IN CASE YOU MISSED IT … here are some of the top immigration headlines from the week of May 2, 2022:
Top Immigration Headlines
1. Increase in the Automatic Extensions of Work Permits for Certain Applicants.
Last week, USCIS issued a new rule that increases the automatic extension period for employment authorization up to 540 days. This increase applies only to those in certain employment categories and is meant to help avoid gaps in employment while their Employment Authorization Document (EAD) renewal applications are pending.
2. SCOTUS Orders Additional Briefing in the "Remain in Mexico" Case.
Two weeks ago, the Supreme Court heard oral arguments on the whether the Biden Administration can end the Remain in Mexico policy, and now SCOTUS is asking each side to submit additional briefs directed to 3 follow up questions. Initial briefs are due by 5pm today, with reply briefs due by 5 pm Friday.
3. Texas Governor is Considering Asking the Supreme Court to Overturn Plyler v. Doe.
On the heels of the leaked opinion indicating that the Supreme Court will overturn Roe v. Wade, Texas Governor Greg Abbott said that the 40-yr old case of Plyler v. Doe is another precedent worth challenging. In that case, the Supreme Court shot down a then-existing Texas law which sought to deny school enrollment to any student not “legally admitted” into the US. Now Abbott is suggesting a challenge to the case, arguing that the federal government, not the states, should pay for the education costs.
4. USCIS Announced Simplified Communication of Case Processing Times.
USCIS has updated how it shares data regarding processing times for various applications. Most notable among the changes is that now the website displays a the timeframe in which 80% of cases are completed, rather than providing a range of time that often spanned several months. This update should help applicants have a better sense of when to expect a decision on their case.
5. The Associated Press is Reporting that Less Immigrant Labor in the US is a Contributing Factor of Price Hikes.
The report by Nicholas Riccardi notes that immigration to the US tapered off during the Trump Administration and then was nearly non-existent for about 18 months during the pandemic. As a result, there are approximately 2 million fewer immigrants in the US than had the pace stayed the same, adding to employee shortages, supply shortages, and price hikes, all of which are contributors to rising inflation. While immigration levels are beginning to return to pre-pandemic levels, it’s not are a quick enough rate to erase the deficit.
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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