Palmer Polaski Blog

In response to the processing delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the USCIS announced that it is temporarily waiving the requirement that civil surgeons sign Form I-693 (Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record) no more than 60 days before an application seeking an immigration benefit is submitted. This policy change will be in effect […]

On December 23, DOS authorized consular officers to waiver through the end of 2022 the in-person interview requirement for those applying for H-1, H-3, H-4, L, O, P and Q visas. Such applicants must meet certain conditions: possess a petition approved by USCIS, apply for the visa in their country of nationality or residence, and […]

Today, individuals, families, and U.S. businesses have experienced crisis-level immigrant and nonimmigrant visa backlogs and visa processing delays at the Department of State (DOS). These backlogs and delays have had significant consequences. Families have been separated. Individuals have lost their chance at the American Dream. U.S. businesses have been unable to bring in and bring […]

The 2023 Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery program began on October 6 and is open until November 9 at 12 noon EST. The DV Lottery permits natives of low immigration countries to apply for the immigrant visa (Green Card) program, a program that was designed to help diversify the pool of immigrants coming to the U.S. […]

As of September 4, 2021, USCIS is extending the time that receipt notices can be used to show evidence of status from 18 months to 24 months for petitioners who properly file Form I-751 (Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence), or Form I-829 (Petition by Investor to Remove Conditions on Permanent Resident Status). USCIS is […]

USCIS announced that, effective October 1, applicants subject to the immigration medical examination must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 before the civil surgeon can complete an immigration medical examination and sign Form I-693 (Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record). This update is in accordance with the CDC’s August 2021 update to the Technical Instructions […]

In a recent settlement agreement, Facebook agreed to pay a civil penalty of $4.75 million to the United States, and pay up to $9.5 million to eligible victims in response to a complaint filed by the Department of Justice alleging that it intentionally discriminated against U.S. citizen workers by designing a recruitment process that deters […]

DHS recently called for improved working conditions of the American worksite with undocumented workers in mind. In its Worksite Enforcement Memo, DHS highlighted the unsafe and unfair working conditions to which undocumented immigrants are often subject. These include getting paid substandard wages, unsafe working conditions, and fear of employer retaliation. To ensure a safer and […]

Nationwide, millions of families, businesses, and individuals applying for immigration benefits are waiting longer for USCIS to process and approve applications and petitions. Based on previously available USCIS data, in 2014, an average case took about five months to process. In 2020, an average case took more than nine months. Those extra months of waiting […]

On September 20, 2021, the President announced that beginning November 8, the United States will lift the travel ban for certain countries (China, Iran, the Schengen Area, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Brazil, South Africa, and India) and instead require proof of vaccination for all foreign travelers. Unlike the old rule that restricted international travelers from […]