Hello HAYMAN-WOODWARD followers,
We have some exciting news to share with you! USCIS has recently announced the opening of the Humanitarian, Adjustment, Removing Conditions, and Travel Documents (HART) Service Center, the first to focus on humanitarian and other workload cases.
This center will improve the quality and efficiency of humanitarian caseload processing, and will initially focus on Form I-601A, Application for Provisional Unlawful Presence Waiver; Bona Fide Determination (BFD) for Form I-918, Petition for U Nonimmigrant Status; Form I-730, Refugee/Asylee Relative Petition; and VAWA-based Form I-360, Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant.
As a law firm that specializes in immigration law, we believe this new center will greatly benefit those who need humanitarian-based benefits. We encourage our clients and followers to take note of the establishment of the HART Service Center and the changes that come with it.
For more information, visit uscis.gov/news/alerts to register for alerts and updates.
#HAYMANWOODWARD #ImmigrationLaw #USCIS #HARTServiceCenter #Humanitarian #Adjustment #RemovingConditions #TravelDocuments #USCISNews #Updates #Alerts

Important update from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services:
📌 Provision Allowing Special Immigrant Juveniles to File Form I-360 In Person Before Their 21st Birthday
🗓️ USCIS has announced that petitioners for Special Immigrant Juvenile (SIJ) classification (or their representatives) can now schedule an appointment within two weeks before their 21st birthday to file Form I-360, Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant, in person.
📞 To schedule an SIJ expedite appointment at a local field office, SIJ petitioners nearing age 21 may call the USCIS Contact Center at 800-375-5283 so they can file Form I-360 in person within two weeks before turning 21.
✅ The SIJ petitioner (or their representative) may use the appointment to file Form I-360 at the field office. While USCIS will not examine the request for completeness during the appointment, it will process the form following standard receipting procedures. If Form I-360 is properly filed, USCIS will issue a Form I-797, Notice of Action, using the date it was physically received at the field office as the receipt date.
🌐 For more information on in-person filing of Form I-360 by SIJ petitioners before their 21st birthday, please visit the Special Immigrant Juveniles webpage.
Don't miss this opportunity! Share this information with anyone who may benefit from it. Stay informed and follow us for more immigration updates! 🌏

📣 Important USCIS Update for H-2B Visa Applicants
USCIS has reached the cap for the 16,500 additional H-2B visas for returning workers (with start dates between April 1 - May 14, 2023) in the early second half of FY 2023. Petitions received after March 30, 2023, will be rejected and returned.
However, USCIS is still accepting petitions for the 20,000 visas allotted for nationals of Haiti, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras for FY 2023. As of March 30, 2023, 9,791 workers have been requested under this allotment. Eligible petitioners who missed out on the 16,500 returning-worker allocation are encouraged to file under this allotment.
Starting April 13, 2023, USCIS will accept petitions for the late second half of FY 2023 (employment start dates: May 15 - Sept. 30, 2023). The 10,000 visas in this allocation are limited to returning workers from fiscal years 2020, 2021, or 2022, regardless of nationality.
USCIS will also continue accepting H-2B petitions for cap-exempt workers, including:
1 Current H-2B workers seeking extensions or changes in employment terms/employers;
2 Fish roe processors, technicians, and supervisors; and
3 Workers in the Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands and/or Guam (until Dec. 31, 2029).
For more information, visit the Temporary Increase in H-2B Nonimmigrant Visas for FY 2023 page.

📣 Important Update:

USCIS Revises Policy on Gender Designation on Forms and Documents 📄🌐
USCIS has announced a policy update that clarifies benefit requestors can now choose their gender on most USCIS forms, without needing to match supporting documents. This applies to both initial requests and gender marker changes on USCIS-issued documents after submission, excluding Form N-565.
❗ For those looking to change their gender marker on a previously issued Certificate of Naturalization or Certificate of Citizenship, please submit Form N-565 along with supporting documents.
📌 For guidance on updating or correcting documents, visit the USCIS Updating or Correcting Your Documents webpage. Note that currently, only "Male" (M) and "Female" (F) gender markers are available. However, DHS is working on adding an "X" marker for other or unspecified gender identities, and USCIS will update forms and policy accordingly.
📆 This policy update is effective immediately and reflects USCIS's commitment to removing barriers and reducing burdens for applicants, in line with President Biden's executive orders on strengthening integration, inclusion, and combating discrimination based on gender identity or sexual orientation.
Stay informed with HW Immigration Law Firm for the latest immigration news and updates. 🌏👥

📣 𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝗛-𝟮𝗕 𝗣𝗲𝘁𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗨𝗽𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗙𝗬 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟯 𝗟𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗦𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗱 𝗛𝗮𝗹𝗳 𝗥𝗲𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗲𝗿𝘀 📣

USCIS will start accepting H-2B petitions for the late second half of FY 2023, with employment start dates from May 15 to Sept. 30, 2023, under the H-2B supplemental cap temporary final rule. 10,000 visas are available for returning workers from FYs 2020, 2021, or 2022, regardless of nationality.

🔹 Dec. 15, 2022: DHS & DOL increased the H-2B cap by 64,716 visas for FY 2023, with 44,716 reserved for returning workers.

🔹 20,000 visas are allocated for nationals of Haiti, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, exempt from the returning worker requirement. 11,537 workers requested so far.

🔹 𝗙𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗟𝗼𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Petitions must be filed at the California Service Center. Other locations will reject petitions & return fees.

More info on the FY 2023 H-2B visas: https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/USDHSCIS/bulletins/3541699?reqfrom=share

Going forward, we will post the financial and exchange news and indicators in Portuguese at our HAYWEX channel https://t.me/haywex, for our Brazilian followers.

📢🌐 Important Update from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) 🇺🇸🛂

SEVP COVID-19 Flexibilities 🦠💡 have ended on May 11, 2023, following the termination of the COVID-19 National Emergency on April 10, 2023 📆⏭

Active F and M students 🎓🌍 can complete the 2022-23 academic year under the COVID-19 flexibilities until the summer semester of 2023 ☀️📚 However, for the 2023-24 academic year, online classes 👩‍💻💼 beyond regulatory limits will not count toward a full course of study 🚫🌐

New or re-entering students 📝✈️ must enroll in programs within distance learning regulatory limits 🏫🔐 Designated school officials should not issue Forms I-20 📜🚫 for students outside the U.S. planning to take classes with excess online components 🌍💻

Previously submitted procedural change plans are voided as of May 11, 2023 🗓❌ Schools must comply with all regulatory limits from fall 2023 🍂📚

The COVID-19 flexibilities were intended as temporary measures to minimize disruptions 🚧🔄 and did not signify a permanent change to regulations 📜⚖️

For more information, visit ICE.gov/SEVP 🌐🔍

#SEVP #COVID19 #InternationalStudents #USICE #Immigration #Education #Update

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services today announced the expansion of premium processing for applicants filing Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status, and seeking a change of status to F-1, F-2, M-1, M-2, J-1, or J-2 nonimmigrant status. Online filing of Form I-907, Request for Premium Processing Service, will also be available for these applicants.

USCIS just published its news stats on those waiting Visa Availabilty! (March 31, 2023):
India EB-1: 7,005; EB-2: 358,078; EB-3-115,197, not including family members, so double + those numbers, about 1 million people, for about 9,000/yr.

📌 DHS Updates Cuban & Haitian Family Reunification Processes

📅 Release Date: 08/10/2023
📍 Location: WASHINGTON

Highlights:
1️⃣ Digital Transition: DHS introduces a secure online platform for most of the Family Reunification Parole (FRP) process, enhancing efficiency and accessibility.
2️⃣ Scope: Both Cuban (CFRP) and Haitian (HFRP) processes are updated. Beneficiaries no longer need to be in Cuba or Haiti but must be outside the U.S.
3️⃣ Goals: The revamp promotes family unity and streamlines lawful pathways to curb irregular migration. It aligns with the Los Angeles Declaration on Migration and Protection.
4️⃣ Remarks by Secretary Mayorkas: The update bolsters vetting standards, resonates with feedback from Cuban and Haitian stakeholders, and upholds U.S. values.
5️⃣ Key Dates: Effective from August 11, 2023. Some in-person steps, such as medical exams overseas, remain.
6️⃣ Tech Advantage: Updates leverage tech advancements since CFRP (2007) & HFRP (2014), enhancing process efficiency.
7️⃣ Security: Rigorous multi-layered security vetting continues.
8️⃣ Initiation: Begins with a State Dept. invitation to a U.S. petitioner with an approved Form I-130. Subsequent steps detailed.
9️⃣ Accessibility: HFRP is now open to all approved Haitian beneficiaries, lifting the previous date restriction.
🔟 Objective: The changes aim to unite families securely, offering a safer pathway to the U.S., discouraging perilous journeys.

For detailed application and eligibility info, consult the attorneys @haymanwoodward

#DHSUpdate #FamilyReunification #DigitalMigrationProcess 🌎🔗👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

📌 **Recent Transfers to the 🇸🇦 Saudi Football League, As Reported by HAYMAN-WOODWARD:**

⚽ 🇵🇹 Cristiano Ronaldo
⚽ 🇧🇷 Neymar
⚽ 🇫🇷 Benzema
⚽ 🇸🇳 Mane
⚽ 🇩🇿 Mahrez
⚽ 🇧🇷 Firmino
⚽ 🇫🇷 Kante
⚽ 🇫🇷 Fofana
⚽ 🇫🇷 Saint-Maximin
⚽ 🇸🇳 Koulibaly
⚽ 🇷🇸 Savic
⚽ 🇸🇳 Mendy
⚽ 🇧🇷 Allan
⚽ 🇵🇹 Jota
⚽ 🇵🇹 Neves
⚽ 🇬🇧 Henderson
⚽ 🇨🇮 Kessié
⚽ 🇭🇷 Brozovic
⚽ 🇧🇷 Fabinho
⚽ 🇧🇷 Telles
⚽ 🇧🇷 Malcolm

Global Mobility Insights:

1. Diverse Representation: The list shows an impressive global representation, with players hailing from various continents, showcasing the universal appeal of football and its power to unite nations.

2. Saudi’s Growing Appeal: Saudi Arabia’s investment in its sports infrastructure and the increasing financial appeal of its football league is evident with the transfer of such high-profile players. It can be compared to the rapid growth observed in other Middle Eastern leagues in the past decades.

3. Economic Impact: Transferring such global icons to the Saudi league not only boosts the quality of football but also brings economic opportunities in terms of sponsorships, TV rights, and increased fan engagement.

4. Cultural Exchange: With players from diverse cultures coming in, there’s an opportunity for cultural exchange, fostering mutual understanding and respect among nations.

5. Visa and Residency: From a global mobility perspective, the integration of these players requires a smooth visa and residency process, ensuring they and their families comfortably settle in a new environment. Companies like HAYMAN-WOODWARD play a pivotal role in facilitating these moves, understanding both the professional and personal nuances of such transitions.

6. Sports Diplomacy: Sports, especially football, often transcend political and diplomatic boundaries. Such transfers can pave the way for strengthening ties between nations and foster goodwill.

#SaudiFootballTransfers #HAYMANWOODWARDUpdate ⚽🌍📢

When considering global mobility and immigration, knowing the biggest cities by population can provide valuable insights into where opportunities and challenges might be for expatriates and immigrants. Let’s break it down:

1. Economic Opportunities: High-population cities often have bustling economies, leading to more job opportunities. Cities like 🇯🇵 Tokyo, 🇨🇳 Shanghai, and 🇺🇲 New York are global financial hubs.

2. Cultural Diversity: A large population often means a mix of cultures, providing a rich tapestry of experiences for newcomers. 🇮🇳 Mumbai or 🇧🇷 Sao Paulo are great examples.

3. Infrastructure and Services: Megacities usually invest in infrastructure, meaning potentially better public services, healthcare, and education. But it can also mean more competition for these services.

4. Cost of Living: Living in a big city can be expensive. Expats might find cities like 🇨🇳 Beijing or 🇦🇷 Buenos Aires to be more affordable than others on the list.

5. Social Integration: In densely populated cities, finding a community might be easier due to the presence of various expat groups. But, it might also be more challenging to integrate into the local culture.

6. Quality of Life: The population can impact pollution levels, traffic congestion, and even personal space. Consider 🇮🇳 Delhi’s air quality or 🇲🇽 Mexico City’s traffic.

7. Language Barriers: In some of these cities, knowing the local language is crucial. In others, English might be widely spoken.

8. Safety and Security: Some cities, like 🇳🇬 Lagos, might pose safety concerns, while others like 🇯🇵 Tokyo are known for their safety.

For expats and potential immigrants:
Knowing the dynamics of these cities helps in making informed decisions about relocating. It’s essential to look beyond just population numbers and delve into what life in those cities truly entails.

#GlobalMobility #ExpatLife #CityDynamics #MegaCities2022 #ImmigrationInsights #UrbanOpportunities 🌍🏙🌆🛫🌎🌍🌏