On 6 May 2008, USCIS announced that "it is publishing a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to increase the maximum amount of time a Trade-NAFTA (TN) professional worker from Canada or Mexico can remain in the United States before seeking readmission or obtaining an extension of stay." Under the proposed rule, the maximum period of admission for TN worker will be extended from one year to three years. It will also allow TN workers to be issued extensions of stay for a period of up to three years. Once the proposed rule is published in the Federal Register, USCIS will accept public comments for thirty days.

For more information, please contact Ortega-Medina & Associates, http://www.Ortega-Medina.com

On 6 May 2008, USCIS announced guidance, effective immediately, on its interpretation of the Child Status Protection Act (CSPA). The CSPA "permits applicants for certain immigration benefits to retain classification as a child even if he or she has reached the age of 21." This new guidance extends the CSPA coverage to foreign nationals who had an approved visa petition prior to the enactment of the CSPA, but who did not have a pending application for permanent residence on the date of enactment. Individuals who were previously ineligible, and who never filed an application for permanent residence, may now file an application for permanent residence. Additionally, individuals who filed an application for permanent residence after the enactment of the CSPA, but were denied solely because they had aged out, may file motions to reopen or reconsider with USCIS without a filing fee.

For more information please contact Ortega-Medina & Associates, http://www.Ortega-Medina.com

On 5 May 2008, USCIS announced change to the E-Verify program designed to reduce the mismatch rate and increase efficiency. The announced changes reflect the first two phases of a three part improvement to the E-Verify program. Information for naturalized US citizens will now be included in the program, along with real-time arrival information from the Border Inspection System. The third phase of the improvements plans to improve information sharing between the USCIS and the Social Security Administration regarding naturalized US citizens.

For more information, please contact Ortega-Medina & Assocites, http://www.Ortega-Medina.com