When Results Matter, Experience Counts
Alien smuggling is a ground of inadmissibility that is often overlooked when applying for admission, seeking adjustment of status, or applying for a provisional waiver. U.S. immigration law (INA §212(a)(6)(E)) states “[a]ny alien who at any time knowingly has...
Many foreign nationals might mistakenly think that once they’ve secured their permanent resident card (green card), it is not possible to lose their permanent status. However, multiple and prolonged absences from the United States may jeopardize a foreign national’s...
On March 31, 2023, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) updated its policy manual to allow individuals requesting immigration benefits to self-identify their gender. The gender selected would not have to match the applicant’s gender on their supporting...
The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) was created to promote open, transparent government. The Act has provided people the right to request access to records from any federal agency, including USCIS. FOIA states that any person has the right to request records or...
Marijuana possession, while considered to be innocuous by many, can present risks to permanent residents and those seeking admission to the United States. While many states have decriminalized or legalized the possession of marijuana, it remains a federal offense to...
One of the first steps in filing a PERM application is obtaining a prevailing wage determination (PWD). The PWD is the minimum wage that an employer can pay an employee for a particular job in a particular region. The PWD is typically obtained from the Department of...
If there is one action that you should take as a foreign national in the United States, it is to become a U.S. citizen when eligible. The upcoming midterm elections in November are a keen reminder of the privileges held only be U.S. citizens. All naturalization...
In an effort to improve our immigration system for highly skilled STEM workers, the Biden Administration recently announced several immigration policies that are designed to make it easier for STEM workers to qualify for O-1 nonimmigrant and NIW immigrant visas. USCIS...
On February 7, 2022, DHS updated the validity periods for employment authorization documents (EADs) for certain immigration categories. Under the new guidelines, DHS extended the maximum validity period for first-time employment authorization documents to two years...
On March 21, 2022, USCIS reached a settlement that provides that until at least January 19, 2025, DHS should generally exercise prosecutorial discretion to reopen and dismiss removal orders for TPS beneficiaries who meet the following criteria: Currently possess...