ImmigrationBlog Posts
Immigration Provisions in Build Back Better BillMore business immigrant visas may become available if the latest version of the Build Back Better reconciliation bill passes. If approved by the Parliamentarian and passed as it stands, the bill would make more immigrant visas available by: Recapturing unused visa numbers from 1992 to 2021; Retaining the availability of Diversity Visas from fiscal years... Continue ReadingNovember 9, 2021 |
Proposed DACA Rule from DHS Seeks to Codify ProgramEfforts to pass “Dreamers” bills that would provide a pathway to citizenship for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients have remained stagnant. In an effort to stabilize the DACA program, absent congressional action, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has published a proposed federal regulation announcing its intent to codify the DACA program. The proposed... Continue ReadingNovember 5, 2021 |
Nov. 8 Marks Lifting of Some U.S. COVID-19 International Travel RestrictionsAs of 12:01 a.m. ET on November 8, 2021, the United States’ country-specific 14-day COVID-19 travel restrictions that have been so troublesome and disruptive for individuals and businesses will be eliminated. Instead, protecting the country from COVID-19 will focus on vaccination status. President Joe Biden’s “A Proclamation on Advancing the Safe Resumption of Global Travel... Continue ReadingOctober 29, 2021 |
Department of Justice Action Suggests Employers Need to Adjust How They Recruit Foreign WorkersThe PERM Labor Certification Process (PERM) has been used since 2005 by U.S. employers to sponsor foreign national employees for Lawful Permanent Residence, also known as “green cards.” Through the PERM process, employers are required to test the U.S. labor market through a very structured, highly regulated recruitment designed to protect U.S. workers and see... Continue ReadingOctober 27, 2021 |
DHS Seeks Comments on I-9 ProcessThe decades-old I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification process may be in for some changes. The Department of Homeland Security is requesting “public input” regarding the document examination process. Employers interested in the permanent continuation of Form I-9 flexibility might be encouraged by the agency’s official announcement on October 26, 2021. While the request is for “information... Continue ReadingOctober 26, 2021 |
Hong Kong Residents on U.S. Deferred Enforced Departure Can Apply for Employment AuthorizationInstructions allowing Hong Kong Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) beneficiaries to apply for employment authorization have been published in the Federal Register. On August 5, 2021, President Biden granted DED for certain eligible residents of Hong Kong for 18 months, until February 5, 2023, and directed that instructions on how to apply for employment authorization be... Continue ReadingOctober 22, 2021 |
Visa Strategies for Musicians, Artists, Others in EntertainmentIn the past, the O-1 visa was how many foreign musicians and other artists were able to tour and work in the United States. Now, for many reasons, they may have to consider other strategies. The O-1 visa category is for “artists of extraordinary ability” and obtaining O-1B visa status for foreign musicians has always meant... Continue ReadingOctober 19, 2021 |
Immigration Considerations for Foreign Property Developers Looking to Enter U.S. Market: L-1 RouteThe average American may not know that some of the largest real estate developments in recent history were completed by foreign real estate companies. The L-1 nonimmigrant visa classification can provide a useful pathway for such multinational companies. See more in our publication here. Continue ReadingOctober 18, 2021 |
COVID-19 Travel Restrictions Set to Relax for Fully VaccinatedAs long as they can show that they are fully vaccinated against COVID-19, foreign travelers will be allowed to visit the United States beginning November 8, 2021, according to the Biden Administration. Until now, we knew only that the 14-day travel restrictions and the northern and southern border restrictions would be lifted sometime in November.... Continue ReadingOctober 15, 2021 |
United States to Open Borders with Canada and Mexico for Vaccinated Nationals Beginning NovemberThe United States will open its northern and southern land borders to fully vaccinated foreign nationals sometime in November 2021. When this happens, it will be the first time since March 2020 that these individuals will be able to enter the United States from Canada and Mexico for “non-essential” purposes, such as tourism, shopping, and... Continue ReadingOctober 14, 2021 |