Immigration law is at the forefront of public dialogue these days. Womble Bond Dickinson’s Immigration Solutions team helps employers navigate high-stakes, constantly shifting immigration challenges to avoid potential problems and secure the talent they need to make their companies thrive. The following newsletter, drafted by Womble Bond Dickinson Immigration Solutions attorneys, covers some of the recent and most important developments in immigration law.

8/24/2023    U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) announced it will interpret a recent policy change to the Child Status Protection Act (“CSPA”) to mean that an applicant may be excused for failure to meet the “sought to acquire” requirement by showing it was due to extraordinary circumstances.

8/21/2023    USCIS launched a new online form to request an in-person appointment at a local field office without having to call the USCIS Contact Center.   

8/21/22023    The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (“DHS”) issued notice redesignating Ukraine for Temporary Protected Status (“TPS”), and providing for TPS extensions for Ukraine for 18 months, beginning on 10/20/23 and ending on 4/19/25.

8/21/2023    DHS issued notice redesignating Sudan for TPS, and providing for TPS extensions for Sudan for 18 months, beginning on 10/20/23 and ending on 4/19/25.

8/16/2023    USCIS issued policy guidance to confirm the evidentiary requirements for physicians seeking a national interest waiver of the job offer requirement based on work in an underserved area or at a U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs facility.

8/9/2023    USCIS issued an update regarding intercountry adoptions from Nigeria based on the U.S. Department of States’ (“DOS”) June 30, 2023 notice advising of ongoing concerns.

8/8/2023    DOS published the September 2023 Visa Bulletin, which includes notes on DV-2024 results and availability of employment-based visas during September, among other information.

8/8/2023    USCIS published the adjustment of status filing dates for September 2023.

8/7/2023    DHS issued a fact sheet on the Family Reunification Parole Process for individuals from El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Colombia, Cuba, and Haiti.

8/3/2023    USCIS announced changes in the way it will issue notices for L-1 petitions based on a previously approved blanket.

8/2/2023    DHS announced changes to ESTA travel authorization validity for Hungary, making it single use and reducing the validity from two years to one year, effective August 1, 2023.

8/1/2023    DHS issued new guidance for stateless noncitizens in the U.S. who wish to receive immigration benefits.