A bill proposed in the Pennsylvania House would require all high school students to pass a civics test to receive their diplomas. Rep. Karen Boback, a Republican from Luzerne, said the “alarming decline in civics knowledge among young Americans,” is the reason she feels the civics test is necessary. Boback’s memo noted that a 2019 survey conducted by the University of Pennsylvania’s Annenberg Public Policy Center revealed READ MORE READ MORE

F-1 Students Seeking Employment Authorization Can File Online On April 12, 2021, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) announced that F-1 students seeking Optional Practical Training – more commonly known as “OPT” – will be able to file their Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, online through their account with USCIS. Tracy Renaud, Senior Official Performing the Duties of USCIS Director, stated “USCIS remains committed to READ MORE READ MORE

A Mexican national living in Texarkana, Arkansas, has been arrested by federal officials for selling illegal U.S. non-immigrant work visas. Jesus Martinez-Rubio, age 44, was arrested in June 2020 and charged in the Texarkana Division of the Western District of Arkansas. He was sentenced to one year and one day in federal prison for conspiracy to encourage and induce illegal entry for financial gain. Martinez-Rubio sold visas READ MORE READ MORE

Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, is currently residing in Los Angeles, with his wife, Meghan Markle, and son, Archie. The British-born Prince Harry’s U.S. immigration status is surrounded by speculation. This does not affect Meghan or Archie as they are U.S citizens. Also, Prince Harry is no longer a member of the British royal family. A new report to The Times noted that though Prince Harry is READ MORE READ MORE

Certain Nonimmigrant Visa Processing to Recommence The U.S. Department of State has announced new visa processing procedures after President Biden allowed the expiration of visa restrictions that had barred entry for numerous temporary workers. These included multinational managers and executives, specialty occupation employees, non-agricultural laborers (including landscapers, camp counselors, resort employees), au pairs, and exchange students, and many others. Former President Trump instituted the restrictions in 2020, READ MORE READ MORE