Author: Tristan Mirasol

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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.

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Biden Administration keeps the fight on for DACA

Biden Admin Keeps Fight on for DACA
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In a recent development, the Biden administration has asked a federal judge in Texas to limit the scope of any ruling that could terminate the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) immigration policy. 

The administration argues that any ruling should only apply to Texas, since only that state has shown that it is harmed financially by DACA. 

The administration also asks the judge to pause any order to terminate DACA while the government appeals any ruling against the program.

The outcome of this case is uncertain, but it could have a major impact on the lives of nearly 600,000 Dreamers. 

We’re all waiting for this because a ruling against DACA would be a major setback for Dreamers and their families. 

It would force Dreamers to live in fear of deportation and would make it much more difficult for them to pursue their dreams.

If you are a Dreamer or know a Dreamer, please stay informed about this case and let your elected officials know that you support DACA. The future of Dreamers hangs in the balance.

Here are some additional details about the case:

  • The case is being brought by a coalition of Republican-led states led by Texas.
  • The coalition argues that DACA is unlawful because it was created by executive action and not by Congress.
  • The Biden administration argues that DACA is lawful and that it is in the best interests of the United States to continue the program.
  • The judge has not yet issued a ruling in the case as of May 2023

What you can do:

  • Stay informed about the case.
  • Contact your elected officials and let them know that you support DACA.
  • Donate to organizations that are working to protect Dreamers.
  • Volunteer your time to help Dreamers.

Dreamers are our neighbors, our friends, and our family members. They are an important part of our communities. 

If you or anyone you know need further help, contact a trusted immigration lawyer today.

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COVID -19 Vaccination Requirements for Federal Employees and International Travelers to End on May 11, 2023

COVID -19 Vaccination Requirements for Federal Employees and International Travelers Ends May 11, 2023
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The Biden-Harris Administration announced recently that vaccination requirements are no longer necessary for international travelers. 

In a statement released by the White House on May 2, 2023, the following important news was provided:

“Today, we are announcing that the Administration will end the COVID-19 vaccine requirements for Federal employees, Federal contractors and international air travelers at the end of the day on May 11, the same day that the COVID-19 public health emergency ends.  Additionally, Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced today that they will start the process to end their vaccinations requirements for Head Start educators, CMS- certified healthcare facilities and certain noncitizens at the land border.  In the coming days, further details related to ending these requirements will be provided.”

 According to the White House, the Administration acknowledged that COVID-19 vaccine requirements bolstered vaccination across the nation and the broader vaccination campaign has saved millions of lives. “ While vaccination remains one of the most important tools in advancing the health and safety of employees and promoting the efficiency of workplaces, we are now in a different phase of our response when these measures are no longer necessary.”

This new development will take place at the end of the day on May 11, 2023.