USCIS re-extends responses to RFE, notice of appeal, etc.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, on June 24, 2021, USCIS issued an extension to the flexibilities it previously announced on March 30, 2020 regarding the submission of responses to Requests for Evidence, Notices of Intent to Deny, Notices of Intent to Revoke, Notices of Intent to Rescind, Notices of Intent to Terminate, Continuations to Request Evidence and Motions to Reopen and N-400, as well as filing the Form I-290B, Notice of Appeal or Motion or Form N-336, Request for a Hearing on a Decision in Naturalization Proceedings.

This flexibility applies to the above-named documents if the issuance date listed on the request, notice or decision is between March 1, 2020 and September 30, 2021. USCIS must receive responses to these notices or requests within 60 calendar days after the response due date set in the request. In the case of filing Form I-290B or Form N-336, it must be received up to 60 calendar days from the date of the decision. Please take note that USCIS clearly says calendar days, not business days and another thing to remember is, the response must be received by USCIS, not mailed within 60 calendar days.

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Here in the US, it’s easy to forget that COVID-19 is still lurking around the corner. Except in mandated locations such as hospitals, people in public areas are no longer wearing masks and the ambience generally feels like everything is back to normal. New York has officially declared victory against COVID-19 and most restrictions have already been lifted. Schools have been holding their graduation ceremonies in huge arenas with no limitations as to the number of guests. Parties are held everywhere with no one worrying if your neighbor will call the police on you. Supermarkets, bowling alleys, golf courses, bars, restaurants, everywhere. It seems like the pandemic was a distant memory.

Yes, there are still new cases and deaths caused by COVID-19, but mostly this is happening on the unvaccinated. There are also breakthrough cases or those who were still infected despite having been fully vaccinated but most of the patients under this category have experienced mild symptoms and less hospitalization days.

What’s worrisome is what lies beneath. Some countries with the same vaccination rate as the US are experiencing a new wave of coronavirus cases, mostly of the more aggressive and deadly Delta/Delta Plus variant. It’s the same variant that has plagued India. UK, for example, has seen its cases rise dramatically, same with Israel, Australia, and other countries. Clearly, this is very far from over.

Which brings us to a complex puzzle - how are we supposed to balance between the risks infection and the resetting of our lives and the rebuilding of our nation? It’s a very delicate and tough problem facing our leaders. In a country like the Philippines which has yet to achieve widespread vaccination while trying to reboot its economy, this presents a clear and present conundrum. This is a race against time and hopefully, we are few steps ahead of this evil pandemic.

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The whole country is shocked and saddened by the passing of former president Noynoy Aquino. No one is perfect and the death of one always lures us to only extol his virtues to high heavens while setting aside his vices. There is a time for introspection on his legacy and leadership and there is also a time to reflect on his frailties. Now isn’t that time. Let the nation mourn as it rightfully ought and let’s set aside our petty politics for now, as we morally should.

May his soul rest in peace.