Latest Immigration News, February 2001

LATEST IMMIGRATION NEWS

Last updated: Wednesday, February 28, 2001

FEBRUARY 2001

Os & Ps Added to Visa Reissuance List [02/28/01]
State Dept. amends its regulations to include Os and Ps among the nonimmigrant visas that can be reissued through the Visa Office. This regulation codifies existing practice. (66 FR 12737, 2/28/01)

Notice Extending H-1B Comment Period [02/26/01]
DOL announces its extension of the comment period on the interim final regulation regarding H-1B labor condition applications, until April 23, 2001. (66 FR 10865, 2/20/01).

DOL Publishes Corrections to H-1B Regulations [02/26/01]
DOL publishes corrections on the interim final regulation regarding H-1B labor condition applications. (66 FR 10813, 2/20/01)

OMB Approval of LCA Form [02/26/01]
DOL announces OMB's 1/18/01 approval under the Paperwork Reduction Act of the information collections contained in the LCA regulations. (66 FR 10814, 2/20/01)

U.S. INS Instructs on Reopening for NACARA/HRIFA Applicants [02/23/01]
INS provides instructions on processing of persons under final orders who were made eligible under LIFE for HRIFA or NACARA section 202 relief, and on deferring action for 60 days against persons eligible to apply under HRIFA as a dependent.

U.S. INS on LIFE Provisions for NACARA Applicants [02/23/01]
INS advises the field regarding LIFE provisions making section 241(a)(5) inapplicable to NACARA and HRIFA applicants. The standards for waivers of section 212(a)(9)(A) and (C) for NACARA & HRIFA applicants also are described.

U.S. INS Provides Instructions on Blanket L-1 Admissions [02/23/01]
INS HQ instructs the field regarding the L-1 blanket petition process.

HHS Updates Proverty Guidelines [02/23/01]
HHS updates its poverty guidelines to account for last year's increase in prices as meansured by the Consumer Price Index. These data are used in determining ability to provide support in connection with the affidavit of support (66 FR 10695, 2/16/01)

DOS Amends Regulations on Visa Ineligibility [02/23/01]
By interim rule, DOS adds grounds of ineligibility for section 22(g), for students attending public schools and for crewmen joining a vessel during a labor dispute to its regulations. (66 FR 10363, 2/15/01)

Changes in OES Data-Gathering Proposed [02/22/01]
The Bureau of Labor Statistics proposes changes to procedures used to collect data for the OES wage survey program. 66 FR 10748 (2/16/01)

The Extension of Section 245(i): Frequently Asked Questions in Different Languages [02/14/01]
This popular Q & A for the general public reviews the major issues of concern to potential beneficiaries, and is available in the following languages - English, Spanish, Korean, Hindi, and Chinese.

U. S. INS Directive on Travel and AC21 [02/13/01]
The U.S. INS instructs inspectors as to conditions for admitting persons working for new employers under AC21 portability. This memo relates only to admissions after travel, and does not necessarily reflect INS positions on the availability of portability overall.

DNA Testing Guidelines [02/12/01]
State Dept. provides guidance to posts regarding DNA testing. This cable supercedes all previous cables on the subject.

DOS Cable Discusses CIPRIS [02/12/01]
State Dept. addresses concerns expressed by posts regarding implementation of the INS' CIPRIS program.

DOS Notice on Passport Validity [02/08/01]
State Dept. updates the list of countries whose passports are recognized as valid for return to that country for a period of six months beyond the passport's stated expiration date. (66 FR 8836, 2/2/01)

U.S. INS Directive on Travel and AC21 [02/08/01]
INS instructs inspectors as to conditions for admitting persons working for new employers under AC21 portability. This memo relates only to admissions after travel, and does not necessarily reflect INS positions on the availability of portability overall. (See PDF)

U.S. INS Delays Effective Date of TWOV List Update [02/05/01]
In accordance with a directive from the new Administration, INS delays until 4/6/01 the effectiveness of its regulation updating the list of countries whose nationals are not eligible for transit without visa. (66 FR 8743, 2/2/01)

House Judiciary Hearing Plans [02/1/01]
February 1, 2000. The House Judiciary Committee outlines its planned hearings during the 107th Congress. Also included are hearings by the Immigration Subcommittee.

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