USCIS announced that it will make permanent its COVID-19 flexibility to accept all benefit forms and documents with original signatures, that have been copied, scanned or otherwise reproduced for submissions. This change only applies to signatures. All other form instructions should be followed when completing a form.

SILVER SPRING, Maryland — A coalition of 31 U.S. Catholic organizations is marking World Health Day by announcing unified support to encourage constituents and faith communities to accept vaccination as an act of charity and solidarity with others that will help prevent the spread of COVID-19 and build immunity against the virus.

SILVER SPRING, Maryland — The administration’s June 22 extension and expansion of its April proclamation blocking many visa entrants from coming to the United States is a thinly veiled attempt to use the COV

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and the Department of State started implementing their new public charge rules just before they shut down most adjustment and immigrant visa application processing. Since then, the government has been mailing out stimulus checks, and unemployment claims have soared. When these agencies reopen and restart adjudicating, our clients may be even more vulnerable to public charge findings. Many are now asking whether they should cash the stimulus checks, file for unemployment, or apply for other benefit programs for themselves or family members.

The administration has continued its attack on asylum seekers, and stranded asylum seekers in Mexico face an even more dangerous situation amidst a global pandemic that has altered everyone’s lives.

The Catholic Legal Immigration Network, Inc. shares your concerns regarding the spread of COVID-19, and the disruptive effect it is having on the operation of our network across the United States. As we all carefully monitor changes and regulations, our thoughts are with those of you who are directly impacted by this pandemic. CLINIC is committed to providing resources to support our partners during this challenging time. We’ve pulled together external information that offers guidance on navigating COVID-19 and addressing organizational support needs.

The following are additional resources that may be helpful to your practice during the COVID-19 crisis:

The following are links to CLINIC’s outreach efforts to the administration regarding the COVID-19 crisis:

The following are links that may help you to manage your legal services program during the COVID-19 crisis:

• For up-to-date information and resources regarding legislative initiatives, including USCCB’s Migration-Related Requests for COVID-19 Package 4, visit Justice for Immigrants’ webpage.
• ARPA: The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 was signed by President Biden on

• The Office of the CIS Ombudsman remains open and continues to respond to case assistance requests.

• On Dec. 31, 2021, the White House revoked Presidential Proclamation 10315 "A Proclamation on Suspension of Entry as Immigrants and Nonimmigrants of Certain Additional Persons Who Pose a Risk of Transmitting Coronavirus Disease 2019." The Proclamation, which was in effect from Nov. 26, 2021 to Dec.

• Primary Source: Full information about EOIR’s response to COVID-19 can be found on its dedicated webpage.
• Updated In-Person Safety Guidelines: In Aug. 2022, EOIR updated its public health guidance. In areas of the country where community transmission is high, individuals are required to wear a NIOSH-approved respirator, well-fitting KN95, or surgical mask. Cloth masks are not permitted.

Updated Requirements for Air Travelers to the United States due to COVID-19 and the Omicron Variant: On Dec. 31, 2021, the administration revoked Presidential Proclamation 10315, which restricted travel from Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe starting on Nov. 29, 2021, due to concerns over the new Omicron variant.

• I-9 Policy:
  • List B: DHS has announced that, Form I-9 identity documents found in List B set to expire on or after March 1, 2020, and not otherwise extended by the issuing authority, may be treated the same as if the employee presented a valid receipt for an acceptable document for Form I-9 purposes.

• Primary Source: Full information about ICE’s response to COVID-19 can be found on its dedicated webpage.
SEVIS: ICE has issued a Frequently Asked Questions list regarding how COVID-19 may impact SEVP-certified schools and F and M students. -->
• Enforcement: While ICE previously indicated it had temporarily adjusted its enforcement posture due to COVID-19, its current pa

• Primary Source: Full information about USCIS’s response to COVID-19 can be found on its dedicated webpage.
• In-Person Services: For two years now, USCIS has conducted in-person services with varying levels of precautionary measures in place. As of Sept. 2, 2022, USCIS only requires physical distancing and masks to be worn in those areas where community levels of COVID-19 are high.

The president issued the “Proclamation Suspending Entry of Immigrants Who Present Risk to the U.S. Labor Market During the Economic Recovery Following the COVID-19 Outbreak” on April 22, 2020, suspending certain immigrants from entering the United States for 60 days. The proclamation is effective at 11:59 p.m. ET on April 23, 2020.

During this webinar, speakers will share updates on how USCIS and other federal agencies are responding to COVID-19. Additionally, speakers will provide tips and practice pointers on program models and preparing cases and clients.  Most importantly, there will be a Q&A session to hear from you about the challenges you are currently facing because of the COVID-19 pandemic.