INS ISSUES NEW RULE COVERING ADJUSTMENT OF STATUS The Immigration and Naturalization Service has issued a new interim rule setting out procedures relating to adjusting status to permanent residency. There are few surprises in the regulation. The main changes reflect already called for in last year's immigration bill including the following: - an increase in the Section 245i penalty fee to $1000 - new categories of those ineligible to adjust status under new exclusion categories. - a provision enabling the INS to complete adjudication of Section 245i adjustment applications after September 30, 1997 (assuming Section 245i expires). The INS has extended Temporary Protected Status ("TPS") for Rwandans until December 6, 1997. Under this program, Rwandans already in the US are permitted to remain legally until the situation in their home country is considered to be safe enough for them to return. The INS will not, however, seek any further extensions after December. According to Attorney General Janet Reno, "the situation in Rwanda has greatly improved since the designation of TPS in 1994." The US government is now seeking to encourage the repatriation of Rwandans. To receive TPS status for the remaining six months of this program, Rwandan nationals should file Form I-821, Application for Temporary Protected Status (no fee should be attached) along with Form I-765 Application for Employment Authorization. The I-765 must be filed even if work authorization is not sought. However, If work authorization is being sought, the filing fee of $70 must be submitted. Registration for the extension was supposed to have been made by July 18, 1997, but the INS will allow a late application for a good reason. < Back | Next >Disclaimer: This newsletter is provided as a public service and not intended to establish an attorney client relationship. Any reliance on information contained herein is taken at your own risk. |