U.S. Immigration Updates– Week of May 8, 2023
ICE Extends Form I-9 Requirement Flexibility
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) announced on May 4, 2023, that employers will have 30 days to comply with Form I-9, Employment Authorization Verification, requirements after the COVID-19 flexibilities sunset on July 31, 2023. ICE is encouraging employers to plan ahead to complete all required physical inspections of identity and employment eligibility documents by August 30, 2023.
SOURCES: ABIL Immigration Insider, May 7, 2023; and https://www.ice.gov/news/releases/ice-updates-form-i-9-requirement-flexibility-grant-employers-more-time-comply
COVID-19 Vaccine Requirements Ending for International Travelers to the United States
As of May 12, 2023, COVID-19 vaccines will no longer be required for international travelers entering the United States via air, land ports of entry, and ferry terminals. The Biden administration said the rescission of these travel restrictions were in alignment with the end of the Public Health Emergency scheduled for May 11, 2023.
SOURCES: ABIL Immigration Insider, May 7, 2023; and
USCIS Is Providing Evidence of Status After Notice of Decision from IJs and BIA
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced on May 4, 2023, that it is now “affirmatively creating and providing documented evidence of their status to certain new asylees and lawful permanent residents upon our receiving notification that an immigration judge [IJ] or the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) has granted status.” USCIS said that by providing this evidence, “we can help ensure that new asylees and lawful permanent residents may seek employment, travel, and obtain other benefits they are entitled to,” USCIS said.
USCIS also said its field offices may now be able to provide this documentation by mail instead of having asylees and lawful permanent residents schedule an in-person appointment. USCIS began this effort in August 2022 by mailing Form I-94, Arrival/Departure Record, with asylee stamps to certain individuals who have been granted asylum by an IJ or the BIA. USCIS also has been issuing Permanent Resident Cards (green cards) to some lawful permanent residents when the agency is notified that the IJ or BIA has granted adjustment of status.
USCIS still instructs individuals granted asylum and lawful permanent resident status to contact the USCIS Contact Center to request proof of status because USCIS may not be notified in every case.
SOURCES: ABIL Immigration Insider, May 7, 2023; and https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/alerts/uscis-providing-documents-after-notice-of-immigration-judge-and-bia-decisions-about-immigration