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If you have an expired Green Card, you may not need to file Form I-131A (Application for Travel Document (Carrier Documentation).

It is important to keep your permanent resident card (green card) up to date. Without a valid card, it may be difficult for you to prove that you are a permanent resident, and this could also affect your ability to travel or to prove your eligibility to work in the United States.

Questions arise about marital status and filing for VAWA.

The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) is a federal act designed to protect vulnerable spouses and children. It is recognition that the United States does not condone illegal/immoral behavior of U.S. citizens and green card holders. The program allows victims of battery or extreme cruelty to get green cards. This is true even if the person who was abused is in the U.S. without legal authorization. In essence, the government’s position is "we value the well-being of people more than somebody’s lack of legal presence". It is an appropriate policy.

Because of political and civil unrest in Haiti, this past Saturday, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced it is offering Temporary Protected Status (TPS) to Haitians who were in the U.S. as of May 21, 2021. DHS estimates there are 100,000 people eligible for the program.

The Secretary of Homeland Security has, for humanitarian reasons, undertaken action to help Venezuelan students here on F-1 visas. Venezuelan citizen students will now (1) be able to get work authorization, and (2) be able to reduce their school load (and still be in compliance with their visa). These allowances are initially scheduled to remain in place until September 9, 2022.

The House of Representatives yesterday passed a bill that would create a pathway to citizenship for Dreamers. The Dream and promise Act would provide certainty to undocumented people who came to the U.S. before the age of 19. Instead of being subject to various policy changes with DACA, this offers permanency. The bill would also allow those with TPS to apply for citizenship.

Last Friday, as part of the new administration's immigration reform efforts, ICE quietly announced a new appeals process (“Ice Case Review”) involving arrests, detention and deportation. This is a follow up to the agency's recent announcement that their priorities will be on national security and public safety; the focus will now be on criminals rather than just anyone undocumented.

The Los Angeles Times is reporting Venezuelans are going to be allowed temporary protected status (“TPS”). An announcement is scheduled by the White House for later today. This is great news for deserving people from Venezuela.