On April 2, 2025, United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) announced it is updating the USCIS Policy Manual to recognize only two biological sexes, male and female, for all immigration-related benefits requests and documentation. Under the guidance, “USCIS considers a person’s sex as that which is generally evidenced on the birth certificate issued at or nearest to the time of birth.” The decision will impact a variety of key documents that the USCIS issues, including green cards, employment authorization documents, and naturalization certificates.
Read moreUSCIS Completes Selections from Electronic Registrations for FY2026 H-1B Cap
On March 31, 2025, United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) announced they had received enough initial electronic registrations for unique individuals for the fiscal year 2026 (“FY26”) H-1B cap, as well as the advanced degree exemption (master’s cap) and have randomly selected enough properly submitted registrations. The Service has completed the notifications to all employers who submitted online registrations. Those with selected registrations may begin filing H-1B cap subject petitions for FY2026 as of April 1, 2025 and the period to file their petition with the service will be at least 90 days. Petitions may be filed either on paper at the correct filing location or online at my.uscis.gov within the filing period that is indicated on the selection notice.
Read moreDamaged Dignity Through Deportation
Fordham’s Magis Sculpture Exhibition
Energized by the warming temperatures and our trip to the Pratt Institute’s sculpture walk a few weeks ago, we decided to explore the art offerings of other schools in New York City. We were happy to find the newly installed “Magis Sculpture Exhibition” on Fordham University’s Lincoln Center campus. Tucked away in a calm grassy plaza just above street level, the installation features works on loan from Nantucket’s Cavalier Galleries. We were thrilled to see the work of Bjørn Skaarup, having enjoyed his “Hippo Ballerina” since 2017. This installation included Skaarup’s “The Majestic Lion,” “The Frog” and “The Giraffe,” as well as works like “After Shopping” from artist Bruno Lucchesi. As we begin to thaw from winter, we hope you get a chance to catch this great installation.
DHS Terminates Humanitarian Parole Program for Cuban, Nicaraguan, Haitian, and Venezuelan Nationals
The US Department of Homeland Security (“DHS”) announced the termination of the humanitarian parole program initiated by the Biden administration in 2023 which allowed approximately 532 thousand migrants escaping political and economic upheaval in Cuban, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuelan to travel and live in the US lawfully under certain conditions. Known as the CHNV Parole Programs (“CHNV”), DHS has terminated the programs as of March 25, 2025, and beneficiaries are set to lose their legal status on April 24, or 30 days after the publication of the notice in the Federal Register.
Read moreUnderstanding the Risks of International Travel: A Practical Guide for Visitors, Visa Holders, Green Card Holders, and US Citizens
Recent media coverage has sparked concerns about international travelers entering the US, including the possibility of delays or denials at the US border, especially for travelers with ties to certain countries or political issues. While headlines may amplify isolated incidents, it is important to understand what the actual risks are, and are not, for different categories of travelers. The looming threat of a travel ban being instituted for nationals of certain countries by the Trump administration may also impact some foreign nationals, even if they have valid visas, potentially preventing them from re-entering the country should the ban be imposed while they are outside of the US. In an effort to provide clarity and help travelers make informed decisions before planning a trip abroad, we are providing a brief guide in an effort to minimize concerns and flag any potential areas of concern.
Read moreReturn Lady Liberty
“The Space Between Us” by Risha Gorig
Floating fifteen feet above New York’s Union Square Park are two bright pink chairs, facing each other. “The Space Between Us,” (“TSBU”) is by Brooklyn based artist Risha Gorig, who is known for taking a whimsical approach to bleak themes. Gorig says the floating chairs, which represent public discourse, serve “as a poignant reminder of our essential need for communication.” As one of New York’s oldest town squares, Union Square has historically served as a “space for expression, protest, and exchange,” making it the perfect backdrop for the thought provoking and conversation starting installation. This eye-catching piece will be on display for visitors until May 1, 2025.
Irish Contributions to American Culture
Happy St. Patrick’s Day!
We are getting into the St. Patrick’s Day spirit early with a celebration at our New York office. Ahead of Monday’s holiday, Fiona baked a loaf of Irish Soda Bread for us, a family recipe from her great-grandmother who hailed from Clifden, Ireland that her family has been making for decades. The recipe was even shared by Family Circle Magazine many years ago. Of course, we enjoyed it with a generous spread of Kerrygold butter. No Guinness yet, but we have a feeling this weekend’s festivities might bring a pint or two.