Dropbox eligibility Changes and ending birthright Citizenship
Update on Dropbox eligibility, ending birthright Citizenship
Don’t like emails in spam or promotions? Just reply to this email with an 👍🏼or 👎🏼 OR just a ‘Hi’. That’s it. It makes a bigger difference than you know in the email delivery.
Share the knowledge, grow the community, empower each other!
U.S. Visa Dropbox: Eligibility Changes Catch Applicants Off Guard
As of February, 2025, the U.S. Department of State has implemented significant changes to the Visa Interview Waiver (Dropbox) program, reverting to pre-COVID eligibility criteria. These changes, which affect all nonimmigrant visa categories including B1/B2 tourist visas, have been quietly rolled out without an official announcement.
Key Changes:
12-Month Expiry Window: Eligibility is now limited to applicants whose visas expired within the last 12 months, down from the previous 48-month window.
Who's Affected:
These changes significantly impact H-1B, L-1, O-1, and other nonimmigrant visa holders who previously relied on the interview waiver program.
Implications:
Increased Demand for In-Person Interviews: Expect longer wait times for visa appointments, especially in high-volume locations.
Potential Travel Disruptions: Those who planned to use Dropbox processing may face delays and should plan accordingly.
Immediate Effect: Some applicants with scheduled Dropbox appointments are being turned away and instructed to schedule in-person interviews.
What You Should Do:
Verify Eligibility: Before proceeding with a scheduled Dropbox appointment, confirm that you meet the new criteria.
Reschedule if Necessary: If your prior visa expired over 12 months ago or you're applying for a different visa category, you must reschedule for an in-person interview.
Plan Ahead: Factor in potential delays when making travel plans.
Check Official Sources: Review the updated eligibility criteria on the official U.S. embassy or consulate website in your country or ustraveldocs website.
Consider Premium Processing: For eligible H-1B extensions, this option may help avoid travel disruptions.
The State Department has stated that these changes are part of a "return to normal operations" following the COVID-19 pandemic. While no official press release has been issued, the changes are reflected on various consular websites, including the Consular Affairs website.
Stay informed and plan accordingly to navigate these new visa application requirements. We'll continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as they become available.
Update on Ending birthright Citizenship Executive order.
On January 20, 2025, President Trump issued Executive Order, aimed at ending birthright citizenship for certain children born in the U.S. The order targets two categories of individuals:
Children born to an undocumented mother and a father who is not a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident.
Children born to a mother with temporary visitor status and a father who is not a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident.
Key points about the executive order:
It was suppose to take effect on February 19, 2025.
The order does not revoke citizenship from anyone who already has it.
It would affect an estimated 150,000 children born in the U.S. each year.
Current status:
The executive order has been blocked by federal courts:
On January 23, 2025, Federal District Court Judge John C. Coughenour issued a 14-day block.
On February 5, 2025, Federal District Judge Deborah L. Boardman issued a preliminary injunction, indefinitely blocking the order's implementation.
Multiple legal challenges have been filed:
At least 18 states, the District of Columbia, and San Francisco have filed a lawsuit.
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) announced plans to sue the administration.
At least four distinct lawsuits have been filed by various groups, including state attorneys general, expectant mothers, and immigrant rights organizations.
The order is widely considered unconstitutional, conflicting with the 14th Amendment and over 125 years of Supreme Court precedent.
As of February 15, 2025, the executive order remains blocked pending further legal proceedings. The courts will likely continue to adjudicate this issue in the coming months.
We are closely watching what's happening in the immigration area following the President's executive order on 'enhanced vetting,' port of entry deportations of visitor visa holders, administrative processing (also known as 221(g) visa refusals), and other visa stamping issues. We will keep you posted in upcoming newsletter episodes. You can always email us if you have questions or any topic you want us to pick for our next newsletter.
Trending read :
If you know someone moved to USA and could use some guidance, please share this with them to help them benefit.
We value your feedback! Please take a moment to share your thoughts on this episode and let us know what topics you would like to read about next. Your input guides us in delivering valuable and relevant content. Feel free to leave your feedback in the comments below or email to author.settlewise@gmail.com.
Thanks for reading SettleWise! Was this email forwarded to you? That's wonderful! It shows how much they value you and believe that you would benefit from the content. Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support our work.
Disclaimer: We are not certified professionals in the fields discussed. The content provided in this article is for educational and entertainment purposes only. The opinions and suggestions shared are intended to provide general information and assist you in making informed decisions. Please note that while we may mention specific products or services, We may earn referral income from some of the links provided, but no additional cost to you. Therefore, while you can continue reading and absorbing the information, please exercise your own judgment and seek professional advice when necessary. Please gamble responsibly and with caution, as playing the lottery involves chance and there are no guaranteed outcomes.