Business Immigration Insights

Following Governor Abbott’s recent proclamation of a state of disaster in Texas due to the COVID-19 pandemic, both the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) and the Railroad Commission of Texas (RRC) have issued guidance for regulated entities relating to environmental compliance concerns as well as other useful information relative to agency operations during these uncertain times.

For the full report, visit our sister site, The Nickel Report.

Starting today, March 4, 2013, USCIS will begin accepting applications for “provisional waiver” of unlawful presence from spouses, children and parents of U.S. citizens on Form I-601A.

As we explained in more detail in a previous post, these “immediate relatives” who qualify for the provisional waiver may now apply while they are still in the United States, and before they depart for their immigrant visa interviews at U.S. embassies and consulates in their home countries.  Before the provisional waiver process was established, they were required to travel abroad and be ...

On January 3, 2013, DHS announced publication of its final rule for certain spouses, children and parents of U.S. citizens to obtain provisional waivers of unlawful presence from within the United States, prior to leaving in order to apply for required immigrant visas at US consulates in their home countries.  The new rule and procedures will become effective on March 4, 2013.

As of December 14, 2009, foreign nationals who apply for immigrant visas or adjustment of status are no longer required to receive the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination.  CDC will continue to require vaccination for mumps, measles, rubella, polio, tetanus and diphtheria toxoids, pertussis, Haemophilus influenzae type B, and hepatitis B.  Others will be required only if a public health need exists at the time, and the vaccine is (a) age-appropriate and recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices for the general U.S. population; and (b) against a disease ...