The U.S. government has adjusted export control regulations in an effort to protect U.S. national security interests. The revisions primarily affect export of electronic computing items and semiconductors to prevent foreign powers from obtaining critical technologies that may threaten national security. As manufacturers are facing increased demand for their products and critical labor shortages, they
Citizenship
Visiting Brazil? Visa Requirement for Business or to Work Remotely
The Brazilian government allows U.S. citizens to enter Brazil as visitors for business or pleasure for up to 90 days without a visa. This has been good for tourism, but the lack of reciprocity rankles, as Brazilians must still apply for a visa in order to visit the United States.
Over the past several years…
Higher Enforcement Activity Expected After DOL-EEOC Partnership Agreement
The Department of Labor (DOL) and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) have announced they will be collaborating and sharing information to improve their enforcement efforts.
Based upon a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), the agencies are “forming this partnership to encourage greater coordination between them through information sharing, joint investigations, training and outreach.” This…
USCIS Increases Validity Period of Employment Authorization Documents
USCIS is increasing the maximum validity period to five years for initial and renewal Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) for certain categories of applicants, including noncitizens with pending adjustment of status applications. This is good news for employers and employees with long pending adjustments. The new policy applies to applicants with Form I-765 Applications for Employment…
Changes Coming to U.S. Citizenship Test
Green card holders who seek naturalization are required to pass a civics test and demonstrate English proficiency. The test used for this was developed in 2008, and the Biden Administration has announced it is updating the test. The changes are going to be tested in the coming months, and USCIS plans to implement them…
Department of State Proposes Allowing Third-Party Attendance at Interviews for U.S. Citizen Services
The Department of State is proposing a new rule that would specifically allow third parties (including private attorneys, interpreters, and others) to attend interviews at consulates, embassies, and passport agencies and centers for U.S. citizen services.
These services include but are not limited to appointments for passports, requests for Consular Reports of Birth Abroad (CRBA)…
DHS Issues Additional Visa Waiver Program Guidance for Cuba, Hungary, Israel
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has issued additional Visa Waiver Program guidance involving Cuba, Hungary, and Israel.
The Visa Waiver Program allows individuals from selected countries to enter the United States for business or tourism for up to 90 days without obtaining a visa. To enter under the Visa Waiver Program, foreign nationals must…
DHS Makes Qualified Employers’ Virtual Inspection of Form I-9 Original Documentation Permanent Option
On July 21, 2023, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced a final rule, which will be officially published on July 25, 2023, that will provide eligible employers filling out the Employment Eligibility Verification Form I-9 an optional alternative to the in-person physical document examination method that employers have followed as part of the…
States Lack Standing to Sue Over Immigration-Enforcement Guidelines, U.S. Supreme Court Rules
Texas did not have standing to challenge the Biden Administration’s policy priorities regarding removal of noncitizens, the U.S. Supreme Court has ruled. United States v. Texas, No. 22-58 (June 23, 2023).
In February 2021, recognizing that, of the more than 11 million removable noncitizens in the United States, the majority have become contributing…
International Entrepreneur Parole Series Part 1: A Primer
Certain foreign entrepreneurs have a new pathway available to enter the United States to develop a business concept through a start-up company. Entrepreneurs who will have a central and active role in a start-up company that has attracted private investment or government funding may benefit from the International Entrepreneur Parole (IEP) program. While complex and…