Under the Violence against Women Act (VAWA), battered spouses, children and parents of U.S. citizens and permanent residents may file an immigrant visa petition for themselves. The law allows them to self-petition for immigration benefits in order to seek safety and independence from the abuse.
There have been concerns regarding the slow adjudication of Form I-130 petitions filed by US citizens for their immediate relatives. Until very recently the USCIS has taken a year to process the petitions and the delay has caused long separation of families.
Permanent resident status is a privilege that may be lost and/or revoked if not maintained and preserved.
The Secretary of Homeland Security has the authority to designate a foreign country for temporary protected status (TPS) due to conditions in the country such as an ongoing armed conflict, environmental disasters and other extraordinary conditions that temporarily prevent the country’s nationals from returning safely.
The U.S. Supreme Court heard oral arguments in the case of Mayorkas v. De Osorio last December 10. The Court’s decision is expected by June 2014 and will have far-reaching implications to derivative beneficiaries of family-based preference petitions.
Read more: Supreme Court to Rule on CSPA Priority Date Retention
Typhoon Haiyan has claimed over 4,000 lives in the Philippines, according to the latest tally of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council. Over 4 million have been displaced and the livelihood of about 5 million workers has been severely affected.
Read more: Immigration Relief for Filipinos Affected By Typhoon
The House of Representatives wrapped up its affairs for 2013 without passing an immigration reform bill. This despite the continued and intensified protests of immigration advocates to pressure the House to vote on an immigration bill before it closed its 2013 legislative calendar.
The December 2013 Visa Bulletin shows that the worldwide employment-based third preference (EB-3) cut-off date will advance by one year from October 1, 2010 in November to October 1, 2011. The Philippines third preference cut-off date will move by three weeks to January 8, 2007.
The USCIS recently issued a policy memorandum clarifying the grant of parole to families of military members and veterans who are already in the United States and who entered without inspection. This allows them to remain in the country and apply for green cards, if eligible.
The K-1 visa, also known as fiancée visa, allows a U.S. citizen to bring a foreign national fiancée into the United States. In order for the fiancée to be eligible to adjust status to permanent residence, they must marry within 90 days of the fiancée’s arrival in the U.S.
Read more: Adjustment of Status for Children of Fiancé(e) Visa Holders