The Immigrant Legal Resource Center submitted this letter on June 16, 2023, to thank USCIS for the many changes that have already been made to the USCIS Policy Manual and to provide further recommendations for changes to the Policy Manual that USCIS can immediately implement to increase access to immigration benefits and reduce backlogs. The letter provides suggestions that include ongoing recommendations from prior letters and engagements as well as new ones.

On June 20, 2023, the ILRC submitted a comment to USCIS regarding the proposed changes to From N-400, Application for Naturalization. ILRC commended the agency for a number of positive changes that streamlined and shortened the form. ILRC also made several suggestions to USCIS to clarify and narrow the information required from applicants to ensure that only relevant information is collected on the form.
U nonimmigrant status, commonly referred to as a “U visa”, is a form of immigration relief available to people who are survivors of certain crimes that happened in the United States. This guide serves as a walkthrough of the different benefits granted when approved for a U visa – and those that are granted while an application is pending.

TPS Protections for Immigrants from Four Countries Extended by DHS

(Washington)—Temporary Protected Status (TPS) has been extended for more than 330,000 immigrants from four countries—El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua and Nepal. Individuals from these countries who already have TPS will be able to renew their TPS status and work authorization for an additional 18 months. The Trump administration attempted to end TPS for these countries, but those attempts were blocked in federal court in a class action lawsuit, Ramos v Mayorkas.

With the future of the DACA policy hanging by a thread due to litigation, DACA employees are wondering whether they can continue earning a living if they were to lose their work authorization. This Community Alert, produced in partnership with Immigrants Rising, lists some policy ideas that employers can implement to continue to support their employees if DACA were to end.

Texans Must Join Together to Undo Harmful and Hateful Bills Legislators Passed

(Austin, Texas)—The Texas State Legislature passed a series of cruel and hateful bills during the 2023 regular and special sessions that will harm immigrants, educators and students, the LGBTQ community, ban books, eliminate diversity, equity and inclusion policies, and strip away many freedoms including reproductive rights. The Immigrant Legal Resource Center (ILRC), along with its state partners, will continue to work until all these cruel policies are defeated and we urge all Texans to join us.