These past two weeks have brought some important and exciting immigration news. Below we highlight some of the most significant changes and pending legislation. Please note, pending legislation are merely proposals and do not mean there is an “amnesty” or legalization opportunity for undocumented immigrants at this time.
The Trump Administration’s Public Charge Rule Interpretation Comes to an End
On March 9, 2021, the Biden Administration dropped its defense in court of the public charge rule. Therefore, the district court order vacating the rule is now final.
- 1999 “field guidance” on public charge will apply effective immediately
- Immigrants and their families can use health, nutrition, and housing programs they qualify for
- Allows elderly applicants, the unemployed, those not fluent in English or with medical conditions to qualify for residency more easily.
Venezuelans and Burmese Now Qualify for Temporary Protected Status (TPS)
On March 8, 2021, DHS designated Venezuelans eligible for TPS and on March 11, 2021, granted the same to Burmese nationals in the United States.
TPS Recipients receive protection from deportation, work authorization, and may obtain travel authorization for 18 months, which may be extended.
- Burmese nationals must demonstrate continuous physical presence in the U.S. since March 11, 2021. The validity period for TPS will be for 18 months.
- Government Fees with work permit: $535
- Government Fees without work permit: $135
Please visit here for more information or call our office for assistance.
President Biden Announces Program to Reunite Salvadoran, Guatemalan, and Honduran children with Parents Lawfully Present in the U.S.
On March 10, 2021, the Biden Administration reinstituted the Central American Minors Program (“CAM”), which provides a safe and legal way for certain children living in El Salvador, Guatemala, or Honduras to join their parents in the United States. The parent(s) must be lawfully present.
President Biden is reinstating this program to discourage the dangerous journey many Central American children and teens are now making to the southern border of the United States.
The government will process eligible applications that were suspended when CAM was terminated in 2017 before accepting new applications. Eligible parents will be contacted beginning as early as March 15, 2021. You can read more about the program here.