DED Extended for Eligible Liberians in the U.S.: USCIS announced a six-month automatic extension of EADs for Liberian nationals covered under Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) following President Obama’s announcement to extend DED through September 30, 2016, for qualified Liberians and those individuals without nationality who last habitually resided in Liberia. The automatic extension of existing EADs until March 30, 2015, allows eligible Liberian nationals to continue working in the United States while they file their applications. The extension also gives USCIS time to process and issue the new EADs.
TPS Extended for Nationals from Sudan and South Sudan: DHS extended the designation of Sudan and South Sudan for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for 18 months, from 11/3/14 through 5/2/16. Rules about re-registration and initial applications are provided at http://www.uscis.gov/tps.
Settlement Reached in Immigration-Related Employment Discrimination Claim Against United Continental Airline: The Office of Special Counsel reached a settlement with United Continental Holdings Inc. in which the airline agreed to pay $215,000 and create a backpay fund, after investigations found it requested lawful permanent residents, but not U.S. citizen employees, to complete additional Forms I-9 and provide additional proof of employment eligibility.
USCIS Using Blue Instead of Red Ink for Many Stamps: Employers, when examining employment verification documents, are advised that as of July 1, 2014, USCIS began using blue ink for many of its secure stamps. The older secure red ink was retired and is no longer used by USCIS.
Consular Revocation of Visas After U.S. Entry: Reports have emerged that some nonimmigrant visa holders already in the U.S. have been contacted by consular officers and told that their visas have been cancelled and/or revoked. Contact your immigration attorney if you have been so advised by a consular post.
Registration for 2016 Diversity Lottery Open Until 11/3/2014: The 2016 Diversity Lottery Visa Program (DV-2016) opened on October 1 and closes at noon (EST) on 11/3/14. Applicants from countries with historically low rates of immigration to the United States can now register using the electronic DV entry form (E-DV) at www.dvlottery.state.gov.