Coronavirus Immigration Updates – March 18, 2020

The nature of the Coronavirus threat is changing rapidly and daily. Here are some recent updates that we wanted to share with everyone in case they were missed:

1. LOCAL USCIS OFFICE CLOSURE – USCIS’s local Denver Office has cancelled in-person appearances until at least April 1, this includes all application related interviews (naturalization, adjustment of status, asylum, ect. . . ), infopass appointments and biometrics appointments. All missed appointments should be automatically rescheduled once operations return to normal.

2. IMMIGRATION COURT CLOSURE – Denver immigration courts, after much pressure, have cancelled all non-detained cases. This means that all hearings, whether master hearings or individual merits hearings (final hearings) are cancelled through April 10 (but please double check this closure with your attorney or the Court directly due to the importance of not missing a scheduled hearing).

3. PUBLIC CHARGE EXCEPTION RELATED TO THE VIRUS – USCIS has announced that foreign nationals will not be penalized for using public benefits for Coronavirus testing or treatment. Obviously, it is extremely important for public health that anyone who has symptoms or meets the testing criteria be tested and that everyone receives the best possible care regardless of ability to pay. This is clearly a public health emergency unlike any of us have experienced. Additionally, if a person is required to seek other public benefits due to circumstances directly related to the virus (such as being laid off or reduced hours), they can submit a statement with their green card application about these circumstances that will be considered by USCIS (and hopefully receipt of such benefits will be fully excused, but USCIS does not go that far in their statement). Here is a link to USCIS full statement on the Public Charge rule and Coronavirus – https://www.uscis.gov/greencard/public-charge

4. NORTHERN BORDER CLOSURE – The U.S. – Canadian Border will be closed, based on mutual agreement between the countries, for non-essential travel in both directions in an effort to slow down the spread of the virus.

We will do our best to inform everyone about future developments. Our office is currently not accepting any in-person client visits or appointments though at least March 27 and perhaps significantly longer based on government and public health guidance. We are continuing to work and are communicating with current and new clients by phone, email and video conferencing. Please stay safe and take the mandated precautions. SHAFTEL LAW