The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly slowed down the United States immigration process. Not only are consulates and embassies short-staffed, but vaccinations have not yet reached
The U.S. Department of State (DOS) Visa Bulletin provides vital information to those seeking to file an immigrant visa petition. Each month, a bulletin is
On Wednesday, June 9, 2021, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced the most recent policy updates to the USCIS Policy Manual. Specifically, the updates
According to a June 2021 policy brief by the National Foundation for American Policy (NFAP) “U.S.-born IT professionals and computer and information systems majors continued
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas, the Houston consulting and strategic solutions company has pleaded guilty to committing ongoing
Join our Webinar Scheduled for June 14, 2021 @ 6:00 PM EDT Topic: A unique prospective from experienced immigration attorneys about Adjustment of Status Requests
Foreign-born Cincinnatians comprise only 3.5 percent of the city’s population, yet they wield $1.5 billion in spending power and contribute over $189 million in state and local taxes annually. Mayor John Cranley says he wants to “make Cincinnati the most immigrant friendly city in the country.” Cranley is just one
U.S. employers are required to pay a legal wage to unskilled immigrants doing agricultural work. If you are a U.S.-based employer who needs help understanding or achieving compliance with immigration laws – or if you’re being cited for a violation – obtain the legal help you need by contacting an
Is the company you own I-9 compliant? If you’re not sure, then it needs to be. An administrative judge imposed a whopping $600,000 fine on one employer recently for improperly handling I-9 forms. The fine (in U.S. v. Hartmann Studios, Inc.) is a timely reminder that every U.S.-based business must
Immigration is fundamentally changing the United States. Immigrants create businesses and jobs, pay millions of tax dollars, and bring innovative new ideas as well as their own culture and traditions. While everyone perhaps knows that border states like Texas and California are changing dramatically due to immigration, you may not
Law in the United States is a vast and complicated field of knowledge. Attorneys not only specialize – they sub-specialize. From estate planning attorneys who only work with living trusts to malpractice attorneys who only work with brain injury patients, the specializations are many, and there are more developing all
As international students holding F-1 visas prepare to graduate, many apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT) to receive employment authorization for a year or more. Who Qualifies for STEM Extension? Although Optional Practical Training for some F-1 students is restricted to 12 months, other international students will qualify for an
The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) allows citizens of participating countries to travel to the United States without a visa for stays of ninety days or less for tourism or for business purposes. Transiting or traveling through the United States to Canada or Mexico is generally permitted for VWP travelers. Business
For international managers and executives seeking lawful permanent residence and – ultimately – naturalized citizenship in the United States, the EB-1C visa is an alternative to the EB-5 visa. What Are the Benefits of EB-1C Visa? This visa provides a green card immediately and without the need to make an
In 2014, a survey conducted by the University of Pennsylvania named the Brookings Institution as the most influential think tank in the world. Brookings is one of Washington’s oldest and most prestigious “think tanks.” It conducts research and education in economics, foreign policy, and global development with the aims of
One result of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) is that citizens of Canada and Mexico who wish to work temporarily or conduct temporary business activities in the United States – for up to three years – may apply for a TN nonimmigrant visa. As our NAFTA partners, Canadian
A federal appeals court has determined that an undocumented immigrant cannot be deported back to Mexico because she identifies as a transgender woman. This brings to light the issue of gender discrimination in immigration law. Gender Discrimination Claim Edin Carey Avendano-Hernandez claims that her gender identification makes her a target
You’ve likely heard of USCIS or received some communication from them, but what is this agency and what does it do? If you have any questions or concerns about immigration, or if you’re involved in any legal dispute over your immigration rights or status, you need to consult at once
H-1B visa holders are taxed on their income in one of two ways: Those categorized as “non-resident aliens” are taxed only on the income they earn in the United States Those categorized as “resident aliens” are taxed on income earned both in the U.S. and elsewhere. Non-resident Alien A non-resident
Businesses in New Jersey are hoping to save a foreign-worker program that boosts the state’s tourist industry each summer. The J-1 visa allows hundreds of foreign college students to work in New Jersey’s hotels, amusements parks, and boardwalk shops in a season when the demand for summer workers exhausts the
It’s been said that undocumented immigrants in America are “people in the shadows,” but the nonprofit South Asian Network (SAN) is trying to bring some light into those shadows in the Los Angeles area, especially when it comes to health care. According to their own website: “South Asian Network was
The number of undocumented immigrants seeking asylum in the United States is skyrocketing, according to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Asylum Requires “Credible Fear” Undocumented asylum seekers must persuade a federal asylum officer that they have a “credible fear” of returning to their home countries. By claiming they face
The Trust Act could quickly become law in California. As of October 1, Governor Jerry Brown still has two weeks to sign or to veto the Trust Act. Under one of its provisions, police officers in California would be barred from helping to deport most undocumented immigrants. Trust Act: Support
Maybe you’ve heard the phrase “Advance Parole” – but what does it really mean and do you need it? If you’re an immigrant in the United States applying for a green card, it’s a good idea not to leave the country – unless you have to – while your application
These days, there are many questions about the differences in visas available for immigrants. Understanding those differences can get confusing and frankly, overwhelming. For instance, what is the difference between L-1A and H-1B visas? If you are not sure, you are not alone. Let’s review what visa class may be
Asylum is a form of protection offered by governments to individuals who fear persecution in their home country. To qualify for asylum in the United States, a person must demonstrate a fear of persecution that is well founded and based on the person’s political opinions, religion, nationality, race, or membership
When an application or petition for immigration matters is denied or revoked, the party seeking approval of the application or petition is allowed to appeal the decision to the appropriate appellate body. Possible Outcomes of an Appeal When presented with an appeal, the appellate body may uphold, reverse, or remand