There is a lot of uncertainty and turmoil going on in the United States right now. The COVID-19 pandemic has left many people vulnerable and then there was the killing of George Floyd—a senseless act that has plunged the US into deeper darkness. We suggest that, as citizens or as incoming immigrants, this is a good time to reflect on the state of our country and to try to understand some of the darker history. Having some context regarding the history of the country can be critical when it comes to realizing your American Dream. It’s critical, in my opinion, to attempt to unpack the past to understand how we got here and how we can be more sensitive to people who have been historically disenfranchised.

There are many people who are victimized in the US based on ethnicity, or inequality. Many of my clients are also scared due to the New York USCIS offices continuing their closures beyond what we are seeing around the United States. Based on a meeting with USCIS and CBP offices yesterday, we have some updates to help alleviate the anxiety of our clients in these dark times, so you can manage your expectations accordingly:

• Due to people having to commute into Manhattan, the priority is to honor the restrictions imposed by the NY Mayor and the NY Governor. NY USCIS will reopen, but slowly.

• A likely target date is June 15th for a soft reopening of the NY Field Office and the NY Asylum Office.  They will likely start with the first order of business being naturalization oath ceremonies for the 3,700 people waiting to take their oaths.  No guests will be allowed.  Groups of 10 at a time will be sworn in at multiple locations within the building at 26 Federal Plaza. 

• Social distancing will be maintained with only 20% of NY USCIS staff at 26 Federal Plaza on a given day, the other 80% will continue to telework.  The aim is to ensure the safety of applicants and staff.

• They will not be holding interviews at 26 Federal Plaza until there are barriers, social distancing markers, signage, etc. They are still developing plans on how to do this. It is likely that this will roll out in the Summer of 2020. Therefore, if you are due for a marriage-based Adjustment of Status interview or other case involving an interview such as Removal of Conditions or naturalization.

We continue to be available for our clients. We wish you all good health, safety and peace.

To get in touch with one of our attorneys, you can call us, email us at info@khunkhunlaw.com or review other options to get in touch with us for an immigration consultation.