Recent Blog Posts
PERM Labor Certification for Multinational Companies: Complexities and Strategic Considerations
Multinational corporations operating in the United States often rely heavily on international talent to fill specialized roles critical to their operations. For these companies, navigating the complexities of PERM (Program Electronic Review Management) Labor Certification is essential. Managed by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), PERM is the foundational step in obtaining permanent residency… Read More »
President Trump’s “Gold Card” Visa Announcement: Potential Impacts on the EB-5 Program
On February 25, 2025, former President Donald Trump announced a plan to significantly alter the landscape of investment-based immigration by proposing the termination of the current EB-5 immigrant investor visa program and its replacement with a new “Gold Card” visa. This announcement has understandably caused confusion and uncertainty among current and potential EB-5 investors… Read More »
USCIS Reaches H-2B Cap for Second Half of FY 2025: Supplemental Visa Filing Dates Released
H-2B Visa Cap Reached for FY 2025 The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced that the congressionally mandated H-2B visa cap for the second half of fiscal year (FY) 2025 has been reached. This development is particularly significant for U.S. employers reliant on temporary, non-agricultural foreign workers to meet their labor… Read More »
What is Birthright Citizenship, and what is the Constitutional Debate about?
Birthright citizenship is a cornerstone of American identity, enshrined in the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which declares, “All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States.” Despite this constitutional guarantee, the concept has been the subject of political and legal… Read More »
What Is the Freedom of Information Act and How Does It Apply to Immigration Cases?
The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) is a vital tool for transparency in government, allowing individuals, attorneys, and advocates to access records held by federal agencies. Originally enacted in 1966, FOIA ensures that the operations and decisions of the U.S. government are open to scrutiny, fostering accountability and empowering individuals to obtain information critical… Read More »
USCIS Announces Updated Guidance for Filing Form I-140 with the FLAG System: What Employers and Petitioners Need to Know
On January 13, 2025, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced updated procedures for filing Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Workers, in alignment with the U.S. Department of Labor’s (DOL) Foreign Labor Application Gateway (FLAG) system. This Federal Register notice (FRN) clarifies documentary requirements for petitions accompanied by a permanent labor certification, Schedule… Read More »
USCIS Updates Guidance on EB-2 National Interest Waiver Petitions: What You Need to Know
On January 15, 2025, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced updated policy guidance on EB-2 National Interest Waiver (NIW) petitions, providing clarity on how eligibility is evaluated for this employment-based immigrant visa classification. The new guidance focuses on critical aspects of the NIW process, including how USCIS evaluates evidence for advanced degree professionals… Read More »
USCIS Ends COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement for Green Card Applicants: What You Need to Know
Starting January 22, 2025, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will no longer require applicants for adjustment of status to lawful permanent resident (green card) status to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination. This significant change removes COVID-19 vaccination documentation from the requirements outlined in Form I-693, Report of Immigration Medical Examination and Vaccination Record,… Read More »
DHS Announces New Rule to Modernize the H-1B Visa Program: What It Means for U.S. Employers and Workers
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) recently announced a final rule aimed at modernizing the H-1B visa program. Effective January 17, 2025, the rule introduces significant changes designed to make the program more flexible and efficient, allowing U.S. companies to fill critical job vacancies with highly skilled foreign workers while improving oversight and… Read More »
The Role of Tax Returns in the Affidavit of Support: Demonstrating Income Eligibility
When sponsoring a family member for a green card, demonstrating financial stability is a critical part of the process. The Affidavit of Support (Form I-864) requires sponsors to prove that they meet the income requirements to prevent the intending immigrant from becoming a public charge. A sponsor’s tax returns play a pivotal role in… Read More »