Headlines: 1. Backlogged Immigration Cases ‘Could Take Years’ to Process, USCIS Says; No Forward Movement of Cut-Off Dates – USCIS faces huge backlogs because of fee changes combined with confusion over the cut-off date for employment-based applications. 2. Talent Pool Increasingly Global: EU Blue Cards Proposed, Migrant Policy Web Site Launched – Will the European […]
by Elizabeth T. Reichard1 Practitioners Beware! L-1B Visa Program is facing heightened scrutiny. Reports are streaming in that the Service is issuing sweeping Requests for Evidence (“RFEs”) on all L-1B cases.2 The RFEs appear to be boilerplate and often ask for information that has already been submitted. Rarely do the RFEs make reference to the […]
by Mark Ivener * and Cyrus D. Mehta** For foreign investors looking for freedom and flexibility to live and work in the United States in a way accommodating to their lifestyles, the little-known EB-5 investor category can provide an excellent opportunity to accomplish this goal through the obtaining of Green Cards. There are essentially two […]
by Cyrus D. Mehta* and Catherine L. Haight** 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” took effect on July 16, 2007.1 The new provisions apply to permanent labor certification applications […]
In the event of a conflict between two parties represented simultaneously by one attorney in a single matter, the attorney is generally required to withdraw from the representation of both clients. Reproduced is an article published in 12 Bender’s Immigr. Bull. 1147 (Aug. 15, 2007) – COUNTERPOINT: ETHICALLY HANDLING CONFLICTS BETWEEN TWO CLIENTS THROUGH THE […]
Headlines: 1. U.S. Adds Photo Verification, Sues Illinois on Verification Ban; Towns Rethink Anti-Illegal Laws – The photo tool will be available when a new employee presents an EAD or green card to complete the I-9. 2. USCIS Announces New Naturalization Test – The revised test emphasizes fundamental concepts of American democracy, U.S. history, and […]
by Cyrus D. Mehta * Although comprehensive immigration reform went down in flames earlier in the summer of 2007, there is hope that smaller measures could get passed in Congress. On September 20, 2007, Senator Durbin offered an amendment to the military authorization bill (H.R. 1585), which would introduce the DREAM Act (S.A. 2919). This […]
by Cristina Velez* Recent decisions from the Board of Immigration Appeals and U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit raise new questions on an “old” issue: when an immigrant visa petition or labor certification filed on one’s behalf prior to April 30, 2001 was “approvable when filed” and therefore permits one to adjust his […]
by Cyrus D. Mehta * Interesting issues arise under US immigration and nationality law when a child is born through in vitro fertilization (IVF). According to Wikipedia, IVF is a technique in which the egg cells are fertilized by sperm outside the woman’s womb. The process involves hormonally controlling the ovulatory process, removing ova from […]
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 […]
