Blog

March 13, 2017

Due to inclement weather, the Boston District Office of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), Asylum Office,and Executive Office of Immigration Review will be closed tomorrow, Tuesday, March 14, 2017. The Boston USCIS district office is trying to reach all persons scheduled to appear tomorrow by phone today.

March 3, 2017

On Friday, March 3, 2017, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced the temporary suspension of premium processing (Form I-907) for all H-1B visas, beginning April 3, 2017 due to the back log in currently filed H-1B petitions. Premium processing is an expedited service which guarantees fifteen (15) calendar day processing for certain employment-based petitions and applications.

Feb. 10, 2017

Since his inauguration on January 20, 2017, President Trump has signed a handful of Executive Orders causing several drastic changes in immigration law. These orders have created a great deal of concern and confusion in both the interpretation and enforcements of the orders for immigration attorneys and the federal agencies.

Jan. 24, 2017

On Thursday, January 12, 2017, effective immediately, President Obama repealed the “wet foot, dry foot” policy, a special parole policy for Cuban nationals. This announcement ends the ability for any Cuban who comes to the U.S. to stay and become a legal resident based on humanitarian relief.

Dec. 16, 2016

I bumped into an immigration client at the gym on Saturday and he had an “I need to talk with you look on his face.” Michael* is from Peru and he is in the DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) program.

Dec. 12, 2016

On Friday, December 9, 2016, a group of bipartisan Senators introduced the Bar Removal of Individuals who Dream and Grow our Economy (BRIDGE) Act. The BRIDGE Act aims to temporarily protect all individuals who are eligible for the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program.

Nov. 15, 2016

As President Obama’s term comes to an end and President-elect Trumps’ begins, many are wondering about the future of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program under the new administration. DACA, originally started by the Obama administration in June 2012, is an immigration policy created by an executive action.

Nov. 4, 2016

On Monday, November 7, 2016 at 12 pm EST the Diversity Visa Lottery will be closing for the fiscal year of 2018. Our office urges you to apply this weekend. This your last chance if you are not eligible for permanent residency through a family member or employment.

Oct. 27, 2016

USCIS has announced that they are increasing its filing fees effective December 23, 2016. The fees increased an average of twenty-one percent (21%). According to USCIS, the increase in fees were necessary to offset the growing costs of USCIS, to improve upon processing times, increase better customer service, and cover the costs of services without charge to refugee and asylum applicants and those eligible for fee waivers.

Oct. 24, 2016

In a recent meeting with the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA), the U.S. Consulate General at Vancouver, B.C., Canada, confirmed that it will accept first time H-1B applications for stamping. Appointments for first time H-1B holders are limited and released only several months in advance. Previously, it was recommended that first time H-1B holders return to their home country for stamping.