This Video Roundtable is available only to AILA members.

This AILA University Video Roundtable will discuss what constitutes USCIS discretion and how to advocate on behalf of clients in situations where discretionary benefits are requested. Members will be able to engage with experts in a Q & A session discussing current issues involving discretion. This session will cover the following issues:

Discussion Topics

• Summary and analysis of the recent USCIS changes to its use of discretion in the USCIS Policy Manual.
• What immigration benefits are subject to USCIS’s discretion? How does the change in the Policy Manual affect filing for these benefits?
• Late filings and maintenance of status. How to advise clients in light of COVID-related travel restrictions? Maintaining status in the context of furloughs, layoffs, unemployment benefits, working from home, collecting PPP, etc.
• Dealing with delays and closures of agencies/organizations that issue required documents – drivers licenses, professional licenses, J-1 waivers, diplomas, professional examination results, etc.
• Counseling clients to maintain status through it all – we are all in it together!

AILA University Video Roundtables are free learning opportunities for AILA members that feature a weekly schedule of live video programming for members to share and learn on a variety of topics. AILA University Video Roundtable are part of AILA University programming and each session is hosted by Discussion Leaders selected for their expertise. Sessions take place via the Zoom conferencing platform.