The new policy implementation allowing USCIS officers the ability to deny a visa or green card application, petition or request without issuing a Request for Evidence (RFE) gives adjudicators almost full discretion to make complex judgments without clear standards nor proper oversight to safeguard against unequal treatment.
What this means is that immigration officials who have questions about a case or see a technical issue can merely deny instead of give applicants or petitioners an opportunity to correct clerical errors or provide U.S. employers and attorneys the right to address concerns.
The intensified restrictions to immigration still allow for the official to issue an RFE, but will they? In some cases yes.
However, past actions signal that denials will rise, even in cases that would ultimately be approved given the opportunity to rectify concerns or submit additional evidence.
The implication for an H1-B visa holder seeking an extension is this: dot your i’s and cross your t’s. Make sure you have a seasoned law professional with high approval success in your corner.
The changes could be devastating to American employers and employees who use legal processes to file visa petitions on behalf of the foreign nationals to extend their employment.