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This past Monday marked the twenty-second anniversary of 9/11. Not to be outshined by the annual Tribute in Light, the commemorative public art installation honoring the lives lost on 9/11 and the “unbreakable spirit of New York”, Mother Nature embraced the City with a beautiful rainbow we were delighted to witness.
The end of summer in New York is marked by one spectacular event. No, it’s not back-to-school shopping, but the US Open! We enjoyed a few nights at the Open enjoying matches featuring the women’s and men’s number 1’s as well as a late night finish to one of the tournament’s longest matches.
This year’s US Open also marked the Fiftieth Anniversary of its revolutionary decision to provide equal prize money to men and women. In 1973, the US Open became the first Grand Slam tennis tournament to offer equal pay, a feat that is credited to the great Billie Jean King. Ms. King’s efforts on behalf of women tennis players resulted in the New York Times declaring in its July 20, 1973 headline “Tennis Decides All Women Are Created Equal, Too”. If only the rest of the world could operate under this fact!
On August 1, 2023, the Department of Homeland Security (“DHS”) announced the validity period for travel to the US offered to citizens or nationals of Hungary under the Visa Waiver Program (“VWP”) utilizing the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (“ESTA”) has been reduced from two years to one year. Additionally, only single visits will be allowed under each ESTA application, as opposed to multiple entries. According to the US Embassy in Budapest, the reduction of ESTA validity is due to the “Hungarian Government’s inaction” to meet VWP security requirements in line with its “simplified naturalization process” granting Hungarian citizenship “to nearly one million people between 2011 and 2020 without adequate security measures in place to verify their identities.” The reduction in ESTA validity will affect new ESTA applications received after the implementation of the regulation on August 1, 2023 and is not retroactive. All ESTA approvals granted before August 1, 2023 remain valid for two years and more than one entry.
Photos by Lauren Smith
As the temperatures rise and we all daydream of escaping our routine for the great outdoors, Lincoln Center is once again inviting us to the second annual “Summer for the City”, where vanguard artist Clint Ramos, has ensured every inch of the campus has been transformed and delights the senses. Mr. Ramos, a TONY Award Winning artist who was born and raised in the Philippines, is a creative force who has graced over two hundred theater, opera, and dance productions with his vision. With Mr. Ramos’ eye catching designs as the backdrop, ongoing concerts and dances complete with a mega disco ball, Lincoln Center welcomes us all to “come together, see yourselves, and find your home away from home.”
As summer gets under way, we will be taking a holiday from our regular postings for summer until Labor Day, but please check in with us for any significant immigration developments. Wishing you a splendid summer!
According to a Reuter’s exclusive report the Biden administration is preparing to “facilitate the residence and employment of Indians in the country” by announcing new regulation that will permit “a select group of Indian and other foreign workers on H-1B visas…to renew their visas within the United States, eliminating the need to travel abroad.” The report reaffirms our previously reported news from The Department of State’s (“DOS”) February announcement introducing the prospect of launching a pilot program for H and L visa holders to renew their visas in the US, instead of having to travel abroad.
Read moreOn June 14, 2023, United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) announced new policy guidance has been added to its Policy Manual addressing the eligibility criteria for the issuance of employment authorization documents in compelling circumstances. Classified as those circumstances which are “beyond the usual hardship associated with job loss”, Volume 10 of the USCIS Policy Manual, details what foreign nationals must show in order to be eligible for an initial Employment Authorization Document (“EAD”) based on compelling circumstances.
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Photos by Sophie Singh
Contemporary artists Gillie and Marc, known as “eco warriors, with a deep respect for the close spiritual bond between humans and animals” are taking us to the wild side at The World Trade Center with their latest exhibition “A Wild Life For Wildlife”. Rabbitwoman and Dogman, Gillie and Marc’s best known and beloved characters, take us on a journey with endangered animals who ride in tandem in hopes for a better tomorrow. Gillie and Marc invite the public to join the beautiful, endangered creatures in a quest to educate the public about each animal’s “life, needs, and threats..putting wildlife conservation at the center of people’s cities and lives.” With a sister exhibition running alongside in London, we can help share endangered species’ stories through the hashtag #LoveTheLast.
