News

In yet another update to its Policy Manual, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services today announced that it is updating existing policy guidance regarding the exercise of discretion in adjudications of adjustment of status applications. Importantly, the new provisions apply to all family-based, employment-based and diversity visa adjustment of status applications. In a separate “Policy Alert,” USCIS states that the new guidance is effective [...]

Presidential Proclamation Suspending Entry of Immigrants, Alleging Risk to U.S. Labor Market.pdfOn Wednesday, April 22, 2020 the President issued a “Proclamation Suspending Entry of Immigrants Who Present Risk to the U.S. Labor Market During the Economic Recovery Following the COVID-19 Outbreak.” The Proclamation takes effect at 11:59 PM EDT tonight, has a duration of 60 days, and will expire on June 22 if not renewed. It can be read in its entirety at [...]

From the USCIS on Friday, April 3:On March 18, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) temporarily closed our offices to the public and cancelled all appointments, interviews, and ceremonies to slow the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19). That temporary closure is currently in effect through May 3, and may be extended. Our employees continue to work and are performing mission-essential functions that do not involve face-to-face contact with the public.During this time, USCIS will provide [...]

ALBANY, N.Y. (February 3, 2020) – Whiteman Osterman & Hanna LLP, the Capital Region’s largest law firm, is very pleased to announce that Barbara C. Brenner has been named partner.  Ms. Brenner practices with the Firm’s Immigration Group. She represents clients in a broad range of immigration matters, focusing on complex family- and employment-based petitions and applications, employer compliance and I-9 employment eligibility verification, waivers of inadmissibility [...]

ALBANY, N.Y. (January 2, 2020) – Whiteman Osterman & Hanna LLP, the Capital Region’s largest law firm, has announced three new partners:  Christopher W. Meyer, Monica R. Skanes, and Brian M. Wang.  Chris Meyer leads the firm’s Privacy, Cybersecurity and Information Management practice, helping clients protect critical business and consumer information.  He also represents clients in commercial litigation, corporate transactions, and regulatory compliance [...]