UAMS Immigration Insider

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Dwight Rice
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Insider September 2018 University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Office of Immigration Services IMMIGRATION UPDATES USCIS Issues Policy Revision on Denials and Requests for Evidence On July 13 th,

Presenta on and Consulta ons Arkansas Gems: Eureka Springs regarding denials, No ces of Intent to Deny (NOID), and Requests for Evidence (RFE) related to pe ons or applica ons submi ed to the agency.

As stated in the memo, this policy is intended to discourage frivolous or substan ally incomplete filings used as 'placeholder' filings and encourage applicants, pe oners, and requestors to be

1 Insider September 2018 University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Office of Immigration Services IMMIGRATION UPDATES USCIS Issues Policy Revision on Denials and Requests for Evidence On July 13 th, USCIS issued a policy memorandum, to be effec ve 9/11/2018, which revised the agency s guidance to adjudica ng officers Special points of interest: Immigra on Updates Sostrin Immigra on Lawyers Presenta on and Consulta ons Arkansas Gems: Eureka Springs regarding denials, No ces of Intent to Deny (NOID), and Requests for Evidence (RFE) related to pe ons or applica ons submi ed to the agency. In summary, this memo gives adjudicators more discre on to deny applica ons, pe ons, and requests without first issuing an RFE or a NOID, when appropriate. As stated in the memo, this policy is intended to discourage frivolous or substan ally incomplete filings used as 'placeholder' filings and encourage applicants, pe oners, and requestors to be diligent in collec ng and submi ng required evidence. For the full memo, go to the USCIS website. Inside this issue: Sostrin Immigra on Lawyers Presenta on 3 & Consulta ons EVL/Travel Packet Reminder 4 Arkansas Gems: Eureka Springs 5-6 Arkansas Outdoors upcoming events 7 It is important to know that USCIS cannot simply deny an applica on or pe on with no reason. To do so would certainly cons tute an abuse of discre on, and USCIS must explain in wri ng the reasons for a denial, if one is issued, per federal regula ons. It is also important to know that USCIS is s ll allowed to issue RFEs if they require addi- onal informa on to make a final decision on a case. You may find addi onal explana on at this website. The UAMS Immigra on Services Office will con nue to be conserva ve when filing H 1B and other nonimmigrant pe on applica ons, and will always work to ensure we are including sufficient ini al evidence to USCIS. If you have concerns about how this new guidance may affect your applica on or pe on, please contact the Immigra on Services Team at AskImmigra on@uams.edu

Page 2 IMMIGRATION UPDATES, CONTINUED USCIS Con nues to Suspend Premium Processing Does NOT affect UAMS pe ons On August 28 th, USCIS announced that it will con nue to suspend premium processing for

UAMS is a cap exempt ins tu on (not subject to the H 1B cap), thus we are not affected by the premium processing suspension at this me.

1, 2018 to more effec vely adjudicate pe ons and maintain effec ve service to pe oners. The premium processing fee will increase from $1,225 to $1,410.

The system allows pe oners to request 15 day processing of certain employment based immigra on benefit requests if they pay an extra fee.

2 Page 2 IMMIGRATION UPDATES, CONTINUED USCIS Con nues to Suspend Premium Processing Does NOT affect UAMS pe ons On August 28 th, USCIS announced that it will con nue to suspend premium processing for certain cap subject H 1B pe ons through at least February While this suspension affects many H 1B sponsoring employers, it DOES NOT affect any of UAMS H 1B pe ons. UAMS is a cap exempt ins tu on (not subject to the H 1B cap), thus we are not affected by the premium processing suspension at this me. For more informa on on the premium processing suspension, visit the USCIS.gov website. Premium Processing Fee Increasing on October 1st U.S. Ci zenship and Immigra on Services (USCIS) announced it is increasing the premium processing fee beginning on Oct. 1, 2018 to more effec vely adjudicate pe ons and maintain effec ve service to pe oners. The premium processing fee will increase from $1,225 to $1,410. Premium processing is an op onal service that is currently authorized for certain pe oners filing Forms I 129 (H 1B, O 1, etc.) or I 140 Immigrant Pe ons. The system allows pe oners to request 15 day processing of certain employment based immigra on benefit requests if they pay an extra fee. The premium processing fee is paid in addi on to the base filing fee and any other applicable fees, which cannot be waived. For addi onal informa on, please visit the USCIS website. Daylight Saving Time Change, October 28, 2018, please don t forget to set your clocks back one hour. Immigra on Services Office Drop Box If you visit us outside our office hours, you can use the new drop box on our office door to drop documents since today.

Page 3 The Green Card Process & New Developments in Immigra on Friday, October 12 th 9:30 11:00am RAHN Building Room G225 This presenta on is designed for both foreign na onals and department

3 Page 3 The Green Card Process & New Developments in Immigra on Friday, October 12 th 9:30 11:00am RAHN Building Room G225 This presenta on is designed for both foreign na onals and department administrators, and will provide informa on for all things immigra on. Topics will include op ons for permanent residence (green card), government processing melines, regula ons governing the employment of foreign na onals, and recent changes in immigra on regula ons. There will also be me at the end of the session for general Q & A. To register for the presenta on, please see the Immigra on 101: The Green Card Process and New Developments in MyCompass LMS. FREE Individual Immigra on Consulta ons with Sostrin Immigra on Lawyers Senior Staff Friday, October 12 th 1:00 4:00pm Registra on opens Tuesday, October 2 nd, 2018 at 8:00am. A CV is required to sign up for the individual consulta on. Consulta ons are limited. Register for Consulta ons Here

Page 4 Reminders: Employment Le er and Travel Packet Request for Interna onal Travel For people who are making interna onal travel plans in the future, it is CRITICAL and IMPERATIVE that you have

Before leaving, be sure you have a valid visa stamp in your passport OR a current Advance Parole document, AND a current Employment Verifica on Le er from our office.

4 Page 4 Reminders: Employment Le er and Travel Packet Request for Interna onal Travel For people who are making interna onal travel plans in the future, it is CRITICAL and IMPERATIVE that you have valid documenta on to re enter the U.S. a er traveling abroad. Before leaving, be sure you have a valid visa stamp in your passport OR a current Advance Parole document, AND a current Employment Verifica on Le er from our office. Without the above documenta on, you will not be allowed to re enter the U.S. regardless Immigra on Services Office s Office Hours Monday: 9:00am 12:00pm; 1:30pm 4:0pm Tuesday: Closed (phone and only) Wednesday: 9:00am 12:00pm; 1:30pm 4:00pm Thursday: 9:00am 12:00pm; 1:30pm 4:00pm Friday: Closed (phone and only) of what reasoning you may give to the USCIS immigra on/dhs border patrol agent. To request an Employment Verifica on Le er (EVL), or Travel Packet for visa stamping abroad, please complete our online request form found at h p://hr.uams.edu/other/ work life balance/immigra on/request documents/. Both requests should be made 2 3 weeks prior to your departure date. If you have any ques ons regarding upcoming travel and what documents may be needed, please don t hesitate to contact us at: AskImmigration@uams.edu. What Happens When I Return from My Travel? Be aware that the original I 797 Approval No ce document should remain housed in the Immigra on Services Office. Consequently, a er your visa stamping is completed, please return the original I 797 H 1B approval no ce to our office. PLEASE NOTE: Upon reentry to the U.S., you must retrieve your new I 94 Entry Record at No fy the Immigra on Services Office immediately if there are any errors, or if the Admit un l date on the new I 94 is earlier than the Valid to date on your I 797 Approval No ce.

Page 5 Arkansas Gems: Eureka Springs I recently had the pleasure of spending a weekend in Eureka Springs, Arkansas, and was able to explore some of the unique a rac ons this small, historic tourist

The drive from Li le Rock to Eureka Springs is less than 4 hours, and if you take the Pig Trail Scenic Byway (Arkansas Highway 23), you will be treated to some incredible views overlooking the Ozark

5 Page 5 Arkansas Gems: Eureka Springs I recently had the pleasure of spending a weekend in Eureka Springs, Arkansas, and was able to explore some of the unique a rac ons this small, historic tourist town has to offer. The drive from Li le Rock to Eureka Springs is less than 4 hours, and if you take the Pig Trail Scenic Byway (Arkansas Highway 23), you will be treated to some incredible views overlooking the Ozark Mountains. Special thanks to our manager Courtney Digby for sharing us her wonderful trip to Eureka Springs! If you would like to share your experiences in exploring Arkansas or other resorts, please your story to Askimmigra on@usms.edu. Panoramic view of Ozark Mountains, taken on the Pig Trail Scenic Byway (AR 23). Many people were drawn to Eureka Springs for the natural spring water flowing in and around the area. According to the city s website, Legend has it that the Na ve American tribes of the area believed that the cold spring water could cure many ailments, and the surrounding land was considered sacred ground. Victorian age health seekers deemed the hills full of miracle cures, and flocked to the area by the thousands, crea ng a stylish retreat amid the grand, green curves of nature. This historic downtown district of the city s ll reflects some of the beau ful Victorian age architecture and parks with natural spring water flowing. Also in the historic district you ll find shops and restaurants for all tastes, as well as some beau ful public artwork and Historic Downtown Eureka Springs. galleries featuring local ar sts.

The Crescent Hotel also claims to be America s Most Haunted Hotel, which made me thankful I did not sleep inside the hotel itself!

6 Page 6 I stayed near the historic Crescent Hotel, which was first built in 1886, and has since been renovated several mes. This beau ful hotel has a fascina ng history, and in addi on to being an exclusive resort, it was at mes used as a college and as a hospital lead by a man with no medical training. The Crescent Hotel also claims to be America s Most Haunted Hotel, which made me thankful I did not sleep inside the hotel itself! While I personally did not see any spirits or paranormal events during my me at the Hotel, I Courtney Digby at the Crescent Hotel, Eureka Springs. highly recommend taking the ghost tour, offered nightly, which provides more in depth history of the city and the hotel, as well as exci ng stories that will get your senses heightened. If you are able to venture a few miles outside of Eureka Springs for a morning, I suggest visi ng the Turpen ne Creek Wildlife Refuge and taking the guided tour around the park. This refuge rescues and cares for animals, primarily big cats (lions, gers, leopards, and cougars), who have been abandoned, abused, or neglected. They also educate visitors about the animals they have rescued and how you can help protect exo c animals that may be exploited, abused, or kept as pets Bobcats who were rescued by Turpen ne Creek Wildlife Refuge. in the U.S. Visi ng and learning from the tour guide at Turpen ne Creek opened my eyes to the many ways that these beau ful big cats are mistreated in various ways that are not prohibited by law. Eureka Springs has many other sites and a rac ons which I was not able to visit during my weekend trip, including the Great Passion Play, the majes c Thorncrown Chapel, zipline adventures, caves and underground tours. If you are able to visit Eureka Springs, please let me know how you enjoyed it! By Courtney Digby

Page 7 Upcoming Holidays Wednesday, October 31, 2018 Halloween Monday, November 12, 2018 Veteran s Day (UAMS holiday) Thursday, November 22, 2018 Thanksgiving Day (UAMS holiday) Monday, December 24,

72206 Annual family oriented event, showcasing Arkansas with a focus on agriculture, livestock, the arts, and technology and promotes youth and youth development. Susan G.

7 Page 7 Upcoming Holidays Wednesday, October 31, 2018 Halloween Monday, November 12, 2018 Veteran s Day (UAMS holiday) Thursday, November 22, 2018 Thanksgiving Day (UAMS holiday) Monday, December 24, 2018 Christmas Eve (UAMS holiday) Tuesday, December 25, 2018 Christmas Day (UAMS holiday) Arkansas Outdoors The Arkansas State Fair, October 11, 2018 October 21, Howard St, Li le Rock, AR Annual family oriented event, showcasing Arkansas with a focus on agriculture, livestock, the arts, and technology and promotes youth and youth development. Susan G. Komen Arkansas Race for the Cure, Saturday November 3, 2018 Broadway Street between Capital & 4th Li le Rock, AR UAMS employees, students, pa ents, survivors, friends, family and others are invited to sign up now for the UAMS team in the annual Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure on Saturday, Nov. 3, in downtown Li le Rock. Big Jingle Jubilee Holiday Parade, December 1, Woodlane St., Li le Rock, AR, The parade features floats, costumed characters, a band compe on and more. A er parading through downtown Li le Rock, the official holiday ligh ng ceremony and fireworks display follows at the State Capitol. Services 4301 W. Markham Street Slot# 564 Barton Research Building, 1st Floor, Room 1R23 Little Rock, AR Phone: Fax: askimmigration@uams.edu hr.uams.edu/immigration

Employment Authorization Document and Travel Document

Employment Authorization Document and Travel Document Anyone who is not a US citizen or permanent resident may need to apply for a work permit (Employment Authorization Document EAD) before they can start