Expanded Notices to Appear (#NTA) issuance could have significant consequences for immigrants and nonimmigrants in the U.S. On February 28, 2025, USCIS broadened the conditions for issuing NTAs or referring cases to #ICE (Immigration Custom Enforcement) for NTA issuance. This change may result in arrests and detentions for those impacted. Individuals involved in criminal cases, fraud, and misrepresentation should seek guidance from experienced Immigration Attorneys promptly to assess the potential impact. According to Jonathan Wasden , DHS is set to deport students linked to blacklisted companies while on #OPT with an F1 visa. DHS will now issue NTAs to those with undisclosed fraud findings, initiating the deportation process. Students associated with the following blacklisted companies during OPT employment may be affected. Some of the blacklisted companies are - AzTech - Integra - Wireclass - Andwill - Findream - Tellon Trading - Arecy - Sinocontech - Masswell - CB Max Design - Global IT Experts - Apex IT - XCG Design

This supersedes the Interview Waiver Update of December 21, 2023. The Department of State has updated the categories of applicants that may be eligible for a waiver of the nonimmigrant visa interview. Consular officers have the authority and discretion to waive the in-person interview for the following categories as outlined in the Immigration and Nationality Act section 222(h): 🔹 Applicants classifiable under the visa symbols A-1, A-2, C-3 (except attendants, servants, or personal employees of accredited officials), G-1, G-2, G-3, G-4, NATO-1 through NATO-6, or TECRO E-1; Applicants for diplomatic- or official-type visas; and 🔹Applicants who previously held a visa in the same category that expired less than 12 months prior to the new application. 🔹To be eligible for an interview waiver, applicants must also meet certain criteria, including that they: ▪️apply in their country of nationality or residence; ▪️have never been refused a visa (unless such refusal was overcome or waived); and ▪️have no apparent or potential ineligibility. Consular officers may still require in-person interviews on a case-by-case basis or because of local conditions. We encourage applicants to check embassy and consulate websites for more detailed information about visa application requirements and procedures, and to learn more about the embassy or consulate’s operating status and services.  https://lnkd.in/gCWuS2zR hashtag#USimmigration   hashtag#Immigration   hashtag#USVisas   hashtag#USInterviewWaiver   hashtag#DOS   hashtag#TheVisaCode

1. Absence for More Than 180 Days but Less Than 365 Days  - A single absence of more than 180 days (but less than 365 days) can trigger scrutiny at the port of entry, as it may break the presumption of continuous residence required for naturalization (8 CFR 316.5(c)(1)(i)).   - CBP has the discretion to question whether the LPR has abandoned their status. While past trends suggest warnings or voluntary relinquishment, CBP now appears stricter. However, unless the LPR has displayed a clear pattern of prolonged absences, outright confiscation or detention is not standard practice.  2. Absence for More Than 365 Days  - If an LPR remains outside the U.S. for over one year without a re-entry permit, their green card automatically becomes invalid for re-entry.   - They would need to apply for a SB-1 Returning Resident Visa at a U.S. consulate or risk losing their status.   - A re-entry permit (Form I-131), valid for up to two years, is the best option for those needing extended stays abroad.  3. Impact on Naturalization  - Any absence of “over 180 days but less than one year” creates a rebuttable presumption that continuous residence has been disrupted for naturalization purposes (8 USC 1427(b) previously under INA § 316).   - Absences of one year or more automatically reset the naturalization residency requirement, meaning the LPR must wait another 4 years and 1 day (or 2 years and 1 day for spouses of U.S. citizens) before applying.  4. CBP’s Current Practices  - There are confirmed reports of increased scrutiny, detention of LPRs and routinely confiscating green cards solely based on extended absences.   - However, if CBP determines abandonment of residence (based on travel patterns, U.S. ties, or intent), they can encourage voluntary surrender of the Green Card or initiate expedited removal proceedings.  5. DO NOT SURRENDER YOUR GREEN CARD UNDER THREAT OR COERCION -Form I-407, Record of Abandonment of Lawful Permanent Resident Status, must be signed voluntarily and not under coercion or threat. Being pressured into signing I-407 is not a valid ground for CBP to detain you. -You have the right to request a hearing before an Immigration Judge to contest any claim that you have abandoned your status. -If you previously surrendered your green card due to coercion or threats, you may have grounds to challenge it before an Immigration Judge.

Important and Alarming Update on U.S. Visa Renewals However, there’s a slight relief—although the visa fee is typically valid for only 365 days, applicants whose interviews were not honored today were informed that their fees will remain active and that they are not required to make another payment. We do NOT have any official update on this, we will stay abreast and update our readers. This development could impact many applicants relying on the interview waiver process. If you’re planning a visa renewal, stay informed and plan accordingly. ##### Even if you have an interview based on 48-months eligibility criteria, you must cancel appointment under Interview Waiver Program / Dropbox and book under in-person interview if your previous visa expired 12-months ago and the visa renewal is not in the same visa class. #### Has anyone else encountered this issue? Feel free to share your experience or reach out for guidance. ##### Email : info@thevisacode.com Phone : +91.824.858.3284 (WhatsApp)

IMPORTANT UPDATE: CHANGES TO U.S. VISA SERVICES - NEPAL Effective February 8, 2025, the U.S. Consular Mission in Nepal is rolling out a new system for U.S. Visa Services. Please note the following key details: Service Interruption: Regular services will be paused from Wednesday, February 5, to Friday, February 7, 2025. Normal operations will resume on Saturday, February 8, 2025, via the new system. ACTION REQUIRED BY FEBRUARY 3, 2025: To smoothly transition your appointment and payment details to the new system, take the following steps by February 3, 2025: - Claim your receipts within 24 hours of payment on www.ustraveldocs.com. - Verify and update your profile information for accuracy. - Submit visa application fees by February 3, 2025, as payment services will be unavailable from February 4 to February 7, 2025. - For coordinators and primary applicants, ensure each dependent has a unique email address in their profile. NEW SYSTEM LAUNCH: FEBRUARY 8, 2025: After February 8, 2025, expect the following changes in the new system: - Updated login, profile, and appointment scheduling interfaces. - Revised premium document delivery and submission charges. - Maintain profile accuracy and complete any necessary corrections by February 3, 2025. - Visa application fee payments due by February 3, 2025, with service interruptions from February 4 to February 7, 2025. - For coordinators, ensure unique email addresses for all dependents. For more information and to access the new system post-launch, visit www.ustraveldocs.com. For detailed instructions and further updates, refer to the official document: https://lnkd.in/gveDPMGN

Important Update: Changes to U.S. Visa Renewal via Dropbox (Interview Waiver Program) It appears that the U.S. Department of State has updated the visa support desk portal and interview scheduling system without an official announcement, modifying the eligibility criteria for the Interview Waiver Program (Dropbox). Previously, applicants could qualify for a visa renewal under the Dropbox option if their visa had expired within the last 48 months (as per the DOS official announcement on December 21, 2023). However, the updated system now indicates that the visa must have expired within the last 12 months to be eligible. Previous U.S. visa in the same class as the visa for which I wish to apply and my prior visa in the same visa class is still valid or expired within the last 12 months. Earlier, applicants were able to apply under Dropbox if they have been issued a visa in any class except B1/B2. Now it's no longer possible. With this update two most important extensions of the visa waiver program introduced on Jan 1, 2024, have been reversed. If you're planning to renew your visa, it's crucial to check the latest requirements on the official U.S. embassy or consulate website before proceeding. Previous Update on Waivers of the Interview Requirement for Certain Nonimmigrant Visa Applicants, dated December 21, 2023, can be found here: https://lnkd.in/gGzS9Mf7

DHS releases final rule on 540-day automatic EAD extension for certain applicants Release Date: 10-Dec-2024 The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced final rule making the 540-day automatic EAD extension period permanent for certain eligible EAD renewal applicants. The final rule will become effective on January 13, 2025, and will apply to eligible applicants with timely filed renewal EAD applications pending or filed on or after May 4, 2022. This final rule will help U.S. employers retain their workers and help prevent workers with timely-filed EAD renewal applications from experiencing lapses in their employment authorization and employment authorization documentation through no fault of their own. More information can be found here https://lnkd.in/gebSUxYK and https://lnkd.in/gpgRVYaJ This final rule aligns with USCIS’ ongoing efforts to support eligible individuals’ ability to work and contribute to the U.S. economy. In addition to today’s final rule, USCIS has taken a number of steps to reduce EAD processing times overall and streamlined adjudication processing, including: 1. Reducing by half the median EAD processing times for individuals with pending applications for adjustment of status from fiscal year 2021 to date; 2. Engaging with communities to educate work-eligible individuals and providing on-the-ground intake support for applicants; 3. Reducing EAD application processing times for asylum applicants and certain hashtag#parolees to less than or equal to a 30-day median; 4. Extending the EAD validity period for certain categories of applicants from two years to five years; 5. Streamlining the processing of refugee EAD applications; and 6. Expanding online filing of EAD applications to hashtag#asylum applicants and parolees. hashtag#CategoriesEligible for hashtag#AutomaticEADExtensions can be found here: https://lnkd.in/gK-zWJPJ

DonaldTrump Signed Executive Order to End the Birthright Citizenship on Jan 20, 2025 The Executive Order shall apply only to persons who are born within the United States after 30 days from the date of this order. https://lnkd.in/gFjiJBWQ On Oct 30, 2018, Trump told "Axios on HBO" that he has run the idea of ending birthright citizenship by his counsel and plans to proceed with the highly controversial move. This was then considered to be largely political posturing, this resurfaced during his recent Presidential Election Campaign. https://lnkd.in/gb_-jyTd American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) - Immigrants’ Rights Advocates Sue Trump Administration Over Birthright Citizenship Executive Order. Case: New Hampshire Indonesian Community Support v. Donald J. Trump - - Case No. 1:25-cv-38 (Downloadable at https://lnkd.in/gVhwheDX) CLAIMS FOR RELIEF: 1. FIRST CLAIM FOR RELIEF: The Executive Order violates the Fourteenth Amendment’s Citizenship Clause because it denies citizenship to the children of noncitizens who are born in the United States and subject to the jurisdiction of the United States 2. SECOND CLAIM FOR RELIEF: The Executive Order violates 8 U.S.C. § 1401 et seq. because it denies citizenship to the children of noncitizens who are born in the United States and subject to the jurisdiction of the United States. 3. THIRD CLAIM FOR RELIEF: The actions of Defendants that are required or permitted by the Executive Order, as set forth above, are contrary to constitutional right, power, privilege, or immunity, including rights protected by the Fourteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, in violation of the Administrative Procedure Act, 5 U.S.C. § 706(2)(B). 4. FOURTH CLAIM FOR RELIEF: The actions of Defendants that are required or permitted by the Executive Order, as set forth above, violate 8 U.S.C. § 1401 et seq. and are in excess of statutory jurisdiction, authority, or limitations, or short of statutory right, in violation of the Administrative Procedure Act, 5 U.S.C. § 706(2)(C). DECLARATORY AND INJUNCTIVE RELIEF SOUGHT: a. Declare that the Executive Order is unconstitutional and unlawful in its entirety; b. Preliminarily and permanently enjoin Defendants from enforcing the Executive Order; c. Require Defendants to pay reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs; d. Grant any other and further relief that this Court may deem just and proper. It should be noted that, "Birthright citizenship is a legal right guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution, and changing this right would require either a constitutional amendment or a significant reinterpretation by the U.S. Supreme Court. The authority to amend the Constitution lies exclusively with Congress and state legislatures, not the President."

CBP One™ does not allow undocumented aliens to schedule appointments and existing appointments have been cancelled. Effective January 20, 2025, the functionalities of CBP One™ that previously allowed undocumented aliens to submit advance information and schedule appointments at eight southwest border ports of entry is no longer available, and existing appointments have been cancelled. For further inquiries, please contact CBP’s Office of Public Affairs at CBPMediaRelations@cbp.dhs.gov https://lnkd.in/gBA6G_eD Summary from Reuters 1. Trump to declare illegal immigration a national emergency 2. Biden-era legal entry app ends abruptly 3. Civil rights groups likely to challenge legality of Trump moves Shortly after the inauguration, U.S. border authorities said they had shut down outgoing President Joe Biden's CBP One entry program, which had allowed hundreds of thousands of migrants to enter the U.S. legally by scheduling an appointment on an app. Existing appointments were canceled, leaving migrants stunned and unsure of what to do. In several Mexican border cities, migrants saw their appointments on Biden's CBP One app canceled just after Trump took office. Some 280,000 people had been logging into the app daily to secure an appointment as of Jan. 7, 2025 https://lnkd.in/gWqxG_UP

Figure could rise as more undocumented workers identified India aiming to ensure citizens continue to obtain H-1B visas https://lnkd.in/g_UcykXR India is working behind the scenes to appease the Trump administration and avoid a trade war with the US. The two countries have together identified some 18,000 illegal Indian migrants in the US to be sent back home. (Mint News) A report published last year (2024) by the US Department of Homeland Security estimated some 220,000 unauthorized Indian immigrants resided in the US as of 2022. https://lnkd.in/gFWACc3B