A Proclamation on Advancing the Safe Resumption of Global Travel During the COVID-⁠19 Pandemic

Posted on November 5th, 2021 by oscarcruzdelgado

On October 25, 2021, President Biden issued a presidential proclamation titled “A Proclamation on Advancing the Safe Resumption of Global Travel During the COVID-⁠19 Pandemic”. Effective on November 8, 2021, at 12:01 am (ET), the proclamation moves away from country-by-country travel restrictions and adopts an air travel policy that relies primarily on vaccination, with limited […]

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Biden Administration Releases Additional Detail for Implementing a Safer, More Stringent International Air Travel System

Posted on October 28th, 2021 by oscarcruzdelgado

Starting November 8, 2021, new COVID vaccination and testing requirements will be imposed for all air travel into the United States in lieu of the previous regional COVID travel restrictions. Before being allowed to board a plane, all air travelers coming to the United States will need to be vaccinated with FDA- or WHO-approved or authorized […]

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USCIS Processing Delays Explained

Posted on October 4th, 2021 by oscarcruzdelgado

The average case processing time for U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has been increasing for years now. In 2014 the average case took about 5 months to process this changed to 9 months in 2020. Many factors, including inefficient processing, understaffing, and changes in policy due to COVID-19 contribute to these longer wait times. […]

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Individuals submitting Form I-693 on or after October 1, 2021, must provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19.

Posted on September 27th, 2021 by oscarcruzdelgado

Form I-693, Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record, is required for most applicants filing for adjustment of status to become lawful permanent residents. Starting October 1st, these forms must show proof of vaccination against COVID-19. Review of vaccination documentation will require: A vaccination record, Copy of a medical chart with physician entries or, Review […]

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USCIS Extends Evidence of Status to 24 Months for Conditional Permanent Residents

Posted on September 7th, 2021 by oscarcruzdelgado

Starting Sept. 4, 2021, conditional permanent residents who filed an I-751 or I-829 form will receive a receipt notice that can be presented as evidence of continued status for up to 24 months past the expiration date of the Green Card. This change is meant to be an accommodation for the longer processing times for […]

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COVID-19 Vaccination Required for Most Green Card Applicants Starting October 1st

Posted on August 26th, 2021 by oscarcruzdelgado

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has added COVID-19 to the list of vaccinations required by those seeking U.S. lawful permanent residence. This requirement is to take effect on October 1st, 2021, and is required by all applicants above the age limit for available vaccines and who cannot document a medical contradiction. To […]

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DHS Seeks Public Comment – How you can take part!

Posted on August 24th, 2021 by oscarcruzdelgado

On Monday, August 23, 2021, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security published its Advance Notice of Proposed Rule Making (ANPRM) to solicit data and information from the public which it will use to inform its public charge regulatory proposal. For background, “under the Immigration and Nationality Act, a noncitizen who is likely to become a […]

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Template Email for Spouses of LPRs exempt from travel bans

Posted on June 12th, 2020 by Shabnam Lotfi

We have heard from community members that airlines have refused to allow immigrant visa holders to board flights to the United States, although the individual was exempt from the travel bans. This has been the case for many immigrant visa holders who are the spouses of green card holders. If this situation applies to you […]

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Michael’s Frozen Custard Reopens Monroe Street Location

Posted on May 21st, 2020 by Shabnam Lotfi

For Immediate Release, May 21, 2020 Contact: Jessica Slind, jessica@lotfilegal.com Michael’s Frozen Custard Reopens Monroe Street Location Owner’s Spouse Finally Obtains U.S. Visa and Reclaims General Manager Role MADISON— The owner of Michael’s Frozen Custard, a beloved Madison, Wisconsin institution, reopened its Monroe Street location on May 7, 2020, after his spouse, the business’ general […]

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Press Release: Michael’s Frozen Custard Preparing to Reopen Monroe Street Location

Posted on April 27th, 2020 by Shabnam Lotfi

For Immediate Release, April 28, 2020 Contact: Jessica Slind, jessica@lotfilegal.com Michael’s Frozen Custard Preparing to Reopen Monroe Street Location Owner Hopeful That Spouse Will Be Issued a Visa to Re-enter U.S. and Reclaim General Manager Role MADISON— The owner of Michael’s Frozen Custard, a beloved Madison, Wisconsin institution, is preparing to reopen its Monroe Street […]

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Press Release: U.S. Immigration Policy Causes Michael’s Frozen Custard to Close Location

Posted on August 21st, 2019 by Shabnam Lotfi

For Immediate Release, August 21, 2019 Contact: Jessica Slind, jessica@lotfilegal.com U.S. Immigration Policy Causes Michael’s Frozen Custard to Close Location Owner May Be Forced to Move Abroad After His Spouse Was Denied U.S. Visa MADISON— The owner of Michael’s Frozen Custard, a Madison, Wisconsin institution, is closing one location on September 9th and may have […]

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Press Release

Posted on March 13th, 2018 by Shabnam Lotfi

For Immediate Release, March 13, 2018 Contact: Shabnam Lotfi, info@lotfilegal.com Lotfi Legal LLC Sues Trump Administration Over Implementation of Travel Ban The Government’s Blanket Denial of Visas Violates the APA, the INA, and Fifth Amendment SAN FRANCISCO— Attorneys Shabnam Lotfi and Veronica Sustic, of Lotfi Legal LLC, an immigration firm based in Madison, Wisconsin, filed […]

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مهاجرت به آمریکا – تراول بن

Posted on December 20th, 2017 by Shabnam Lotfi

برای دوستانی که فارسی ترجیح می دهند.

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Presidential Proclamation Waiver Template

Posted on December 4th, 2017 by Shabnam Lotfi

WAIVER APPLICATION United States Embassy ADDRESS ABROAD RE: Application for Waiver from “Presidential Proclamation Enhancing Vetting Capabilities and Processes for Detecting Attempted Entry Into the United States by Terrorists or Other Public-Safety Threats” Applicant’s First Name: Maryam Applicant’s Last Name: Mohammadi Applicant’s DOB: JAN 1, 19XX Case number: ABC########## Dear Consular Officer, I submit this […]

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Sad Day at Lotfi Legal LLC: The Reality of the Diversity Lottery Process

Posted on September 14th, 2017 by Shabnam Lotfi

The Diversity Immigrant Visa Program (DV Program) allows the US government to issue up to 50,000 immigrant visas annually. In order to qualify, an applicant must be a national of a country that is not well represented in the US. Individuals apply in November of each year and are selected in May of the following year. Then, […]

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Message to US green card holders that plan to travel internationally

Posted on August 3rd, 2017 by Shabnam Lotfi

This informational video was created to inform US green card holders about the risks associated with international travel, particularly for those who have criminal records. As always, we try to provide the most important pieces of information in the least amount of time. We recognize that our audience members live busy lives, and we respect their time. […]

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Notice From Embassy Regarding Travel Ban

Posted on July 1st, 2017 by Shabnam Lotfi

A diversity lottery winner received this letter from the US Embassy in Yerevan today. He was told to either provide documentation regarding his “bona fide” relationship, or to come back in 90 days. He was given this letter. There are a number of things wrong with this letter. First, it doesn’t address the fact that the […]

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Filing writ of mandamus as a last resort

Posted on June 29th, 2017 by Shabnam Lotfi

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Top 3 Tips for Writing to US Embassies and Consulates

Posted on May 17th, 2017 by Shabnam Lotfi

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Top 7 Current Immigration Questions & Answers

Posted on April 22nd, 2017 by Shabnam Lotfi

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Special Nowruz Message to the Parents of F and J visa holders

Posted on March 21st, 2017 by Shabnam Lotfi

This year I want to pay my highest and deepest respect to the parents of international student visa holders. These parents are the silent heroes who have sacrificed tremendously in order to send their kids to study and work in the United States. Their hearts shattered when their kids left for the U.S. Yet, they […]

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Consulate Interview: To Go? Or not to go?

Posted on March 8th, 2017 by Shabnam Lotfi

This video is for our friends abroad who are not sure whether or not to attend their visa interviews after the executive order goes into effect on March 16, 2017.

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USCIS has suspended the premium processing for all H-1B petitions for this year’s lottery.

Posted on March 3rd, 2017 by Shabnam Lotfi

See message below from USCIS: Starting April 3, 2017, USCIS will temporarily suspend premium processing for all H-1B petitions. This suspension may last up to 6 months. While H-1B premium processing is suspended, petitioners will not be able to file Form I-907, Request for Premium Processing Service for a Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker […]

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Preparing for NIW petition

Posted on March 1st, 2017 by Shabnam Lotfi

This information video is created to educate students on what they need to do prior to filing for an NIW petition.  If you recently came to the US and are enrolled in a PhD program, make sure to build your portfolio so that later down the road you can be in an excellent position to […]

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Immigrant visa is more cost-effective and efficient than filing for the K1 Fiancee Visa

Posted on February 26th, 2017 by Shabnam Lotfi

In my professional opinion, it is more cost-effective and efficient to first get married and file for an immigrant visa based on marriage to a US citizen rather than filing for a K1 fiance visa. Talk to an attorney to make sure that the immigrant visa is the right visa for you and your spouse/fiance. […]

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New DHS memo out today on immigration enforcement in the United States.

Posted on February 21st, 2017 by Shabnam Lotfi

New DHS immigration memo out today. This memo includes guidelines for ICE, CBP, and USCIS regarding enforcement of immigration laws. It broadens the scope of deportation and removal enforcement, and nullifies existing enforcement exemptions for certain categories of removable aliens.

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NEW USCIS Memo – Adjustment of Status and Refugee/Asylee petitions will be adjudicated.

Posted on February 3rd, 2017 by Shabnam Lotfi

New USCIS memo has been issued. Adjustment of Status I-485 and Refugee/Asylee petitions I-730 will continue to be adjudicated according to standard USCIS policies. USCIS will continue to adjudicate applications that do not confer travel authorization (i.e. I-130, I-140, etc…)

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Lufthansa allows boarding until February 5, 2017

Posted on February 2nd, 2017 by Shabnam Lotfi

ATTENTION ATTENTION! Lufthansa is allowing passengers with valid visas to board planes headed to Boston Airport until February 5, 2017. Spread quickly please! http://www.lufthansa.com/us/en/Travel-information

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Lufthansa allowing passengers to board until February 5, 2017

Posted on February 2nd, 2017 by Shabnam Lotfi

ATTENTION ATTENTION! Lufthansa is allowing passengers with valid visas to board planes headed to Boston Airport until February 5, 2017. Spread quickly please! It says: Due to a decision (Temporary Restraint Order) by the District Court in Massachusetts, the above mentioned Order is suspended on flights to BOS for the time being until February 5th, […]

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Urgent Warning – New EO in draft

Posted on February 1st, 2017 by Shabnam Lotfi

Sources tell us that a new executive order is in the making. The draft executive order in circulation adds the following countries to the ban: Egypt, Lebanon, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Colombia, Venezuela, Philippines, Mali, and possibly other countries. While we cannot confirm with certainty that this is going into effect, we have been told to caution […]

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Trump’s Executive Order & What It Means

Posted on January 27th, 2017 by Shabnam Lotfi

President Trump signed an executive order today which bans foreigners from certain countries from entering the US for at least 90 days. This applies to citizens from Iraq, Syria, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen. Effective immediately, citizens of these countries may not enter the US even though they may have a valid immigrant or nonimmigrant […]

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Just Released! New Standard for EB2 NIW cases

Posted on December 29th, 2016 by Shabnam Lotfi

Just released. The standard for applying for EB2 National Interest Waivers has been updated. As of December 27, 2016, NIW immigrant petitions will be decided using the standard set forth in Matter of DHANASAR. 

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H4 Visa Erroneously Denied due to Immigrant Intent – INA 214(b).

Posted on October 20th, 2016 by Shabnam Lotfi

Our client came to us after being denied an H4 visa. His wife was in the United States on an H-1B visa, and he had applied for an H4 visa to join her in the US. When he went to his interview at a US consulate abroad, the consular officer denied him a visa. The […]

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US Naturalization Approved After Denial Due to Presumptive Break in Continuity of Residence

Posted on February 18th, 2016 by Shabnam Lotfi

Our client came to us after having applied for US naturalization two times and being denied both times. The problem was that our client had taken too many trips abroad, thereby presumably breaking continuity of residence. Continuity of residence is one of the requirements for US naturalization. We filed for her US naturalization and zealously […]

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