On February 24, 2022, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issued a memo stating that it will begin issuing separate Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) and Advance Parole (AP) documents to eligible applicants. This memo has sparked a lot of discussion and debate among immigration advocates and experts.

First, it's important to understand what EADs and APs are and how they are currently issued. EADs are documents that authorize non-citizens to work legally in the United States. APs, on the other hand, allow non-citizens who are in the process of adjusting their status to travel outside the United States and return without abandoning their application. Currently, EADs and APs are often issued together on the same card, called a combo card.

The memo from USCIS announcing the separate issuance of EADs and APs stated that the change is intentional and part of a larger effort to modernize and streamline the immigration system. According to the memo, "Separating the documents will facilitate USCIS's ability to offer more frequent and efficient issuance of EADs, and increase flexibility in scheduling biometrics appointments, while also improving customer service and reducing wait times for EAD and AP applicants."

However, many immigration advocates and experts have expressed concern over the new policy, arguing that it could create additional hurdles for applicants and lead to delays and confusion. For example, applicants who receive separate EADs and APs may need to carry multiple documents with them when traveling, which could be difficult to manage. In addition, the new policy could create delays in the processing of EADs and APs, as USCIS will need to issue and track two separate documents instead of one.

Another concern is that the separate issuance of EADs and APs could lead to increased fees for applicants. Currently, the fee for a combo card is $495, which covers both the EAD and AP. However, under the new policy, applicants will need to pay separate fees for each document, which could significantly increase the cost of the application process.

Despite these concerns, USCIS maintains that the separate issuance of EADs and APs will ultimately benefit applicants by improving customer service and reducing wait times. The agency has stated that it will work to ensure that the transition to the new policy is as smooth as possible and that applicants are informed of any changes.

In conclusion, the memo from USCIS announcing the separate issuance of EADs and APs has raised some valid concerns among immigration advocates and experts. While USCIS claims that the change will ultimately benefit applicants, it remains to be seen how the new policy will be implemented and how it will impact the application process. As always, it's important for applicants to stay informed and consult with an immigration attorney or qualified professional for guidance on navigating the complex U.S. immigration system.