USCIS Provides Clarifying Guidance on O-1 Nonimmigrants in Arts vs. Motion Picture and Television

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services today announced clarifying guidance on how we determine whether an O-1B beneficiary will be evaluated as a person of extraordinary ability in the arts or as a person of extraordinary achievement in the motion picture or television industry when a case has elements of both.

Individuals of extraordinary ability in the arts or extraordinary achievement in motion picture or television industry may be eligible for O-1B classification. The updated guidance will help officers and petitioners determine whether a beneficiary falls into the arts category or the motion picture and television category.

Read more at: https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/alerts/uscis-provides-clarifying-guidance-on-o-1-nonimmigrants-in-arts-vs-motion-picture-and-television

Contact Darren Heyman, immigration attorney, for more information.

Immigration Help Available to Those Affected by Natural Disasters and Other Unforeseen Circumstances

USCIS is reminding the public that we offer immigration services that may help people affected by unforeseen circumstances such as natural disasters. Examples of unforeseen circumstances include, but are not limited to, the Marshall fire in Colorado.

The following measures may be available on a case-by-case basis upon request:

• Changing a nonimmigrant status or extending a nonimmigrant stay for an individual currently in the United States. Failure to apply for the extension or change before expiration of your authorized period of admission may be excused if the delay was due to extraordinary circumstances beyond your control;

• Re-parole of individuals previously granted parole by USCIS;

• Expedited processing of advance parole requests;

Read more at: https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/alerts/immigration-help-available-to-those-affected-by-natural-disasters-and-other-unforeseen-circumstances-0

Contact Darren Heyman, immigration attorney, for more information.

ICE HSI El Paso shows support for victims of human trafficking, educate community during awareness c

EL PASO, Texas - U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) special agents across the country will come together Jan. 11, to show solidarity for victims of human trafficking, while pushing to educate the community on the various signs of the various forms of the crime.

In recognition of this important topic, the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Blue Campaign hosts Wear Blue Day to encourage participants to dress in blue attire and post photos on social media using the hashtag #WearBlueDay, to show support to trafficking victims, raise awareness and provide prevention information about this horrendous crime.

Read more at: https://www.ice.gov/news/releases/ice-hsi-el-paso-shows-support-victims-human-trafficking-educate-community-during

Contact Darren Heyman, immigration attorney, for more information.