“IMMIGRATION LAW CONNECTION”

Starting on September 8, 2010,  any visa waiver traveler, — eligible to travel to the U.S. visa-free, — registering online with the ESTA-system, must now pay a service charge of  $14.- for any new or renewed ESTA registration. The fee must be paid by credit card or debit card.

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DHS just announced the elimination of the legacy arrival/departure form (Form I-94W) for authorized travelers from nations participating in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP).
The use of paper I-94W forms will be eliminated for VWP travelers with an approved Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) arriving in the United States at all airports [...]

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For foreign travelers in the United States who need to depart the U.S. by a certain date (in order to avoid any unlawful overstay), the wave of flight cancellations and the resulting unavailability of flights out of the U.S., caused by the recent volcanic activity in Iceland, USCIS will provide relief to accommodate stranded airline [...]

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DHS Secretary Janet Napolitano today announced the designation of Greece as a member of the Visa Waiver Program (VWP)—strengthening passenger information sharing and ensuring strict security standards while streamlining travel for Greek citizens visiting the United States.
“Our efforts to guard against terrorism while enhancing legal travel and trade depend upon close collaboration with our international [...]

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In August 2003, DHS published regulations suspending the TWOV and ITI transit programs based on credible intelligence concerning a specific threat of exploitation of the TWOV and ITI programs by terrorist organizations. As of now, the TWOV and ITI programs remain suspended indefinitely. DHS is currently promulgating interim regulations to try and reinstate a security-enhanced [...]

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Beginning on October 1, 2009, returning Legal Permanent Residents (LPRs) with criminal convictions are now more likely to be issued a Notice to Appear (NTA) at ports of entry, rather than the more usual grant of deferred inspection.
In addition, depending on the nature of the conviction, CBP staffing, and available detention bedspace, among other factors, [...]

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If you frequently find yourself subject to “random” screenings and secondary inspections by CBP and TSA during your air travels, and cannot figure out why (or are not told why), DHS’ “TRIP” program might help you.
DHS’ Travel Redress Inquiry Program (TRIP) is a single point of contact for individuals who have inquiries or seek [...]

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For travelers entering the United States on a visa-free basis, under the terms and conditions of the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), their stays in the U.S. are limited to 90 days (sometimes less) per visit.
While this method of spontaneous travel allows certain travelers from certain countries to visit the United States on a short-term, relaxed [...]

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As the U.S. Customs and Border Protection agency recently made ESTA mandatory in mid-January, there has been some degree of confusion as to when and how ESTA applies.
In brief, ESTA only applies to foreign nationals (Non-U.S. citizens) who are eligible to travel to the United States under the terms and conditions of the Visa Waiver [...]

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The U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security is reminding certain U.S.-bound travelers that effective January 12, travelers from all Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries are now required to obtain approval through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) prior to traveling to the United States. This requirement applies to all eligible citizens or nationals traveling under [...]

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