The USCIS California Service Center (CSC) has reopened following a temporary closure due to plumbing issues. Deliveries have resumed and USCIS does not anticipate any delays due to the closure.

On March 8, 2013, Associate Attorney Maier Negugogor of Kidambi & Associates joined Douglass R. Penn (Media/Advocacy Chair of AILA’s CT Chapter) and immigration attorneys Aleksander Y. Troyb and Michelle A. Ross to participate in an in-district meeting with Congressman Jim Himes (U.S. Representative for CT’s 4th Congressional District) at his Bridgeport, CT office.  The topic of discussion was comprehensive immigration reform.  The attorneys engaged in a detailed discussion with Representative Himes on the need for visa bulletin reform providing him with specific examples of the length of time it takes our clients to get a green card due to the backlogged numbers. The meeting was a step forward in raising awareness of the important issues affecting our clients.  We urge clients and other stakeholders to support comprehensive immigration reform and to voice their particular issues and concerns to their local elected officials, state & federal senators and representatives.  In this critical moment, it is vital to let your voices be heard.

Summary: Increase H-1B Cap from 65,000 to 115,000 and introduce sliding scale to increase the CAP
CAP Exempt completely all advanced degree H-1Bs (currently set at 20,000)
H-4 Dependents to be granted work authorization
Simplify H-1B portability
Restore visa revalidation
Allow F-1 students to apply for Green Cards directly – remove dual intent limitation
Exempt Certain categories from Green Card Cap
Remove per country CAP on employment based GC – may eventually help EB3/EB2 backlog
Provide STEM graduates incentive in the form Green Cards

http://www.hatch.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2013/1/hatch-klobuchar-rubio-coons-introduce-high-skilled-immigration-bill

A bipartisan group of 8 Senators released a set of principles (statement) to overhaul the country's immigration system today (01/28/13). Click here for the full text of the statement.

USCIS has recently introduced new options for customers to obtain information and check on the status of their application electronically and has also expanded its call center hours and expanded the capabilities of two online tools, My Case Status and e-Request, to provide these more flexible options:

    My Case Status now allows customers to view the current status of applications they submit, no matter which USCIS form they used. My Case Status now lets them track, through Secure Mail Initiative (SMI), the mailing and delivery of USCIS-produced cards and documents. SMI permits customers to use their website to access the U.S. Postal Service tracking numbers of their documents.

    e-Request now allows customers to inquire electronically about applications and petitions they submit to USCIS. They can use this tool to request a follow-up on their case status if they do not receive documents related to three most-used forms:
         Form I-485, Application to Adjust Permanent Residence or Adjust Status;
         Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization; and
         Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative.

In addition, USCIS is expanding operating hours at National Customer Service Center to include Saturdays. Beginning Jan. 12, customers nationwide can call our toll-free number (800-375-5283) from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays to receive nationwide assistance for immigration services and benefits offered by USCIS.  For individuals seeking answers to more complex issues regarding their case, please call the NCSC Monday through Friday for access to case adjudication officers.

For more details about contacting USCIS for information and assistance, please visit www.uscis.gov.

DOS has introduced the online "Visa Status Check," which allows both immigrant and nonimmigrant applicants to check the status of their cases at the Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC).