U.S. State Department Starts Phased-in Re-openings of U.S Consulates for Visa Services - Multiple Visa Restriction Proclamations Remain in Effect with Some Exceptions
Effective July 14, 2020, The U. S. State Department announced that it would begin re-opening U.S. consulates worldwide for routine visa services. U.S. consulates had been closed since March, 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Priority will be given to travelers with urgent travel needs, including students, and some family members of U.S. citizens.
National Interest exceptions are available for certain applicants from some countries in Europe and other areas. Travelers should check the U.S. consular website for each specific U.S. consulate for the latest information before travelling or applying for a temporary or permanent visa.
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U.S. Department of Homeland Security Issues Rule Forbidding F-1 Foreign Students to Attend Any U.S. Colleges That Have "On-line Only" Classes in Fall, 2020; Harvard and MIT Sue DHS in Federal Court; On July 14 DHS Backs Down and Fully Rescinds Rule
On July 6, 2020, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued a new rule that prevented foreign students in the U.S. from continuing their studies in Fall 2020 if their school moved to "on-line only" classes. Led by Harvard and MIT, many lawsuits were filed against DHS within days seeking to block the Trump Administration's attempt to severely restrict U.S. colleges and foreign students. More than 1 million foreign students currently study in the U.S.
At a Federal Court Hearing in Boston on July 14, DHS agreed to completely rescind the July 6 rule. DHS and the Department of State issued new Guidance for Foreign Students for Fall 2020 on July 24 and July 27; see links below. It appears that would-be first year F-1 students who are outside the U.S. will not be able to get F-1 visas if they would be taking 100% of their courses "on-line only."
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Tip of the Month
Must Read for All Employers in the U.S.
2020 Edition of the
USCIS Handbook for Employers:
Guide for Completing Form I-9
USCIS has issued a newly revised edition of its I-9 Guide for Employers. The 82 page Handbook is a required reference for every employer in the U.S. before completing their next I-9 Form. The new version includes updates based on the newly revised I-9 Form.
Read from
USCIS
,
Link to the Handbook,
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U.S. Extends Closure of Mexican and Canadian Borders to Non-Essential Travel Until August 21, 2020
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has extended Visa Control Restrictions on travel from Mexico and Canada into the U.S. until August 21, 2020. Further extensions of these restrictions are possible. The restrictions were originally put in place in March due to COVID - 19 and exceptions apply for certain people, including "essential" business travel, family members of U.S. citizens and others. Most people entering for tourism are restricted.
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Borene Law Firm
In the News
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Borene Law Firm
rated
"AV Preeminent"
in 2020
- "the highest possible Peer Review Rating in legal ability and ethical standards" for 25th consecutive year
from "the gold standard in attorney ratings" - The
Martindale-Hubbell Law Directory
, All Editions, 1994 - present.
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Scott Borene
recognized by other lawyers as
2020 Immigration Lawyer of the Year in Minnesota
as noted by
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Jeanne Kildow
was an expert speaker on "
Employment-Based Immigration Preference Categories"
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George Maxwell
was an expert speaker on the topic of "
Recent Trends in Employment Based Immigration
" in a program sponsored by the
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Copyright Borene Law Firm, P. A., 2020
Immigration Update
is a publication of:
Borene Law Firm
U.S. & Global Immigration
3950 IDS Center
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55402
United States of America
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The information in this Immigration Update should not be considered specific legal advice; it is intended for informational purposes only. Anyone seeking specific legal advice should contact an appropriately experienced lawyer for a confidential, personalized consultation.
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