“The State Department has suspended a humanitarian program to reunite thousands of African refugees with relatives in the U.S. after unprecedented DNA testing by the government revealed widespread fraud. The freeze affects refugees in Kenya, Ethiopia, Uganda, Guinea and Ghana, many of whom have been waiting years to emigrate.” Wall Street Journal, Aug. 20, 2008.

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced an extension of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for nationals of Sudan through May 2, 2010. This will allow those who have already been granted TPS an opportunity to re-register and maintain their status for an additional 18 months. TPS does not apply to Sudanese nationals who entered the United States after Oct. 4, 2007.  USCIS also automatically extended the validity of employment authorization documents (EADs) held by Sudanese nationals in current TPS status from Nov. 2, 2008 to May 2, 2009. This extension will allow sufficient time for eligible TPS beneficiaries to receive their new EADs without a lapse.

“USCIS announced today that the suspension of premium processing service for religious worker (R-1) nonimmigrant visa petitions will continue at least until January 7, 2009.” USCIS Update, July 9, 2008.