On January 9, 2012 the US CIS posted a notice in the Federal Register expressing its intent to change the way US CIS processes applications for waivers of inadmissibility.  Specifically, the US CIS is seeking to change the current process so that a foreign national who requires an application to waive inadmissibility for unauthorized presence in the United States may file that waiver application before departing the United States to apply for an immigrant visa.

Please contact our office for more information about immigrant visa applications or waivers of grounds of inadmissibility.

The Department of State recently issued the visa bulletin for February 2012. The visa bulletin provides information about when certain foreign nationals will be eligible to receive immigrant visas.

Immigrant visas will be available to Chinese and Indian nationals in the employment-based second preference category whose priority dates are January 1, 2010 or sooner.  This is significant progress, as the visa numbers progressed one year in only one month.

Please contact our office for more information about employment-based immigrant visas, or for an explanation of the visa allocation system.

Binsfeld & Engebretson thanks the India Association of Minnesota for allowing us to participate in IndiaFest 2011, celebrating India’s Independence Day.  Congratulations on hosting such a great event!

A new version of the DREAM Act was filed in the Senate yesterday by majority leader Harry Reid (D-NV). The new bill includes several changes added to increase support from those who previously opposed the bill. See the full text of the bill here.

Contact your Senator to voice your support for the DREAM Act. Find out how to contact your Senator here.

The Minnesota Hispanic Chamber of Commerce recognized 20 leaders on the rise last night at the Millenium Hotel. Thank you for letting us be a part of your celebration, and congratulations to all the Risers!