Topic: Uscis

A new Department of Homeland Security memo requires non-immigrants in the U.S. to return to their home countries to apply for green cards. This policy shift aims to return to the original intent of immigration law and impacts students, temporary workers, and tourists. While immigration attorneys warn of potential lawsuits and family disruptions, the hosts support the move as a way to prevent people from staying indefinitely during processing.

The US government is reinstating the 2020 version of the citizenship exam, which requires applicants to answer 12 out of 20 questions correctly from a pool of 128. Adam Curry quizzes John C. Dvorak on several sample questions regarding the supreme law of the land, the number of amendments, and the term length of a US Senator. Dvorak successfully passes the mock exam, though he struggles with the definition of "We the People."

Effective January 22, 2025, USCIS has waived the COVID-19 vaccination requirement for applicants seeking adjustment of status to lawful permanent residency. This policy change means the Form I-693 medical examination no longer requires proof of COVID-19 vaccination. The move resolves a significant hurdle for many legal immigrants who had previously faced potential denial based on their vaccination status.

The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) allows individuals to apply for asylum within one year of arrival regardless of their legal immigration status. Current debates focus on whether asylum seekers should be required to apply strictly at official ports of entry rather than after crossing the border illegally. Eligibility requires proving a credible fear of persecution based on political, religious, or social group membership.

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is implementing significant fee increases for various immigration forms. The cost to register for permanent residence (Form I-485) is rising to $1,140, while the fee for a fiancé petition (Form I-129F) is increasing by 57%. These high costs are cited as a primary reason why many individuals struggle to navigate the legal immigration process.

During a congressional hearing, USCIS Director Leon Rodriguez was questioned by Senator David Vitter regarding the screening of Syrian refugees. While Rodriguez claimed no refugee admitted since 9/11 has committed a violent act, it was revealed that 18% of ISIS-related prosecutions in the U.S. involved individuals who entered as refugees or asylees. The distinction between "conspiracies" and "acts of violence" was a central point of debate.

The legal implications of passport revocation are examined following the State Department's action against Edward Snowden. According to official guidelines, a revoked passport remains physically valid for travel until seized by an officer, and revocation is generally not processed if the bearer's whereabouts are unknown. The move is characterized as "messaging" rather than a functional barrier to international movement.

The hosts review questions from the 2010 U.S. citizenship test, criticizing them for being overly simplistic or historically narrow. Questions cover topics such as the presidency of Woodrow Wilson, the purpose of the Emancipation Proclamation, and the events of September 11, 2001. Adam Curry uses "slave" imagery to mock the requirement of pledging loyalty to the flag and the government.