COVID-19 Immigration Updates

USCIS Announces Gradual Reopening of District and Local Offices in the U.S.

The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced that they will begin to gradually reopen their local offices in the U.S. beginning on or after June 4, 2020. The offices closed to the public on March 18th. The offices that will be reopening include the local offices that process asylum claims, permanent resident and naturalization interviews, InfoPass appointments, and biometrics processing. USCIS has announced that they will send notices to individuals and their attorneys when the previously cancelled appointments have been rescheduled. Click here for the USCIS announcement, including protocols to be observed upon the reopening of the offices.

DHS Extends Travel Restrictions Across the Borders with Canada and Mexico

The Department of Homeland Security has announced that it has extended until June 22, 2020 the travel restrictions at the northern and southern borders of the continental U.S. for “non-essential travel.”  These temporary closures continue to restrict tourists from traveling to the U.S. from Canada or Mexico. However, foreign national workers and students who must travel to this country may be eligible for admission. Employers should check with immigration counsel before making travel plans on behalf of their workers. Click here to view the DHS announcement.

Please contact your Chicago Immigration Lawyer with any questions.