Month: June 2023

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Public charge rule: One step closer to being overturned

Public charge rule: One step closer to being overturned
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The Senate passed a resolution on May 17, 2023, to overturn the Biden administration public charge rule which made it more difficult for immigrants to obtain legal status if they used certain public benefits.

The resolution, which was sponsored by Senator Roger Marshall (R-KS), passed by a vote of 50-47. 

Two Democrats, Joe Manchin of West Virginia and Jon Tester of Montana, joined all 50 Republicans in voting for the resolution.

The resolution now moves to the House of Representatives, where it is expected to pass. 

If it is passed by the House and signed into law by President Biden, the public charge rule will be overturned.

Why this matters for aspiring permanent residents

The overturning of the public charge rule would be a major victory for aspiring permanent residents. 

The rule made it more difficult for immigrants to obtain legal status if they used certain public benefits, such as food stamps, Medicaid, and housing assistance. This disproportionately impacted low-income immigrants, who are more likely to use these benefits.

The overturning of the public charge rule would make it easier for low-income immigrants to obtain legal status. This would allow them to come out of the shadows and contribute more fully to the US economy and society.

What can you do to help?

If you are an aspiring permanent resident, there are a few things you can do to help ensure that the public charge rule is overturned.

  • Contact your elected representatives and urge them to support the resolution to overturn the public charge rule.
  • Sign petitions and join rallies in support of overturning the public charge rule.
  • Educate yourself and others about the public charge rule and its impact on immigrants.

If you need guidance on seeking permanent residence and working around this rule until it is overturned, reach out to your trusted immigration lawyer.

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USCIS’ diversity policy: Good news for aspiring immigrants

USCIS’ diversity policy - Good news for aspiring immigrants
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The USCIS has released in April its Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) Strategic Plan, a welcome development for anyone who works with and within the department.

Here are the details that you need to know about the USCIS’ promises:

  • Leadership Engagement: Leaders within the USCIS will have to model DEIA consistently
  • Diversity: USCIS plans to attract and build a representative workforce at all levels of the organization by recruiting from a diverse pool of candidates and creating a welcoming and inclusive workplace
  • Equity: USCIS aims to foster an equitable workplace to ensure employees have the resources they need to succeed by eliminating discrimination and harassment, providing fair pay and benefits, and creating a culture of respect and inclusion
  • Inclusion: USCIS sees nurturing a culture that prioritizes inclusivity and belonging by valuing the unique perspectives of all employees and promoting a sense of belonging and community
  • Accessibility: USCIS sets the goal of modernizing infrastructures to build and sustain an accessible environment—physically, mentally, and technologically.

Why is DEIA good news for aspiring immigrants?

DEIA is good news for aspiring immigrants because it can help to create a more welcoming and supportive environment for them. 

A more diverse and inclusive workplace can be a more welcoming place for immigrants, as they will be able to see themselves represented in the workforce. 

A more equitable workplace can also be a more welcoming place for immigrants, as they will be treated fairly and justly, regardless of their background.

Knowing this policy goes a long way. 

If you know anyone who faced discrimination in their application process, make sure to refer to the USCIS’ own policies. 

You can also reach out to your trusted immigration lawyer for advice.

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US Embassy hikes visa fees

US Embassy hikes visa fees
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Heads up! The United States embassy in the Philippines has announced that it will be increasing visa application fees starting June 17, 2023. The following are the new fees for various types of visas:

  • B1/B2 tourist visa: $185 (up from $160)
  • F1 student visa: $325 (up from $295)
  • J1 exchange visitor visa: $325 (up from $295)
  • H1B work visa: $535 (up from $455)
  • L1 intracompany transferee visa: $535 (up from $455)

The embassy says that the increase in fees is necessary to cover the rising costs of processing visa applications. The embassy also says that the new fees are still lower than the fees charged by other countries for similar visas.

What does this mean for visa applicants?

The increase in visa application fees will mean that visa applicants will have to pay more to apply for a visa. This could make it more difficult for some people to afford to apply for a visa.

What can visa applicants do to prepare for the increase in fees?

Visa applicants can prepare for the increase in fees by:

  • Starting the visa application process early: This will give you more time to save up for the application fee.
  • Consider applying for a waiver of the visa application fee: There are a number of waivers that may be available to you, depending on your circumstances.
  • Contact the US embassy or consulate in your area for more information: The embassy or consulate can provide you with more information about the increase in fees and how to apply for a waiver.

What can you do to help?

If you are concerned about the increase in visa application fees, you can contact your elected representatives and urge them to take action to lower the fees. You can also contact the US embassy or consulate in your area and express your concerns.

Unfortunately, that will take longer. If you or anyone you know have any questions about seeking a waiver for the fees, reach out to a trusted immigration lawyer.

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The US nursing shortage and why it’s an opportunity

The US nursing shortage and why it’s an opportunity
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The United States is in an undesirable place: it is facing a severe nursing shortage. 

There are currently over 1 million vacant nursing positions in the country, expected to worsen in the coming years, as the population ages and the demand for healthcare services increases.

A growing population, burnout among nurses, and the lack of diversity are contributing the shortage. But however big this crisis for the country may be, the bigger it is an opportunity for immigrants, as argued in this piece.

How Immigration Can Help

There are many reasons why immigration can help to address the nursing shortage in the United States. 

  1. Immigrants are more likely to be nurses than native-born Americans. In fact, immigrants make up about 16% of the nursing workforce, even though they make up only 13% of the US population.
  2. Immigrant nurses bring a number of benefits to the US healthcare system. They are more likely to work in underserved areas, and they are more likely to be bilingual. They also bring new perspectives and ideas to the healthcare field.

How can aspiring permanent residents take advantage of this?

If you are an aspiring permanent resident and you are interested in a career in nursing, there are a number of things you can do to increase your chances of success.

  • Get certified: Make sure you are certified as a nurse in your home country. This will make it easier to get a nursing job in the United States.
  • Learn English: English is the language of healthcare in the United States. Make sure you are fluent in English before you apply for a nursing job.
  • Network: Get to know people in the nursing field. This will help you find job opportunities and learn more about the nursing profession.
  • Be patient: It may take some time to find a nursing job in the United States. Be patient and persistent, and you will eventually find a job that is a good fit for you.

The nursing shortage is a serious problem in the United States. 

However, immigration can help to address this problem. 

If you need help and guidance on becoming a permanent resident, reach out to a trusted immigration lawyer.

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What you need to know about the proposed US Citizenship Act of 2023

What you need to know about the proposed US Citizenship Act of 2023
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A new bipartisan immigration bill was introduced in the US House of Representatives on May 23, 2023. 

The bill, which is called the US Citizenship Act of 2023, would create a pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants who meet certain requirements. The bill would also provide funding for border security and immigration enforcement.

Why it matters for migrants

The bill has been praised by immigration advocates, who say it would provide a much-needed pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants. 

However, the bill has also been criticized by some immigration enforcement advocates, who say it would weaken border security.

Here are some of the key provisions of the bill:

  • Pathway to citizenship: The bill would create a pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants who meet certain requirements, including paying taxes, passing a criminal background check, and learning English.
  • Funding for border security: The bill would provide funding for border security, including physical barriers, technology, and personnel.
  • Immigration enforcement: The bill would reform immigration enforcement, including reducing the number of people who are detained and deported.

It is unclear whether the bill will pass the US Senate. However, the fact that it was introduced by a bipartisan group of lawmakers is a sign that there is some support for immigration reform in Congress.

What aspiring migrants can do

The bill is a significant step forward in the fight for immigration reform. It is important to stay engaged and let your elected representatives know that you support this bill.

Here are some things you can do to support the bill:

  • Sign a petition in support of the bill.
  • Call or email your elected representatives and urge them to support the bill.
  • Attend a rally or event in support of the bill.
  • Donate to an organization that is working to pass the bill.

The bill might take a long time to get passed, and might be blocked from becoming a law. 

Until then, if you or someone you know need to find a pathway to citizenship now, reach out to a trusted immigration lawyer.