Non-Minister Sunset Extended Until Sept. 30, 2021
On Sunday, Dec. 27, 2020, President Trump signed the “Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021” (H.R. 133) into law, funding the federal government through Sept. 30, 2021. The Act also extends several immigration programs. Division O, Title I (Immigration Extensions), Sec. 102 of the Act amends the sunset date of the Non-Minister Permanent Residence Program under Sec. 101(a)(27)(C)(ii)(II) and (III) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) until Sept. 30, 2021. Thus, the Non-Minister Permanent Residence Program is extended until Sept. 30, 2021.
We will continue to monitor this situation and provide updates as they arise. For more information please contact the Religious Immigration Services section at 301-565-4832 or contact your RIS attorney directly.
The Latest Executive Proclamation Explained - How it Effects Religious Workers
On June 22, 2020, President Trump issued an Executive Proclamation titled, “Proclamation Suspending Entry of Aliens Who Present a Risk to the U.S. Labor Market Following the Coronavirus Outbreak.” This announcement follows the April 22, 2020, Proclamation suspending entry of immigrants for permanent residence and extends that Proclamation through Dec. 31, 2020.
A Juneteenth Message from RIS
On June 19, 1865, Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas, to proclaim the end of the Civil War and that those enslaved were now free. Word of the Emancipation Proclamation was not widely known in Texas up to that point, and it had not been enforced, even though it took effect two years earlier. The day became known as “Juneteenth” and for many it is a day of remembrance, freedom and celebration of Black culture.
DACA Update: Supreme Court Issues Its Final Ruling June 18
On June 18, 2020, the U.S. Supreme Court issued its final ruling on Department of Homeland Security et al. V. Regents of the University of California et al., stating that the Trump administration failed to provide an adequate explanation for their termination of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA, immigration program and it, therefore, should remain.
Travel Advisory - March 12, 2020
Because of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, on March 11, 2020, President Trump issued a new travel proclamation suspending entry of all immigrants and non-immigrants who were physically present in the following 26 European countries. The countries include Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland. If you are physically present in any of these countries during a 14-day period preceding your entry or attempted entry into the U.S., you will not be permitted to enter the U.S.
Travel Advisory - March 4, 2020
As you are most likely are aware, the coronavirus (COVID-19) is becoming a more immediate health concern in the U.S. As such, the government has already begun limiting visitors to the U.S. (non-U.S. citizens) who may have recently traveled to the following countries: China, S. Korea, Iran and Italy.
