The Compass® Immigration News to help Employers, Families and Individuals navigate the legal system to successfully achieve their immigration goals.
USCIS Agrees to Decide H-4 and L-2 Applications with the Principal H-1 or L-1
Several years ago, the Immigration Service (USCIS) was sued in Federal Court for their decision to require biometrics for H-4 and L-2 dependents. Unsurprisingly, this significantly delayed the decisions for their change or extension of status. These delays could run as much as two years. In many cases, the work permit (EAD) would expire, and […]
USCIS Processing Delay Lawsuit
This week, it was announced that a large group of individuals facing long delays in the processing of their I-601A Applications for Provisional Unlawful Presence Waivers have filed a class action lawsuit in Seattle against the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to challenge those delays. This type of class action lawsuit, on behalf […]
Tidwell, Swaim & Farquhar Takes the Gold for Best Immigration Attorney in DFW!
We are very pleased to announce that our firm, David Swaim and Associates, P.C. (DSA) has been selected by the readers of the Dallas Morning News as the best immigration law firm in the DFW Metroplex. We are very honored to receive this award and credit the support of our clients, employers, universities and, of […]
USCIS Announces Tips to Filing Petitions/Applications Online
As we move toward an increasing electronic environment, we now scan and upload many documents into electronic database systems. To avoid delays and improve scanning efficiency, we recommend that you do not: Avoiding these activities will improve our efficiency as we process your application, petition, or request. David Swaim, Managing PartnerTidwell, Swaim & Farquhar, P.C. […]
Visitor Visas and the Difference Between the B-1 and B-2 Categories
Visitor visas are for people who want to enter the United States temporarily for business (visa category B-1) or for tourism (visa category B-2). A visitor under the B-1 visitor for business category is permitted to, among other things: Consult with business associates Attend a scientific, educational, professional, or business convention or conference Settle an […]
Update on Appeals with the Board of Alien Labor Certification Appeals
There has been a steady flow of decisions but nothing especially notable. It appears the Board is close to finishing the 2019 cases. While that’s good progress, it still puts the backlog at two to three years, which suggests refiling remains a preferable option over an appeal. This could change in the next year or […]
USCIS Increases Green Card Validity Extension Period
Effective Sept. 26, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is automatically extending the validity of Permanent Resident Cards (also known as Green Cards) to 24 months for lawful permanent residents who file Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card. Lawful permanent residents who properly file Form I-90 to renew an expiring or expired Green […]
News from DHS About Asylum Cases
The Department of Homeland Security has released new I-765 and I-589 forms which are very important for asylum and work authorization through asylum. You will be required to use the updated forms starting Nov. 7, 2022, and any old forms after that date will not be accepted. What Are Forms I-589 and I-765? Forms I-589 […]
An Extremely Important Day
Having practiced immigration law since 1986, I have seen many very successful people and some very disappointed people, all clients. Fortunately, well over 90% of our clients have seen success in their immigration processing. But why is that? There are a number of things that successful clients look into, learn about, and discuss with their […]