Nancy Janis

The Afghan Adjustment Act Fails To Pass In Congress

The Afghan Adjustment Act, which would provide a path to permanent residency for over 70,000 Afghans evacuated from Kabul, and expand protections for those left behind in Afghanistan, has failed to pass at the end of the last congressional session. We hope to see this bill passed in the next Congress.

USCIS Proposes Changes to Naturalization Fees

USCIS has proposed a hike in fees. If approved, it will cause naturalization fees to go up 18 to 20 percent. In the most extreme case, green card fees with travel documentation and work authorization to rise from $1,225 to $2,820.

Task Force on New Americans Reestablished

The Task Force on New Americans has been reestablished by the Biden Administration. It seeks to address five key areas for immigrants:

• language learning and access
• health and wellbeing
• workforce development training
• financial access and education
• data and research

TPS Extension

Temporary Protected Status (TPS) has been extended and redesignated for 18 months for individuals from Haiti and Yemen already present in the United States as a result of continued conflict, natural disaster, and political instability.

Title 42 Expansion

The Biden-Harris administration has expanded Title 42 to immediately expel nationals from Nicaragua, Cuba, and Haiti from the U.S., expediting removal and while establishing a limited parole process for individuals from these nations and Venezuela. The limited parole process allows migrants to enter the US legally with a financial-based sponsor. There is a monthly cap of up to 30,000 admissions.

Welcome Corps

On January 19^th, the Biden-Harris administration launched Welcome Corps, a private sponsorship program for refugees coming to United States. Private sponsor groups of five or more individuals will be able to sponsor refugees.