Effective October 1, 2023, United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) will no longer require applicants filing Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status, to pay the $85 biometric services fee as part of the application process. Additionally, in most cases, applicants will not be scheduled to attend a biometric services appointment. “However, if USCIS determines that biometrics are required, the applicant will receive a notice with information about appearing for their biometric services appointment.”
Read moreOur Immigration System is Flawed
Recent Ruling puts DACA in Jeopardy (Again)
On September 13, 2023, the US District Court for the Southern District of Texas ruled that the Biden Administration’s codification of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (“DACA”) is not legal. The ruling does not prevent DACA beneficiaries enrolled in the program prior to July 16, 2021, to renew their status. United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) will also continue to accept new applications from first-time, would-be DACA recipients; However, they will not process any new applications.
Read more“Echoes – A Voice from Uncharted Waters” by Mathias Gmachl
During one of our lunch breaks this week we came across a whale! Internationally recognized for his work involving the “design and fabrication of ephemeral textile architecture and living environments,” Mathias Gmachl has taken over the Garment District with his fifty-five-foot art installation. “Echoes – A Voice from Uncharted Waters” features a brilliant steel whale whose cries wash ashore as we celebrate NYC Climate Week. The exhibit urges us to ponder nature's harmony and the future of our planet. It juxtaposes underwater tranquility with the jarring noise of human impact, presenting a powerful metaphor for the delicate balance we face. “Echoes” is an exhibit that embodies our role in a sustainable future, illustrating how art can inspire individuals and remind us of the responsibility we have towards our planet.
DACA in Jeopardy
Graced by Mother Nature
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.
Never Forget
Tennis Celebrates Equality
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!
US Implements Limits to Hungarian Nationals’ ESTA Authorizations
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.
