The USCIS originally estimated that a typical deferred action case would take about 4-6 months to process. In the beginning, many people were having their cases processed and approved faster than that, since the overall volume of applications was lower.
Once you have received your DACA work permit (Employment Authorization Card or I-766), you can apply for a Social Security number. The government will not automatically issue you a Social Security number so this extra step is your responsibility.
Tech companies across the U.S. have been engaged in a virtual march on Washington for the last two days. The March for Innovation is a concerted effort to raise awareness about the need for immigration reform within the tech industry (and others), as well as a cohesive opportunity for the industry's leaders, workers, and supporters to make their voices heard. People are encouraged to call, email, and tweet to their Senators to encourage them to support immigration reform when it moves to the full Senate for a vote.
Topics: Immigration Reform Updates, Work-Based Visas, Immigration Blog
Recruiters and HR professionals often ask us if they can employ individuals who hold Employment Authorization Documents (EAD cards). The short answer is "yes. EAD cardholders do not require employer sponsorship to work”they are independently eligible for work authorization.
by Caroline Tang, VISANOW's Senior Manager of Legal Services
Topics: For Human Resources Professionals, Immigration Reform Updates, Immigration Blog
Robert Goodlatte, the Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, has introduced a bill, the Agricultural Guestworker Act of 2013, to replace the existing H-2A agricultural visa program with a new H-2C visa program. The bill proposes to allow up to 500,000 temporary agricultural laborers into the United States per year. That number is subject to change by the Secretary of Agriculture. The visa would allow workers to stay in the US for up to 18 months, as opposed to the maximum of 1 year currently issued to H-2A visa holders.
by John Moran, Enterprise Account Executive at VISANOW
Topics: For Human Resources Professionals, Work-Based Visas, Immigration Blog
Since it was first proposed in the U.S. Senate in 2001, the DREAM Act (Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors Act) has held the promise of a better life for undocumented immigrants in the U.S. The special path to citizenship for DREAMers in the 2013 immigration reform bill is being proclaimed the "best version yet" with more immigrants standing to benefit than ever before.
Topics: Deferred Action (DACA) Updates, Immigration Reform Updates, Immigration Blog
Deferred action is a broad term used by U.S. immigration offices, and it can apply to many different individuals' situations. According to the USCIS, deferred action is (in general) "a discretionary determination to defer removal action of an individual as an act of prosecutorial discretion.
