The Administration has imposed new restrictions beginning November 29, 2021 at 12:01 a.m. ET on individuals travelling to the United States from Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawai, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, and Zimbabwe (the “South African restrictions”) in response to the appearance of the COVID-19 Omicron variant. These restrictions go into effect just three weeks after
Permanent Residence
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.
Registration for FY 2023 Diversity Visa Lottery Opening October 6
Diversity Visa (DV) Electronic Registration for Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 opens October 6, 2021, at noon ET and closes on November 9, 2021, at noon ET.
There is no cost to register, but, if selected, applicants must pay the visa application or I-485 Adjustment of Status fees.
Individuals born in certain countries are not eligible…
Administration Releasing New COVID-19 International Travel Policies for Individuals Flying Into U.S.
While not all the details are available, the Biden Administration is releasing more information about the lifting of the 14-day travel restrictions.
Here is what is known so far:
- The 14-day travel restrictions on China, Iran, the UK and Ireland, the 26 Schengen Zone countries, Brazil, South Africa and India are scheduled to be
…
CDC Announces COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement for Applicants for Green Cards
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced that as of October 1, 2021, all applicants for Green Cards must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
There are some exemptions from the requirement, but anyone who does not qualify for an exemption and refuses vaccination will be inadmissible.
The COVID-19 vaccine joins the list of…
Illinois Adds Protection for Dreamers, Other Non-U.S. Citizens to State’s Human Rights Act
Illinois has amended the Illinois Human Rights Act to make “work authorization status” a protected category.
The amendment, Public Act 102-0233, became effective immediately upon the governor’s signing in early-August.
Under the amendment, “work authorization status” is defined as the status of a person born outside of the United States, and not a U.S.…
Immigration and Labor Shortages
The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic are far reaching. The labor shortage plaguing America has been one of the most publicized. Why is it so difficult for some employers to find employees? The 2020 United States Census offers possible reasons: an aging population, decreased fertility rates, and low rates of immigration.
The 7.4% population…
Update on Northern and Southern Border Travel Restrictions
In a tweet on August 20, 2021, the Department of Homeland Security announced that:
“To minimize the spread of COVID19, including the Delta variant, the United States is extending restrictions on non-essential travel at our land and ferry crossing with Canada and Mexico through September 21, while continuing to ensure the flow of essential…
COVID-19 Fears Prompt State Department ‘Do Not Travel’ Advisory for UK, Other Restrictions Continue
The State Department, in coordination with the CDC, raised its Travel Advisory for the United Kingdom to “Do Not Travel” because of COVID-19 (Level IV).
Coincidentally, the Department’s move came on the same day Prime Minister Boris Johnson lifted most COVID-19-related restrictions in the United Kingdom (yet, excluding Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland). He made…