Murals by Kobra
Brazilian street artist Eduardo Kobra, better known simply as Kobra, has painted countless murals over the course of his career, many of which can be found in New York City. He has a distinct style, mixing black and white photorealism with geometric patterns in a rainbow of colors. He often layers color over the grayscale elements, creating figures that can seem simultaneously ghostly and very present. Once you know what to look for, you begin to see his work all over the city, especially in downtown Manhattan. The incredibly prolific artist often deals with social issues in his work, frequently commenting on immigration, race, war, and religion. He is a master of powerful, thought-provoking images that make any street corner more beautiful.
USCIS Policy Manual Revisions
On June 9, 2021, in accordance with President Biden’s executive order 14012 on restoring faith in our legal immigration system, US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) released significant policy revisions in an effort to “eliminate unnecessary barriers to our nation’s legal immigration system and reduce burdens on noncitizens who may be eligible for immigration benefits,” said Acting USCIS Director Tracy Renaud.
The new policy guidance updates the USCIS Policy Manual to “clarify the criteria and circumstances for expedited processing; improve request for evidence (RFE) and notice of intent to deny (NOID) guidance; and increase the validity period for initial and renewal employment authorization documents (EADs) for certain noncitizens with pending adjustment of status applications.”
Read moreAs Pro-America as it Gets
Department of State Expands Validity Period of National Interest Exceptions for Certain Travelers
On July 6th, the Department of State announced it was expanding the validity period and number of uses of the national interest exceptions (NIEs) granted to individuals traveling from countries affected by the current COVID-19 travel restrictions. Previously the NIEs were valid for one trip within 30 days of being granted. The new announcement permits multiple entries within the 12 months after the NIE is granted. The expansion is effective immediately.
The change in policy affects NIEs issued to those present in the following countries within 14 days of trying to enter the United States: Brazil, China, India, Iran, South Africa, the Schengen Area, the United Kingdom, and Ireland.
Read moreWimbledon Tennis Championships
After over a year of cancelled sports, or games played to empty stands, the crowd at the Wimbledon Tennis Championships is finally enjoying their favorite sport in person. There’s something special about gathering together to watch a match, experiencing the highs and lows of the competition firsthand. Between the vivid green court and the bright blue sky, the energy of the crowd is palpable. No matter which players they’re rooting for, the tennis fans at Wimbledon are once again feeling the vibrant excitement of sitting in the stands at a live sporting event, a feeling that can’t be replicated by watching in their living rooms at home.
USCIS Vermont Service Center Change of Address
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) recently announced that they will be decommissioning the St. Albans, Vermont facility. As of June 25, 2021, the Vermont Service Center is no longer receive any incoming mail at the St. Albans, VT facility.
Read moreIt Has Been 35 Years
Elephants in London
Wildlife in London is usually limited to squirrels, pigeons, and ducks – the usual urban fauna. Londoners don’t generally expect to navigate around elephants while they walk through the public parks. For the last six weeks, however, that is exactly what they did. The elephants, of course, were not real, living beasts, but life-size sculptures installed in the Royal Parks by Elephant Family and The Real Elephant Collective as part of the CoExistence initiative. In an attempt to raise awareness of the increasing numbers of elephants living in human-dominated landscapes, these 100 Asian elephant sculptures were placed in the UK’s largest urban center. The sculptures are handcrafted by communities in Tamil Nadu, India, many of whom coexist with real life elephants. At the end of their time in London, the elephants, which are each unique, will be sold, with the proceeds benefiting Elephant Family.
