USCIS TO PUBLISH FINAL RULE REGARDING THE REPLACEMENT OF GREEN CARDS WHICH DO NOT HAVE AN EXPIRATION DATE

U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Services (USCIS) is preparing the publication of a final rule which will require immigrants in possession of a green card which does not have an expiration date to file an application for replacement of the green card.  Immigrants who currently possess a green card without the expiration date and continue to use the green card for travel and employment until procedures for replacement are implemented.  The final rule will set forth the time period for filing for a new green card.  Immigrants who currently possess a green card without an expiration date can file for a new green card now although there is no requiremet to do so at this time.

USCIS ADVISORY CONCERNING PROCESSING TIMES FOR APPLICATIONS

USCIS has announced that there may be a delay in the prcessing of certain applications due to a "significant increase in the number of applications filed; nearly double the number received in the same period last year."  (USCIS website at USCIS.gov).  Applicaitions for citizenship may take 16-18 months to adjudicate as a result.