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Department of Homeland Security/Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Service: * BCIS announced plans to implement electronic filing (e-filing) as an option for two of the most commonly submitted immigration applications, the Application to Renew or Replace a “green card” and the Application for Employment Authorization. BCIS plans to launch e-filing for these applications in May 2003 and to further expand e-filing to other applications and petitions in fall 2003. * BCIS reports that it received a total of 215,190 H-1B non-immigrant petitions for professional workers in fiscal year 2002, which ended September 20, 2002. Of these, 79,100 petitions applied against the H-1B cap of 195,000. Department of State: * DOS issued a worldwide caution on April 21, 2003 stating that the U.S. Government remains deeply concerned about the security of U.S. citizens overseas and encouraging U.S. citizens to remain vigilant regarding their security awareness. * DOS issued specific travel warnings for Indonesia, Iraq, Vietnam, and Burundi. * DOS issued a public announcement on April 24, 2003 reminding travelers that the Center for Disease Control and Prevention has issued a number of travel advisories regarding Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome. DOS advises that some countries may bar entry to those travelers arriving from SARS-affected areas. Travel advisories are available at www.cdc.gov. * U.S. Consulate Ciudad Juarez located near the U.S.-Mexico border anticipates once again accepting non-immigrant visa applications from third country nationals (TCNs) in May 2003. The consulate will process applications for most non-immigrant visa classifications but will not accept applications from foreign nationals of the seven countries designated as state sponsors of terrorism. * In conjunction with the European Union, the U.S. Government has rescinded visa restrictions relating to Belarus in light of Belarus’ cooperation in the establishment of the Organization for Security Cooperation in Europe in Minsk. * DOS is employing new non-immigrant visa photograph requirements. The new specifications affect all individuals submitting a non-immigrant visa application at a U.S. Consulate. The format for the new photographs is similar to that currently utilized for U.S. passport processing. Photograph specifications are available at http://travel.state.gov/photorequirements.html.

 

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