://www.uscis.gov/citizenship/learners/study-test. Take a citizenship prep class. Talk with an attorney about your legal eligibility for US citizenship. The Irish International Immigrant Center in Boston Read More
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