Recent Posts in Immigration Posted By USI Law 1-Apr-2021 President Biden's Measures on Immigration Grand Ambition and Positive Regulatory Actions Immediately upon taking office, President Biden enacted a series of Administrative and Regulatory Actions to stop the anti-immigration policies of his predecessor. He also has also proposed a sweeping ... Continue Reading Posted By USI Law 16-Mar-2021 Immigration Updates USCIS May Re-Consider Adverse H-1B Decisions and Provide Pathway to Approval Public Charge Rule Rescinded The USCIS on Friday, March 12, 2021 announced that it may “reopen and/or reconsider” denials of H-1B visa petitions based on the ... Continue Reading Posted By USI Law 19-Feb-2021 Biden Administration Introduces Immigration Reform Proposal Pathway to Legalized Status and Citizenship for Undocumented ‘Noncitizens’ Reform of Employment Immigration including Wage Based Allocation of H-1B Visas Additional Immigration Friendly Reforms The Biden Administration’s Immigration ... Continue Reading Posted By USI Law 8-Feb-2021 2022 H-1B Cap Lottery - UPDATE IMPORTANT DATES – H-1B REGISTRATION PROCESS TIMELINE The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced that the 2022 H-1B Cap Lottery will be continue via the electronic registration process, which was implemented in 2020. March 9: H-1B ... Continue Reading Posted By USI Law 5-Feb-2021 President Biden's Immigration Proposal President Biden’s Immigration Proposal 2022 H-1B Cap Lottery to Continue to be Randomized Computer Based Trump Policy Memorandum that Deemed ‘Computer Programmers’ to Not Qualify as a Specialty Occupation Position Rescinded The ... Continue Reading Posted By USI Law 22-Jan-2021 Trump's DHS Makes Last Gasp Efforts to Eliminate H-1B Visa Program Trump’s DHS Makes Last Gasp Efforts to Eliminate H-1B Visa Program DHS and DOL Rules Aim to Make H-1B Filings Impossible The Trump Administration in its assault on immigration has, in a last gasp effort, attempted to fatally undermine the ... Continue Reading Posted By USI Law 22-Jan-2021 President Biden Puts All Recent Trump Regulations in Abeyance President Biden Puts All Recent Trump Regulations in Abeyance Trump Regulations to Decapitate Business Immigration Withdrawn or Postponed President Biden went into action immediately after his swearing-in ceremony by signing a series of executive ... Continue Reading Posted By USI Law 22-Jan-2021 President Biden's Immigration Proposal President Biden’s Immigration Proposal Republican Senators Pour Cold Water. Indicate Narrower Bill Maybe Possible. President Biden’s comprehensive immigration proposals arrived on Capitol Hill and was immediately met with strong ... Continue Reading Posted By USI Law 17-Jan-2021 Immigration Update Trump’s DHS Makes Last Gasp Efforts to Eliminate H-1B Visas DHS and DOL Rules Aim to Make H-1B Filings Impossible The Trump Administration in its assault on immigration has, in a last gasp effort, attempted to undermine the non-immigrant and ... Continue Reading Posted By USI Law 7-Jan-2021 Immigration Update USCIS Issues Final Rule on H-1B Cap Visa Selection Process DHS Final Rules Includes Procedures IF the Registration Process is Suspended The Trump Administration has continued efforts to contravene legislative process and enact measures on immigration ... Continue Reading Posted By USI Law 1-Dec-2020 Immigration Update Trump Administration Measures to Restrict Work Visas Thrown Out The Department of Labor Called Out for Not Following Due Procedures The Trump Administration’s restrictive measures on H-1B visas, through the imposition of punitive salary ... Continue Reading Posted By USI Law 9-Sep-2020 URGENT IMMIGRATION UPDATES Trump Administration Moves Interim Final Rule to Restrict H-1B Visas Administration Looks to Short-Circuit Process to Impose Draconian Measures, With Court Challenge Likely The Department of Homeland Security in conjunction with its agency The United ... Continue Reading Posted By USI Law 24-Aug-2020 URGENT IMMIGRATION UPDATES USCIS Fee Increases Effective October 3, 2020 $4000 or $4500 Fee to apply to Most H-1B and L-1 Filings for Companies with 50 or More Employees with 50% in Non-immigrant Visas The Department of Homeland Security has recently announced fee increases ... Continue Reading Posted By USI Law 4-Aug-2020 URGENT IMMIGRATION UPDATES Trump Administration Moves to Further Restrict H-1B Visas Prohibition of H-1B Visa Holders on Federal Contracts Additional Measures in 45 Days to Subvert the H-1B Visa Program The Trump Administration, through an Executive Order, moved aggressively ... Continue Reading Posted By USI Law 15-Jul-2020 URGENT IMMIGRATION UPDATES Trump Administration Rescinds Draconian Measures Targeting F-1 Students The Trump Administration has reached a deal with U.S. Universities to extend the ability of international students with F-1 visas to take fully online course loads while ... Continue Reading Posted By USI Law 22-Jun-2020 URGENT IMMIGRATION UPDATES Trump to Suspend Nonimmigrant Visa (H-1B, L-1, J-1) Entries to U.S. Extend Blockage on Issuance of Greencards In an escalation of the Trump Administration’s efforts to restrict immigration to the United States, an Executive Order ... Continue Reading Posted By USI Law 22-Jun-2020 USCIS RESCINDS MEMOS ON EMPLOYER - EMPLOYEE RELATIONSHIPS AND ITINERARY OF SERVICES Memos Rescinded As Part of Court Settlement As part of a court settlement in the ITServe Alliance case, the USCIS agreed to rescind the two restrictive memos that impacted H-1B petitioners, especially in cases involving Third Party Placements. These ... Continue Reading Posted By USI Law 12-Jun-2020 USCIS Recommencing Premium Processing The USCIS has announced that it will be resuming premium processing of cases in states starting next week. - Effective on June 1, 2020 USCIS will accept and process I-140 applications in premium processing - Effective June 8th, all H-1B cases (that ... Continue Reading Posted By USI Law 12-Jun-2020 DRACONIAN MEASURES AGAINST IMMIGRATION BEING CONTEMPLATED Complete Ban on Non-Immigrants and Gutting of the H-1B Visa Program President Donald J. Trump and his administration are considering draconian measures to try and stop most non-immigrants from entering the United States for an initial period of 180 ... Continue Reading Posted By USI Law 29-May-2020 IMMIGRATION UPDATES USCIS IS REOPENING OFFICES ON JUNE 4th U.S. GOV’T SUPPORTS H-4 EAD PROGRAM IN COURT NEW USCIS ACTION EXPECTED IN 90-DAYS AS A RESULT OF THE ITServe Alliance, Inc. SETTLEMENT BI-PARTISAN BILL INTRODUCED TO RECONFIGURE H-1B AND L-1 VISAS The ... Continue Reading Posted By USI Law 9-Aug-2018 USCIS Issues Revised and Final Policy Memorandum Governing the Accrual of Unlawful Presence for F, J, and M Nonimmigrants The Policy Memorandum, effective August 9, 2018, Changes the Policy in which F, J, and M Nonimmigrants Accrue Unlawful Presence On August 9, 2018, the USCIS released a new policy memorandum that revises and supersedes their previous May 10, 2018 ... Continue Reading Posted By USI Law 22-Jan-2018 Nearly Half of American Innovators Are Immigrants Business ownership and innovation are highly prized qualities in American culture. It may be surprising to learn that nearly half of the 2010 Fortune 500 companies were founded by immigrants or the children of immigrants, and that more than a third ... Continue Reading Posted By USI Law 18-Jan-2018 Government Shutdown Impact on Immigration Matters There seems to be an increasing likelihood of a U.S. government shutdown as legislators continue to debate a spending bill to fund the government. If a bill is not passed into law by tomorrow, the government will ... Continue Reading Posted By USI Law 12-Jan-2018 Business Leaders Speak Out Against Ending DACA As the Trump administration sets its sights on the end of DACA, American business executives are raising their voices in defense of DACA beneficiaries, called Dreamers. More than 400 business leaders have signed their name to a letter to Trump or ... Continue Reading Posted By USI Law 8-Jan-2018 Why DACA Is Necessary for American Businesses Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) is a program that protects undocumented immigrants who were brought to America as young children. In addition to providing protection from removal, DACA also authorizes beneficiaries to work legally in ... Continue Reading Posted By USI Law 29-Dec-2017 We Need Immigrant Workers After Natural Disasters In the wake of natural disasters like Hurricane Harvey, we find ourselves faced by a dilemma. There is a considerable amount of cleanup and rebuilding that must occur, but there are not nearly enough workers to take on the job. Historically, ... Continue Reading Posted By USI Law 23-Jan-2017 Will Divorce Affect My Immigration Status? Are you currently in the United States on a visa that was granted to you based on your spouse’s application or citizenship? If so, your immigration status may be affected in the event that you should ever divorce or separate from your spouse. ... Continue Reading Posted By USI Law 10-Jan-2017 Can I Receive a Waiver for Immigration Fraud and Misrepresentation? If you are applying for an immigration visa, employment visa, visitor visa, or other type of visa authorizing your travel to the United States, your application may be denied if you are found inadmissible for various reasons. Depending on the ... Continue Reading Posted By USI Law 7-Nov-2016 U.S. Immigrant Population Hits Record High According to a new survey of the immigrant population in the United States, American immigration has reached an all-time high in recent years, with immigrants comprising 13.3 percent of U.S. residents in 2014. This marks the highest annual percentage ... Continue Reading Posted By USI Law 15-Sep-2016 Interesting Immigration Facts You Might Not Know No matter your viewpoint, immigration is a hot topic in America, especially in recent years. It is also an ever-present issue all around the world. People in general are concerned with their borders, who is crossing them, and why. But not many people ... Continue Reading Posted By USI Law 30-Jul-2016 US Colleges Using Legal Loophole to Help Students Get Visas A number of U.S. colleges are using a legal ambiguity to help international entrepreneurs stay in America after graduating by hiring them upon graduation. While most foreign students would be required to compete for one of the United States’ ... Continue Reading Posted By USI Law 27-Jul-2016 Despite Rate Hikes, India Receives Majority of H-1B Visas Despite a hike in fees, India continues to receive a considerable share of the United States government’s H-1B visas. According to US Ambassador to India Richard Verma, who was present at the recent “The Future is Now: From COP21 to ... Continue Reading Posted By USI Law 10-Mar-2016 OPT STEM 24 Month Extension - Effective May 10, 2016 On March 10, 2016 a final rule was published in the Federal Register which amends the regulations on some F-1 nonimmigrant students’ participation in optional practical training (OPT) who have received degrees in science, technology, ... Continue Reading Posted By USI Law 7-Mar-2016 Known Employer Pilot - USCIS Streamlines Certain Petitions The Known Employer Pilot On March 3, 2015 a one year Known Employer pilot program was launched in an effort to test a program to streamline certain petitions. The Known Employer pilot includes the participation of nine employers and focuses on ... Continue Reading Posted By USI Law 12-Jan-2016 New Fees for H-1B and L-1 Visas Effective 12/18/2015 USCIS Guidance Clarifies Effective Date The USCIS has just issued guidance that the effective date for the enactment of Public Law 114-113 that imposes new fees for H-1B and L-1 filings will be effective on December 18, 2015. Those cases that have ... Continue Reading Posted By USI Law 11-Jan-2016 New Fees for H-1B and L-1 Visas As has been widely reported in the media the Omnibus spending bill signed into law by President Barack Obama on December 18, 2015 contained a surprise for some companies who are dependent on high-skilled foreign workers. The new law imposes ... Continue Reading Posted By USI Law 9-Sep-2015 New Guidance Should Provide Flexibility on L-1B Adjudications The publication of the Final Guidance on L-1B Adjudications Policy Memorandum provides “consolidated and authoritative guidance on the L-1B program” and will serve as guide for adjudication of all L-1B petitions pending or filed with the ... Continue Reading Posted By USI Law 9-Apr-2015 USCIS Responds to Concerns Following Release of March 24, 2015 L-1B Adjudications Policy Memorandum The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) held a Stakeholder Engagement on April 9, 2015 to discuss the L-1B Adjudications Policy Memorandum, which was posted by the USCIS on March 24, 2015. The initial L-1B memorandum will ... Continue Reading Posted By USI Law 9-Apr-2015 L-1B Adjudications Policy Memorandum The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) held a Stakeholder Engagement on April 9, 2015 to discuss the L-1B Adjudications Policy Memorandum, which was posted by the USCIS on March 24, 2015. The initial L-1B memorandum will ... Continue Reading Posted By USI Law 15-Dec-2014 THE PRESIDENTIAL EXECUTIVE ACTION ON IMMIGRATION The President’s Immigration Accountability Executive Actions announced last month contained a raft of measures principally aimed towards providing relief for individuals in the United States who are out of status. The Executive Action also ... Continue Reading Posted By USI Law 15-Dec-2014 THE PRESIDENTIAL EXECUTIVE ACTION ON IMMIGRATION The President’s Immigration Accountability Executive Actions announced last month contained a raft of measures principally aimed towards providing relief for individuals in the United States who are out of status. The Executive Action also ... Continue Reading Posted By USI Law 30-Sep-2013 IMPACT OF U.S. GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN ON U.S. IMMIGRATION PROCESSING There seems to be a general consensus that a government shutdown is very likely as legislators continue to debate a spending bill to fund the government. If the legislature does not pass a bill by 12 midnight, then the government will officially shut ... Continue Reading Posted By USI Law 30-Sep-2013 IMPACT OF U.S. GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN ON U.S. IMMIGRATION PROCESSING There seems to be a general consensus that a government shutdown is very likely as legislators continue to debate a spending bill to fund the government. If the legislature does not pass a bill by 12 midnight, then the government will officially shut ... Continue Reading Posted By USI Law 1-May-2013 Primer on Immigration Reform The United States Congress is moving forward on a once in a generation reorganization of the nation’s Immigration laws. The President has declared this to be a top priority for his new term. The Congress is actively engaged and there is ... Continue Reading Posted By USI Law 1-May-2013 Primer on Immigration Reform The United States Congress is moving forward on a once in a generation reorganization of the nation’s Immigration laws. The President has declared this to be a top priority for his new term. The Congress is actively engaged and there is ... Continue Reading Posted By USI Law 1-May-2013 Primer on Immigration Reform The United States Congress is moving forward on a once in a generation reorganization of the nation’s Immigration laws. The President has declared this to be a top priority for his new term. The Congress is actively engaged and there is ... Continue Reading Posted By USI Law 17-Apr-2013 Border Security, Economic Opportunity and Immigration Modernization Act Millions of immigrants currently residing in the United States illegally may be granted the opportunity to obtain citizenship under a comprehensive Senate proposal that would represent the most audacious overhaul of the nation’s immigration ... Continue Reading