New US policy gives officials more power to reject immigration filings

WASHINGTON: Immigrants seeking work permits, green cards, or changes of status could face a greater risk of having their applications denied under a new US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) policy that took effect on August 5. The policy, announced by USCIS on Wednesday, gives immigration officials broader discretion to deny incomplete applications without first allowing applicants an opportunity to submit missing documents or other required evidence. The new policy applies to a wide range of applications handled by USCIS, including those for green cards, work permits, US citizenship, travel documents, and other immigration-related approvals. Under the revised guidance,…