July 2015 Immigration Update

  Headlines:   1. U.S. Supreme Court Decides Two Immigration Cases – The U.S. Supreme Court has decided two immigration cases with potentially far-reaching implications, Kerry v. Din and Mata v. Lynch. 2. Visa, Passport Computer Problems Mostly Resolved  – Among other things, the problems caused delays at the U.S.-Mexico border with seasonal workers being unable […]

June 2015 Immigration Update

Headlines: 1. USCIS Suspends Premium Processing Until July 27 for Extension of Stay H-1B Petitions; New Form In Effect – USCIS said this temporary suspension will allow the agency to implement its final rule on employment authorization for certain H-4 spouses in a timely manner. 2. USCIS Releases Revised I-765 Application for Employment Authorization –The revised […]

May 2015 Immigration Update

  Headlines:   1. H-1B Premium Processing Has Begun – On April 27, 2015, USCIS began premium processing for cap-subject H-1B petitions requesting it, and for petitions seeking an exemption from the H-1B cap for individuals with a U.S. master’s degree or higher. 2. Senators Seek Multi-Agency H-1B Program Investigation – The senators expressed concerns about U.S. […]

April 2015 Immigration Update

Headlines: 1. Reminder: File H-1B Petitions Early! – USCIS said it expects to receive more petitions than the H-1B cap during the first five business days of this year’s program, which began on April 1. 2. USCIS Updates L-1B ‘Specialized Knowledge’ Guidance – The memo provides guidance on how L-1B petitioners may demonstrate that an employee has […]

March 2015 Immigration Update

  Headlines:   1. Court Blocks Expanded DACA, DAPA; Obama Administration Appeals – The blocked programs include an expansion of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, which had been set to start in February, and Deferred Action for Parents of Americans and Lawful Permanent Residents (DAPA), which was scheduled to begin in May.   2. DHS Extends […]

February 2015 Immigration Update

  Headlines:   1. DHS Considers ‘Known Employer’ Program To Aid Business Travel Р DHS expects to launch a pilot by late 2015 to test the program.   2. HHS Updates Poverty Guidelines Р Among other things, the poverty guidelines are used in determining minimum income requirements for Form I-864, Affidavit of Support, and Form […]