POLICY & ANALYSIS

Policy updates

Follow U.S. immigration policy, filing changes and official announcements.

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Humanitarian programs

Customer Contact Options for Certain Asylum-Related and Other Protected Populations

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is updating policy guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual to clarify customer service options available to certain noncitizens whose applications or processes are subject to confidentiality protections. Such noncitizens include applicants of the Application for Asylum and for Withholding of Removal ( Form I-589 ); applicants of the Application for Suspension of Deportation or Special Rule Cancellation of Removal (Pursuant to Section 203 of Public Law 105-100 (NACARA)) ( Form I-881 ); and noncitizens in the credible fear, reasonable fear, and Safe Third Country Agreement screening processes.

Policy update
General policy

USCIS Offices Closed Jan. 9, 2025

President Biden has declared Thursday, Jan. 9, a National Day of Mourning to remember the life and legacy of James Earl Carter Jr., the 39th president of the United States, and has issued an Executive Order Providing for the Closing of Executive Departments and Agencies of the Federal Government on January 9, 2025.

Policy update
Fees, forms & filing

USCIS to Publish Revised Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker

On Jan. 17, 2025, we will publish a revised edition of Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker (edition date: 01/17/25). The form has been revised to align with the recently announced H-1B modernization final rule and the H-2 modernization final rule.

Policy update
Family & children

Refugee and Asylee Relative Petitions

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is issuing policy guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual to address the eligibility, filing, and adjudication requirements for the Refugee/Asylee Relative Petition ( Form I-730 ).

Policy update
General policy

Emergencies or Unforeseen Circumstances

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is issuing policy guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual to provide comprehensive guidance on certain flexibilities USCIS may exercise during and after emergencies or unforeseen circumstances.

Policy update
Fees, forms & filing

Case Assistance and Feedback

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is updating policy guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual to align with current case assistance and feedback avenues.

Policy update
Fees, forms & filing

USCIS Updates Guidance on Case Assistance and Feedback

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services today announced that it is updating Volume 1, Part A, of the USCIS Policy Manual to reflect the available avenues for case assistance or feedback.

Policy update
Fees, forms & filing

Form I-485 Revision Updates

This technical update incorporates changes consistent with the newest form editions of the Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status (Form I-485) and Confirmation of Valid Offer or Request for Job Portability Under INA Section 204(j) (Form I-485 Supplement J), published on December 10, 2024. This update removes certain references to the Request for Exemption for Intending Immigrant’s Affidavit of Support (Form I-864W), directs applicants how to request an exemption from the Form I-864 requirement when filing their adjustment of status application, and updates references to the newly retitled Form I-485, Supplement J.

Policy update
General policy

DHS Publishes Final Rule for the Application of Certain Mandatory Bars in Fear Screenings

As part of our continued efforts to deliver more timely consequences for noncitizens encountered who do not have a legal basis to remain in the United States—efforts that have resulted in a 60% decrease in unlawful entries since June 4—the Department of Homeland Security has finalized the rule for the Application of Certain Mandatory Bars in Fear Screenings, following publication of the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking in May 2024.

Policy update
Green cards & adjustment

Post-Adjustment Jurisdiction for INA 246 Proceedings

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is issuing policy guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual to clarify guidance regarding jurisdiction over rescission of lawful permanent resident (LPR) status.

Policy update
Employment & work visas

Supporting Evidence for International Entrepreneur Parole

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is issuing policy guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual regarding the types of evidence that may support an application for a discretionary grant of international entrepreneur parole.

Policy update

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