Earlier this month the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Department of Labor (DOL) published two interim final rules that make key changes to the H-1B visa program and permanent labor condition and labor condition application process. The rules, “Strengthening the H-1B Nonimmigrant Visa Classification Program” and “Strengthening Wage Protections for the Temporary and Permanent Employment of Certain Aliens in the United States”, were both published on October 8, 2020.
Read moreDUMBO Walls
Although DUMBO is known for its iconic waterfront views of Manhattan, look closer and you’ll find many colorful murals hidden or tucked away in the underpasses of the BQE as well as under the Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges. The murals are part of a massive project titled “Dumbo Walls.” “Massive Stampede” is one mural by long-time DUMBO artist and Brooklyn native Craig Anthony Miller (known as CAM) whose work “reflects his life mantra to always be aware that humans have the ability to navigate through any stress that may appear in life, and everyone has the power to make dramatic changes and evolve to free themselves into a pathway of reaching self-mastery.” Artist Emily Caisip’s has a mural titled "Moment of Gratitude" that depicts tall plants reminiscent of the high rises continuously being constructed in New York City. The floating flowers “represent the ‘moment of gratitude’—the exact moment where each person stops, takes in his or her experience, accepts and is happy with where he or she lands.” Speaking of gratitude, we are thankful for the right to vote. Have you voted yet or made a plan to vote?
USCIS Increases Premium Processing Fees Effective October 19, 2020
US Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS) today announced that the agency will increase fees for the premium processing service effective this coming Monday, October 19, 2020. For all cases currently eligible for premium processing, the fee will be increased from $1,440 to $2,500, except those requesting H-2B or R-1 nonimmigrant status. The premium processing fee for petitioners requesting H-2B or R-1 nonimmigrant status is increasing from $1,440 to $1,500.
Any premium processing request postmarked on or after October 19, 2020 must include the new fee amount. If USCIS receives a Form I-907 postmarked on or after October 19 with the incorrect filing fee, the agency will reject the Form I-907 and return the filing fee.
"Untitled (Four Arches)" at the High Line
The beloved High Line has re-opened! Now requiring a timed ticket, the High Line has re-opened at reduced capacity and with additional safety protocols in place. For those who need to get out of the house for a walk outside, now is a perfect time to check out the High Line’s vibrant foliage and art, including work by American artist Sam Falls. For his piece, Untitled (Four Arches), Falls created four ceramic archways using original steel rail tracks from the High Line. Each of the four archways is dedicated to a different season in the park. To design the piece, Falls collected plants from the High Line over one year, embedded the plants in ceramic, and fossilized them with colorful pigments. What else? Don’t forget to vote.
Peace, Love & Happiness
Peace, Love & Happiness currently at the South Street Seaport was created by Scott Gerber, artist and founder of Tube Dude. Gerber designed the piece as a way for “people to come together and heal through art.” The “Peace Sign” aims to “bring calm to one’s mind when distracted not only by major global events, but also by everyday occurrences;” the “Heart” encourages viewers to be “kind and spread love to those who are suffering;” and the “Smiley Face” evokes “happiness and positivity to the viewers so that they in turn may spread joy through our communities.”
USCIS Fee Adjustments and Form Changes Will NOT Go Into Effect on October 2, 2020
This week on September 29, 2020, a California district court stayed the implementation and the effective date of the final rule which adjusted the US Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS) fee schedule and required new versions of several forms, stating as one of the reasons that Acting Homeland Security Secretary Chad Wolf was likely improperly appointed. This means that the fee increases, along with form and policy changes, will NOT take effect as scheduled on October 2, 2020. The American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) confirmed because of the injunction that on October 2, 2020, applicants “are not required to submit the 10/2/20 revised versions of Forms I-129, Form I-765, Form I-912, and Forms N-600/N-600A.”
Read moreUSCIS Implements DHS Guidance on DACA
US Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS) released guidance late last month on how they will implement Acting Secretary of Homeland Security Chad Wolf’s July 28 Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) memorandum, which was issued after the Supreme Court rejected in June the Trump administration's attempt to rescind the DACA program.
Read moreDaunt Books Marylebone
With cold weather fast approaching (not to mention the COVID-19 social distancing protocols still in place), it will soon be perfect weather to curl up at home with a good book and cup of tea (or something stronger). But where to purchase something new to read? Daunt Books (in particular, the Marylebone location) is one of our favorite places in London for book shopping. Originally a travel books specialist, this Edwardian store features an incredible three-level back room with oak balconies, viridian-green walls, and a conservatory ceiling, and is a perfect place to find pretty much everything including guide books, maps, history, politics, travelogue, and fiction organized by country. Happy reading!
CBP/TSA End Airport COVID-19 Health Screenings for International Arrivals (Travel Restrictions Remain in Effect)
US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) published a notice in the Federal Register stating that effective September 14, 2020, flights carrying passengers who were recently present in China (excluding the Special Administrative Regions of Hong Kong and Macau), Iran, the twenty-six countries of the Schengen Area, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and Brazil will no longer be required to land at one of fifteen designated airports in order for passengers to undergo COVID-19 health screenings. This notice only relates to the cancellation of health screenings at designated US airports but does not lift or change the country-specific COVID-19 travel restrictions (which were issued January 31, 2020, February 29, 2020, March 11, 2020, March 14, 2020, and May 24, 2020) for the countries listed above, the immigrant visa travel ban (Presidential Proclamation 10014) or the nonimmigrant visa travel ban (Presidential Proclamation 10052). The American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) CBP Liaison Committee confirmed with CBP that the travel restrictions remain in place and those affected by the restrictions will still be required to obtain a National Interest Exemption (NIE) to travel to the US.
Read moreKenwood House
Outside London on the edge of Hampstead Heath surrounded by beautiful gardens sits Kenwood House. Originally constructed in the 17th century, the house served as a residence for the Mansfield family through the 18th and early 20th centuries and is now open and free to the public to visit and enjoy. Kenwood House has stunning interiors and a world-class art collection, including masterpieces by Rembrandt, Vermeer, Reynolds, Gainsborough, and Turner. Most importantly, the house served as a backdrop for a pivotal scene in Notting Hill. It’s also a good place to relax and enjoy the last few days of warm weather.