In the lead-up to the 2024 election, immigration has surged to the forefront of political discourse, particularly in early-voting states like Iowa and New Hampshire. Regardless of party affiliation, voters are expressing heightened concerns about border security and immigration policy. The Legacy of Trump’s Messaging: Biden Faces Criticism: Shift in Biden’s Approach: Republicans Seize on … Read more
The Biden administration’s use of immigration parole to admit over 1 million people into the United States has sparked controversy and drawn criticism from Republican lawmakers. This significant utilization of parole, a mechanism dating back to 1952 allowing migrants without visas to enter the U.S. for humanitarian reasons or public benefit, has been particularly notable … Read more
The 1924 Immigration Act, also known as the Johnson-Reed Act, is a significant turning point in American history. Enacted on May 26, 1924, this legislation dramatically reshaped the nation’s approach to immigration, introducing a quota system that drastically reduced the number of newcomers allowed entry based on their national origin. Here are the key provisions … Read more
2023 was a dynamic year for US immigration policy, marked by significant changes, ongoing debates, and unresolved challenges. Here’s a summary of the key developments: US Immigration: Increased Focus on Legal Pathways: The Biden administration prioritized expanding legal pathways for immigration, aiming to create a more orderly and efficient system. Initiatives included: Expansion of parole … Read more
In a major development, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is set to introduce online organizational accounts and online filing for Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, specifically for H-1B petitioners for fiscal year (FY) 2025. Key Updates for Users All legal representative account holders, organizations with an H-1B registrant account, and new users … Read more
H-2B Returning Worker Visas: The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has achieved the cap for additional H-2B visas designated for returning workers in the first half of fiscal year 2024. Returning Worker Allocation Exhausted: Ongoing Acceptance for Nonimmigrant Workers: Exemptions from Congressional Cap: Immediate Implementation of FY 2024 Temporary Final Rule (TFR): Country-Specific Allocation … Read more
In the intricate landscape of U.S. immigration, the I-129S form plays a pivotal role for employers seeking to classify noncitizen employees as L-1 nonimmigrant intracompany transferees. Specifically designed for executives, managers, or specialized knowledge professionals, the I-129S is utilized under a previously approved blanket L petition. This article provides an insightful guide to understanding and … Read more
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has recently updated Form I-690, titled “Application for Waiver of Grounds of Inadmissibility Under Sections 245A or 210 of the Immigration and Nationality Act.” This form is essential for individuals seeking a waiver of inadmissibility as part of their application for adjustment of status under specific sections of … Read more
On Dec. 13, 2023, The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) took significant steps to extend the re-registration periods for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for several countries, including El Salvador, Haiti, Honduras, Nepal, Nicaragua, and Sudan. In a Federal Register notice, DHS reiterated and extended the periods allowing current TPS beneficiaries to re-register under the existing designations … Read more
On January 5, 2024, USCIS issued policy guidance regarding the “ability to pay” requirement for Adjustment of Status applicants changing employers. The new policy guidance issued by USCIS regarding the analysis of an employer’s ability to pay the proffered wage for certain employment-based immigrant visa classifications, particularly when workers change employers. Employers must demonstrate their … Read more