July 2012 Immigration Update
Headlines 1. Supreme Court Strikes Down Most Provisions of Arizona’s Immigration Enforcement Law – The Supreme Court struck down most provisions of Arizona’s 2010 immigration-related law, allowing to stand one provision requiring police to verify immigration status in certain circumstances. 2. Continued Heavy Demand in Employment Second Preference Category Leads to Worldwide Cut-Off Date for July – […]
PRESIDENT ANNOUNCES DEFERRED ACTION, WORK AUTHORIZATION FOR CERTAIN CHILDREN OF UNDOCUMENTED PERSONS
In a surprise move, President Barack Obama announced that certain children of undocumented persons may be granted deferred action and work authorization, based on prosecutorial discretion. Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano detailed the change in a memorandum sent on June 15, 2012, to David V. Aguilar, Acting Commissioner, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP); […]
June 2012 Immigration Update
Headlines: 1. USCIS Launches Online Immigration System – Individuals can establish a USCIS ELIS account and apply online to extend or change their nonimmigrant status for certain visa types. 2. USCIS EB-5 Stakeholders Meeting Provides Little New Information – USCIS did not answer stakeholder questions that had been submitted before the meeting. 3. Senators Urge Mayorkas […]
IT’S ALL ABOUT NUMBERS: INDIA & CHINA EB-2 CATEGORY UNAVAILABLE; H-1B VISAS RUNNING OUT
In May, as predicted, the India and China priority dates in the employment-based second preference (EB-2) green card category retrogressed dramatically, from May 1, 2010, to August 15, 2007. The EB-2 category is for people with advanced degrees or who have exceptional ability. The Department of State’s Visa Office has announced that this category is […]
May 2012 Immigration Update
Headlines 1. FY 2013 H-1B Petitions Coming In Fast – Over 25,000 cap-subject H-1B petitions have been filed as of April 20, 2012. 2. India, China EB-2 Category Retrogresses Dramatically – As predicted for May, the India and China EB-2 priority dates have retrogressed dramatically, from May 1, 2010, to August 15, 2007. 3. DOL Changes Effective […]
April 2012 Immigration Update
Headlines: 1. FY 2013 H-1B Filing Season Begins – Beginning on April 2, 2012, employers may file cap-subject H-1B petitions for FY 2013, for employment starting on October 1, 2012, or later. 2. Department of State Amends Fees for Consular Services – The Department issued an interim final rule increasing fees for consular services for nonimmigrant visa […]
