In December 2021, Congressional Democrats tried to include immigration reforms in the Build Back Better Act (BBBA). Some of the proposals would have helped unauthorized immigrants by providing those eligible with parole and work authorization. The bill also would have reduced green card backlogs and provided some applicants with expedited green cards for a fee.
Green Cards
Bill Passed by House Benefits Immigrants in STEM Fields, Entrepreneurs in Start-Ups
On February 4, 2022, the House of Representatives passed the American Creating Opportunities for Manufacturing, Pre-Eminence in Technology, and Economic Strength Act (known as the America COMPETES Act of 2022). The bill is aimed at “outcompeting China and the rest of the world in the 21st century.” Title III of the COMPETES Act adds…
COVID-19 Vaccination Requirements for Travelers From Mexico, Canada
As of January 22, 2022, all non-U.S. individuals seeking entrance to the United States at land or sea ports of entry on the Mexican or Canadian borders must be “fully vaccinated” and provide proof of such. There is no longer an exception for “essential” travel. The requirement does not apply to U.S. individuals, i.e., U.S.…
Employment-Based Preference Visa: Transfer Underlying Basis for Pending Green Card Application
For the first time, USCIS has advised people with a pending green card application of its documentary requirements for transfers between employment-based classifications and issued an alert regarding the process.
The “exceptionally high number of employment-based [immigrant] visas available this fiscal year” has prompted USCIS to encourage U.S. employers petitioning for employees to utilize either…
Early Stage Tech Companies: Navigating Potential Pitfalls
For early-stage tech employers, rapid business growth can quickly lead to costly employment and immigration law missteps. Risks can be magnified when striving to attract talent. Please listen to the robust and enlightening discussion among Jackson Lewis immigration attorneys Zain Abidi and Benjamin Lau, together with Jackson Lewis employment attorney Doug Klein, here.
New York City Grants Non-U.S. Citizens Right to Vote in Local Elections
The City Council of New York City unanimously passed legislation giving non-U.S. citizens the right to vote in local elections starting on January 9, 2023.
The bill grants this local franchise to 800,000 non-citizens if they are Permanent Residents or have work authorization and have been in residence in the City for at least 30…
Major Immigration Law Changes in House’s Build Back Better Act
The U.S. House of Representatives passed the Build Back Better Act (BBBA) (H.R. 5376) by a vote of 220–213. Supported by the Biden Administration and congressional Democrats, the controversial bill heads to the Senate with key immigration reform provisions.
Protections and Work Permits
Section 60001 of the BBBA includes language that would amend…
Nov. 8 Marks Lifting of Some U.S. COVID-19 International Travel Restrictions
As 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…
Department of Justice Action Suggests Employers Need to Adjust How They Recruit Foreign Workers
The 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…
Immigration Considerations for Foreign Property Developers Looking to Enter U.S. Market: L-1 Route
The 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.