IN CASE YOU MISSED IT … here are some of the top immigration headlines from the week of May 16, 2022:
Top Immigration Headlines
1. The US Embassy in Kyiv Has Officially Reopened.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced the reopening of the Embassy three months after it closed ahead of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Just because the Embassy is open, though, does not mean that all operations have resumed, including visa services for non-US Citizens. The Consulate General in Frankfurt, Germany is still the primary processing location for immigrant visas, while certain other designated visa types are being handled by the US Embassy in Warsaw, Poland.
2. Bill for Green Cards for "Documented Dreamers" Has Bipartisan Support
A bill has been introduced that intends to protect approximately 250,000 immigrants who came to the US as dependents on their parents’ visas. These Dreamers grew up here, but because of lengthy processing times have turned 21 before their parents obtained their green cards, causing them to "age out" and no longer be dependents on their parents' petitions. As a result, these Dreamers must either choose to go back to a country they may barely know, or stay in the US without any legal status. This latest push for reform aims to fix that.
3. DHS Announced the Registration Process for Temporary Protected Status for Afghanistan.
DHS has announced the registration process for Temporary Protected Status for Afghanistan. Starting as of May 20th, 2022, eligible Afghan nationals can now register for Temporary Protected Status or TPS. Among the eligibility requirements is continuous residence in the US since March 15th, 2022, therefore Afghan nationals who arrived after that date would not be eligible. USCIS estimates that there are approximately 72,500 individuals currently in the US who may be eligible, and they have until November 20, 2023 to register.
4. A Federal Court Prevents the End of Title 42 ... For Now at Least.
A federal court judge has, for now, issued a preliminary injunction halting the Biden Administration’s attempt to end Title 42. Judge Summerhays out of the Western District of Louisiana issued an order last Friday that Title 42 should remain in place while two-dozen Republican led states pursue their lawsuit challenging the Biden Administration’s decision to lift the pandemic-era policy. The Biden Administration plans to appeal the decision, but for now, things remain status quo in terms of border policy.
Disclaimer: This post is for informational purposes only, and shall not be considered legal advice, or be used as a substitute for competent counsel. No attorney-client relationship exists without a signed agreement.
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