The White House office has approved a proposed rule "Weighted Selection Process for Registrants and Petitioners Seeking to File Cap-Subject to File Cap-Subject H-1B Petitions", that could overhaul how H-1B visas are allocated. (Source: NAFSA ) Instead of the current random lottery system, the proposed rule (when it becomes a rule) is expected to prioritize petitions offering higher wages a move last attempted under the Trump administration. Important Changes to the Current "H-1B Lottery Selection" Under the current system USCIS uses random lottery to select 85,000 (65,000 for regular cap and 20,000 under Master's Cap) H-1B annually. The proposed rule will ensure the numbers are allocated based on wage levels (Tier 4 highest, Tier 1 lowest). Current Status of Proposed Rule The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) cleared the rule on Aug. 8, 2025, and will send it back to USCIS. Next, USCIS will publish it in the Federal Register so the public can give feedback. This is only the proposal stage, so nothing changes yet. After the comment period, USCIS will review the feedback, Make any changes, send the final version back to OMB, and Then publish the final rule in the Federal Register. Earlier on July 17, 2025, USCIS submitted the package for OMB review. It will take several months or even longer, before it could become a final rule, and it would only take effect on a future date after that. Summary If the new rule is approved and implemented, this H-1B wage-prioritized selection could reshape hiring strategies for U.S. companies and career planning for foreign talent. If it eventually becomes a final rule, it could give priority to high-paying jobs in tech and other specialized fields, may reduce chances for lower-wage or entry-level positions. Immigration law is changing fast stay updated.

1. The Basics – What’s in the Bill? The DIGNITY Act has two main goals: Strengthen border enforcement  – More resources for ports of entry, tougher penalties for illegal re-entry, “spotters” aiding smuggling, and non-citizen voting. Create the Dignity Program  – A 7-year temporary legal status for undocumented immigrants who entered before December 31, 2020 . How the Dignity Program Works: Pass background checks. Work or study for at least 4 years. Pay around $7,000  in total program contributions. No access to federal benefits. Regular DHS check-ins. At the end of 7 years, participants can renew their Dignity Status ,but it’s not  a green card or citizenship path. 2. Other Key Provisions Dreamers  – Offers conditional permanent residency and a route to a green card. Visa Backlog Reform  – Adjusts per-country caps and processing timelines. Fast-Track Option  – Immigrants stuck in green card queues for over 10 years can pay $20,000  to speed up processing. American Worker Fund  – Financed by Dignity Program payments to upskill U.S. workers. 3. Why Indian Immigrants Should Pay Attention a) EB-2 and EB-3 Backlogs Indian professionals often wait over a decade  for employment-based green cards due to per-country caps. The DIGNITY Act proposes to loosen  these limits and speed up  the backlog,good news for many in tech, healthcare, and academia. b) The $20,000 Fast-Track If you’ve been waiting 10+ years for your green card, the bill could let you pay to jump the line. Pro:  Faster relief after years of limbo. Con:  Only accessible to those who can afford a hefty sum, raising fairness concerns. c) Family Reunification Indian immigrants often have spouses and children stuck abroad due to visa caps. The bill’s backlog reforms may reduce these painful separations. d) Students & Dreamers For Indian students who overstayed visas or qualify as Dreamers, the bill creates a path to legal stability,something current law often doesn’t provide. 4. The Fine Print While the DIGNITY Act opens some doors, it also: Offers no direct path to citizenship  for Dignity Program participants. Maintains strict background and payment requirements. Could create a “pay-to-play” dynamic with the $20,000 fast-track. 5. Final Thoughts For many Indian immigrants, especially those in the green card backlog , the DIGNITY Act could mean shorter waits and more stability. But it’s not a silver bullet,it’s a compromise bill that mixes opportunity with trade-offs. If passed, it will require careful legal strategy to decide whether to opt into programs like the Dignity Program or the fast-track provision. As always, consult an immigration attorney before making any decisions. Need immigration assistance? Our experienced team can guide you through U.S. immigration processes, assess your eligibility, and help you make informed decisions. Contact us today : 📞 W hatsApp : +91 8248583284  📧 Email : info@thevisacode.com  🌐 Website :   www.thevisacode.com  📱 Instagram & Threads : @thevisacode

Introduction: Why the Child Status Protection Act (CSPA) Matters The Child Status Protection Act (CSPA)  is a critical U.S. immigration law designed to help children of green card applicants remain eligible even if they turn 21 during long processing delays. Under CSPA, a child’s “immigration age” can be frozen  to prevent them from “aging out” of eligibility. With USCIS’s new CSPA rule effective August 15, 2025 , many families especially those from highly backlogged countries like India may face a higher risk of their children aging out. The new USCIS policy on CSPA can be found here . This article explains: The February 2023 CSPA policy change What is being rolled back in August 2025 Who will be affected What steps families can take to protect their children’s immigration status AI Generated Image 1. CSPA Basics: How the Age Freeze Works Under normal U.S. immigration rules, children must be under 21 years old  to qualify as a “child” for green card purposes. The CSPA formula  calculates the child’s age as: Child’s Age at Visa Availability minus Time I-140 or I-130 Was Pending The tricky part is determining when a visa is “available” and this is where the major policy changes come in. 2. February 14, 2023 CSPA Policy Update – More Protection for Children In February 2023 , USCIS updated its policy to allow the Dates for Filing chart  (Chart B of the Visa Bulletin) to be used for CSPA age calculations. Impact of the 2023 change: Families could file earlier  for Adjustment of Status (Form I-485) The earlier filing date meant CSPA age froze sooner Greatly reduced the risk of children “aging out” before green card approval Benefited thousands of children in family-based and employment-based green card backlogs , particularly EB-2 and EB-3 India Example: If Chart B showed a visa date available in October, but Chart A (Final Action Dates) was not current until the following year, a child could still lock their age in October under the 2023 policy. 3. August 15, 2025 CSPA Rule Change – Back to Stricter Calculations Effective August 15, 2025 , USCIS will revert to the older, more restrictive interpretation: Only the Final Action Dates chart (Chart A)  can be used to determine when a visa is “available” for CSPA purposes. The Dates for Filing chart  will no longer freeze a child’s immigration age. What this means: Families will need to wait longer  before filing Adjustment of Status More children could turn 21 before their CSPA age is locked in It aligns USCIS with the Department of State’s consular process , which always used Final Action Dates 4. Who Is Affected by the CSPA 2025 Change? The groups most affected will be: Employment-based green card applicants  from highly backlogged countries (India, China) Family-based applicants  with long wait times Children who are close to 21 years old  when the Final Action Date becomes current Families who could have filed earlier under Dates for Filing but will now be forced to wait 5. Timeline of CSPA Policy Changes Period Chart Used for CSPA Age Aging-Out Risk Before Feb 14, 2023 Final Action Dates only High Feb 14, 2023 – Aug 14, 2025 Dates for Filing allowed Lower From Aug 15, 2025 Final Action Dates only Higher 6. How Families Can Protect Their Children from Aging Out If your child is approaching 21: File Adjustment of Status before August 15, 2025  if eligible under Dates for Filing Monitor the Visa Bulletin  monthly to track when your category is current Consider nonimmigrant visas  (e.g., F-1 student visa) to maintain legal status if aging out is likely Explore whether the child can qualify for a separate employment-based petition 7. Key Takeaways The February 2023 policy  gave families extra protection by allowing earlier CSPA age freezes. The August 2025 policy  removes that flexibility, increasing the risk of aging out. Action before August 15, 2025  could make the difference between keeping a child in your green card case or losing eligibility. Final Note:   If you think your child is at risk of aging out, consult an experienced U.S. immigration attorney  as soon as possible. The CSPA rules are complex, and timing is critical especially now that the 2025 rollback is near.

Effective immediately, nationals and citizens of the following countries applying for nonimmigrant visas, including those who previously held visas and are renewing, will be required to attend an in-person interview with a consular officer: Afghanistan Angola Antigua and Barbuda Benin Bhutan Burkina Faso Burma Burundi Cabo Verde Cambodia Cameroon Chad Cote D’Ivoire Cuba Republic of Congo Democratic Republic of Congo Djibouti Dominica Egypt Equatorial Guinea Eritrea Ethiopia Gabon The Gambia Ghana Haiti Iran Kyrgyz Republic Laos Liberia Libya Malawi Mauritania Niger Nigeria Saint Kitts and Nevis Saint Lucia Sao Tome and Principe Sierra Leone Senegal Somalia South Sudan Sudan Syria Tanzania Togo Tonga Turkmenistan Tuvalu Uganda Vanuatu Venezuela Yemen Zambia Zimbabwe Applicants for diplomatic and official visas from these countries should exercise use of the normal diplomatic channels for updated guidance on interview scheduling. If you are a citizen or a national of one of these countries, regardless of the place of your application, you should not submit your application for processing using Interview Waiver – you must make an appointment for an in-person visa interview. This update can be found here .

U.S. consular posts have started sending emails cancelling visa appointments booked under the previous eligibility criteria. Most affected appointments are scheduled for August and September 2025. Reason for Cancellations A new U.S. visa renewal policy takes effect on September 2, 2025, ending Interview Waiver (Dropbox) eligibility for the following visa categories: H, L, F, M, J, E, and O.Following the U.S. Department of State’s July 25, 2025 update, consular posts did not open any new slots for August or September under the old rules. Action for Applicants If you booked a renewal appointment in August or September 2025 under the old criteria, check your email and log into your profile for messages from the consular post. The email will explain that your appointment has been cancelled and that you may reschedule . Applicants must close application and restart answering questions on visa renewal and waiver questions (the system is updated with new eligibility questions). This cancellation does not  count against the maximum number of times  you are allowed to reschedule. If You Face Problems Rescheduling Contact the consular support desk for the relevant consular post. Special Note on Fee Validity: If you paid your visa fee 365 days ago or more, you may not be able to reschedule because the fee validity will have expired. In that case, you must pay a new fee, unless the consular post announces an extension. This change affects many visa applicants, so monitor your inbox and profile regularly to avoid missing rescheduling opportunities.

1. What’s changed with the visa interview waiver program? Starting September 2, 2025, the U.S. Department of State has significantly narrowed eligibility for interview waivers. Most nonimmigrant visa applicants including those under 14 and over 79 — will now generally be required to attend an in-person interview, unless they fall under very limited categories. 2. Who still qualifies for an interview waiver? Only three narrow groups may bypass the interview: Applicants under diplomatic or official visa categories (A‑1/A‑2, C‑3 except aides, G‑1 to G‑4, NATO‑1 to NATO‑6, TECRO E‑1). Applicants renewing a full‑validity B‑1/B‑2 visa (or Border Crossing Card/Foil for Mexican nationals) within 12 months of expiration, if they: Are applying in their country of nationality or residence, Were 18 or older when the prior visa was issued, Have no prior refusals, unless resolved, Have no apparent or potential ineligibility. 3. Are there any age exemptions now? No. The updated policy eliminates age-based exemptions that previously allowed applicants under 14 and over 79 to skip interviews . 4. What happened in the previous (February 2025) update? In February 2025, the eligible renewal window was reduced from 48 to 12 months, and first-time applicants in the same category were no longer eligible for waiver. However, age exemptions remained those are now removed effective September 2, 2025. 5. Even if I qualify, can I still be asked to attend an interview? Yes. Consular officers retain full discretion. They may require an in-person interview on a case-by-case basis due to local concerns, background issues, or document discrepancies. 6. What about H‑1B, F, L, J visa renewals? Can they use the dropbox? No. Under the new policy, renewals for H‑1B, L‑1, F‑1, J‑1, and other nonimmigrant categories are no longer eligible for interview waivers or "dropbox" processing. Applicants in these categories must attend in-person interviews from September 2, 2025 onward. 7. What should applicants & employers do now? Check your local U.S. mission’s website for updated scheduling guidance. Plan early: Book visa appointments well in advance to account for longer wait times and processing delays. Coordinate with legal counsel and HR, especially for businesses with international travel needs. Validity, travel plans, and timing must align with new visa procedures. 8. What happens to applicants who have scheduled a Dropbox (Interview Waiver) appointment on or after September 2, 2025? Based on how the Department of State (DOS) implemented similar changes in February 2025, there is a strong possibility that applicants with Dropbox appointments scheduled on or after September 2, 2025 may be instructed to cancel and reschedule their appointments for in-person interviews. In February 2025, despite applicants having valid Dropbox confirmations, many were turned away at Visa Application Centers (VACs) or document drop-off locations, citing a policy change. The new eligibility criteria were only officially published days after they had already been enforced on the ground. Therefore, if you have a Dropbox appointment scheduled on or after September 2, 2025, you should monitor your email closely for updates from the U.S. embassy or VAC and be prepared to ignore automated reminders or confirmations if you are no longer eligible under the updated interview waiver policy. 9. Do I need to pay the visa fees again? Not always - but it depends. If you haven’t used your reschedule option and your visa fee is still valid (paid within 365 days), you may be allowed to book a regular in-person interview without paying again, only after consular posts officially confirm the new process. If you’ve already used your reschedule option or your visa fee is over 365 days old, you’ll likely need to pay the fee again. 📌 Tip: Wait for an official notice before taking action. Rescheduling too soon may cost you an extra visa fee. 10. What happens if your visa application is accepted under Dropbox prior to Sep 2, 2025? The U.S. Consular Mission in India has mandated that applican ts must select an interview waiver submission appointment date 15 calendar days before your visa has “expired within the last 12 months”. If your interview waiver submission appointment date is less than 15 calendar days before your visa expired within the last 12 months, you will be asked to schedule a biometric appointment and an in-person interview at post.  Your appointment may be treated as a " No Show ". Going by the above mandatory requirement, if the application was accepted for visa renewal under Dropbox renewal, the consular officers generally take 2 weeks to adjudicate the visa application. If the visa adjudication happens prior to Sep 2, 2025, the visas can be issued without any issues. However, if the visa adjudication happens on of after Sep 2, 2025, the applicants will receive a 221(g) requesting applicants to appear in-person on specific date and time. 11. Who are eligible for IWP / Dropbox Visa Renewals post Sep 2, 2025 Effective September 2, 2025, U.S. nonimmigrant visa renewals under IWP / Dropbox are largely restricted. Only selected diplomatic visas and limited to B-1, B-2, B1/B2 visa or a Border Crossing Card/Foil (for Mexican nationals). Every other applicant regardless of age or previous visa expiration/validity should expect to attend in-person interview. 11. Who are largely affected? Returning nonimmigrant workers, students, and exchange visits visitors (F, M, J, H, L, O, E, R) will be directly affected by the recent change in IWP /Dropbox policy, as they will now be required to appear for in-person interviews even for visa renewals. 🧭 Bottom Line As of September 2, 2025, U.S. visa interview waivers are largely restricted. Only select diplomatic visas and limited B‑1/B‑2 renewals remain exempt. Every other applicant regardless of age or previous visa status should expect to attend an in-person interview. Returning nonimmigrant workers, students, and exchange visitors will be directly affected by the recent change in the Interview Waiver Program (IWP)/Dropbox policy, as they will now be required to appear for in-person visa interviews even for renewals. If you have questions about eligibility or scheduling, feel free to reach out we’re here to help.

In a significant policy shift, the U.S. Department of State on July 25, 2025, announced an update to the nonimmigrant visa interview waiver program , effective September 2, 2025 . This change will narrow the categories of visa applicants eligible for visa renewal under Interview Waiver Program/Dropbox. What’s Changing? As of the effective date, all nonimmigrant visa applicants , regardless of age including those under 14 and over 79 will generally be required to appear for an in-person interview , unless they fall within limited exceptions . Who Still Qualifies for Interview Waivers? Only the following categories remain eligible for potential interview waivers: Diplomatic and Official Visa Applicants , including: A-1, A-2, C-3 (excluding attendants and servants), G-1 through G-4, NATO-1 through NATO-6, TECRO E-1 Renewals of Full Validity B1/B2 or Border Crossing Cards , but only if all of the following apply : Renewal is within 12 months  of the prior visa’s expiration The previous visa was issued when the applicant was 18 or older The applicant is applying in their home country or country of residence No previous visa refusal  (unless overcome/waived) No apparent or potential ineligibility Comparison Table Feature Feb 18, 2025 Policy July 25, 2025 Policy (Effective Sept 2, 2025) Age-based waivers Allowed for applicants <14 or >79 No longer permitted — interview required for all ages Renewal waiver scope Any category, if expired within 12 months Only B‑1/B‑2 or Border Crossing Card renewals Additional renewal criteria Implied but generic Explicit: residence, no refusal history, eligibility Diplomatic/official categories Exempted — same coverage Same exemptions retained Effective / supersedes Superseded Dec 2023 guidance Supersedes Feb 2025 update; effective Sept 2, 2025 Important Caveat Even if applicants meet the criteria above, consular officers retain full discretion  to request an in-person interview on a case-by-case basis . What This Means for You Planning a trip to your home country or abroad to renew the U.S. visa. Check your local embassy or consulate's website  for updated appointment procedures, documentation, and operating status. 🔗This latest official update on visa renewal can be found here . FAQs curated by our office can be found here . 🔗This policy replaces  the earlier Interview Waiver guidance issued on February 18, 2025 . The previous policy can be found here . Stay informed prepared with The Visa Code.

If you or someone in your family has filed Form I-130  for you, and you now want to apply for a B2 tourist visa  to visit the U.S.,you might be wondering: “Will the U.S. Embassy reject my visa because I’ve already shown I want to immigrate?” The short answer?  Yes, they can  reject it. But it’s not always a straight ‘no.’ Let’s break this down in plain English. What Is Form I-130? Form I-130  is a petition your U.S. citizen or green card holder family member files to help you get a green card  in the future. It’s a way of saying: “I want this person to come live with me in the U.S. permanently.” So, once that’s filed, you’ve clearly shown immigrant intent  — the desire to move to the U.S. long-term. What Is the B2 Visa? The B2 visa  is a visitor visa . It’s meant for short-term travel to the U.S. for: Visiting family or friends Tourism Medical treatment Attending events or ceremonies But to get a B2 visa, you must promise to return to your home country  after the trip. In U.S. immigration law, that means no plans to stay back permanently. The Problem: Two Different Intentions When you apply for a B2 visa after filing an I-130, you’re asking the consulate to believe two things at the same time: 🗣 “Yes, I plan to immigrate to the U.S. someday… But I only want to visit for now, and I promise  to go back.” That’s a hard sell. U.S. visa officers might think you're just using the B2 visa to enter the U.S. early  and then stay. That’s why many B2 visa applications get rejected after an I-130 is on file. Can You Still Apply? Yes, you can  still apply for a B2 visa after your I-130 is filed. There’s no rule that stops you. But you’ll need to convince the visa officer of three things: ✅ You still have strong ties to your home country  (job, family, property, etc.) ✅ Your visit is short and specific  (like for a wedding, graduation, or emergency) ✅ You’ll return home after your trip , even though you plan to move laterEven then, they may not believe you. Common Reasons for Rejection Here are a few reasons why people often get denied: ❌ Not mentioning the I-130 at all  - that’s visa fraud ❌ Giving vague reasons for travel  - like “just want to see the U.S.” ❌ Saying things like  “I want to stay if I like it there” ❌ Overstaying on previous U.S. visas ❌ Not having strong home ties  - no job, no income, no dependents What If You Already Have a B2 Visa? If your B1/B2 visa is already stamped and valid , you can  use it to travel. But - immigration officers at the airport can still turn you away. If they believe you’re planning to stay permanently, they can cancel your visa and send you back on the next flight. So even with a visa in hand, you must prove at the port of entry  that your visit is truly temporary. What Should You Do? Here are some practical steps: Be honest  - always disclose the I-130 if asked Show proof of ties  - job letter, property documents, return flight tickets Keep your story consistent  - your DS-160, visa interview answers, and travel plans should all match Avoid talking about adjusting status in the U.S.  - that’s a red flag for B2 Final Thoughts Applying for a B2 visa while an I-130 is pending  is tricky - but not impossible. Some applicants are approved, especially if: The I-130 is still early in the process They have real emergencies or family events in the U.S. They can prove they’ll return home But every case is different. Need Help? At The Visa Code , we’ve helped applicants in this exact situation , whether it’s getting the visitor visa approved or planning the right travel strategy. 📩 Got questions about your B2 visa chances after filing an I-130? Schedule a consultation with us, we’ll help you figure it out. 📞 WhatsApp : +91 8248583284  📧 Email : info@thevisacode.com  🌐 Website :   www.thevisacode.com  📱 Instagram & Threads : @thevisacode

If you've just received a 221(g) refusal notice  after your U.S. visa interview, take a breath. It is not  a visa rejection. it’s a temporary pause. Here's how to understand and navigate it:  What Does 221(g) Actually Mean? Under Section 221(g)  of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), a consular officer may refuse  your visa application if: You haven’t yet provided full documentation , or Your case requires additional administrative processing  (e.g., additional background checks). In either case, your application remains open , not closed. The visa officer may still approve it later , once the requested conditions are met  Travel Travel . What Not  to Do Don’t reapply  unless explicitly advised. Don’t panic  or assume rejection,many 221(g) cases end with visa approval. Don’t miss deadlines  mentioned in your 221(g) form. Don’t try to speed things up  through external influence,processing is system-driven.  What You Can Do Next 1. Follow Any Instructions Carefully At the interview’s end, you’ll receive a letter outlining either: The documents to submit , or That your file is under administrative processing , without needing anything from you. 2. Submit Missing Documents Promptly If you're asked to provide missing materials, do so within one year  of the refusal date. Submit all documents clearly and correctly  to avoid further delay. 3. Wait for Administrative Processing to Conclude When processing is required, consular officers inform you at the interview. The time required varies by case ; many resolve within 60 days, but some take longer. U.S. embassies often advise waiting at least 60 days  before inquiring. Why This Happens Missing or inconsistent documentation Security or background checks  involving other agencies (e.g., FBI, DHS)  Travel Travel These are standard procedures,not uncommon, especially in today’s tighter immigration climate.  Monitoring Your Case You can use the CEAC portal  to track your status. If it shows "Administrative Processing," that reflects a 221(g) refusal under INA 221(g) and not a final decision. Wait at least 60–180 days  (based on embassy guidance) before reaching out for updates.  What Happens Next After administrative processing: Your visa may be approved , Or, it may be denied  if remaining eligibility issues persist  Travel If your documents were incomplete and you’ve now supplied everything within the one-year  window, your case will be reassessed   Final Thoughts A 221(g) notice indicates more needs to be done, not that the visa is gone forever. Many applicants eventually receive approval  once the additional steps are completed.  Focus on: Supplying complete and accurate documents , Tracking your case patiently, Waiting calmly, this is normal. If progress stalls or you're unsure about what to do next, contact us . Our team at The Visa Code  can help you: Interpret your 221(g) form Organize your documentation Communicate with the consulate effectively   Receiving a 221(g)  can be frustrating—but it’s not the end of the road. Many applicants go on to receive their visas once the necessary steps are completed. At The Visa Code , our attorneys have successfully assisted numerous applicants  whose 221(g) cases were resolved and visas issued . However, it's important to understand that every case is unique , and so is the outcome . Factors such as your visa category, documentation, background checks, and consular policies all play a role. ✅ Here’s what you can do: Submit all required documents  promptly and accurately Track your case status  regularly on the CEAC website Remain patient , as administrative processing may take several weeks or months  When Delays Become Inordinate If your case has been stuck in 221(g) for an unusually long time: You may consider reapplying , depending on the facts and timing You may also explore filing a writ of mandamus  in federal court to compel action on your case ⚠️ While this can expedite adjudication, it does not guarantee approval  Contact Us If you or someone you know is stuck in administrative processing or has received a 221(g) notice, don’t hesitate to reach out. Our legal team at The Visa Code  can: Assess your case Advise on next steps Help escalate when necessary Contact the relevant consular post Assist with reapplications or legal remedies 📧 Email:   info@thevisacode.com Achieve Your American Dream with The Visa Code - Expert U.S. Visa Services The Visa Code - Achieve your American Dream immigration with The Visa Code. Expert guidance for U.S. visas. Start your journey today!

Chandrakant “Lala” Patel, a Subway franchisee owner in Louisiana, has been arrested and federally indicted for masterminding a 10-year immigration fraud operation that exploited the U visa program, a humanitarian visa pathway designed to protect victims of qualifying crimes. What Happened? According to a 62-count federal indictment, Patel allegedly conspired with current and former law enforcement officials to create and submit fraudulent police reports documenting fake armed robberies. These fabricated reports were used to help undocumented immigrants falsely claim eligibility for U nonimmigrant visas. Why It Matters:  The U visa program, designed to support crime victims who assist law enforcement, is vital for public trust and community safety. Abuse of this program not only undermines its credibility but also affects genuine applicants awaiting relief. USCIS fraud detection officers played a key role in uncovering the irregularities, which led to a broader federal investigation involving the Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Inspector General and other agencies. This press release can be found here .