May 22, 2009 H-1B Cap Count

On May 26, 2009 USCIS updated the count of H-1B petitions received and counted towards the H-1B cap on the USCIS website. As of May 22, 2009, approximately 45,700 H-1B cap-subject petitions had been received. Also, USCIS has received approximately 20,000 petitions qualifying for the advanced degree cap exemption. USCIS will continue to accept both cap-subject petitions and advanced degree petitions until a sufficient number of H-1B petitions have been received to reach the statutory limits.

May 21, 2009

CBP Reminds Travelers that New Document Requirements Go into Effect June 1st CBP reminds travelers that under the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) new document requirements go into effect on June 1, 2009 for entry into United States at land or sea ports. Travelers should apply for approved travel documents now, as it can take several weeks to receive a document that will comply with new requirements.

May 20, 2009

Momentum for Immigration Reform Continues to Build AILA welcomes several developments that signal that immigration reform is gaining momentum, including the introduction of legislation that seeks to restore America's commitment to family unity and a White House announcement of a high-level meeting with Congressional leaders on 6/8/09 to discuss plans for immigration reform.

May 19, 2009

USCIS Announces Opening of International Adjudications Support Branch in California USCIS announced that its International Operations Division opened a new support branch in Anaheim, California to assist in processing select paper-based applications and petitions received from its international offices.