Immigration Law

Recent Posts

USCIS Policy Alert: 212(a)(9)(B) Policy Manual Guidance
Posted on 27 Jun 2022 by Daniel M. Kowalski

USCIS, June 24, 2022 "U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is issuing policy guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual on inadmissibility under section 212(a)(9)(B) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), specifically, the effect of... Read More

USCIS Issues Policy Guidance on Deference to Previous Decisions
Posted on 27 Apr 2021 by Daniel M. Kowalski

USCIS, Apr. 27, 2021 "USCIS is issuing policy guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual instructing officers to give deference to prior determinations when adjudicating extension requests involving the same parties and facts unless there was a material... Read More

USCIS Issues Q Visa Policy Guidance (Oct. 15, 2020)
Posted on 15 Oct 2020 by Daniel M. Kowalski

USCIS, Oct. 15, 2020 "Policy Highlights • Clarifies eligibility requirements for the nonimmigrant cultural visitor (Q) visa classification, to include eligibility and related requirements for petitioners, pertinent programs, and participants... Read More

USCIS Policy Alert: Implementing the A.G. Decisions on DUI Convictions on GMC Determinations and Post-Sentencing Changes
Posted on 10 Dec 2019 by Daniel M. Kowalski

USCIS, Dec. 10, 2019 "U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is issuing policy guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual regarding how post-sentencing changes to criminal sentences impact convictions for immigration purposes and how two or... Read More

USCIS Policy Alert: Controlled Substance-Related Activity and Good Moral Character Determinations
Posted on 19 Apr 2019 by Daniel M. Kowalski

USCIS, Apr. 19, 2019 "U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is issuing policy guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual to clarify that violation of federal controlled substance law, including for marijuana, remains a conditional bar to establishing... Read More

USCIS Policy Alert: Marriage Involving Minor(s) - April 12, 2019
Posted on 14 Apr 2019 by Daniel M. Kowalski

USCIS Policy Alert: Marriage Involving Minor(s) - April 12, 2019 "U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is updating the Adjudicator’s Field Manual (AFM) to add Chapter 21.3(a)(2)(D)(iv), Interview Guidelines for Form I-130 Spousal... Read More

Updated NTA Guidance (USCIS, Nov. 15, 2018)
Posted on 29 Nov 2018 by Daniel M. Kowalski

USCIS, Nov. 15, 2018 - "On Nov. 15, the Public Engagement Division (PED) held a stakeholder teleconference to discuss the USCIS Updated Guidance for the Referral of Cases and Issuance of Notices to Appear (NTAsl in Cases Involving Inadmissible and... Read More

Civil Surgeon Designation and Centralization of the Designation Process at the National Benefits Center
Posted on 29 Jan 2014 by Daniel M. Kowalski

"U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is issuing policy guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual to centralize the civil surgeon designation process at the National Benefits Center, effective March 11, 2014." - USCIS, Jan. 28, 2014 ... Read More

New USCIS Policy Guidance for Admin. Natz. Ceremonies (June 28, 2017)
Posted on 28 Jun 2017 by Daniel M. Kowalski

USCIS, June 28, 2017 - "Purpose U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is updating policy guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual on USCIS administrative naturalization ceremonies, to include guidance regarding participation from other... Read More

USCIS Floats Draft 'Extreme Hardship' Policy Guidance for Comment
Posted on 7 Oct 2015 by Daniel M. Kowalski

USCIS, Oct. 7, 2015 - "U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is issuing draft extreme hardship policy guidance for public comment. This guidance clarifies how USCIS would make extreme hardship determinations once the guidance is finalized... Read More

USCIS Updates Policy Guidance for I Visas (Media Representatives)
Posted on 10 Nov 2015 by Daniel M. Kowalski

USCIS Policy Alert, Nov. 10, 2015 - "U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is issuing policy guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual regarding the foreign information media representative nonimmigrant visa classification, commonly known as... Read More

SEVP Policy Guidance S7.2: Pathway Programs for Reasons of English Proficiency
Posted on 4 Nov 2016 by Daniel M. Kowalski

ICE, Oct. 28, 2016 - "This guidance provides information for Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) adjudicators regarding pathway programs for F-1 postsecondary students who fail to meet the English proficiency requirements for admission into... Read More