April 11
USCIS has the power to help U.S. employers and lawfully admitted foreign nationals to extend any and all immigration-related deadlines, including expiration of status. Many doctors, nurses and healthcare workers are foreign nationals on nonimmigrant visas fighting on the front lines to save lives.
Other countries have already extended nonimmigrant visas and expiring status due to extenuating circumstances caused by COVID-19 – the U.S. needs to follow suit.
Immigration attorneys and their clients face a hazardous catch-22: choose between missing a filing deadline that could jeopardize clients or violate stay at home orders and expose themselves to a deadly virus.
On March 23, 2020, the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) sent a letter to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) calling for an immediate suspension of immigration benefit deadlines and the maintenance of status for nonimmigrants in the U.S. amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Following the letter, the AILA filed a complaint on behalf of its member against USCIS in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia seeking the necessary measures.
Many other federal agencies, such as the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), have extended deadlines to help mitigate risk without penalty. USCIS needs to extend filing deadlines so that foreign nationals lawfully present in the United States can maintain status during this pandemic. Otherwise, USCIS is imperiling the public as a whole.
Recent Immigration Articles
Check out these articles below
Attorney Sidebar Immigrant Voices in Action Pros More job opportunities Drives U.S. innovation Economic growth booster Cons Policy uncertainty Political resistance Increased employment competition Quick Fact: The H-1B visa program is capped annually, with only 85,000 visas issued. Amid debates on its future, industry leaders argue for expansion to address workforce needs while balancing domestic
Read MoreHome for the Holidays: A Comprehensive Guide to Visitor Visas for Immigrant Families The holiday season is a cherished time for families to come together, share traditions, and create lasting memories. For immigrants in the United States wishing to reunite with their loved ones during this festive period, understanding the process of obtaining a B-2
Read MoreAttorney Sidebar Immigrant Voices in Action Pros Faster application process Fewer processing delays Reduced RFEs overall Streamlined submission workflow Cons More upfront planning Higher initial costs Risk of rejection Increased applicant confusion Quick Fact: In fiscal year 2023, USCIS announced the mandatory inclusion of Form I-693 with all green card applications to reduce delays and
Read MoreThe history of Native Americans and immigration in the United States is one of cooperation, conflict, and transformation. From early interactions during European colonization to modern collaborations for justice, the dynamics between Native tribes and immigrant groups have shaped the nation’s identity. Case Studies of Interaction The Fur Trade: Cooperation and Exchange One of the
Read More