USCIS Updates Form I-485 to Streamline Social Security Number Application
USCIS announced on Monday that immigrants applying for a green card from within the US can now apply for a Social Security number (SSN) or replacement card as part of the same application.
Before the announcement, applicants had to apply for a Social Security number separately at a Social Security office. USCIS updated Form I-485 to include additional questions asking whether or not the applicant would like to apply for a SSN.
DOS Considers Allowing Online Passport Renewals
This week the U.S. Department of State announced it will request comment on a proposed rule that would allow passport renewal applicants who are eligible to apply by mail the additional option of applying online. Comments are due by October 8.
Biden Administration to Fortify and Preserve DACA
The White House’s budget office posted a notice on Tuesday saying it has received a draft rule to reshape the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA, program, which protects people brought to the US unlawfully as children from deportation.
Few details were provided, but the notice says, “Consistent with the presidential memorandum, DHS intends to engage in notice-and-comment rulemaking to preserve and fortify the program.”
I-693 Medical Exam Report Validity Extended to 4 years
Starting August 12, USCIS will temporarily extend the validity window for Form I-693, Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination. Record from two years to four years, due to delays in processing during the COVID-19 pandemic. USCIS says it will consider a completed Form I-693 valid if:
- The civil surgeon’s signature is dated no more than 60 days before the applicant filed Form I-485
- No more than four years have passed since the date of the civil surgeon’s signature
- A decision on the applicant’s Form I-485 is issued on or before September 30th, 2021.
Census Shows US Growth Driven By an Increase In Asian and Hispanic Population
In the past decade, the U.S. has become more diverse according to the Census Bureau’s report from 2020. The white population dropped from 63.7% in 2010 to 57.8% in 2020, which is the lowest count on record. The Census Bureau said this was driven by falling birth rates among white women. In California, Hispanics became the largest racial or ethnic group, growing from 37.6% to 39.4% of the population in the last decade. Asians were also a fast growing racial or ethnic group, growing by more than a third, with 24 million Asian Americans in 2020.