Senate Bill 4 Taking Effect March 2024 – What Does This Mean for You?
Join us on Saturday, February 10, 2024, at 9:30 AM for our next monthly immigration seminar.
After the seminar, attendees will have the opportunity to receive a free general consultation with our experienced immigration attorney.
Seating is limited. Reserve your spot by calling our office at 713-289-4546.
Texas Senate Bill 4 – Key Immigration Law Changes
Senate Bill 4 expands law enforcement powers to arrest individuals who allegedly entered Texas between official U.S. Ports of Entry. It also introduces three new immigration-related criminal charges for non-U.S. citizens or nationals:
- Illegal Entry from a Foreign Nation: Class B misdemeanor, up to 180 days imprisonment; enhanced to a State Jail felony for repeat offenses.
- Illegal Reentry by Certain Aliens: Class A misdemeanor, up to 1 year imprisonment; enhanced to a 2nd-degree felony for prior convictions.
- Refusal to Comply with Order to Return to a Foreign Nation: 2nd-degree felony; up to 20 years imprisonment.
Effective Date: March 2024
Challenge Filed: The ACLU has filed a lawsuit, claiming the law is unconstitutional and conflicts with federal law.
National Visa Center (NVC) Interview Backlog – Latest Data
As of November 30, the NVC reported:
- 341,392 applicants have completed documentation and are ready for interviews.
- 36,619 interviews were scheduled for December 2023.
- 304,773 eligible applicants remain waiting for interview scheduling.
For comparison, in 2019, an average of 60,866 applicants per month awaited interview slots.
✅ Tip: Bring all required documents to your interview to avoid delays.
Passport Acceptance Fairs – February 2024
Special passport acceptance fairs will take place nationwide this month to assist first-time applicants and children using Form DS-11.
- Services offered: Routine and expedited passport application processing.
- Facilities: Post offices, libraries, and local government offices.
- Note: Facilities do not issue passports but submit your documents to the U.S. Department of State.
🔎 Find a nearby facility using the Acceptance Facility Search Tool
Need a passport urgently? Schedule an appointment at one of the 26 passport agencies or centers.
DHS Announces Protections for Workers Reporting Labor Violations
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is offering protections to undocumented workers who report employer violations.
These workers may be eligible for:
- Deferred action
- Parole in place
- T-Visas or U-Visas
Process to Request Deferred Action:
- Report workplace violations to a Labor Agency.
- Obtain a “Statement of Interest” from the agency.
- Submit proof you fall within the scope of affected workers.
- Request Deferred Action-based Employment Authorization from DHS.
- Attend biometrics appointment after filing required forms.
- DHS reviews and considers deferred action.
🕒 Already granted Deferred Action? You may apply for an additional two years if you’re aiding in an ongoing investigation.
➡️ More info on DHS labor enforcement protections
USCIS Fee Increases – Effective April 1, 2024
USCIS has finalized a rule adjusting immigration and naturalization fees for the first time since 2016. Changes take effect April 1, 2024.
Here are some highlights:
| Filing Type | Current Fee | New Fee | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| I-90 (paper) | $455 | $465 | +2% |
| I-90 (online) | $540 | $465 | -14% |
| I-130 (online) | $535 | $625 | +17% |
| I-130 (paper) | $535 | $675 | +26% |
| I-485 (with biometrics) | $1,225 | $1,440 | +18% |
| I-601 | $930 | $1,050 | +13% |
| N-400 (online, with biometrics) | $725 | $710 | -2% |
Grace Period: From April 1 through June 3, 2024, USCIS will accept both the old and new forms—but you must include the correct fee.
Important: No grace period applies to Form I-140 filings.
February 2024 Visa Bulletin – Family-Sponsored Categories
If your priority date is earlier than the one listed below, you may begin submitting documents per the Dates for Filing chart.
| Family-Sponsored | All Chargeability | China (Mainland) | India | Mexico | Philippines |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| F1 | 01SEP17 | 01SEP17 | 01SEP17 | 01APR05 | 22APR15 |
| F2A | 01SEP23 | 01SEP23 | 01SEP23 | 01SEP23 | 01SEP23 |
| F2B | 01JAN17 | 01JAN17 | 01JAN17 | 01AUG04 | 01OCT13 |
| F3 | 01MAR10 | 01MAR10 | 01MAR10 | 15JUN01 | 08NOV03 |
| F4 | 01MAR08 | 01MAR08 | 22FEB06 | 15APR01 | 22APR04 |
Need Help with Your Immigration Case?
📞 Call Monty & Ramirez LLP at 713-289-4546
📧 Email: info@montyramirezlaw.com
Work with experienced immigration attorneys who understand what works.