Entries by Cyrus Mehta

Mid-April 2017 Immigration Update

Headlines: USCIS Reaches FY 2018 H-1B Cap – On April 7, 2017, USCIS reached the H-1B cap for FY 2018. USCIS also received a sufficient number of H-1B petitions to meet the 20,000 visa U.S. advanced degree exemption. USCIS Changes H-1B Specialty Occupation Guidance for Computer Programmers – Attorneys are expecting an increase in requests […]

April 2017 Global Immigration Update

Headlines: INDIA – India has launched an e-Tourist Visa for certain travelers. ITALY – Various developments have been announced. NETHERLANDS – This article offers comments from a Dutch perspective on the new European Union Directive on intracorporate transferees. TURKEY – Regulations on the new Turquoise Card have been published. UNITED KINGDOM – This article discusses […]

April 2017 Immigration Update

Headlines: USCIS To Accept FY 2018 H-1B Petitions Starting April 3 – USCIS will begin accepting H-1B petitions subject to the fiscal year 2018 cap on April 3, 2017. State Dept. Cable Calls for U.S. Embassies To Increase Scrutiny of Certain Visa Applicants – The cable orders U.S. embassies to identify “applicant populations warranting increased […]

Mid-March 2017 Immigration Update

Β Headlines President Trump Signs Revised ‘Travel Ban’ Executive Order; Federal District Court Blocks Ban Temporarily – President Donald Trump signed a revised “travel ban” executive order on March 6. USCIS To Suspend Premium Processing for H-1B Petitions Starting April 3 – The suspension may last up to 6 months. Have You Been Using E-Verify for […]

March 2017 Immigration Update

Headlines: DHS Issues Two New Immigration Enforcement Memos – Two new DHS memoranda call for strict enforcement of immigration laws, stepped-up detentions, and enhancement of expedited removal, among other things. TSA Notifies Travelers of Upcoming 2018 REAL ID Airport Enforcement – Effective January 22, 2018, TSA will start enforcing REAL ID requirements at airport security […]

Mid-February 2017 Immigration Update

Headlines Ninth Circuit Blocks Entry Ban: Recent Developments re Trump Administration’s Executive Order – This article summarizes the rapidly developing immigration-related actions of the Trump administration, and related counteractions. USCIS Will Accept Only New Forms After February 21, 2017 – New fees for USCIS forms took effect in December, and updated versions of those forms […]

February 2017 Global Immigration Update

Feature Article: ELECTRONIC TRAVELER SYSTEMS: AN OVERVIEW – This article provides an overview of recent developments with respect to electronic traveler systems in several countries. Country Updates: BELGIUM – A new Act provides for an increased focus on integration efforts, including mandatory signing of a “newcomers statement” for long-term (greater than three months) residence for […]

Updated FAQ on Travel Ban

The following is an updated version of one adapted from frequently asked questions (FAQs) published by ABIL member firm Maggio & Kattar in response to President Trump’s executive order, “Protecting the Nation From Terrorist Attacks by Foreign Nations,” banning entry to the United States by individuals traveling from Iraq, Syria, Iran, Sudan, Libya, Somalia, and […]

February 2017 Immigration Update

Headlines: Trump Era Begins With Tumultuous First Week, Entry Ban – President Donald Trump’s tumultuous first week included a series of executive orders on immigration, refugees, and other issues. Among them was a temporary and immediate entry ban on people traveling to the United States from certain countries. Entry Ban: Frequently Asked Questions – Our […]