Immigration and Citizenship Community News May 2024
May 7, 2024
On and Off Campus Activities: Know your Rights – Protests & Demonstrations
International students and legal permanent residents (LPR or ‘green card holders’) have protections under the first amendment of the U.S. constitution and may participate in lawful public protests and demonstrations. However, on or off campus activities that result in arrest or other legal sanctions may prevent you from meeting your visa requirements or impact your ability to enter and/or remain in the U.S. This includes LPRs who may also be removed or face other immigration consequences due to criminal convictions. If you are in need of legal counsel, please see our Legal Resources page.
Important Reminders Regarding the DACA Renewal Process
USCIS strongly encourages DACA recipients to submit your DACA renewal request between 150 and 120 days (4 to 5 months) before the expiration date located on your current Form I-797 DACA approval notice.
On Jan. 31, 2024, USCIS published a final rule to adjust certain immigration and naturalization benefit request fees. This final rule went into effect on April 1, 2024. The fee for Form I-821D did not change. The fee for Form I-765 increased to $520. Form I-765 applications filed online will receive a $50 discount.
DACA renewal requestors may submit an inquiry online about the status of their renewal request if it has been pending more than 105 days. They also consider expedite requests on a case-by-case basis. Please visit the USCIS Expedite Requests website for more information and guidance on expedite requests. DACA recipients may submit a DACA renewal request online or on paper.
For additional information, visit the USCIS DACA webpage.
USCIS Announces Employment Authorization Procedures for Palestinians Covered by Deferred Enforced Departure
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services posted a Federal Register notice establishing procedures for Palestinians covered by Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) to apply for Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) that will be valid through Aug. 13, 2025. The Federal Register notice describes eligible Palestinians and acceptable documentation such as a Palestinian Authority passport or identification card. Please see the Federal Register notice for additional information about DED for Palestinians and instructions on how to apply for a DED-based EAD.
Extension and Redesignation of Ethiopia for TPS
Homeland Security announced the extension and redesignation of Ethiopia for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for 18 months, from June 13, 2024, to December 12, 2025, due to ongoing armed conflict and extraordinary and temporary conditions in Ethiopia that prevent individuals from safely returning. Redesignation Allows Additional Eligible Ethiopian Nationals to Apply for TPS and Employment Authorization Documents. The corresponding Federal Register notice provides information about registering as a new first-time applicant or current beneficiary for TPS under Ethiopia’s extension and redesignation.
Important Information about Filing for Asylum with USCIS
Effective May 9, 2024, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will reject affirmative asylum applications improperly filed at service centers instead of the lockbox with jurisdiction over your place of residence. Certain categories of affirmative asylum applicants must continue to mail their applications directly to the Asylum Vetting Center. For additional information, visit the USCIS Asylum webpage.
Tuition Insurance Available to UTD Students
The Bursar’s Office now offers GradGuard tuition insurance as an option to all enrolled UTD students. Tuition insurance can help students and families overcome financial losses that may result from events which force students to completely withdraw from the semester due to a covered medical reason. Under certain conditions, tuition insurance coverage can reimburse up to 100% of your school expenses/payments (tuition, housing, and other educations expenses) after an unexpected complete withdrawal of all classes (at any time during the semester) for a covered illness, injury, mental health disorder and more.
Enhancing Your Career Journey: Explore Resources from the University Career Center
Whether you’re seeking internships during your academic journey or exploring career pathways post-graduation, the Career Center is here to support you every step of the way. Understanding the significance of internships and career opportunities for our students, OICS is excited to share information about the following resources available at our University Career Center:
- Schedule a Personalized Consultation: Book an appointmentwith a Career Consultant via Handshake, our online platform tailored to your career needs.
- Discover Global Opportunities with Interstride: Explore Interstride, a platform designed specifically for international students. Access employer listings, stay informed about H-1B sponsorship, and network with fellow students and alumni worldwide.
- Optimize Your Resume with Quinncia: Utilize Quinncia, an innovative AI tool, to receive tailored feedback on your resume and enhance its impact.
- Polish Your Interview Skills: Schedule a sessionwith the Career Center to gain insights into common interview questions and participate in mock interviews for practice.
Additionally, we encourage you to explore resources specifically for international students by the Career Center, including:
It’s worth noting that the Career Center not only serves our current student population but also supports alumni in their career pursuits. Should you have any questions regarding networking, interview preparation, or resume writing, please don’t hesitate to reach out to the University Career Centerfor personalized assistance.
Don’t Forget to Update Your Address
Anyone who is not a U.S. citizen (unless in A or G status) must report address changes within 10 days or less online at U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services – Change of Address or by mail using Form AR-11
found at the following link: USCIS – FORMS.
OICS is here for you
You can reach out via email to OICS@utdallas.edu or through your iComet Portal, for nonimmigrant categories.
Find us on the web
Immigration and Citizenship webpage and archive of news located at – https://oics.utdallas.edu/newsletter/