US will restart visa services amid Trump's efforts to restrict immigration

U.S. embassies and consulates around the world will soon resume visa services, the State Department said Monday, although it is not providing details on where or when.

The worldwide suspension of U.S. visas, except for emergency cases, has been one of several ways the Trump administration has severely restricted immigration and travel to the U.S. amid the coronavirus pandemic.

The latest move in that campaign has been the most controversial -- barring international students from taking classes fully online this fall semester, even as several U.S. universities move to online-only coursework because of the uncontrolled outbreak in several states. That decision has been challenged in court by more than a dozen states and over 200 universities.

Update to Filing Location for Form I-918 and Form I-485 for Applicants Filing Based on U Nonimmigrant Status

Starting June 29, 2020, petitioners residing in certain states must file the following forms at the Nebraska Service Center, instead of the Vermont Service Center:

• Form I-918, Petition for U Nonimmigrant Status; 
• Form I-918, Supplement A, Petition for a Qualifying Family Member of a U Nonimmigrant; and 
• Form I-918, Supplement B, U Nonimmigrant Status Certification. 

Petitioners should determine which service center they should send these and related forms (such as Form I-192 and Form I-765) based on their state of residence. Please refer to the “Where to File” section on the Form I-918 webpage to determine the correct filing location.

Deputy Director for Policy Statement on USCIS’ Fiscal Outlook

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Deputy Director for Policy Joseph Edlow issued the following statement on the agency’s fiscal outlook due to the COVID-19 pandemic:

“The effects of the coronavirus pandemic are long reaching and pervasive, leaving few unscathed in its wake. USCIS is still experiencing those very effects, which began with an alarming drop in applications at the end of March. Forecasts predict a crippling budget shortfall that requires assistance from Congress to allow USCIS to maintain current operations.

Texas Service Center Moving to New Address on June 26

On June 26, the Texas Service Center will move to a new address. Although the move is scheduled for June 26, USCIS cannot accept mail at the new address until Monday, June 29. The new facility will help streamline processes by consolidating operations in the new location.

The Texas Service Center will continue to provide prompt and efficient service in processing requests for immigration benefits.

USCIS Rule Strengthens Employment Eligibility Requirements for Asylum Seekers

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services today announced a regulatory change to deter aliens from illegally entering the United States and from filing frivolous, fraudulent, or otherwise non-meritorious claims for asylum to obtain an employment authorization document. This rule does not alter asylum eligibility criteria in any way and will be effective on Aug. 25.

This rule stems from the April 29, 2019, Presidential Memorandum on Additional Measures to Enhance Border Security and Restore Integrity to Our Immigration System, which emphasizes that it is the policy of the United States to manage humanitarian immigration programs in a safe and orderly manner, and to promptly deny benefits to those who do not qualify.

USCIS Statement on Supreme Court’s DACA Decision

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Deputy Director for Policy Joseph Edlow issued the following statement on today’s Supreme Court decision on the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program:

Today’s court opinion has no basis in law and merely delays the President’s lawful ability to end the illegal Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals amnesty program.

USCIS to Celebrate Independence Day by Hosting Naturalization Ceremonies Across the Country

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is celebrating the Declaration of Independence and the birth of our great country by hosting naturalization ceremonies across the United States from July 1 through July 7. Despite the pandemic, USCIS continues to welcome new citizens, demonstrating American resiliency and the importance of our independence.

USCIS began to conduct limited naturalization ceremonies in May and began to fully resume ceremonies in early June, after temporarily pausing in-person services to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

The ceremonies have been shorter to limit exposure to those in attendance, incorporating social distancing and other safety precautions that protect the health and safety of applicants and USCIS staff. USCIS has naturalized approximately 64,500 new citizens over the past month and anticipates completing nearly all postponed administrative naturalization ceremonies by the end of July.