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 […]