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DHS Launches $1,000 Self-Deportation Program: What It Means for Employers and Immigration Attorneys

Posted in: Vinay Malik | May 7, 2025

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced a new voluntary self-deportation initiative that offers undocumented immigrants free travel assistance and a $1,000 stipend through the CBP Home App. The goal is to reduce the cost and resources spent on formal deportation proceedings while encouraging individuals to leave the U.S. on their own. Key Details of the Program Voluntary participation via the CBP Home App $1,000 stipend paid after departure is confirmed Free travel ticket provided Participants are deprioritized for ICE enforcement while arranging their return May preserve the ability to legally re-enter the U.S. in the future According to DHS, this...

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SEVIS Records Restored: What F-1 Students Need to Know About ICE’s Latest Update

Posted in: Vinay Malik | May 1, 2025

Students talking about legal issue for visa process

In a significant update for international students across the U.S., U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is currently restoring certain terminated SEVIS records for F-1 visa holders. As of April 24, 2025, internal communications from ICE’s Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) confirm ongoing efforts to reinstate records that were previously deactivated—some due to legal challenges and others under unclear circumstances. This unexpected development is creating new pathways for F-1 students who were left in limbo and raises critical questions about the future of SEVIS policy enforcement. 🔍 Why Were SEVIS Records Terminated in the First Place? The recent wave of SEVIS terminations...

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Practice Alert: DS-160 Forms Must Be Submitted 48 Working Hours Before Nonimmigrant Visa Interviews — What You Need to Know

Posted in: Vinay Malik | May 1, 2025

Handling documents to Attorney

If you're planning to attend a nonimmigrant visa (NIV) interview in the coming weeks or months, a critical procedural update could make or break your appointment. As of late March 2025, the U.S. Department of State (DOS) has introduced a mandatory 48 working hours DS-160 submission window — a move already being enforced at several U.S. embassies worldwide. For both applicants and employers seeking timely and compliant visa processing, especially those working with an immigration attorney in New Jersey or anywhere in the U.S., it’s essential to understand the implications of this change and how to prepare accordingly. What is Form DS-160? The...

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