According to CBP personnel, a pilot program is being developed that would eliminate “instant” border adjudications of L-1 NAFTA applications. The pilot program is expected to be introduced at the Blaine, Washington port of entry. At this time, processes and procedures are still under review and consideration but it appears that the current CBP border
Meredith K. Stewart
Government Shutdown Is Over, For Now
Congress reached agreement and voted to end the government shutdown at least until February 8, 2018.
In case another impasse occurs, this is how a federal government shutdown would affect immigration.
Department of Labor (DOL)
The Office of Foreign Labor Certification (OFLC) will stop processing all applications, and its personnel will not be available to…
International Entrepreneur Rule Survives, For Now
The Trump Administration rule delaying the International Entrepreneur Rule (IER) until March 14, 2018, had been implemented without following the necessary Administrative Procedures Act (APA) Notice and Comment Period regulations and was therefore illegal, a federal court has found.
The Administration has not yet commented on the court’s ruling, but likely will appeal the decision.…
Federal Immigration Resources Assisting in Hurricane Response in Texas
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is deploying staff and equipment for search and rescue efforts and to work at local, state, and federal emergency operations centers in Texas in response to Hurricane Harvey.
Hurricane Harvey hit Texas just as the state’s plan to outlaw sanctuary cities is about to go into effect. Texas…
Restrictions on Personal Electronic Devices, including Laptops, on Flights from 10 Airports
No personal electronic devices (PEDs) larger than a cellphone or smartphone, such as a laptop computer or e-reader, can be carried into the cabin of airplanes flying directly to the U.S. from 10 airports in the Middle East, North Africa, and Turkey, the DHS and TSA announced on March 21, 2017.
Following are the airports:…
Reminder: USCIS Fee Increase Effective December 23, 2016
Any employer anticipating submission of an immigration application or petition should consider filing prior to December 23, 2016, to avoid higher USCIS filing fees.
On October 24, 2016, USCIS announced a final rule that adjusts the required fees for most immigration applications and petitions. This will be the first increase in six years and, according…
Department of Justice, California Employer Reach Non-Prosecution Agreement over Potential Criminal Violations of Immigration Laws
Gridley, California-based natural food company Mary’s Gone Crackers Inc. agreed and consented to payment of $1.5 million and establishment of a corporate compliance program under a non-prosecution agreement reached with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of California on July 19, 2016. The agreement requires the company to establish a corporate compliance program …
Overseas Travel Considerations for Employees on OPT During Cap-Gap Period
What if an F-1 student must travel outside the U.S. during the cap-gap period?
OPT employment authorization and Duration of Status (D/S) are extended automatically for an F-1 student who is the beneficiary of a timely filed H-1B petition requesting change of status with a start date of October 1st. This permits an…
USCIS to Issue Monthly Determination on Individuals’ Eligibility to Submit Adjustment of Status Applications
USCIS has announced that beginning with the November 2015 Department of State (DOS) Visa Bulletin it will issue a determination within approximately one week following the publication of the Visa Bulletin whether individuals may use the Dates for Filing Visa Applications chart. If USCIS does not post such a determination, individuals should continue to refer…
USCIS Accepting Premium Processing Requests for H-1B Extension of Stay Petitions
USCIS has resumed acceptance of Form I-907, Request for Premium Processing Service, for all H-1B extension of stay petitions. Premium Processing Service had been suspended by USCIS for this type of filing as of May 26, 2015, in anticipation of a large number of applications for employment authorization by H-4 nonimmigrants under new regulation allowing…