Press & Announcements

Press

4 years ago

Ghazi Law Group, APLC
COVID-19 Vaccination Required for Immigration Medical ExaminationsU.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services announced on September 14, 2021, that, effective Oct. 1, 2021, applicants subject to the immigration medical examination must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 before the civil surgeon can complete an immigration medical examination and sign Form I-693, Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record."We are updating our policy guidance in accordance with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Aug. 17, 2021 update to the Technical Instructions for Civil Surgeons. That update requires applicants subject to the immigration medical examination to complete the COVID-19 vaccine series (one or two doses, depending on the vaccine) and provide documentation of vaccination to the civil surgeon before completion of the immigration medical examination. This requirement is effective Oct. 1, 2021, and applies prospectively to all Forms I-693 signed by the civil surgeons on or after that date. We are working on updating Form I-693 and the form instructions to incorporate this new requirement.In general, individuals applying to become a lawful permanent resident, and other applicants as deemed necessary, must undergo an immigration medical examination to show they are free from any conditions that would render them inadmissible under the health-related grounds. USCIS designates eligible physicians as civil surgeons to perform this immigration medical examination for applicants within the United States and to document the results of the immigration medical examination on the Form I-693.USCIS may grant blanket waivers if the COVID-19 vaccine is:Not age-appropriate;Contraindicated due to a medical condition;Not routinely available where the civil surgeon practices; orLimited in supply and would cause significant delay for the applicant to receive the vaccination.Individuals may also apply for individual waivers based on religious beliefs or moral convictions by submitting Form I-601, Application for Waiver of Grounds of Inadmissibility." ... See MoreSee Less
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4 years ago

Ghazi Law Group, APLC
DHS Withdraws Proposed Biometrics RuleThe Department of Homeland Security has withdrawn a proposed rule that would have expanded department authorities and requirements for collecting biometrics by removing age restrictions; requiring submission of biometrics for every applicant, petitioner, sponsor, beneficiary, or other individual filing for or associated with any immigration or naturalization benefit or request unless DHS waives or exempts the biometrics requirement; codifying the authority to use DNA test results; and authorizing the use of additional types of biometric modalities.DHS announced its decision to withdraw the proposed rule, originally published on Sept. 11, 2020, in a Federal Register notice. The withdrawal is consistent with the Executive Order 14012, Restoring Faith in Our Legal Immigration Systems and Strengthening Integration and Inclusion Efforts for New Americans, and additional administration priorities to reduce barriers and undue burdens in the immigration system.DHS will continue to require submission of biometrics where appropriate and remains committed to national security, identity management, fraud prevention and program integrity. ... See MoreSee Less
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Announcements

Divorce When Your Immigration Status Is at Stake: Protecting Your Future When Two Legal Worlds Collide

September 19, 2025

When Your Marriage Ends But Your Immigration Status Hangs in the Balance Your marriage is ending. The pain runs deep, but there’s another fear keeping you awake at night: What…

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Your Affidavit of Support Could Become a Financial Nightmare in Divorce: What Every Sponsoring Spouse Must Know

September 19, 2025

Don’t Let Immigration Promises Become Permanent Financial Obligations – Understanding Form I-864 Enforceability Could Save Your Future Michael thought his financial responsibilities would end when he divorced his wife of…

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Asset Protection & Discovery in High Net Worth Divorce: Protecting Your Financial Future

September 19, 2025

Did you discover joint accounts mysteriously emptied overnight? Has your spouse suddenly restructured business interests or moved assets to “family loans”? If you’re facing divorce with substantial wealth at stake,…

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Bifurcation in Divorce: Getting Your Status – Only Judgment While Financial Issues Remain Pending

September 19, 2025

Why wait three years for your divorce to finalize when you could be legally single again in just a few months? When divorce proceedings drag on due to complex financial…

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Collaborative Divorce in California: Can You Actually End Your Marriage Without Going to War?

September 19, 2025

Is There Really a Way to Divorce Without Destroying Each Other? You’re facing divorce, but the thought of a bitter court battle makes you sick. You’ve heard horror stories of…

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Complex Asset Prenuptial Agreements: Protecting Your Wealth Before Marriage

September 19, 2025

Do you own stock options worth millions, a diversified real estate portfolio, or investment accounts that dwarf most people’s entire net worth? Are you planning to marry while holding complex…

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Contested vs. Uncontested Divorce in California: Which Path Will Cost You Less Time, Money, and Stress?

September 19, 2025

Understanding the Critical Differences Could Save You Thousands in Legal Fees and Months of Court Battles You’re sitting across from your spouse at the kitchen table where you’ve shared countless…

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Getting Your Green Card Through Marriage While Living Abroad: What You Need to Know About Consular Processing

August 28, 2025

Can You Really Get a U.S. Green Card Without Setting Foot in America? You’re married to a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, but you’re living outside the United States. You…

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Immigration Fraud: What It Is and Why the Consequences Can Destroy Your American Dream

August 27, 2025

Could One False Statement Ruin Your Chance at Living in America Forever? You’re filling out immigration forms, and you come across a question that makes you pause. Maybe it’s about…

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When Life Changes, Can Your California Child Custody Order Change Too? The Truth About Modifications Could Protect Your Family

August 14, 2025

Don’t Let Outdated Custody Arrangements Put Your Child at Risk – Here’s What California Courts Really Require for Successful Modifications Maria stared at the job offer letter. The promotion meant…

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Ghazi Law Group, APLC
15250 Ventura Blvd, Suite 420
Sherman Oaks, CA 91403

Phone: (818) 839-6644
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contact@ghazilawgroup.com

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