‘Keeping Families Together’ Program Update, DACA News, & More
Temporary Halt on “Keeping Families Together” Program Extended
The U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas temporarily halted the “Keeping Families Together” program on August 26, 2024, pausing new parole requests for noncitizen spouses and stepchildren of U.S. citizens. This stay was extended to September 23, 2024, with a decision on its continuation expected then. A definitive ruling on the program’s legality is anticipated in October. Applications approved before the August 26 halt remain unaffected, and USCIS is continuing to accept Form I-131F and conduct biometric appointments. Contact our office for assistance or updates.
DACA Update
The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program continues to face legal challenges, with the latest court case placing its future in jeopardy. On September 13, 2023, Judge Andrew Hanen of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas reaffirmed a previous ruling that DACA is unlawful. Although this decision does not immediately impact current DACA recipients, oral arguments are scheduled for October 10, 2024 as the case heads to appeals.
Despite these legal hurdles, individuals with active DACA status can continue renewing their protections and work permits for the time being. If you or someone you know is impacted by these developments, Monty & Ramirez LLP can assist with renewal applications and provide guidance on next steps as this case continues through the courts.
USCIS Change of Address Requirements: What You Need to Know
As of July 25, 2024, USCIS requires noncitizens in immigration cases to update their address within 10 days of moving. This can be done online via a USCIS account or by mailing Form AR-11 to USCIS. Note that updating your address with USPS does not update it with USCIS, and failure to update your address with USCIS can result in loss of important or time-sensitive correspondence. Family-based applicants must ensure they use the correct filing method, and some cases like VAWA and U/T visas require extra identity verification. Contact Monty & Ramirez LLP for assistance.so if you have any questions or need assistance navigating these updates, please reach out to Monty & Ramirez LLP for guidance.
USCIS Extends Green Card Validity to 36 Months for Renewals
Effective September 10, 2024, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has extended the validity period of Permanent Resident Cards (Green Cards) from 24 to 36 months for lawful permanent residents who file Form I-90 to renew an expiring or expired card. Individuals who file Form I-90 will now receive a receipt notice that serves as evidence of their continued lawful permanent resident status for 36 months past the expiration date of their original Green Card.
For those awaiting a replacement card, the updated receipt notice, along with the expired Green Card, will provide proof of lawful status in the U.S. If a card is lost, applicants can request an Alien Documentation, Identification, and Telecommunications (ADIT) stamp from USCIS. This extension provides significant relief to applicants, ensuring they maintain proof of status while their renewal applications are processed. For more details or assistance with the renewal process, please contact Monty & Ramirez LLP.
New Trusted Traveler Program (TTP) Fee Structure
As of October 1, 2024, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has increased the application fees for Trusted Traveler Programs (TTP), which include Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, and FAST. The fee has risen from $100 to $120 for applications submitted after this date. These programs offer expedited clearance for low-risk, pre-approved travelers and are widely used by frequent international travelers.
If you or your family is part of a Trusted Traveler Program, you will need to account for this new fee in your future renewals or applications. Despite the fee increase, TTP memberships remain a valuable tool for reducing wait times at customs and security checkpoints. For more information, you can visit CBP’s official site.
October 2024 Visa Bulletin – Final Action Dates
Family-Sponsored Preference Categories
| Category | All Chargeability | China (Mainland) | India | Mexico | Philippines |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| F1 | 22OCT15 | 22OCT15 | 22OCT15 | 01JAN03 | 01MAR12 |
| F2A | 22NOV21 | 22NOV21 | 22NOV21 | 08MAR21 | 22NOV21 |
| F2B | 01MAY16 | 01MAY16 | 01MAY16 | 05JAN05 | 22OCT11 |
| F3 | 01APR10 | 01APR10 | 01APR10 | 22AUG00 | 08SEP02 |
| F4 | 01AUG07 | 01AUG07 | 01MAR06 | 22FEB01 | 01FEB04 |
If your priority date is earlier than the date listed in your visa category, you may be eligible to adjust status or apply for your immigrant visa.
Need Legal Assistance?
Whether you’re applying for a green card, renewing DACA, or navigating address updates, our team is here to help.
📞 Call Monty & Ramirez LLP at 713-289-4546
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