Immigration Visa Attorney Blog

A new identification card has been unveiled by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). It's too early to say conclusively what the card will mean for those who choose to take advantage, but we wanted to make Ohio residents are aware of the government's new system.

In a Feb. 11 memo the USCIS announced that it was combining employment and travel authorization on a single card for those who have completed a Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status). In the announcement the USCIS stated the card "looks similar to the current Employment Authorization Document (EAD) but will include text that reads: 'Serves as I-512 Advance Parole.'"

The USCIS says the card will allow the holder to travel abroad without impacting the adjustment application. They will be expected to present the card at their port-of-entry to request parole.

But the memo does say that "the decision to parole the (card holder) is made at the port-of-entry." Some immigration attorneys are therefore concerned the card will cause some to travel abroad and find themselves unable to return to the U.S. They advise any immigrant who initially entered the country illegally to wait for his or her green card to arrive.

Continue reading "Columbus Ohio Immigration attorney on new USCIS Card" »

In January the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) updated its "Handbook for Employers." The handbook is a how-to for completing Form I-9, which is the "Employment Eligibilty Verification From." Employers here in the Columbus area need to make sure they are aware of these changes.

A note from USCIS Alejandro Mayorkas detailed the updates added for the January 5 version. He says in the memo:

"(The handbook) has been revised and updated with new information about applicable regulations, including new regulations about electronic storage and retention of Forms I-9; it clarifies how to process an employee with a complicated immigration status; and, it addresses public comments and frequently asked questions."

Mayorkas highlighted the following new components of the Form I-9 process:

-New visual aids for completing the form.
-Examples of the USCIS' new documents.
-A more expansive section on guidance for lawful residents, refugees and asylees and exchange visitors and students.
-More guidance related to processing employees or "porting" them to H-1B and H-2B status.
-More guidance for extending the stay of an employee with temporary authorization.

The goal of the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 was to limit illegal immigration by cutting down on job opportunities which might lure "unauthorized persons" to the United States. It is therefore illegal to hire or employ an alien not authorized to work in the U.S.

Continue reading "Form I-9: USCIS Updates Employer Handbook" »