Virtual Office Attorney

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that it has revised the Application for Temporary Protected Status (Form I-821).  The new form becomes effective June 27, 2008. 

TPS is a temporary immigration status granted to eligible nationals of designated countries who are temporarily unable to safely return to their home country because of ongoing armed conflict, an environmental disaster, or other extraordinary and temporary conditions. During the period for which a country has been designated for TPS, TPS beneficiaries may remain in the United States and may obtain work authorization.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (USCIS & ICE) released an interim final rule extending the period of Optional Practical Training (OPT) from 12 to 29 months for qualified F-1 non-immigrant students. The extension will be available to F-1 students with a degree in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics who are employed by businesses enrolled in the E-Verify program.

The Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will be revising the filing instructions for the Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence (Form I-751) to require filing at the California or Vermont Service Centers, where all Forms I-751 are currently adjudicated.   

According to the Tennessesean.com, immigrants in Tennessee may marry without showing proof of social security card or valid passport and visa.  This is a reversal of state policy that had affected immigrants since 1998. 

The Department of Homeland Security, USCIS has announced they will be conducting naturalization interviews after normal business hours and on weekends to meet demand.