Immigration News  |
| Changes in immigration that impact your life. |
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| USCIS Redesigned the Naturalization Test |
| September 2, 2008 |
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| In the interest of creating a more standardized, fair, and meaningful naturalization process, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) recently completed a multi-year redesign of the Naturalization test. The revised test, with an emphasis on the fundamental concepts of American democracy and the rights and responsibilities of US Citizenship, will help encourage citizenship applicants to learn and identify with the basic values we all share as Americans. |
| USCIS Makes Preparations Ahead of Hurricane Gustav |
| August 29, 2008 |
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| U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is preparing to temporarily close offices, if necessary, along the Gulf of Mexico coastline in the projected path of Hurricane Gustav. If an office is closed, or our customers are evacuated from their homes, USCIS will automatically reschedule all appointments until a time when it is safe to resume operations. |
| Direct Mail Program Adds Forms I-800 and I-800A |
| August 26, 2008 |
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| The USCIS announced publication of a Federal Register Notice that expands its Direct Mail Program to include Form I 800, Petition to Classify Convention Adoptee as an Immediate Relative, and Form I 800A, Application for Determination of Suitability to Adopt a Child from a Convention Country. Applicants were previously required to file at a USCIS field office with jurisdiction over their place of residence. The Direct Mail Program allows USCIS to process applications more efficiently by eliminating duplicative work, maximizing staff productivity, and introducing better information management tools. |
| USCIS Revises Filing Instructions for Petitions to Remove Conditions on Residence |
| August 25, 2008 |
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| The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) on August 25, 2008 announced that it has revised the filing instructions for the Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence (Form I-751). Effective immediately, all petitioners filing a Form I-751 must file with the California or Vermont Service Center, depending on the state in which they reside. |
| CBP in San Diego Reminds Border Crossers to Anticipate More Traffic at Area Ports When School Year Begins |
| August 22, 2008 |
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| The CBP officials reminds the members of the traveling public to expect to see more cars and pedestrians at area border crossings in the coming days as the summer break for thousands of area students comes to an end. Large numbers of students who attend classes at various private and public schools and colleges in San Diego commute from Mexico to the U.S. on a daily basis. This increase in traffic, especially during the traditionally busy morning commute, can result in longer than normal crossing times. Being prepared for the inspection process by having documents ready for the CBP officer, declaring all items acquired in Mexico, and ending cell phone conversations before arriving at the inspection station can also reduce wait times. |
| U.S. Labor Department proposes rules on investment advice exemption for 401(k) plans and IRAs |
| August 21, 2008 |
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| The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) announced publication of two proposed rules under the Pension Protection Act (PPA) to make investment advice more accessible for millions of Americans in 401(k) type plans and individual retirement accounts (IRAs). The U.S. Secretary of Labor, Elaine L. Chao believes that these proposals would give workers greater access to investment advice so that they are better equipped to manage and monitor their 401(k) plans and Individual Retirement Accounts. |
| USCIS Reminds Customers to Use Correct Edition of Form I-765 to Request Employment Authorization |
| August 18, 2008 |
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| The USCIS reminds its customers to use the correct version of the Application for Employment Authorization (Form I-765) dated 05/27/08. The edition date appears in the lower right hand corner of the form as “Form I-765 (Rev. 05/27/08) N". Submission of an earlier version of Form I-765 may result in rejection of the application. The main purpose of the Form I-765 is to allow certain aliens in the United States to request employment authorization and an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). |
| USCIS Announces 18-Month Extension of Temporary Protected Status for Nationals of Sudan |
| August 15, 2008 |
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| U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced today an extension of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for nationals of Sudan through May 2, 2010. The extension will offer those who have already been granted TPS an opportunity to re-register and maintain their status for an additional 18 months. TPS does not apply to Sudanese nationals who entered the United States after Oct. 4, 2007. |
| USCIS Proposes Changes to Improve the H-2B Temporary Non-agricultural Worker Program |
| August 15, 2008 |
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| U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced on August 15, 2008 a series of proposed rule changes that will streamline procedures for hiring workers under the H-2B program. These changes are being proposed in further fulfillment of the commitment made by the Administration last August, after the failure of Congress to pass comprehensive immigration reform, to review and improve visa programs for temporary workers on H-2B using existing authorities. The proposed rule, which has been sent to the Federal Register, supplements the extensive reforms of the H-2B program already proposed by the Department of Labor in its proposed rule published on May 22. |
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