Stay up to date with the latest on immigration law brought to you by our expert attorneys at Shihab Burke LLC Immigration Lawyers. With offices in Columbus, Ohio, service areas in Troy, Michigan, and serving clients internationally, our immigration attorneys are here to process your case with the utmost expertise. Call us or schedule a consultation today and get started on your immigration case today. We handle cases in citizenship & naturalization, family-based immigration, fiancé visas, labor certification to name a few,
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
Maybe you’ve heard of the O-1 visa, but what does it entail and can it be right for you? The O-1 nonimmigrant visa classification was designed for those foreign nationals recognized for having extraordinary ability in the arts, sciences, athletics, education, or business, or for anyone with a demonstrable record
Many compassionate American couples are motivated to adopt a child born overseas. But keep in mind that international adoption can be a very complex process. In fact, if you’re considering the adoption of a child from another country, you should seek the services of an experienced immigration attorney for Adoption
If you are an immigrant lucky enough to qualify for United States citizenship, you should absolutely pursue it. Citizenship offers a number of advantages, and it finally ends, once and for all, any and all concerns about greens cards, visas, and immigration status. For whatever reason, however, some people are
Many people think the “E-Verify” program is a brand new idea, but in fact employers have been required for decades to verify the right of immigrants to work for them in the United States. E-Verify simply represents a contemporary approach to the question. E-Verify was created by the Illegal Immigration
The naturalization process is one which allows a foreign citizen to become a full-fledged U.S. citizen, granted the same rights and privileges as any natural born U.S. citizen, including the right to vote in federal elections, which is something that visa holders and lawful permanent residents can’t do, even if