Immigration Action Newsletter

 

Your Immigration Action Newsletter

 

Now that the bipartisan Senate Gang of Eight’s bill (S. 744) has been introduced we are monitoring the legislative process very closely. As you know, next week, the Senate Judiciary Committee will continue to introduce and debate amendments to hopefully improve the legislation, bringing us one step closer to real commonsense immigration reform.

Meanwhile, the President traveled to Mexico and Costa Rica at the beginning of May, where he discussed the economic relationship between these countries and the United States, as well as the potential impacts of commonsense comprehensive immigration reform. He followed up his trip with a meeting with Asian American and Pacific Islander national leaders in order to discuss the impact of immigration reform on one of our largest immigrant populations. You can read the details on the President’s meeting here.

 

Earlier this week, Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano, Director of National Drug Control Policy, R. Gil Kerlikowske, and Acting Associate Attorney General Tony West joined me for a briefing with law enforcement officials from across the country at the White House to discuss their shared support for commonsense immigration reform. The briefing was the latest opportunity to hear directly from law enforcement officials about the importance of immigration reform from a local law enforcement perspective. You can read more about the briefing with law enforcement here.

 

As always, please share with your networks and we look forward to working with you as we continue to push for commonsense immigration reform!

 

Julie Chávez Rodriguez
Associate Director
White House | Office of Public Engagement

Agency Updates

USCIS Announces ABT Settlement Agreement
May 14, 2013
The Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Justice have agreed to settle a nationwide class action lawsuit challenging the denial of work authorization to asylum seekers who have been waiting six months or more for a decision on their asylum applications. The ABT Settlement Agreement will help ensure that certain individuals who seek to file an asylum application or have already filed an asylum application, are entitled to new procedures relating to the crediting of time toward eligibility for employment authorization.

 

USCIS to Expand Entrepreneurs in Residence Initiative
May 8, 2013
In just over one year, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services’ (USCIS) innovative Entrepreneurs in Residence (EIR) initiative has produced real benefits that will strengthen agency policies and practices relating to job-creating immigrant entrepreneurs who help advance American economic growth.  To read a summary about EIR team’s accomplishments, including recent enhancements to Entreprenuer Pathways, USCIS’s online resource center for entrepreneurs, and plans to bolster agency expertise in a broader range of industries, click here. 

 

International Visitors Spent $14.4 Billion in the United States in March 2013
May 7, 2013
U.S. Deputy Secretary of Commerce Rebecca Blank highlighted new data today that shows spending by international visitors to the United States in March 2013 totaled more than $14.4 billion, an increase of nearly 3 percent when compared to last year. International visitors spent $43 billion on travel to, and tourism-related activities within, the United States during the first quarter of 2013. The data release coincides with National Travel and Tourism Week, celebrated each year to recognize the positive impact the industry has on our economy.

 

DHS Testifies at Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Hearing on “Border Security: Examining Provisions in the Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act”
May 7, 2013
Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Office of Policy Assistant Secretary David Heyman, U.S. Customs and Border Protection Acting Deputy Commissioner Kevin McAleenan, and Border Patrol Chief Michael Fisher, and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Deputy Director Daniel Ragsdale address DHS’ work on border security and entry-exit controls.

Blog Highlights

Weekly Address: Fixing Our Immigration System and Expanding Trade in Latin America
President Obama describes the incredible opportunities to create middle-class jobs in America by deepening our economic ties and expanding trade in Latin America and discusses a recent Senate bill that takes commonsense steps to fix our broken immigration system.

 

President Obama Visits Mexico and Costa Rica
In preparation for his trip to Mexico and Costa Rica, President Obama met with US business leaders and Latino leaders to discuss the issues that would be raised on the trip, particularly economic development and comprehensive immigration reform. The President made clear that immigration reform continues to be a top legislative priority this year; business leaders agreed on the need to enact commonsense immigration reform as quickly as possible.

Get Involved

Cecilia Muñoz: “Let’s show we’re a nation of immigrants”
Cecilia Muñoz sent the message below to the White House email list, asking people to share their American stories. To kick things off, one of the President’s senior advisors sat down to share his story with you. Watch David Simas tell his American story, then tell us yours.

 

Applications for the FY 2013 Citizenship and Integration Grant Program Due by May 22
On April 18, USCIS announced the availability of the Citizenship and Integration Grant Program, a competitive grant opportunity which promotes immigrant civic integration and prepares permanent residents for citizenship. Applications are due by May 22, 2013.

 

For more information please visit www.uscis.gov/grants

 

USCIS Offering Over 60 Free Webinars on Revised Form I-9, E-Verify, Self-Check, and Employee Rights Throughout the Month of May
What better way to learn more about the revised Form I-9, E-Verify, Self Check and Employee Rights than by taking advantage of a free webinar in May. To meet demand, the Department of Homeland Security has scheduled over 60 webinars this month. We invite you to take part in this great opportunity. Visit the E-Verify Webinar webpage, I-9 Central or view the flyer for a list of this month’s sessions.

Get Updates

The weekly Share

 

ATTENTION: We Know A Way To Add $1.5 Trillion To The U.S. Economy

Elizabeth Warren Isn’t Going To Sit Back While They Try To Cut Benefits For Folks Like Her Aunt Bea

Paul Ryan Casually Drops This Slur And Shows The GOP’s Effort To ‘Reach Out’ Is B.S.

Immigration Action Newsletter

 

Your Immigration Action Newsletter

Friends,

 

Last week, Congress took another step forward in advancing commonsense immigration reform. Just a week after bipartisan Senate leaders introduced their comprehensive bill – the Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act of 2013 (S. 744) – Secretary Napolitano testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee in support of the legislation:

 

“As the President stated earlier this week, this bill is clearly a compromise, and there are some things we don’t agree on, but the bill is largely consistent with the President’s principles on commonsense comprehensive reform. The bill would continue to strengthen security at our borders and hold employers more accountable if they knowingly hire undocumented workers. It would provide a pathway to earned citizenship for the 11 million individuals who are already in this country illegally. It would also modernize our legal immigration system, allowing families to be reunited in a humane and timely manner and grow our economy by attracting the highly-skilled entrepreneurs and workers who will help create good paying jobs. These are all commonsense steps that the majority of Americans support. The President and I, as well as the rest of the Cabinet, stand willing to do whatever it takes to make sure that comprehensive immigration reform becomes a reality as soon as possible. DHS is ready to work directly with this Committee to further refine the bill and pass the much-needed reforms that will help make our border safer and our country stronger.”

 

You can read the Secretary’s full testimony here. 

The Senate Judiciary Committee also held two hearings on S. 744 where a broad range of leaders from the law enforcement, business, faith, and immigrant communities spoke in support of moving this bipartisan legislation forward. 

Former Director of Hispanic Media Luis Miranda briefs President Obama ahead of Hispanic media interviews in the Oval Office, February 21, 2012. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza.)

Be sure to check out our former colleague Luis Miranda’s personal journey to citizenship and the White House in the blog highlights below. We appreciate his service with the Obama Administration and for speaking out so personally on this important issue.

 

We are also happy to announce the launch of our new Spanish language immigration web page, which will help to provide updates and information on our efforts to enact commonsense immigration reform. You can visit the new site here, or view the original page here.

 

As always, please share with your networks and we look forward to working with you as we continue to push for commonsense immigration reform!

 

Julie Chávez Rodriguez
Associate Director
White House | Office of Public Engagement 

Agency Updates

Secretary Napolitano Speaks at the American Hotel & Lodging Association Legislative Action Summit
April 24, 2013
Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano today delivered remarks at the American Hotel & Lodging Association Legislative Action Summit, highlighting the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) priorities, including the need to reform and modernize our nation’s immigration laws, and efforts to facilitate legitimate travel and trade. “The hotel and lodging industry and DHS have a shared desire to ensure that the United States remains open and welcoming to business and tourists – from across the country and around the world – who support our nation’s economy,” said Secretary Napolitano. “We want to make sure that travel to, from, and within the United States is not only safe and secure, but also efficient.”

 

Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security Announce Safeguards for Unrepresented Immigration Detainees with Serious Mental Disorders or Conditions
April 22, 2013
The Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will issue a new nationwide policy for unrepresented immigration detainees with serious mental disorders or conditions that may render them mentally incompetent to represent themselves in immigration proceedings.

 

USCIS Announces Citizenship and Integration Grant Opportunity
April 18, 2013
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced today the availability of the Citizenship and Integration Grant Program, a competitive grant opportunity which promotes immigrant civic integration and prepares permanent residents for citizenship. The program will provide nearly $10 million in funding for citizenship preparation programs in communities across the country. Applications are due by May 22, 2013.  

 

USCIS Welcomes New Citizens at the Library of Congress
April 15, 2013
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Director Alejandro Mayorkas administered the Oath of Allegiance to 25 new citizens today during a special naturalization ceremony at the Library of Congress to celebrate National Library Week. In addition, Director Mayorkas and Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) Director Susan H. Hildreth announced a partnership to provide immigration and citizenship information at public libraries across the United States.

 

Updated Data on Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals
April 12, 2013
USCIS has posted updated data on requests for consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals at www.uscis.gov/data. The data include: the cumulative number of requests received and accepted for processing, biometrics appointments scheduled, requests under review and requests approved and denied. The data also shows the number of accepted and approved requests from the top 20 countries of origin and location of residence. Please also note that the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals reporting period will change from a mid-month to an end-of-month cycle.

USCIS Reaches FY 2014 H-1B Cap
April 8, 2013 
For the first time since 2008, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has reached the statutory H-1B cap of 65,000 for fiscal year (FY) 2014 within the first week of the filing period. USCIS has also received more than 20,000 H-1B petitions filed on behalf of persons exempt from the cap under the advanced degree exemption.

 

E-Verify Celebrates Another Successful Year!
April 8, 2013
E-Verify ended 2012 on a high note, providing even better, faster and more accessible resources to the public. From the launch of the Employee Rights Toolkit, to Self-Check and the development of quick audit reports, searchable databases and the E-Verify Self Assessment Guide for E-Verify Direct Access Users and the E-Verify Self Assessment Guide for E-Verify Web Services Users, there was something for everyone. Read the E-Verify blog.

Blog Highlights

A Personal Journey to Citizenship and the White House
Luis Miranda, the former Director of Hispanic Media for the White House Office of Communications, recently wrote an op-ed for USA Today sharing his immigration story – that began as a young, undocumented kid, and ended in the White House.

 

Working Together to Combat Human Trafficking
On April 9, we hosted the first-ever White House Forum to Combat Human Trafficking. The event brought together leaders from government, the private sector, advocates and survivors, faith leaders, law enforcement, and academia to talk about what we can do, together, to end human trafficking.

 

Working Together to Support Victims of Human Trafficking
On April 9, Secretary Janet Napolitano joined Senior Advisor to President Obama Valerie Jarrett and Attorney General Eric Holder at the White House Forum on Combating Human Trafficking where they announced the Administration’s latest effort to combat the hidden crime of human trafficking and help victims of human trafficking. During the Forum, they released a draft Federal Strategic Action Plan on Services for Victims of Human Trafficking, which will be open for public comment for 45 days.

 

Finding Home
Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs) have much at stake when it comes to commonsense immigration reform. Three-quarters are foreign-born and AAPIs naturalize at the highest rates of those who choose to become American citizens. Read one story here. 

Get Involved

USCIS Invitation: Revised Form I-9 Teleconference (PDF)
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) invites interested individuals to participate in a stakeholder teleconference on Tuesday, May 7, 2013 at 2:30 p.m. (Eastern).

Beginning May 7, 2013 all employers are required to use the most recent version of the Form I-9. USCIS subject matter experts will discuss and answer questions about the revised Form I-9 during the stakeholder teleconference.

For more information about the revised Form I-9, please visit I-9 Central on our website. Please click here to RSVP for this engagement.

 

Bills & Hearings in the House 3/19

 

9:30 am	Hearing: Oversight Hearing – United States House of RepresentativesCommittee on Appropriations: Legislative Branch
10:00 am	Hearing: CPA Part 1: Lawful Access to Stored ContentCommittee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, Homeland Security, And Investigations
10:00 am	Hearing: DOD and DHS: Implementing Agency Watchdogs’ Recommendations Could Save Taxpayers BillionsCommittee on Oversight and Government Reform: Full Committee
10:00 am	Hearing: RESCHEDULED-Threats from Space: A Review of U.S. Government Efforts to Track and Mitigate Asteroids and Meteors, Part 1Committee on Science, Space, and Technology: Full Committee
10:00 am	Hearing: Camp Announces Hearing on Tax Reform and Tax Provisions Affecting State and Local GovernmentsCommittee on Ways and Means: Full Committee
10:00 am	Hearing: Legislative Hearing on H.R. 1126Committee on Natural Resources: Subcommittee on Public Lands and Environmental Regulation
10:00 am	Hearing: Homeland Security Grants: Measuring Our InvestmentsCommittee on Homeland Security: Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Response and Communications
10:00 am	Hearing: Hearing entitled “Sustainable Housing Finance: An Update from the Federal Housing Finance Agency on the GSE Conservatorships”Committee on Financial Services: Full Committee
10:00 am	Hearing: Oversight Hearing – General Services AdministrationCommittee on Appropriations: Financial Services and General Government
10:00 am	Hearing: Oversight Hearing – National Science Foundation and Youth Violence ResearchCommittee on Appropriations: Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies
10:00 am	Hearing: Oversight Hearing – Top Management Challenges at the Department of Labor, Health and Human Services and EducationCommittee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies
10:00 am	Hearing: Budget Hearing – Department of Energy, Environmental ManagementCommittee on Appropriations: Energy and Water Development, and Related Agencies
10:00 am	Hearing: American Energy Security and Innovation: The Role of Regulators and Grid Operators in Meeting Natural Gas and Electric Coordination ChallengesCommittee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Energy and Power
10:30 am	Hearing: Health Information Technologies: Harnessing Wireless InnovationCommittee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Communications and Technology
11:00 am	Hearing: Oversight Hearing on “Authorization, standards, and procedures for whether, how, and when Indian tribes should be newly recognized by the federal government: Perspective of the Department of the Interior”Committee on Natural Resources: Subcommittee on Indian and Alaska Native Affairs
12:30 pm	Hearing: Public and Outside Witness HearingCommittee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs
1:00 pm	Hearing: The Release of Criminal Detainees by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement: Policy or Politics?Committee on the Judiciary: Full Committee
1:00 pm	Hearing: JOINT HEARING-After the Withdrawal: The Way Forward in Afghanistan and Pakistan -Part ICommittee on Foreign Affairs: Subcommittee on Middle East and North Africa
1:30 pm	Hearing: Sequestration Oversight: Understanding the Administration’s Decisions on Spending Cuts and FurloughsCommittee on Oversight and Government Reform: Full Committee
1:30 pm	Hearing: Oversight Hearing – Indian HealthCommittee on Appropriations: Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies
2:00 pm	Hearing: Budget Hearing – Federal Bureau of InvestigationCommittee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies
2:00 pm	Hearing: DHS Information Technology: How Effectively Has DHS Harnessed IT to Secure Our Borders and Uphold Immigration Laws?Committee on Homeland Security: Subcommittee on Oversight and Management Efficiency
2:00 pm	Hearing: Equipping, Modernizing, and Sustaining the National Guard and Reserve Components as an Operational Force in a time of Budget UncertaintyCommittee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Tactical Air and Land Forces
2:00 pm	Hearing: Consistently Inconsistent: Challenges for Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small BusinessesCommittee on Small Business: Subcommittee on Contracting and Workforce
2:00 pm	Hearing: RESCHEDULED: Oversight Hearing – Quality of Life in the MilitaryCommittee on Appropriations: Military Construction, Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies
2:00 pm	Hearing: Joint Subcommittee Hearing of the HVAC Subcommittee on Oversight & Investigations & SBC Subcommittee on Contracting and Workforce: Consistently Inconsistent: Challenges for Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small BusinessesCommittee on Veterans’ Affairs: Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations
3:00 pm	Hearing: The Department of Energy’s Strategy for Exporting Liquefied Natural GasCommittee on Oversight and Government Reform: Full Committee
3:30 pm	Hearing: The U.S. Nuclear Deterrent: What Are the Requirements for A Strong Deterrent In an Era of Defense Sequester?Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Strategic Forces

Congressional Budget Office

• 
  

  The Taxation of Capital and Labor Through the Self-Employment Tax

• CBO Releases a Report on the Taxation of Capital and Labor Through the Self-Employment Tax

• CBO Releases a Report on the Proposed Homeland Security Budget for 2013

• The Proposed Homeland Security Budget for 2013

the 225th anniversary of the signing of our Constitution

 

Friends,To commemorate the 225th anniversary of the signing of our Constitution, the White House and federal government agencies have come together to celebrate our heritage and founding principles during Constitution Day and Citizenship Day. In his Presidential Proclamation for Constitution Day and Citizenship Day, President Obama remarked: “For more than two centuries, our country has drawn enterprising men and women from around the world — individuals who have sought to build a life as good as their talents and their hard work would allow. Generations have crossed land and ocean because of the belief that, in America, all things are possible…Across our country, Americans are working side-by-side with our Nation’s newest citizens to build strong, welcoming communities that embrace the talents and contributions of all their members.” In this edition of our Immigration Action Update, we highlight what the federal government is doing to honor the President’s message and our founders’ vision for our nation, including the Department of Homeland Security welcoming of more than 32,000 new citizens during 158 naturalization ceremonies across the country last week.

Upcoming Events and Announcements

Quarterly National Stakeholder Engagement The USCIS Public Engagement Division invites interested parties to participate in a quarterly national stakeholder engagement.

• When: Wednesday, October 10, 2012
• Time: 1:00 p.m. EST
• RSVP: Click Here

EB-5 Stakeholder Engagement The USCIS Public Engagement Division and Service Center Operations Directorate invite you to participate in an upcoming stakeholder engagement to discuss the EB-5 Immigrant Investor program. The next engagement will take place on Tuesday, October 16, 2012, from 3:00 – 4:30 pm (Eastern).

• When: Tuesday, October 16, 2012
• Time: 3:00 p.m. EST
• RSVP: Click Here

Chinese-Language Public Engagement The USCIS Public Engagement Division will conduct a national Chinese-language engagement on how to petition for an immediate relative.

• When: Thursday, October 18, 2012
• Time: 2:00 p.m. EST
• RSVP: Click Here

For a list of Local Engagements in Your Area Click Here

Get Updates

Did someone forward you this email? You can sign up for email updates here, and don’t hesitate to drop me a line.

Did you know you can also follow us on Twitter in Spanish? Follow @LaCasaBlanca.

Julie Rodriguez, The White House

Blog Highlights

USCIS releases Spanish language I-9 Handbook Are you a Spanish-speaking employer with questions about Form I-9? The Handbook for Employers is now available in Spanish! Spanish-speaking employers now have a definitive resource at their fingertips to find answers to their questions about Form I-9, the employment eligibility verification form that all employers must complete for their employees.

DHS Launches Update to DHS.GOV website DHS has updated its website! The changes include a new, more unified approach to the website to make it more user friendly. Check out this blog post to learn more about the changes made.  For updates, follow us on Twitter at: @DHSgov

Upcoming Engagements and Announcements

A National Spanish-language Engagement – A Conversation with USCIS The USCIS Public Engagement Division invites you to attend a free national Spanish-language event. Our representatives will share agency updates, discuss immigration-related topics, and will be available to answer your questions.

• Date: Wednesday, August 22, 2012
• Time: 7:30 p.m. – 9 p.m. EDT
• Participate via teleconference at 1-888-989-4980 (Password: Enlace) or live Web stream at www.uscis.gov/live/enlace.

Get Involved

Apply for the Spring 2013 White House Internship Program The application for the Spring 2013 White House Internship Program is now open. This hands-on program is designed to mentor and cultivate today’s young leaders, strengthen their understanding of the Executive Office of the President and engage them in public service opportunities. Learn more about the program and the application process. The deadline to apply is September 23, 2012.

Get Updates

Did someone forward you this email? You can sign up for email updates here, and don’t hesitate to drop me a line.

Julie Rodriguez, The White House

Agency Updates

ICE Homeland Security Investigations special agents honored by South San Francisco August 10, 2012 The mayor, city manager and police chief from the California city of South San Francisco traveled to Los Angeles recently to personally thank the HSI special agents for their courage and sacrifice and present them with a proclamation. On May 3, 2012, HSI agents participated in an enforcement action that resulted in several gang members being arrested, and three ICE HSI members being injured in the operation. Click here to read more about their heroic work and how they were honored by city officials.

Zone Extended for Border Crossing Card Holders in New Mexico August 8, 2012 DHS Secretary Janet Napolitano announced a proposed rule change to extend the travel boundary for Border Crossing Card (BCC) holders. Under the proposed rule, BCC holders will be able to travel 55 miles into New Mexico, thus allowing for increased economic activity in towns along the U.S.-Mexico border at New Mexico. Click here to read more about Secretary Napolitano’s announcement.

USCIS Expands Customer Service Center Hours to Saturday August 6, 2012 The USCIS National Customer Service Center (NCSC) is expanding its hours to include Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Live agents will now be available at Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in each time zone. Call the NCSC toll-free at 1-800-375-5283.

DHS Outlines Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals August 3, 2012 DHS has promulgated more details regarding Secretary Napolitano’s June 15 announcement to make available deferred action to certain young immigrants. Details now available include clarifying definitions on eligibility as well as more information on the actual process for applying. Click here to read more about the details released by DHS on August 3.

Just Released: DHS Outlines Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals Process

DHS Outlines Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals Process

WASHINGTON—The Department of Homeland Security today provided additional information on the deferred action for childhood arrivals process during a national media call in preparation for the August 15 implementation date.

On June 15, Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano announced that certain people who came to the United States as children and meet other key guidelines may be eligible, on a case-by-case basis, to receive deferred action.  U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is finalizing a process by which potentially eligible individuals may request consideration of deferred action for childhood arrivals.

USCIS expects to make all forms, instructions, and additional information relevant to the deferred action for childhood arrivals process available on August 15, 2012. USCIS will then immediately begin accepting requests for consideration of deferred action for childhood arrivals.

• Information shared during today’s call includes the following highlights:
• Requestors – those in removal proceedings, those with final orders, and those who have never been in removal proceedings – will be able to affirmatively request consideration of deferred action for childhood arrivals with USCIS.
• Requestors will use a form developed for this specific purpose.
• Requestors will mail their deferred action request together with an application for an employment authorization document and all applicable fees to the USCIS lockbox.
• All requestors must provide biometrics and undergo background checks.
• Fee waivers cannot be requested for the application for employment authorization and biometric collection. However, fee exemptions will be available in limited circumstances.
• The four USCIS Service Centers will review requests.

Additional information regarding the Secretary’s June 15 announcement will be made available on www.uscis.gov on August 15, 2012. It is important to note that this process is not yet in effect and individuals who believe they meet the guidelines of this new process should not request consideration of deferred action before August 15, 2012. Requests submitted before August 15, 2012 will be rejected. Individuals who believe they are eligible should be aware of immigration scams. Unauthorized practitioners of immigration law may try to take advantage of you by charging a fee to submit forms to USCIS on your behalf. Visit www.uscis.gov/avoidscams for tips on filing forms, reporting scams and finding accredited legal services. Remember, the Wrong Help Can Hurt! An informational brochure and flyer are also available on www.uscis.gov.

For more information on USCIS and its processes, please visit www.uscis.gov or follow us on Twitter (@uscis), YouTube (/uscis), and the USCIS blog The Beacon.

Get Updates

Immigration Update … Our Whitehouse

Wednesday, August 1, 2012

Friends,In this issue of your immigration update, you can read Vice President Biden’s op-ed titled ‘An Issue Beyond Debate: Congress Should Act Now to Protect Women’ to call on Congress to pass the bipartisan version of the Violence Against Women Act. The Vice President said that “women across the nation are now at risk” and that “women everywhere are counting on us, and they can’t wait any longer”. Read the entire piece by clicking here.Also, make sure to check out information about the new USCIS Multilingual Resource Center, which will help individuals find immigration-related resources in 22 different languages. Finally, read about how you can provide feedback on the E-Verify system. Kris Balderston (far left), Managing Director of the Global Partnerships Initiative and Deputy Special Representative for Global Partnerships in the Office of the Secretary of State, gives brief remarks as the Connecting the Americas Champions of Change listen. (Photo from the White House Office of Public Engagement) Lastly, on Friday, July 27th, the White House, along with the U.S. State Department and USAID, honored leaders who have exemplified extraordinary successes and efforts toward the development of – and diplomacy with – their countries or communities of origin at a Champions of Change event. The Champions of Change selected exemplify the notion of being a good neighbor, and highlight how through their work with their countries and communities of origin, they work for the betterment of our region as a whole and in the best interests of the United States of America. Read blog posts below featuring David Ayón and Claire Nelson. Stay tuned for additional information regarding the Department of Homeland Security’s announcement for young people who were brought to the United States at a young age by visiting http://www.dhs.gov/ or http://www.uscis.gov/! As always, please share with your networks! Julie Chávez Rodriguez Associate Director White House | Office of Public Engagement jrodriguez@who.eop.gov Agency Updates USCIS Introduces Multilingual Resource Center July 26, 2012 USCIS has just released its Multilingual Resource center, which brings together many of its resources in various languages for easy access to customers. Information on frequently asked questions, application instructions and other information are readily available in one central location, in 22 languages. Click here to learn more about this initiative! Secretary Napolitano Testifies before the House Judiciary Committee July 19, 2012 On Thursday, July 19th, Secretary Napolitano testified at a House Judiciary Committee hearing. The Secretary’s testimony focused primarily on immigration issues, including efforts by DHS to enforce and administer our immigration laws, improve the legal immigration system, and secure and manage our borders. Read her written testimony. Residency Rule Amended for Canadian NEXUS Applicants July 11, 2012 The United States and Canada are continuing to deliver on key commitments under the Beyond the Border Action Plan for Perimeter Security and Economic Competitiveness. Announced earlier this month, the Canada Border Services Agency lifted the three-year residency requirement for Canadian citizens to apply to NEXUS.  Click here to read this announcement. E-Verify Listens Goes Live July 24, 2012 USCIS has launched a new initiative to gather customer feedback on the E-Verify system for checking employment eligibility. E-Verify Listens is a way to submit ideas, discuss others’ ideas for improving the system, and vote for the ones you like best. USCIS staff will make efforts to implement the best ideas! Click here to read more about this customer-driven initiative! Blog Highlights Shared Responsibility, Shared Destiny: The MALI Experiment July 27, 2012 David R. Ayón is helping bring American and Mexican societies closer together to jointly address some of the challenges that affect us both – and most of all to help strengthen civil society in Mexico. Read more about his work, and the Mexican American Leadership Initiative (MALI). Cultivating the Caribbean American Community July 27, 2012 Over the years, Claire Nelson has learned that America is a collective idea in constant refinement, and that the American dream is one that all of us who come to its shores have a hand in framing and reshaping. Click here to read Claire’s blog. Upcoming Events and Announcements Spanish Language Enlace Engagement On Wednesday, August 22, 2012, from 7:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. (Eastern), U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services will conduct a national Spanish-language Enlace session as part of an ongoing series of quarterly public engagements. During the Enlace, USCIS will provide agency updates, discuss immigration-related topics, and answer your questions. USCIS representatives will be available for participants to discuss regulations, policies, operations, and forms, but will not offer legal or case-specific advice.  The event will be broadcast live from USCIS Headquarters. To participate: Join via phone at 1-888-989-4980 (password – ENLACE); Join us live via the web at www.uscis.gov/ope/live; Email us at OPE-Live@dhs.gov; or Follow us on Twitter at @USCIS_es *Please send your questions prior to the event via Twitter @USCIS_es For further information: Please contact the Public Engagement Division at public.engagement@uscis.dhs.gov and reference ENLACE in the subject line of your email. Please include your full name, email address, and the organization you represent. Click here to download an invitation for this engagement. Get Updates