On March 9, 2010, Department of Homeland Security announced the designation of Greece as a member of the Visa Waiver Program (VWP)— streamlining travel for Greek citizens visiting the United States.  Greek citizens will be permitted to travel to the United States for up to 90 days without obtaining a visa.
Greece’s VWP designation represents a major step forward in the continued and long-standing economic and security partnership between the United States and Greece—reflecting more than two years of coordination between the two countries on Greece’s entry into VWP.
In accordance with the VWP designation process, DHS determined that Greece complies with key security and information-sharing requirements; timely reporting of lost and stolen passports; and the maintenance of high counterterrorism, law enforcement, border control, aviation and document security standards.
Like VWP travelers from other countries, Greek citizens will be required to apply for an Electronic System Travel Authorization (ESTA) through the Web-based system. Greek citizens will be able to visit the United States without visas in approximately 30 days.

For more information, visit www.dhs.gov or esta.cbp.dhs.gov.

On February 25, 2010, USCIS announced its revised Form I-360, Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant.  The new form is dated “12/30/09,” and no previous versions of the form will be accepted 30 days after publication.  There are also new filing locations.
Beginning February 25, 2010, applicants must file a Form I-360 with either the Vermont Service Center, the Nebraska Service Center, or at a USCIS Lockbox facility.  Where applicable, USCIS Service Centers will forward Form I-360 petitions to the appropriate Lockbox facility until March 29, 2010.  After that time, Service Centers may return incorrectly filed Forms I-360 with instructions to send the petition to the correct location.  USCIS will accept previous versions of Form I-360 until March 29, 2010. After March 29, 2010, USCIS will reject previous versions of the form submitted.
When filing Form I-360 at a Lockbox facility, you may elect to receive an email and/or text message
notifying you that USCIS has accepted your petition.  To receive notification, you must complete an
E-Notification of Application/Petition Acceptance (Form G-1145), and attach it to the first page of
your petition.

For assistance in preparing your Special Immigrant (Religious Worker) I-360 petition, contact Amy L. Becerra, Esq.:  amy@alblawoffice.com.

Beginning February 25, 2010, most applicants must submit Form I-485 to a USCIS Lockbox facility, depending on the category under which they are filing, as provided in the form's instructions. USCIS Service Centers will forward all Form I-485 applications to the appropriate Lockbox facility until March 29, 2010.

USCIS will accept previous versions of Form I-485 until March 29, 2010. After March 29, 2010, USCIS will only accept the Form I-485 dated “12/03/09.”  Any older versions of Form I-485 will be rejected and the Service Centers will return any incorrectly filed Form I-485 with instructions to send the
application to the correct location.

When filing Form I-485 at a Lockbox facility, you may elect to receive an email and/or text message
notifying you that USCIS has accepted your application. To receive notification, you must complete
an E-Notification of Application/Petition Acceptance (Form G-1145), and attach it to the first page of
your application.

For assistance in preparing your new I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, please contact Amy L. Becerra, Esq.:  amy@alblawoffice.com.