ALERT: Summary of Biden’s First Immigration Actions

“Noncitizens”: The Importance of Language in the Immigration Conversation and Impacting Lasting Change

Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame, With conquering limbs astride from land to land; Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall stand A mighty woman with a torch, whose flame Is the imprisoned lightning, and her name Mother of Exiles. From her beacon-hand Glows world-wide welcome; her mild eyes command The air-bridged harbor […]

DHS Announces New Rule for H-1B Lottery

On January 7, 2021, USCIS announced a final rule that is intended to modify the existing H-1B “lottery” selection process from its existing model, which is randomized, to a new model that prioritizes higher wage levels.  The broad effect of the rule would be that the highest paid H-1B applicants would be more likely to […]

Biden Administration Releases Interim Interior Enforcement Priorities Memo

On their first day in office, the Biden Administration announced a 100-day pause on most removals from the United States.  The pause is meant to give the Department of Homeland Security time to conduct a department-wide review of policies and practices in immigration enforcement.  During the review, the interim enforcement priorities will be: National security: […]

Disability Waivers For English and Civics Requirements for Citizenship

To become a U.S. citizen, most naturalization applicants must pass an English test, demonstrating they can read, write, speak and understand English, as well as pass a civics test containing questions on U.S. history and government. These requirements are waived for applicants age 55 or older who have been Lawful Permanent Residents (LPR) for at […]

Biden Immigration Plan: Day One

Jeff Joseph speaks on the Biden/Harris comprehensive immigration bill being sent to Congress as well as the executive orders announced January 20th on DACA, Deportation Moratorium, DED for Venezuela, and other important announcements.

The Biden/Harris Comprehensive Immigration Bill

On Wednesday, January 20, 2021, the Biden Administration sent a bill to Congress that would modernize and reform the immigration system.  While this bill will undergo significant changes before it would pass, the elements of the bill are the following: The bill would create a path to lawful status for all those in the country […]

Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)

Effective, January 20, 2021, DACA has been restored by an executive order signed by President Biden. DACA protects immigrants brought to the United States as children.  For years Trump tried to end the program. The order also asks Congress to enact legislation providing permanent status and a path to citizenship for those immigrants that were […]

Reinstating Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) for Liberians

The Trump Administration’s deportation of Liberians who have been living in the United States through the grant of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) has been blocked by President Biden’s executive order on January 20, 2021.  Since 1991 The United States has provided a safe haven for Liberians who were forced to flee their home country because […]

Revision of Civil Immigration Enforcement Policies and Priorities

The Acting Secretary of Homeland Security sent a memorandum to the leaders of the federal government’s three primary immigration agencies on January 20, 2021 – Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Customs and Border Protection, and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.  The memorandum directs DHS to conduct a review of policies and practices concerning immigration enforcement and […]