US Resumes Deportations of Venezuelans Despite Political Instability and Leadership Limbo

According to announcements from the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the US Department of State, the US government is set to resume deporting Venezuelan nationals unlawfully residing within US borders. The officials of Venezuela have agreed to accept the return of their citizens. Nevertheless, queries surround the definition of these Venezuelan “authorities”, as…

Read More

Navigating New Integrity Fee Regulations for EB-5 Regional Centers: Challenges and Implications

The EB-5 Regional Centers have established an indispensable position within the United States’ immigration framework. These centers, approved prior to the introduction of the EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act of 2022 (RIA), have recently received new guidance pertaining to the newly instated Integrity Fee. Diligent legal professionals need to be aware of these changes and…

Read More

Supreme Court Upholds OPT and STEM OPT Programs, Ensuring Stability for International Graduates and Tech Companies

After enduring several years of litigation, the U.S. Supreme Court has concluded the legal saga surrounding the Optional Practical Training (OPT) and STEM OPT programs. In a decisive move on October 2, 2023, the Supreme Court declined to hear a challenge mounted by a technology workers’ union against the Obama-era program. The OPT and STEM…

Read More

U.S. State Department Announces 2025 Diversity Lottery Program and TPS Extension for Venezuelans

The United States State Department, in collaboration with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), recently announced essential updates regarding the 2025 Diversity Lottery Program, as well as an extension of the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Venezuela. This significant immigration update could potentially provide thousands of Venezuelans with extended security within U.S. borders,…

Read More

Immigration Law Updates in 2023: Potential Implications for Businesses and Individuals

In September 2023, significant changes and updates were witnessed in immigration laws both within the United States and globally. As per Cozen O’Connor’s Immigration Catch Up, these changes have the potential to have extensive implications on businesses and individuals alike. As legal professionals, it is crucial to comprehend these new developments and assess how they…

Read More

USCIS Expands Employment Authorization Validity to Five Years for Select Noncitizen Categories

In a significant move towards the benefit of employment-authorized noncitizens, U.S Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has issued an update to the USCIS Policy Manual, expanding the maximum validity period to five years for initial and renewal Employment Authorization Documents (EADs). This policy change, which came into effect on September 27, 2023, applies to particular…

Read More

Navigating Immigration Policies for Healthcare Professionals: H-1B, J-1, and Conrad Waivers

Health care professionals from diverse fields are invited to an informative webinar titled “Key Immigration Takeaways for Health Care Professionals: H-1B, J-1, and Conrad/National Interest Waivers“. This one-hour session is set to take place on October 19th, between 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm EDT. It is structured specifically for health care professionals seeking tailored immigration…

Read More

USCIS Extends Employment Authorization Document Validity for Select Applicants

Those following American immigration news will want to take note of some recent changes from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), particularly regarding the Employment Authorization Documents (EAD). Specifically, USCIS has increased the validity period of these documents for certain classes of applicants, according to a report from Gibney Anthony & Flaherty, LLP…

Read More

Diversity Visa Lottery Registration Begins for FY 2025: What It Means for Global Mobility and Workforce Diversity

On October 4, 2023, at noon EDT, the U.S. Department of State will commence the annual Diversity Visa (DV) lottery registration period for fiscal year (FY) 2025. As reported by JD Supra, the online registration for the lottery program is freely accessible to all registrants, with the process permitting only one registration per individual. The…

Read More

USCIS Increases EAD Validity to Five Years for Certain Applicants Awaiting Adjustment of Status

It is essential to note a significant change put forth by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The USCIS has augmented the maximum validity period of initial and renewal Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) from one to two years to five years for certain categories of applicants. This includes noncitizens who have pending applications for…

Read More

2025 Diversity Visa Lottery Registration Dates Announced: Opportunities and Controversies Unveiled

The U.S. Department of State Bureau of Consular Affairs has announced the commencement date for the registration period of the 2025 Diversity Immigrant Visa Program, also known as the Diversity Visa Lottery. As the department outlines, the registration period is scheduled to begin on Wednesday, October 4, 2023, at 12:00 pm Eastern Daylight Time (EDT),…

Read More

Navigating Global Immigration: Staying Informed Amid Ongoing COVID-19 Challenges

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to influence global business, it is critical for international corporations and law firms to stay informed on the evolving immigration landscape. Information pertaining to the current status of global restrictions and closures are included in Seyfarth Shaw LLP’s most recent October 2023 Global Immigration Alert. While some country-specific COVID-19 related…

Read More

Impending Government Shutdown: Examining the Potential Impact on US Immigration Policy

Understanding the potential immigration impacts of the impending federal government shutdown could be crucial for legal professionals working in immigration law, corporate legal departments and multinational corporations. In the wake of reports of Congress failing to reach a budget agreement by September 30, 2023, speculation has grown around the shutdown’s likely effects. According to an…

Read More

Government Shutdown Looms: The Impact on US Immigration Processes and Global Mobility

As legal professionals observing the ever-changing landscape of immigration policy, it’s increasingly important to understand how potential government shutdowns can affect pivotal U.S. governmental operations. Specifically, several immigration processes stand to be disrupted, should the U.S. government fail to reach a budget agreement to fund federal government operations. This issue can no longer be considered…

Read More

Navigating National Interest Waivers: Enhancing Success for STEM Professionals in the U.S. Immigration Process

Addressing the unique hurdles of the U.S. immigration system for foreign nationals eager to secure employment within the United States can be considerably challenging. The requirement for employer sponsorship, with few exceptions, can prove to be a significant obstacle. The main route to obtain temporary work authorization is often through the H-1B category. However, the…

Read More

UAW Strike and Government Shutdown: Navigating Immigration Implications for Automotive Employers

The potential United Auto Workers (UAW) strike and a looming government shutdown pose significant immigration implications for employers in the automotive industry. There’s a need for these organizations to understand the possible impacts these scenarios could have on staff members with immigration considerations. The UAW strike, which the members of the powerful automotive industry labor…

Read More

Impact of Looming Government Shutdown on Immigration Cases and Visa Processing

The potential of a government shutdown is looming large and a host of federal government programs and agencies are expected to feel the impact, notably immigration. The immigration-related programs, employers, and foreign workers could face significant implications due to such a shutdown. An insightful examination by Miles & Stockbridge P.C, sheds ample clarity on the…

Read More

New Luxembourg Law Affects Hiring Third-Country Nationals: Legal Adjustments Crucial for Compliance

The legal landscape in Luxembourg has seen recent adjustment due to the enactment of a new law on August 7, 2023. Eminent law firm Allen & Overy previously reported, in their article about hiring third-country nationals in Luxembourg, that this legislation has implications for Luxembourg employers intending to hire a third-country national (TCN) — defined…

Read More