On February 6, 2018, President Trump ordered the creation of a National Vetting Center, saying it is needed "…to better identify individuals seeking to enter the country who present a threat to national security, border security, homeland security, or public safety." The center, which will...
Answer This is not prohibited. However, one should be prepared to answer questions about this at the port of entry regarding "immigrant intent" (i.e. whether one is truly a visitor, or whether one is actually intending to remain in the United States permanently on this trip.)...
Answer Prior to the date the current I-94 expires, one generally can apply for a B-2 extension. A valid reason for requesting the extension should be provided to improve one's chances that the application will be approved. (29.Jan.2018)In frequent sessions of our Chat, Sheela Murthy and...
The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has added a couple of new features to the I-94 website for the benefit of foreign nationals traveling pursuant to the visa waiver program (VWP). The website now makes it easier for VWP travelers to track the number...
Answer Entering as a visitor (either using ESTA or a B-1/B-2 visa), and then filing for permanent residence normally would be considered fraud, particularly if the filing took place within 90 days of entry as a visitor. (08.Jan.2018)In frequent sessions of our Chat, Sheela Murthy and...
Today, the Trump Administration prevailed in the U.S. Supreme Court, which overturned an October 20, 2017 district court injunction blocking enforcement of the latest travel ban for certain individuals. The Supreme Court lifted the injunction and allowed full enforcement of the travel ban against citizens...
The U.S. Department of State (DOS) and the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) recently announced that they have formalized a partnership to facilitate information sharing between the agencies. This interagency cooperation is being undertaken with the stated goal of protecting U.S. workers and combating fraud...
Effective immediately, the U.S. Mission to Turkey is resuming limited visa services for nonimmigrants at the U.S. embassy and consulates in Turkey. According to a statement issued by the U.S. Mission to Turkey, this was done following assurances made by the Government of Turkey related...
This morning, a federal judge in Maryland blocked the Trump Administration from enforcing the travel ban issued by executive order on September 24, 2017. This version of the travel ban was to apply to citizens of Iran, Libya, Syria, Somalia, Chad, Yemen, and North Korea,...
Answer One in this situation can apply for a B-2 visa "stamp," but it may well be denied because of the pending H1B and the resulting "immigrant intent." But, even if it is denied, this typically would not impact the H1B petition. (25.Sep.2017)In frequent sessions of...
