Christians Law, PLLC

12/25/2022

Merry Christmas Family & Friends!

06/15/2022

Today, 10 years ago, the executive branch memorandum accepting DACA was announced by President Barack Obama. The USCIS started accepting applications for the program on August 15, 2012. Although it does not provide a path to citizenship, it has helped many young lives. Some of the basic requirements to qualify for DACA include: you must be under the age of 31 as of June 15, 2012, came to the US before reaching 16 years of age, has continuously resided in the US since June 15, 2012, and is currently in school or has obtained a certificate of completion or GED.
For those benefiting from DACA, remember that USCIS encourages renewals to be submitted as early in the 150-day period as possible, but ideally at least 120 days before the expiration date of the DACA card. If you have any questions or need assistance, feel free to call our office at 571-641-3033.

https://www.uscis.gov/i-821d

06/09/2022

ICE has announced a new policy stating that they will consider US military service by a noncitizen or their immediate family members when determining whether to take civil immigration enforcement decision against a noncitizen. Click the link below for more details:

Prior to the implementation of this directive, ICE has long recognized U.S. military service as a mitigating factor that is highly relevant in making case-by-case enforcement decisions. The new directive formalizes this practice as an official agency policy.

05/05/2022

The USCIS has increased the automatic extension periods for certain work authorization permits. As of May 4, 2022, the automatic extensions of 180 days for work authorization cards has increased an additional 360 days for a total of 540 days. Click the link below to review the list of eligible categories and the acceptable proof for your employer and I-9 requirements.

Certain renewal applicants who have filed Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, qualify for an automatic extension of their expiring employment authorization and/or EADs while their

04/04/2022

The USCIS has added another extension to its flexibility for responding to agency requests sent to applicants. This extension will be valid through July 25, 2022. Meaning that USCIS will accept responses to Requests for Evidence, Notices of Intent to Deny, among other notices, that are received within 60 days after the due date. If you have a response you need help with submitting to USICS, feel free to call our office.

Click the link below for more details:

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is extending certain flexibilities through July 25, 2022, to assist applicants, petitioners, and requestors.

02/16/2022

The USCIS announced in November 2021, a new lockbox address facility in Elgin, Illinois for the filing of certain I-751, Petitions to Remove Conditions on Residence. As of February 1, they are now accepting these petitions. Depending on the state you live in, you may need to file to this new address. Other application workloads that will be moved to the Elgin location include Form N-400s and Form I-130s. If you have questions in how to file your application or the location where to submit it to, feel free to contact our office at 571-641-3033.

Before you file your Form I-751

02/01/2022

ICE provides a list of ICE check-in locations for easier reporting for non-detained immigrants. Click the link below for the full details:

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01/25/2022

The USCIS has updated their guidance on how to submit expedite requests. They have clarified the criteria and circumstances under which they will generally consider the expedite requests. You can call the USCIS Contact Center or ask Emma, their virtual assistant, to request the expedited processing. Click the link below for more details:

ALERT: If you are a healthcare worker

01/12/2022

On January 10, 2022, in response to the recent increase in both active cases and community transmission of COVID-19, EOIR postponed certain hearings including non-detained cases without a lawyer or other representative of record. Click the link below to read more:

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock () or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

01/03/2022

USCIS has extended their flexibility to respond to certain requests and decisions, including Request for Evidence and Notices of Intent to Deny, among others. Due to Covid-19, USCIS announced their flexibility on March 30, 2020 through January 15, 2022. It is now extended through March 26, 2022. This extension allows applicants to respond to their notices/decisions within an additional 60 calendar days after the response due date. If you received a request between these dates and need help responding, feel free to contact our office for help at 571-641-3033.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is extending the flexibilities it announced on March 30, 2020.

12/31/2021

Happy New Year, friends and family!