Undocumented Spouses of Citizens May Apply for Parole Starting August 19

 

The Biden Administration has announced that, starting August 19, eligible spouses of U.S. citizens will be able to submit applications to apply for benefits pursuant to the recently announced parole in place (PIP) program.  Initially they will be eligible for three years of employment authorization (EAD).  Within this time period, they may also apply for a green card through adjustment of status. 

This parole program was anncouned by the Biden Administration earlier in June of this year.  The purpose is to offer an opportunity for long time spouses of U.S. citizens to be able to obtain legal status without having to depart the United States and be seperated from their family.  Under current immigraion regulations, a person who has entered the United States illegally without a formal inspection and admission by an immigration officer is not allowed to be legalized, even though the person has married a U.S. citizen.  These individuals typically must depart the U.S. and apply for an immigrant visa to return.  Due to their previous immigration violations, it is generally very difficult for them to get a visa. They may first apply for visa waivers or other discretionary relief. 

Starting August 19, 2024, this group of spouses of U.S. citizens may begin submitting applications to apply for parole status in the United States.  If approved for parole in place, the non-citizen spouses will then be permitted to apply for lawful permanent residence within the United States through the adjustment of status process. 

Further details for the application process should be announced in a Federal Register notice soon.  To qualify for parole status, an applicant: 

• Must be present in the United States without admission or parole;
• Must have a legally valid marriage to a U.S. citizen as of June 17, 2024;
• Must be continuously present for at least 10 years as of June 17, 2024;
• Must have no disqualifying criminal history or national security/public safety concerns; and
• Must otherwise merit favorable discretion by DHS.

It should be noted that certain non-citizen children of this group of spouses may also be eligible for benefits under this parole program.  To qualify, a child must be unmarried, under the age of 21, and have been physically present in the United States without admission or parole and have had a qualifying stepchild relationship with the U.S. citizen, both as of June 17, 2024.  Further, the child must have been under the age of 18 at the time of the marriage that created the stepchild relationship.

Applicants must wait for further instructions before they may submit their applications for parole starting August 19.  However, eligible applicants should start collecting supporting documents as soon as possible to get ready.  These documents include their passports, ID documents, marriage certificates, birth certificates, proof of 10 years of physical presence, federal income tax returns, school records, medical documents, etc.   If they have been arrested for any reasons, they must provide documents regarding the final disposition of the case. 

This program can be described as an "once in a life time opportunity" for hundreds of thousands of applicants to be legalized.  Eligible applicants should take it seriously and make every efforts to submit a legally sufficient application.  If in doubt, they should consult with an experienced immigration attorney for further information. 

(Immigration laws and policies change regularly.  If you have any questions regarding this article, please visit www.1visa1.com to schedule a legal consultation.)  

Changes in New N-400 Naturalization Application

 

USCIS published a new version of Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, on April 1st, 2024.  There are some significant changes and updates in the new form that applicants should pay attention to.

New Fees:  The new filing fee for N-400 is $760.  If the application is filed online, the fee is reduced to $710.  

Gender:  The new form included a new gender option of "Another Gender Identity", in addition to Male and Female.

Photographs:  Passport photos are no longer required, except for applicants who reside outside the United States, including current members of the U.S. armed forces, their spouses, former members of the U.S. armed forces. These applicants must submit two identical color passport-style photographs of themselves taken recently.

Spousal Information:  The new N-400 eliminated questions regarding former marriages of the applicant's spouse.  Applicants must still provide documents regarding their current and former marriages, such as divorce judgment and death certificate.  However, applicants do not have to provide detailed personal information of their spouse unless the application is based on three years of marital relationship with a United States citizen. These changes have made it easier for applicants to apply for naturalization, as many people do not keep detailed information of their former spouses.

Children's Information: Similarly, the new N-400 application only requests for information of applicant's children who are 18 or under.  The previous version required information of all children of application, regardless of their age.

Social Security Update: If applicants would like the Social Security Administration (SSA) to issue them an original Social Security card or a replacement Social Security card and update their immigration status, they may do so by checking the appropriate boxes in the new N-400 form.   It should be noted that, if an applicant wants a replacement card, he must enter the SSN from their current card in the application.  

After USCIS approves the N-400 application and the applicant takes the Oath of Allegiance, USCIS will provide applicant's information to the SSA.  The SSA will issue an original or replacement Social Security card to applicant.  The SSA will also update applicant's immigration status to that of U.S. citizen.  If you request a name change as part of Form N-400, USCIS will send your updated name to the SSA.

Name Change: The new N-400 form continues to allow applicants to apply for a formal name change.  This is the most efficient way to achieve a legal name change in the United States.  We encourage applicants to make any name changes during the naturalization process.  Applying for a name change through the state court system can be cumbersome and time-consuming.  

(Immigration laws and policies change regularly.  If you have any questions regarding this article, please visit www.1visa1.com to schedule a legal consultation.)  

A Prime Opportunity for AI Professionals to Apply for a NIW Green Card

Photo by Cottonbro Studio

Now is an exceptionally favorable time for professionals with backgrounds in artificial intelligence (AI) to apply for a U.S. green card under the EB-2 National Interest Waiver (NIW) category. The convergence of several key factors underscores the urgency and strategic advantage for AI experts to pursue this opportunity.

The Importance of AI Technologies to the U.S.

AI technologies are at the forefront of innovation, driving significant advancements across multiple sectors including healthcare, finance, defense, and transportation. The U.S. recognizes AI as a critical component of its technological leadership and economic competitiveness. AI's capability to solve complex problems, enhance productivity, and foster new industries makes it indispensable. Thus, professionals who specialize in AI are highly valuable, as their expertise directly contributes to the nation's growth and security.

Maturity of AI Technologies

AI has evolved from a nascent field into a mature technology with real-world applications and robust research foundations. The current landscape is marked by sophisticated AI systems that are transforming industries and improving lives. This maturity means that AI professionals bring tangible, impactful skills to the table, making their contributions both immediate and significant. The AI revolution is real.  

Emphasis by the Biden Administration

The Biden Administration has placed a strong emphasis on AI technologies, recognizing their potential to drive innovation and maintain the U.S.'s competitive edge. In October 2023, President Biden issued an executive order focused on ensuring the safe, secure, and trustworthy development of AI technologies. This executive order not only highlights the strategic importance of AI but also signals a commitment to fostering an environment where AI innovation can thrive .

Furthermore, this executive order includes measures designed to attract and retain top global AI talent, making it easier for professionals in the field to navigate the immigration process . This alignment of policy with technological needs underscores the priority given to AI professionals and enhances the appeal of the NIW category.

National Interest Waiver (NIW) Advantage

The NIW category offers a streamlined path to permanent residency for individuals whose work is deemed to be in the national interest of the United States. Given the strategic importance of AI, professionals in this field are well-positioned to argue that their expertise benefits the nation. The NIW allows applicants to bypass the labor certification process, expediting their path to a green card.

Conclusion

With the U.S. government's clear emphasis on AI, the mature state of AI technologies, and the critical importance of these technologies to national interests, AI professionals have a unique and compelling case for applying for a green card through the NIW category. This is a pivotal moment to leverage these favorable conditions and secure a future in the U.S., contributing to one of the most dynamic and impactful fields of our time.

(Immigration laws and policies change regularly.  If you have any questions regarding this article, please visit www.1visa1.com to schedule a legal consultation.)  

US Supreme Court Held Citizens Cannot Challenge Spousal Visa Denials

 

Ms. Munoz, an American citizen, petitioned for an immigrant visa for her Salvadoran husband to enter the United States so that they can live together. The American Consulate in San Salvador refused to issue a visa to her husband, based on his previous gang activities. As a California lawyer, Ms. Munoz challenged the visa denial in a federal district court. She argued that the consular officer's decision violated her constitutional rights, specifically her right to familial association under the Due Process Clause, as well as her rights under the Fourteenth Amendment Equal Protection Clause. 

Lower Court Refused to Review Visa Refusal

The District Court, however, ruled in favor of the Department of State, citing the doctrine of consular nonreviewability, which generally prohibits courts from reviewing consular visa decisions. Ms. Munoz filed an appeal with the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, which also agreed with the consular decision.   Undaunted, Ms. Munoz appealed the case to the U.S. Supreme Court.  

Surpreme Court Upheld the Consular Nonreviewability Doctrine

In Department of State v. Muñoz (06/21/2024), the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in favor of the Department of State, affirming the lower court's decision that upheld the consular officer's visa denial based on the doctrine of consular nonreviewability. This doctrine holds that consular decisions on visa applications are generally not subject to judicial review, reinforcing the government's broad discretion in immigration matters.

Ms. Muñoz argued that her right to marry and live with her spouse is a fundamental liberty interest protected by the Fifth Amendment's Due Process Clause, which provides that no person shall be "deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law."  She also claimed that the refusal to grant her husband a visa treated her differently from other U.S. citizens whose spouses were allowed to enter the country, thereby violating her right to equal protection under the Fourteeth Amendment.

The Supreme Court acknowledged the hardship faced by U.S. citizens separated from their spouses due to visa denials but held that the constitutional protections invoked by the plaintiffs do not extend to override the consular nonreviewability doctrine. Under this doctrine, consular decisions are insulated from judicial review, reiterating the principle that such decisions fall within the executive branch's authority and are not subject to challenge in federal courts, except in very narrow circumstances, such as when there is a clear statutory or constitutional violation.  However, the facts of this case did not meet the requirements for such an exception.

The decision underscores the balance and conflicts between individual rights and the government's interest in controlling immigration, highlighting the Supreme Court's position of upholding the consular nonreviewability doctrine to avoid judicial overreach into executive functions.

Where to Apply is Critical

One takeaway from this decision is that, if an applicant has a choice, they should always apply for American visa status in the United States.  The reason is that the nonreviewability doctrine only applies in overseas visa applications. There are generally more legal and procedural safeguards for applications filed within the United States.  As we constantly advise clients, advance planning and evaluation of an immigration case is the key to success.

(Immigration laws and policies change regularly.  If you have any questions regarding this article, please visit www.1visa1.com to schedule a legal consultation.)  

USCIS Extends Certain TPS EADs Through March 9, 2025

 

In a significant update for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) beneficiaries, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced an extension of Employment Authorization Documents (EADs). This extension aims to ensure that individuals under TPS can continue working without interruption while their status is being processed or renewed.  

USCIS is issuing Form I-797, Notice of Action, to specific TPS beneficiaries who are eligible to re-register for TPS or have a pending application to renew their Form I-766, EAD. This notice extends the validity of their EADs through March 9, 2025.

Eligible TPS beneficiaries can present their Form I-797, along with their TPS-based EAD (those with an A12 or C19 code) to their employers. This combination serves as proof of continued employment authorization through March 9, 2025. For employers, this combination is considered an unexpired EAD for Form I-9 purposes, which is critical for verifying employment eligibility.

When updating or completing Form I-9, employers should enter March 9, 2025 as the new expiration date of the automatically extended EADs. This ensures compliance with employment verification requirements and helps avoid any potential legal issues regarding employment authorization. Employer would have to reverify the employee before they start work on March 10, 2025.

(Immigration laws and policies change regularly.  If you have any questions regarding this article, please visit www.1visa1.com to schedule a legal consultation.)  

July 2024 Visa Bulletin: EB-3 Worldwide Retrogression

 

In July's Visa Bulletin, the worldside EB-3 final action date retrogresses to 12/01/2021.  According to the State Department, it has become necessary to retrogress the worldwide EB-3 final action date (including Mexico and Philippines) effective in July, due to the "continued high demand and number use in this category."  In fact, the State Department states that visa numbers of this category may retrogress further or even become “Unavailable” in August. 

   

AD: Dates for Final Action (Green Card Approval)  

FD: Dates for Filing Applications Only

Family-based		Other Countries	China	India	Mexico	Philippines
F1	AD	10/22/2015	10/22/2015	10/22/2015	05/08/2002	03/01/2012
	FD	09/01/2017	09/01/2017	09/01/2017	04/01/2005	04/22/2015
F2A	AD	11/15/2021	11/15/2021	11/15/2021	02/01/2021	11/15/2021
	FD	11/01/2023	11/01/2023	11/01/2023	11/01/2023	11/01/2023
F2B	AD	05/01/2016	05/01/2016	05/01/2016	07/08/2004	10/22/2011
	FD	01/01/2017	01/01/2017	01/01/2017	05/01/2005	10/01/2013
F3	AD	04/01/2010	04/01/2010	04/01/2010	03/01/2000	09/08/2002
	FD	10/01/2010	10/01/2010	10/01/2010	06/15/2001	11/08/2003
F4	AD	08/01/2007	08/01/2007	01/22/2006	02/08/2001	02/01/2004
	FD	03/01/2008	03/01/2008	06/15/2006	04/28/2001	04/01/2006

1st: Unmarried Sons and Daughters of Citizens (about 23,400 per year).
2A: The 2 “A” preference is for Spouses and Children (under 21 & unmarried) of LPR's.
2B: The 2 “B” Preference is for Unmarried Sons and Daughters (21 or older) of LPR's.
3rd: Married Sons and Daughters of Citizens (about 23,400 per year)
4th: Brothers and Sisters of Adult Citizens. (about 65,000 per year)

Employment-based		Other Countries	China	India	Mexico	Philippines
EB-1	AD	C	11/01/2022	02/01/2022	C	C
	FD	C	01/01/2023	02/08/2022	C	C
EB-2	AD	03/15/2023	03/01/2020	06/15/2012	03/15/2023	03/15/2023
	FD	03/22/2023	06/01/2020	06/22/2012	03/22/2023	03/22/2023
EB-3	AD	12/01/2021	09/01/2020	09/22/2012	12/01/2021	12/01/2021
	FD	02/01/2023	07/01/2021	10/01/2012	02/01/2023	01/01/2023
Other Workers	AD	01/01/2021	01/01/2017	09/22/2012	01/01/2021	05/01/2020
	FD	01/08/2021	06/01/2017	10/01/2012	01/08/2021	05/15/2020
EB-4	AD	01/01/2021	01/01/2021	01/01/2021	01/01/2021	01/01/2021
	FD	02/01/2021	02/01/2021	02/01/2021	02/01/2021	02/01/2021
EB-5	AD	C	12/15/2015*	12/01/2020*	C	C
	FD	C	01/01/2017	04/01/2022	C	C

1st: Priority Workers (Extraordinary ability aliens, multinational companies' executives/managers, outstanding prof./researchers)
2nd: Members of the Professions Holding Advanced Degrees or Persons of Exceptional Ability.
3rd: Skilled Workers, Professionals, and Other Workers (Unskilled.)
4th: “Special Immigrants” (Religious & others)

5th: Employment Creation (Investors)

*China and India EB-5 visa numbers for rural, high unemployment & infrastructure areas/projects are current.

(Immigration laws and policies change regularly.  If you have any questions regarding this article, please visit www.1visa1.com to schedule a legal consultation.)  

Biden Plan to Grant Deportation Relief for Immigrant Spouses of U.S. Citizens

 

In a significant move, the Biden administration announced a plan to grant work authorization and deportation relief to undocumented spouses of U.S. citizens. According to DHS, the program will eventually provide a path for applicants to apply for permanent resident status (green card). This policy shift could impact hundreds of thousands of families currently living under the shadow of immigration uncertainty.

1.1 Million Undocumented Immigrants Have U.S. Citizen Spouses

According to Fwd.us, an immigration advocacy group, approximately 1.1 million undocumented immigrants are married to U.S. citizens. These individuals currently face significant legal hurdles due to their undocumented status, which affects their ability to work legally and exposes them to the risk of deportation. Under existing immigration law, many of these spouses are ineligible to apply for a green card, leaving them in a precarious legal situation despite their marital ties to American citizens. Typically, these individuals have entered the U.S. illegally without inspection by an immigration officer, which makes them ineligible to be legalized even though they are married to American citizens.

Program will Benefit Spouses and Step Children

The Biden Administration plans to grant these undocumented spouses "parole in place." Parole is an executive authority that would allow them to stay in the country temporarily without fear of deportation and enable them to obtain employment authoriziation. This initiative seeks to stabilize the lives of many mixed-status families, providing them with economic opportunities and reducing the constant fear of family separation due to deportation. This program will also confer benefits to step-children of U.S. citizens.  According to NPR, an estimated 500,000 undocumented spouses and 50,000 non-citizen stepchildren would qualify for this relief. 

Program Requirements

Not all undocumented spouses of U.S. citizens would qualify for this Biden plan.  To qualify for parole in place status, the applicant must have been present in the United States for at least 10 years as of June 17, 2024.  It is unclear if physical presense must be continuous at this point. Furthermore, the applicant must have been married to a U.S. citizen on or before June 17, 2024.  Individuals who pose a threat to national security or public safety will not be eligible for this process.  It should also be noted that an applicant who entered the United States legally may apply for permanent resident status through adjustment of status.  These applicants do not need to apply under Biden's parole program. 

Discretionary Adjudciation

According to DHS, this is a discretionary application and will be adjuducated on a case-by-case basis. 

DHS will take into consideration the applicant's previous immigration history, criminal history, the results of background checks and national security, and any other relevant information available to or requested by USCIS. Fraudulent applications will also be screened out of the process.  Individuals with a criminal record and those with serious immigration violations will likely not be eligible for the program. 

Program Rationale and Challenges

The rationale behind this potential policy shift is multifaceted. Advocates argue that providing legal status and work authorization to the spouses of U.S. citizens is not only a humane approach but also economically beneficial. Allowing these individuals to work legally can contribute to the economy and reduce the exploitation often associated with undocumented labor.

Moreover, supporters emphasize the importance of family unity. Keeping families together is a cornerstone of U.S. immigration policy, and providing relief to these spouses aligns with this principle. It also addresses the emotional and psychological toll that the threat of deportation imposes on families.

Challenges and Next Steps

 Implementation of the program is expected to start in late summer, after a formal publication of the details in the Federal Register.  Implementing such a program would not be without challenges.  Opponents of the program will argue such executive actions overstep legal boundaries, as immigration relief should be addressed through legislative channels. The executive branch's authority to grant broad immigration relief without congressional approval may face challenges in court.  Additionally, there would be logistical hurdles in processing and verifying the eligibility of a large number of applicants.  

Conclusion

The Biden administration's plan to grant work authorization and parole status to undocumented spouses and step-children of U.S. citizens represents a significant potential shift in immigration policy. While it promises to alleviate the hardships faced by many families, it also underscores the ongoing challenges of addressing immigration reform in a deeply divided political landscape.

(Immigration laws and policies change regularly.  If you have any questions regarding this article, please visit www.1visa1.com to schedule a legal consultation.)  

Voting violations may result in denial of naturalization and deportation

 

In the United States, the right to vote is a fundamental aspect of citizenship, reserved for those who are U.S. citizens. However, the issue of non-citizen voting has sparked debates and discussions, particularly in local elections in some jurisdictions. While some states and localities have explored allowing non-citizens to vote in certain elections, such as school board or municipal elections, federal elections are strictly reserved for U.S. citizens.

Who Can Vote in the U.S.?

According to federal law, only U.S. citizens are eligible to vote in federal elections, including presidential, congressional, and senatorial elections. Furthermore, individual states may have additional requirements for voting in state and local elections, but these typically also mandate U.S. citizenship. Many states also require voters to be residents of the state in which they intend to vote.

Illegal Voting and Green Card Eligibility

The act of registering to vote as a non-citizen, whether intentionally or unintentionally, can have serious consequences, particularly for individuals seeking to obtain a green card (permanent resident status) in the United States.  For example, INA Section 212(a)(10)(D) provides that any non-citizen who has voted in violation of any Federal, State, or local constitutional provision, statute, ordinance, or regulation is inadmissible.  In other words, the person would not be eligible for the U.S. green card.

Furthermore, those who have been admitted into the U.S. can be deported if they have voted illegally, under INA Section 237(a)(6).  This provision states that an individual who, at any time after admission to the United States, has voted in violation of any federal, state, or local law or regulation is removable from the U.S.  It is important to note that the act of illegal voting must have occurred on or after September 30, 1996, when the relevant law was passed. 

Voting Violations May Result in Denial of Naturalization

Immigration law requires an applicant for naturalization must demonstrate "good moral character" for a specific period (usually five years) prior to filing the application and up until the applicant takes the oath of citizenship. 

A person who falsely represents themselves as a U.S. citizen for any purpose or benefit under the INA or any other federal or state law is deemed to lack good moral character.  Similarly, a non-citizens who illegally registers to vote or votes in a Federal, State, or local election may also be found to lack good moral character.  These individuals are not eligible for naturalization.  

In fact, a person who knowingly makes any false statement or claim that he is a citizen of the United States in order to register to vote or to vote in any Federal, State, or local election is subject to fines and imprisonment of up to five years, pursuant to 18 USC §1015.

What Should I do If I Mistakenly Registered to Vote?

Unfortunately, many individuals are encouraged to register to vote at the same time when they apply for their state driver's licenses or ID cards. New immigrants or those with limited English proficiency may just follow instructions to register to vote, not knowing that they are not eligible to register or to vote. They may have mistakenly checked yes to the question asking whether they are a U.S. citizen. Worse, some of them may have actually voted in Federal or State elections.

What further complicates the situation is that, applicants typically don't even know they have violated the laws until the time when they apply for naturalization. The naturalization application (N-400) specifically has questions on this issue, and the applicant must also testify under oath whether they have registered to vote or voted in U.S. elections.

In these situations, if the voter registration was unintentional, the applicant should try to contact the State DMV or election office to cancel the registration, and to gather evidence showing it was a mistake. Evidence might include written statements or affidavits from officials confirming the error. This is not usually easy to achieve, especially if the registration took place a long time ago.

One should not hesitate to seek advice from legal counsel in this situation. A false claim to U.S. citizenship not only results in denial of naturalization, but may also lead to deportation. Consulting with an immigration attorney is crucial, before you file an application for green card or naturalization, to navigate the complexities of the case and present a strong defense during the naturalization process.

Conclusion

Registering to vote as a non-citizen is a serious issue that can lead to ineligibility for U.S. green card and citizenship. Addressing the issue promptly, gathering evidence of the mistake, and seeking legal guidance are essential steps to mitigate the consequences.

(Immigration laws and policies change regularly.  If you have any questions regarding this article, please visit www.1visa1.com to schedule a legal consultation.)  

Celebrating the Contributions of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders: A House Resolution

The U.S. House of Representatives recently introduced a resolution (H. Res. 1228) to recognize the significance of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. This resolution honors the invaluable contributions these communities have made to the history, culture, and progress of the United States. A House Resolution (HR) is a formal statement or decision adopted by the U.S. House of Representatives to express the opinions, intentions, or sentiments of the House. They can recognize individuals or groups, or declare national observances.

Resolution to Recognize and Celebrate

The House Resolution acknowledges the significant contributions of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (AANHPIs) to U.S. history and culture. It also celebrates May as Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, based on historical events like the arrival of the first Japanese immigrants on May 7, 1843, and the completion of the transcontinental railroad on May 10, 1869, largely built by Chinese laborers. The AANHPI population in the U.S. has grown rapidly, with Asian Americans increasing by 55.5% and Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders by 30.8% from 2010 to 2020.

Key Anniversaries and Contributions

The House Resolution also commemorializes relevant anniversaries, and also recognizes notable government figures such as Dalip Singh Saund, Daniel K. Inouye, Patsy T. Mink, and Vice President Kamala D. Harris. Similarly, it also issues commemorative quarters for figures like Anna May Wong (first Chinese American film star in Hollywood who gained international recognition), and Patsy Mink, and the establishment of a commission to study the creation of a National Museum of Asian Pacific American History and Culture.

Recent Increase in Anti-Asian Hate CrimesSince March 2020, there has been a dramatic increase in anti-Asian hate crimes. In 2020 and 2021, there were 124% and 339% increase in Anti-Asian hate crimes respectively. Over 11,500 hate incidents have been reported since the start of the pandemic through March 2022, according to Stop AAPI Hate.

Historical Context of Anti-Asian Discrimination

The House Resolution also calls out discrimination against Asian Americans in the United States, especially during crises, including Legislative Acts such as the Page Act of 1875 (Restricted the entry of Asian women, effectively prohibiting Chinese women from immigrating and limiting Chinese family formations in the U.S.); Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 (The first law to explicitly exclude an entire ethnic group from immigrating to the U.S.); Executive Order 9066 (Authorized the forced relocation and incarceration of approximately 120,000 individuals of Japanese ancestry during World War II); Sikh Temple Shooting of August 5, 2012, in Oak Creek, Wisconsin (A white supremacist killed six people and wounded four others); etc.

In response to the rise in anti-Asian hate crimes during the pandemic, Congress passed the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act, which was signed into law by President Joe Biden on May 20, 2021.

The Significance of This Resolution

This House Resolution serves as an important acknowledgment of the diverse and impactful contributions of AANHPI communities to the United States. It provides an opportunity for Americans to celebrate and learn about the rich cultural heritage and history of these groups, while also recognizing the challenges they have faced and continue to overcome.

(Immigration laws and policies change regularly.  If you have any questions regarding this article, please visit www.1visa1.com to schedule a legal consultation.)  

The U.S. Issued Record 5.2 Million Nonimmigrant Visas

 

For those considering a journey to the United States, there has never been a better time to apply for a visa. The U.S. Department of State is having an exceptional year in visa processing, making it easier for travelers, students, and workers to come to the U.S. Here’s what you need to know about the latest updates and achievements in visa issuance.

A Historic Year for Visa Issuance

In the first half of the 2024 fiscal year (October 2023 to March 2024), the State Department issued nearly 5.2 million nonimmigrant visas globally. This impressive figure surpasses all previous records for the same period. Notably, 30% of U.S. embassies and consulates set all-time records for the number of nonimmigrant visas issued.

The Department of State plays a crucial role in facilitating travel and tourism, a vital sector for the U.S. economy. International visitors contribute significantly, with recent figures showing an annual impact of $239 billion, supporting approximately 9.5 million American jobs.  The following are the key highlights from FY 2024.

Tourism and Business Travel (B1/B2 Visas):

• Nearly 4.1 million B visitor visas (including border crossing cards) were issued for tourists and business travelers.
• The highest-volume missions, including Mexico, India, Brazil, China, Colombia, Argentina, the Dominican Republic, and Ecuador, issued a record number of visas.

Academic and Workforce Contributions (F, M, J, H Visas):

• 134,000 exchange visitor program participants and 115,000 students received visas, reinforcing the U.S. as a top academic destination.
• Temporary or seasonal worker visas reached a record-breaking 205,000, supporting essential sectors like agriculture.
• Almost 160,000 visas were issued to airline and shipping crew members, the second-highest half-year record.

Family Reunification and Employment (Immigration Visas):

• Over 281,000 immigrant visas were issued in the first half of FY 2024, with a quarter of embassies and consulates surpassing past decade records.
• More than 152,000 visas were issued to immediate family members of U.S. citizens, setting a new record for this category.

Enhancing Visa Processing Capabilities

To meet the growing demand for U.S. visas, the State Department has implemented innovative technological solutions and expanded the use of secure tools, such as waiving in-person interviews for eligible applicants. These measures ensure timely processing while maintaining strict national security standards.

What This Means for You

If you are planning to visit, study, or work in the United States, the current momentum in visa processing means your application is likely to be handled more efficiently than ever. The Department of State’s commitment to supporting the U.S. economy and American families through effective visa processing is stronger than ever.

(Immigration laws and policies change regularly.  If you have any questions regarding this article, please visit www.1visa1.com to schedule a legal consultation.)