Searches and fingerprints: US tightened visa regime for Israelis

March 22 in the United States entered into force on the new rules for the extension of tourist visas. The fact that this means for thousands of Israelis, understood edition Ynet.

Фото: Depositphotos

Ранее News of Israel in Russian It was reported that from May 1 every Israeli will be able to get an E2 work visa to the United States, provided he invests hundreds of thousands of dollars in the country's economy and hires American citizens. However, for those who do not invest in American business, it has become much more difficult to extend a residence permit in the United States than before.

What changed

If before 22 March, almost any foreigner who entered the United States on a B-1 / B-2 tourist visa received the right to stay in the country for a period of 6 months and could relatively simply extend the validity of the visa (for this it was necessary to prove their economic independence and the desire to return to their country), but now the procedure has become more complicated.

First of all, the rules for submitting documents for visa extension for members of the same family. Previously, the form was filled out by the head of the family, indicating the personal data of his relatives. Now each family member must fill out the application form separately (let us clarify that we are talking about immediate relatives - spouses and children).

In addition, a fee of $ 85 has been introduced for the biometric test that each applicant must pass. When passing the test, fingerprints, passport photographs must be submitted and consent to checking for compromising evidence in the computer archives of the police and federal agencies of the USA (including the FBI).

Nightmare that came true

At first glance, we are talking only about the formalities. But Israeli lawyer Shlomi Atash, who specializes in immigration law, believes that this is a true revolution. For the first time, all family members are required to come to the USCIS Citizenship and Immigration Support Center (USCIS), not at their choice, but at the place of temporary residence indicated in the application.

According to lawyer Atash, the staff of the American immigration service has been significantly strengthened in recent months, reflecting the tightening of the US administration’s policy towards all immigrants - and not just illegal immigrants or people with a criminal background.

Tougher and attitude to those who apply for a visa extension with a delay, even for a few days. Shlomi Atash says that almost every day his attorney’s office receives reports of the searches being carried out by Israelis in the US and their American citizenship relatives.

“When a foreigner with an expired visa is detained, the authorities give him a choice: either arrest or release on bail,” says Atash. “There is only one outcome - an appearance in federal court, where the immigration service’s petition for deportation will be heard.”

There are cases when agents of the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services called Israel’s parents of young Israelis who did not apply for a visa extension in time and warned that their son or daughter was in the United States illegally. As a rule, the warning was followed by advice: to contact the children and to persuade them to leave America immediately in order to avoid forced deportation.

“It looks like a nightmare, but for many people the nightmare has become reality,” says Atash. – We hear about such cases more and more often. It looks like the Trump administration is taking the issue of illegal immigrants seriously, so American law is not something to joke about.”

We add that for Israelis who have received a B-1 / B-2 tourist visa relatively recently and are in Israel, the procedure for renewing or extending this visa since March 22 is simplified. Canceled requirement to be interviewed at Embassy of the USA. A simplified application can be submitted if the visa has expired in the last 12 months.

Help

B-1 / B-2 visas allow entry and stay in the United States with the following objectives:

• tourism, visiting relatives or friends;
• medical care, training in short-term courses, attending scientific, educational, professional or business events and conferences;
• property and legal issues;
• consultation and participation in business negotiations to sign a contract or
• search for business partners;
• participation in non-commercial events (interest groups, social and charitable projects, etc.).

To extend the visa, fill in the I-539 form, the filing procedure of which has been changed from March 22.

Each applicant included in the I-539 form of the main applicant must submit and sign a separate I-539A form, which, together with the main form, is posted on Citizenship and Immigration Services website.

Parents or guardians may sign this form on behalf of children under the age of 14 or any co-applicant who is not capable.

Each applicant and co-applicant must pay 85 dollars for the collection of his biometric data, with the exception of some non-immigrants of categories A, G and NATO listed in the instructions for the updated I-539 form.

A notice of appointment to collect biometric data is sent to each applicant and co-applicant, regardless of age. Biometric data collection is held at the Immigration Service Application Center (ASC) nearest to the address of the main applicant.

Applicants who wish to submit biometric data to another ASC must submit a separate I-539 form.

The US Citizenship and Immigration Services will reject any form of I-539 that does not contain any required signatures or proof of payment for the biometric data collection service, including those required for the I-539A form.

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