September 2007 Immigration Update
Headlines: 1. DHS Issues Final Rule on Employer ‘No-Match’ Obligations; Judge Issues Temporary Restraining Order Until October 1 – The amended regulation describes the legal obligations of employers relating to the unlawful hiring or continued employment of unauthorized workers. 2. Tips on Verification Compliance – Prudent employers should follow these steps to confirm that their […]
UPDATES ON CASE LAW REGARDING Š¢PORTABILITYŠ£ UNDER INA Ā¤ 204(j) AND THE ONE-YEAR DEADLINE FOR FILING AN ASYLUM CLAIM
by Adam Ketcher* This firm regularly posts articles that highlight and explain administrative and judicial decisions that affect the immigration status or pending applications of our clients. Two such matters that are of primary significance to our clients are job “portability” under section 204(j) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (“INA”), and the one-year filing […]
EMPLOYMENT-BASED VISA AVAILABILITY IN September AND October 2007
by Cyrus D. Mehta * After the July 2007 visa bulletin fiasco (See July 2007 VISA BULLETIN FIASCO: A POST-MORTEM), the Department of State has announced in its September 2007 bulletin that there will be limited visa availability in several of the Employment-Based Preferences. The current August 2007 Visa Bulletin shows no visa availability in […]
EMERGING ISSUES IN DUAL REPRESENTATION AND UNAUTHORIZED PRACTICE OF LAW
by Cyrus D. Mehta * This outline addresses emerging issues in two important areas affecting immigration practice: Dual Representation and Unauthorized Practice of Law. Although the two areas are unrelated, they are both very relevant to immigration practitioners, who may be interested in keeping abreast with recent developments. A. DUAL REPRESENTATION The practice of immigration […]
August 2007 Immigration Update
Headlines: 1. DOS, USCIS Reverse Policies, Release Guidance in Response to July Visa Number Debacle – The Department of State and USCIS reversed course to resolve the dilemma of tens of thousands of skilled workers who were left out in the cold by the State Department’s sudden announcement on July 2 that there would be […]
CONVERSATION WITH AN Š¤OUT OF STATUSŠ„ ALIEN
by Cyrus D. Mehta* Alien: Am I being called an “alien” because I am out of status? Attorney: No. All non-citizens are called aliens. Even green card holders. Alien: My tourist visa is for 10 years. Why am I still out of status? Attorney: Your status is governed by the date on your I-94 card. […]
July 2007 VISA BULLETIN FIASCO: A POST-MORTEM
by Cyrus D. Mehta* The government’s sensible resolution of the July 2007 Visa Bulletin fiasco was met with jubilation from potential adjustment of status applicants who were earlier thwarted from filing. The August 2007 bulletin announced that the July 2007 Employment-based preferences, except for the Other Worker category, would again be current, and DHS further […]
July 2007 VISA BULLETIN CURRENT AGAIN
In a startling reversal of its earlier announcement, the State Department, in its August 2007 Visa Bulletin,announcedthat “Visa Bulletin #107 (dated June 12) should be relied upon as the current July Visa Bulletin for the purpose of determining Employment visa number availability, and that Visa Bulletin #108 (dated July 2) is hereby withdrawn.” Insofar as […]
DOL RULE AGAINST SUBSTITUTIONS TAKES EFFECT ON July 16, 2007
by Cyrus D. Mehta* The Department of Labor’s (DOL) final rule to “enhance program integrity and reduce the incentives and opportunities for fraud and abuse related to the permanent employment of aliens in the United States” takes effect on July 16, 2007. See 72 Fed. Reg. 27,903-27,947 (May 17, 2007). The provisions apply to permanent […]
July 2007 Immigration Update
Headlines: 1. Immigration Reform Bill Dies in Senate – On a procedural vote, the Senate killed the bipartisan bill on comprehensive immigration reform that has been the subject of much debate and controversy and that had the support of President Bush. 2. DOS Suddenly Announces No More Employment-Based Visa Numbers – In a stunning policy […]
ADJUSTMENT OF STATUS FILING ADVISORY
On July 1, 2007, the Visa Numbers in the Employment-based Second and Third Preferences will become current. The USCIS Service Centers in Nebraska and Texas will be deluged with Adjustment of Status (Form I-485) applications. This advisory is in continuation of July 2007 VISA BULLETIN – “CURRENT.” An update on AILA Infonet expresses concern that […]
UPDATES FROM THE AMERICAN IMMIGRATION LAWYERŠ„S ASSOCIATION (AILA) CONFERENCE IN ORLANDO, FLORIDA
by Elizabeth T. Reichard* Representatives from our firm recently participated in the AILA Annual Conference on Immigration Law in Orlando Florida from June 13 – 16, 2007. The following provides updates on some of the “hot topics” addressed at the Conference. 1. Legislation Update While the Comprehensive Immigration Law Reform Bill was removed from the […]
July 2007 VISA BULLETIN – “CURRENT”
by Mazal Gavrielov* “Current,” may be a regular word to some, but to thousands of foreign nationals the word holds significant meaning. It means that they are finally permitted to apply for adjustment of status in the United States. Applications can be submitted as of July 1, 2007 and through July 31, 2007. > The […]
IS IT MANDATORY TO DETAIN AN AGGRAVATED FELON?
by Cyrus D. Mehta,* Elizabeth T. Reichard** and Adam Ketcher*** Matt and his buddies are members of Delta Tau Delta at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio. During the fall semester, these fraternity boys came up with a “brilliant” plan to take a road trip to Windsor, Ontario. I mean, what could be more […]
June 2007 Immigration Update
Headlines: 1. Immigration Reform Bill Passes ‘Test’ Vote in Senate – The Senate’s bipartisan bill on comprehensive immigration reform has passed a “test” vote; formal debate has begun. 2. DOL Publishes Final Labor Certification Rule, Prohibits Substitutions; USCIS Terminates Premium Processing for I-140s Requesting Substitutions – The regulation’s provisions apply to permanent labor certification applications […]
COMPREHENSIVE IMMIGRATION REFORM BILL WILL RADICALLY ALTER IMMIGRATION LAW
by Cyrus D. Mehta* and Poorvi Chothani** America is a nation of immigrants and its history of admitting newcomers goes all the way back since its inception. Millions upon millions of people have been attracted to this country because it provides opportunities to anyone who works hard, regardless of race, religion or national origin. In […]
SEISMIC ACTIVITY IN IMMIGRATION LAW
by Cyrus D. Mehta* During the week ending May 18, 2007, there has been significant seismic activity that could radically change the way we know US immigration law. Rumblings have gone on throughout the week involving advances in employment –based visa numbers, a DOL rule that will eliminate substitutions and prohibit foreign nationals from paying […]
CIR NEGOTIATIONS REACH Š¢MAKE OR BREAKŠ£ POINT IN SENATE, URGENT ACTION NEEDED!
We reproduce the following message from the AILA Infonet site: Your urgent action has never been needed more than now, when the debate and negotiations on comprehensive immigration reform legislation are nearing a "make or break" point. Contrary to what you may be reading in the press, the negotiations between a White House-led group of […]
USCIS REACHES H-1B MASTERŠ„S CAP FOR FISCAL YEAR 2008
by Cyrus D. Mehta* On May 4, 2007, United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that it has received enough H-1B petitions to fill the 20,000 cap for those who have earned master’s degrees or higher from a U.S. institution of higher education. The announcement retroactively assigns April 30, 2007 as the “final receipt […]
May 2007 Immigration Update
Headlines: USCIS Completes FY 2008 H-1B Selections, Changes Procedures – USCIS has completed the random selection process to determine which FY 2008 H-1B petitions would be accepted for processing, and outlined new procedures. DHS Issues Final Rule on Petitioning Requirements for O and P Nonimmigrants – DHS issued a final rule to permit petitioners to […]
