ABIL Global Update • December 2021
In this issue:
1. GLOBAL – In a rapidly developing situation, several countries imposed travel bans quickly in response to the new “Omicron” coronavirus variant. As the pandemic situation remains fluid, travelers should check for the latest requirements before traveling.
2. CANADA – This article discusses recent developments in COVID-19-related border measures.
3. ITALY – The travel ban was lifted for entries from Brazil, India, and Sri Lanka.
4. MEXICO – A new policy shortens the validity of periods of stay for visitors for business or pleasure.
5. RUSSIA – Air travel has resumed between Russia and numerous countries.
6. New Publications and Items of Interest – New Publications and Items of Interest
7. ABIL Member / Firm News – ABIL Member / Firm News
Download:
ABIL Global Immigration Update – December 2021
1. GLOBAL
In a rapidly developing situation, several countries imposed travel bans quickly in response to the new “Omicron” coronavirus variant. As the pandemic situation remains fluid, travelers should check for the latest requirements before traveling.
In response to concerns and unknowns about a new coronavirus variant, called Omicron (B.1.1.529), several countries have imposed travel bans. U.S. President Biden said that most travelers (excluding U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents) who had been in any of eight countries in southern Africa for the prior 14 days would be barred from entry into the United States. The countries include South Africa, Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, and Zimbabwe. Since then, the new variant has spread to at least 38 countries, including the United States, and more are likely, according to the World Health Organization. The Biden administration also announced additional measures, effective December 6, 2021, including a requirement that inbound international passengers take a COVID-19 viral test within a day of their departure, regardless of their vaccination status, and an extension of a mask requirement on domestic flights and public transportation—including buses, trains, planes, bus terminals, and airports—through March 18, 2021. Fines for noncompliance with the mask requirement range from $500 for a first offense to $3,000 for repeat violations.
For the testing requirement, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) rules state that those who recently recovered from COVID-19 may instead travel with documentation of recovery (i.e., a positive COVID-19 viral test result on a sample taken no more than 90 days before the flight’s departure from a foreign country and a letter from a licensed healthcare provider or a public health official stating that the passenger was cleared to travel).
Regarding the one-day requirement for testing, the CDC explained:
The 1-day period is 1 day before the flight’s departure. The Order uses a 1-day time frame instead of 24 hours to provide more flexibility to the air passenger and aircraft operator. By using a 1-day window, test acceptability does not depend on the time of the flight or the time of day that the test sample was taken.
For example, if your flight is at 1 pm on a Friday, you could board with a negative test that was taken any time on the prior Thursday.
Meanwhile, as of November 27, 2021, the U.S. Department of State issued a Level 4 Travel Health Notice for South Africa: “Do not travel to South Africa due to COVID-19.” The Biden administration indicated that more countries could be added to the restricted list if warranted.
As this is a rapidly developing, fluid situation, travelers should check the latest updates before departure.
Details:
- “New U.S. Travel Rules: What You Need to Know About the Changes Prompted by Omicron,” CNN, Dec. 3, 2021, https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/new-us-travel-rules-omicron-what-to-know/index.html
- “U.S. Tightens Travel Testing Requirements, Mask Mandates as Part of Broader Plan to Fight Covid,” CNBC, Dec. 2, 2021, https://www.cnbc.com/2021/12/02/omicron-covid-variant-us-tightens-travel-testing-requirements-mask-mandates.html
- “Requirement for Proof of Negative COVID-19 Test or Documentation of Recovery From COVID-19,” CDC, Dec. 2, 2021, https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/testing-international-air-travelers.html
- “U.S. Imposes Travel Ban From Eight African Countries Over Omicron Variant,” Nov. 27, 2021, https://www.reuters.com/world/us/us-impose-travel-curbs-eight-southern-african-countries-over-new-covid-19-2021-11-26/
- “A Proclamation on Suspension of Entry as Immigrants and Nonimmigrants of Certain Additional Persons Who Pose a Risk of Transmitting Coronavirus Disease 2019,” White House, Nov. 26, 2021,
2. CANADA
This article discusses recent developments in COVID-19-related border measures.
The government of Canada announced on November 26, 2021, that as a precautionary measure due to concerns about the new “Omicron” variant of concern, until January 31, 2022, Canada is implementing enhanced border measures for certain travelers.
Also, on November 19, 2021, the government of Canada announced upcoming adjustments to Canada’s border measures. In a press release, the government of Canada indicated that it will continue to prioritize the health and safety of Canadians. As vaccination levels, case counts, and hospitalization rates evolve, Canada will continue to consider further targeted measures at the borders—and when to lift or adjust them—to keep Canadians safe. As the pandemic situation remains fluid, travelers should check for the latest requirements before traveling.
According to the November 19 announcement, as of November 30, 2021, fully vaccinated Canadian travelers will no longer be subject to testing requirements for trips outside of the country for less than 72 hours; the list of accepted vaccines will expand to include Sinopharm, Sinovac, and COVAXIN; and vaccination will be required for travel within and out of Canada.
The government of Canada also announced that as of January 15, 2022, certain groups of travelers who are currently exempt from entry requirements will only be allowed to enter the country if they are fully vaccinated with one of the vaccines approved for entry into Canada.
Below is a summary of developments:
What is changing now?
As noted above, due to concerns about the new variant, additional restrictions are being imposed on certain travelers. According to the November 26 press release, until January 31, 2022, Canada is implementing enhanced border measures for all travelers who have been in the Southern Africa region—including South Africa, Eswatini, Lesotho, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and Namibia—within the last 14 days before arriving in Canada. Foreign nationals who have traveled in any of these countries within the previous 14 days will not be permitted entry into Canada. They will be directed to be tested and to quarantine while they await their test results.
Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and people with status under the Indian Act, regardless of their vaccination status or having had a previous history of testing positive for COVID-19, who have been in these countries in the previous 14 days will be subject to enhanced testing, screening, and quarantine measures. These individuals will be required to obtain, within 72 hours of departure, a valid negative COVID-19 molecular test in a third country before continuing their journey to Canada. Upon arrival to Canada, regardless of their vaccination status or having had a previous history of testing positive for COVID-19, they will subject to immediate arrival testing. All travelers will also be required to complete a test on day 8 after arrival and quarantine for 14 days. They must also have a suitable quarantine plan.
Short Trips
Effective November 30, 2021, fully vaccinated individuals with right of entry to Canada who depart and re-enter the country within 72 hours of leaving Canada do not need to present a pre-entry molecular test. This exemption is only for trips originating in Canada taken by fully vaccinated Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or individuals registered under the Indian Act, who depart and re-enter by land or by air and can demonstrate that they have been away from Canada for less than 72 hours. This exemption extends to accompanying children under 12 and individuals with medical contraindications to vaccination.
For fully vaccinated travelers with right of entry into Canada who are traveling by air, the 72-hour period runs from the initially scheduled departure time for their flight leaving Canada to the scheduled departure time for their return flight to Canada. Travelers are responsible for maintaining proof of the 72-hour period to show airline/rail companies and border officials as required (e.g., boarding pass, travel itinerary).
Vaccination Status
Previously, to be considered fully vaccinated, travelers must have received two doses or a combination of the Pfizer, Moderna, or AstraZeneca/COVISHIELD vaccines, or a single dose of the Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) vaccine, at least 14 days before their entry to Canada. As of November 30, 2021, Canada expanded the list of COVID-19 vaccines that travelers can receive to be considered fully vaccinated for the purpose of travel to Canada. The list now includes Sinopharm, Sinovac, and COVAXIN, matching the World Health Organization Emergency Use Listing.
Travelers can receive their vaccines in any country, and must upload their proof of vaccination in English or French into ArriveCAN when traveling to Canada. If the proof of vaccination is not in English or French, travelers must provide a certified translation in English or French.
Travel Within and Out of Canada
Starting November 30, 2021, vaccination is required for travel via air or rail within and out of Canada. A valid COVID-19 molecular test is no longer accepted as an alternative to vaccination unless travelers are eligible for one of the limited exemptions, such as a medical inability to be vaccinated. Travelers should contact their airline or railway company to obtain the necessary form and submit it in accordance with their carrier’s approval process.
While Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and persons registered under the Indian Act can still enter Canada if they are unvaccinated or partially vaccinated, they are not permitted to travel beyond their point of entry within Canada on a connecting flight or by rail. These travelers should plan their return accordingly by selecting a Canadian airport that is closest to their final destination, and expect to be subject to testing and quarantine.
New ArriveCAN Requirements for Essential Travelers
As of November 30, 2021, all exempt essential service providers must identify their vaccination status in ArriveCAN, regardless of whether or not they are allowed to enter as unvaccinated.
If an exempt essential traveler previously created a reusable ArriveCAN receipt, they must either download the latest version of the free ArriveCAN mobile app or sign in to the web version, and re-submit all of their information, including the newly required information on proof of vaccination, to get a new exempt reusable ArriveCAN receipt. Once an exempt traveler creates a new reusable receipt, the receipt can be used for subsequent trips.
What will change on January 15, 2022?
The government of Canada also announced that as of January 15, 2022, certain groups of travelers who are currently exempt from entry requirements will only be allowed to enter the country if they are fully vaccinated with one of the vaccines approved for entry into Canada. These groups include:
- Individuals traveling to reunite with family (unvaccinated children under 18 years of age will retain exemption if traveling to reunite with an immediate or extended family member who is a Canadian, permanent resident, or person registered under the Indian Act);
- International students who are 18 years old and older;
- Professional and amateur athletes;
- Individuals with a valid work permit, including temporary foreign workers (outside of those in agriculture and food processing); and
- Essential service providers, including truck drivers.
After January 15, 2022, unvaccinated or partially vaccinated foreign nationals will only be allowed to enter Canada if they meet the criteria for limited exceptions, which apply to certain groups such as agricultural and food processing workers, marine crew members, those entering on compassionate grounds, new permanent residents, resettling refugees, and some children under the age of 18. Exempt unvaccinated travelers will continue to be subject to testing, quarantine, and other entry requirements. Non-exempt unvaccinated or partially vaccinated foreign nationals will be prohibited entry into Canada.
What requirements are still in place?
For trips out of the country longer than 72 hours, all travelers eligible to enter Canada must complete the mandatory pre-entry molecular COVID-19 test. Antigen tests are not accepted. Travelers who have already had COVID-19 and recovered can provide proof of a positive COVID-19 molecular test taken at least 14 days and no more than 180 days before the initial scheduled departure time of their aircraft, or their entry into Canada by water or land. If arriving by air, they must provide proof of their test result to the airline before boarding their flight to Canada.
As has been the case since August 9, 2021, fully vaccinated travelers do not need to take a test on arrival unless they are randomly selected to complete a day 1 COVID-19 molecular test. All travelers who are randomly selected for the border testing surveillance program must complete the mandatory arrival test. However, they do not have to quarantine while awaiting the result.
Fully vaccinated travelers must also be asymptomatic, have a paper or digital copy of their vaccination documentation in English or French (or certified translation, along with the original), and provide COVID-19-related information electronically through the ArriveCAN app before arrival in Canada. They must still present a suitable quarantine plan, and must be prepared to quarantine in case it is determined at the border that they do not meet all of the conditions required to be exempt from quarantine. As with all other exempt travelers, they must follow public health measures in place, such as wearing a mask when in public, keeping a copy of their vaccine and test results, and keeping a list of close contacts for 14 days after entry to Canada.
Details:
- “Government of Canada Introduces New Measures to Address COVID-19 Omicron Variant of Concern,” Public Health Agency of Canada, Nov. 26, 2021, https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/news/2021/11/government-of-canada-introduces-new-measures-to-address-covid-19-omicron-variant-of-concern.html
- “Government of Canada Announces Adjustments to Canada’s Border Measures,” news release, Public Health Agency of Canada, Nov. 19, 2021, https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/news/2021/11/government-of-canada-announces-adjustments-to-canadas-border-measures.html
- ArriveCAN, https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/coronavirus-disease-covid-19/arrivecan.html
3. ITALY
The travel ban was lifted for entries from Brazil, India, and Sri Lanka.
Although it is still not possible to travel from these countries without restrictions (for example, it is not possible to travel for tourism), travel from Brazil, India, and Sri Lanka is now allowed for specific reasons (work, health, study, absolute urgency, or return to one’s domicile, home, or residence).
For additional information on exemptions and rules on entry (required self-isolation, covid test, etc.) please visit the Ministry of Health website at this link.
Details:
- COVID-19, Travellers (additional information on exemptions and rules on entry (required self-isolation, testing, and other details), Ministry of Health,
4. MEXICO
A new policy shortens the validity of periods of stay for visitors for business or pleasure.
Mexican immigration authorities are applying a new policy: validating the Multi-Purpose Immigration Form (FMM) for less than the usual 180-day period. As a result of the interview at the port of entry and after reviewing the dates of departure of foreigners, officers of the National Immigration Institute are authorizing foreigners’ stays for up to 7 days, 15 days, 30 days, 90 days, or other periods.
Formerly, those entering Mexico as visitors for business purposes or for pleasure were given a permit to stay in Mexican National Territory for up to 6 months; but not anymore; now, the period of stay will be granted according to information provided at the port of entry.
5. RUSSIA
Air travel has resumed between Russia and numerous countries.
As of October 26, 2021, air travel was resumed with the Bahamas, Iran, the Netherlands, Norway, Oman, Slovenia, Sweden, Thailand, and Tunisia.
For the full list of countries with which air travel has been resumed as of October 26, 2021, see https://vista-immigration.ru/coronavirus-air-communications-resumed-with-new-countries-5/.
6. New Publications and Items of Interest
Alliance of Business Immigration Lawyers: ·
The latest immigration news is at https://www.abil.com/news.cfm. ·
The latest published media releases include:
- ABIL Says Proposed Change to Public Charge Rule Would Exclude Immigrants from Government Programs: https://www.prweb.com/releases/abil_says_proposed_change_to_public_charge_rule_would_exclude_immigrants_from_government_programs/prweb15737932.htm
- New Data Show Increase in H-1B Denials and RFEs: https://www.prweb.com/releases/new_data_show_increase_in_h_1b_denials_and_rfes/prweb15673632.htm
- ABIL Urges Administration to Change “Buy American and Hire American” Executive Order: http://www.prweb.com/releases/2018/05/prweb15485457.htm
- ABIL Member Kuck Baxter Immigration Commercial Nominated for an Emmy: http://www.prweb.com/releases/2018/05/prweb15485460.htm
– ABIL Members Note Immigration Threats for Employers in 2018: http://www.prweb.com/releases/2018/03/prweb15261255.htm
- ABIL is available on Twitter: @ABILImmigration.
- Recent ABIL member blogs are at http://www.abilblog.com/.
7. ABIL Member / Firm News
Alliance of Business Immigration Lawyers attorneys and their partners listed in the Top 25 Global Migration Attorneys by Uglobal Immigration Magazine include:
Ronald Klasko
Ira Kurzban
Marco Mazzeschi
Bernard Wolfsdorf
Stephen Yale-Loehr
https://www.uglobal.com/en/immigration/posts/top-25-global-migration-attorneys/
The following ABIL members and associates were listed in Best Lawyers 2022:
Allison-Clare Acker, Santa Monica, CA
Fausta Maria Albi, San Diego, CA
James Alexander, Washington, DC
Erik Anderson, Reston, VA
Meredith Barnette, Charlotte, NC
Dustin Baxter, Atlanta, GA
Avalyn Castillo Langemeier, Houston, TX
Danielle Claffey, Atlanta, GA
Diana Vellos Coker, San Diego, CA
Sharon Lynn Cook, Atlanta, GA
Philip Curtis, Boston, MA
Helene Dang, Houston, TX
Dyann DelVecchio, Boston, MA
Leslie Ditrani, Boston, MA
Sandra Dorsthorst, Houston, TX
Philip Eichorn, Houston, TX
Elisa Fialkowski, Philadelphia, PA – 2022 “Lawyer of the Year” in Immigration Law in Philadelphia
Charles Foster, Houston, TX
Avi Friedman, Santa Monica, CA
David Fullmer, Santa Monica, CA
Bryan Funai, Schaumburg, IL
Steven Garfinkel, Charlotte, NC
Jorge Gavilanes, Atlanta, GA
Vic Goel, Reston, VA
Michelle Gergerian, Boston, MA
Aaron Hall, Aurora, CO
Elise A. Healy, Dallas, TX
Brenda Hicks, Houston, TX
William Hummel, Charlotte, NC
David Isaacson, New York, NY
Linda Kim, Fremont, CA
James King, Atlanta, GA
Ronald Klasko, Philadelphia, PA
Charles Kuck, Atlanta, GA
Ira Kurzban, Coral Gables, FL
Vincent Lau, Boston, MA – 2022 “Lawyer of the Year” in Immigration Law in Boston
Marketa Lindt, Chicago, IL
Hannah Little, Charlotte, NC – 2022 “Lawyer of the Year” in Immigration Law in Charlotte
Eric Lockwood, Boston, MA
Robert Loughran, Austin, TX – 2022 “Lawyer of the Year” in Immigration Law in Austin
Florence Luk, Houston, TX
Lorie Lunn, Boston, MA
Dawn Lurie, Washington, DC
Elizabeth Matherne, Atlanta, GA
Cyrus Mehta, New York, NY
John Meyer, Houston, TX
John Nahajzer, Washington, DC
Farshad Owji, San Francisco, CA
Layla Panjwani, Houston, TX
Angelo Paparelli, Los Angeles, CA
José Pérez, Jr., Houston, TX – 2022 “Lawyer of the Year” in Immigration Law in Houston
John Pratt, Coral Gables, FL
Naveen Rahman Bhora, New York, NY
Kimberley Best Robidoux, San Diego, CA
Leon Rodriguez, Washington, DC
Magaly Rojas Cheng, Boston, MA
Cliff Rosenthal, Santa Monica, CA
Nestor Rosin, Houston, TX
Tracy Schauff, Troy, MI
Gregory Siskind, Memphis, TN
Mark Stewart Johnson, Atlanta, GA
William Stock, Philadelphia, PA
Lynn Susser, Memphis, TN
Russell Swapp, Boston, MA
Helena Tetzeli, Coral Gables, FL
Bernard Wolfsdorf, Santa Monica, CA
Stephen Yale-Loehr, Ithaca, NY
Richard Yemm, Santa Monica, CA
Lisa Yu, Santa Monica, CA
Andres Zamberk, Houston, TX
Best Lawyers®: Ones to Watch:
Amanda Brown, Boston, MA
Karuna Chandani Simbeck, Philadelphia, PA
Natalia Gouz, Philadelphia, PA
Kevin Gregg, Coral Gables, FL
Lisa Locke, Reston, VA
Michele Madera, Philadelphia, PA
Miki Matrician, Boston, MA
Maria Mihaylova, Philadelphia, PA
Vi Nguyen Palacios, Houston, TX
Youngwook “Christian” Park, Reston, VA
Alexandra Vickery, Houston, TX
Oliver Yang, Philadelphia, PA
Dagmar Butte (bio: https://www.abil.com/lawyers/lawyers-butte.cfm?c=US) was quoted by Forbes in “New Increase in H-1B Visa Fees Further Shatters ‘Cheap Labor’ Myth.” She said, “I think employers sponsor H-1B professionals because they have to, not necessarily because they want to. It’s expensive, comes with compliance issues that are not a factor in hiring domestically and is limited to 6 years. At the end of that time and significant investment, there is no guarantee that the employee will ultimately be able to remain in the United States. If not, the employer starts all over again. I have talked to employers who say the worst thing is when you develop a star employee who excels and then their visa is not renewed, or the green card application fails. Then you have to replace them with someone new and it’s such a waste of time, money and human potential.” https://www.forbes.com/sites/stuartanderson/2021/11/01/new-increase-in-h-1b-visa-fees-further-shatters-cheap-labor-myth/?sh=e5d580e5b15d
Charles Kuck (bio: https://www.abil.com/lawyers/lawyers-kuck.cfm) authored “Action Needed in Ga. and Congress on Immigration Relief,” published by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
News from Foster LLP:· Avalyn Langemeier presented “U.S. Immigration: Recap of 2021 and Strategic Planning for 2022,” at the HR Houston November General Meeting on November 18, 2021. She discussed immigration issues in 2021 during the pandemic, including challenges related to travel, remote work, work authorization, government processing delays, and Form I-9 compliance. Based on lessons learned, this session helped the audience identify potential immigration issues affecting their businesses so they can prepare an immigration plan and strategy for 2022. https://www.hrhouston.org/events/EventDetails.aspx?id=1560064&group= · Brenda Hicks and Cody Wallace discussed ongoing developments in global immigration laws and procedures on a worldwide scale and the effects they may have on the relocation of employees. The webinar was held on December 1, 2021. https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/916151990262688016 · Helene Dang presented “Managing Immigration Status Over the Long Haul Under Pandemic Restrictions” in a webinar with Worldwide ERC on December 2, 2021. She discussed some immigration-related changes and effects of our collective pandemic experience and considerations for employers and employees to manage and maintain legal immigration work status in the long term. https://www.worldwideerc.org/webinar/managing-immigration-status-over-the-long-haul-under-pandemic-restrictions
- Avalyn Langemeier and Liliana Kottwitz presented a webinar, “Thinking Outside the Box: O-1 and P Visas, TPS and DACA,” on November 10, 2021. The webinar provided human resources professionals an overview of the O-1 visa category for individuals of extraordinary ability and P visas for entertainers and athletes. HR professionals also gained insight into Temporary Protected Status and Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals for eligible individuals.
Mazzeschi SRL has published the November 2021 edition of its magazine. The topic is “Italian Immigration & Citizenship.” https://www.mazzeschi.it/mazzeschi-asiadesk/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Magazine-Nov-2021_compressed.pdf
Cyrus Mehta (bio: https://www.abil.com/lawyers/lawyers-mehta.cfm) authored a new blog post, “The Legal Basis Underpinning the New Automatic Extension of Work Authorization for H-4, L-2 and E-2 Spouses, and Why It Must Still Be Challenged.” http://blog.cyrusmehta.com/2021/11/the-legal-basis-underpinning-the-new-automatic-extension-of-work-authorization-for-h-4-l-2-and-e-2-spouses-and-why-it-must-still-be-challenged.html
Mr. Mehta was quoted by India West in “USCIS Reaches Settlement With H-4 Workers, Allowing Automatic Renewal of Employment Authorization for Some.” He tweeted, “USCIS needs to be sued again. H-4s who file EAD renewals concurrently with an I-539 extension may receive only a brief auto-extension, just to the end of their current I-94 date, but most existing EADs end with the current I-94 date.”
Mr. Mehta co-authored a blog post with Kaitlyn Box: “The Facebook Settlement Resolving Claims of Discrimination Against U.S. Workers Only Adds to the Contradictions in the Labor Certification Program.”
Mr. Mehta co-authored a blog post with Jessica Paszko: “Florida Detox Centers Provides Further Guidance on Rejecting U.S. Workers on Resume Review.”
Mr. Mehta was quoted by Forbes in “House Bill Keeps Immigration Measures for High-Skilled Immigrants.” He said, “The provisions in the House bill would allow employees in the backlog to file for adjustment of status without regard to whether a priority date is available. From an employer’s perspective, they may not need to rely on the uncertainty of the H-1B visa lottery as much as they do now. An F-1 on Optional Practical Training (OPT) can be sponsored for permanent residence through labor certification during the F-1 OPT period, although one eligible for F-1 STEM OPT will have more time for the labor certification to get processed and approved. Once the labor certification is approved, the employee will be eligible to file an I-485 adjustment of status application concurrently with the I-140 petition and obtain employment authorization during its pendency,” which would allow an employee to remain in the United States and be eligible for continued employment with the employer. “Employers may help an employee with an approved petition by paying the $5,000 on their behalf so that he or she can get permanent residence more quickly. An employer that facilitates permanent residence will be more attractive to noncitizen employees. An individual can pay the $5,000, both under current law and the bill.” https://www.forbes.com/sites/stuartanderson/2021/11/01/house-bill-keeps-immigration-measures-for-high-skilled-immigrants/?sh=1ecae8f2168e
Mr. Mehta delivered the Professor K. D. Irani Memorial Lecture 2021 at the Zoroastrian Association of Greater New York on October 30, 2021. The topic of the lecture was “Legal Ethics in Contemporary Times.” Further details are at https://zagny.org/2021-professor-k-d-irani-memorial-lecture/Mr. Mehta and Ms. Box authored an article, “CSPA Triumphs in Cuthill v. Blinken: Child of Parent Who Naturalizes Should Not Be Penalized,” published in 26 Bender’s Immigration Bulletin 1665 (October 15, 2021).Wolfsdorf Rosenthal LLP has published several new blog posts: “What Doees the December 2021 Visa Bulletin Mean for New ‘Direct’ EB-5 Investors?”; “Immigration Update”; “Good News: USCIS Announces Plans to Ease Work Authorization Process for Certain E, L, and H-4 Spouses”; “White Paper: Making Travel Plans? Here’s the Short-Term Outlook”; “Success Story: EB-1A Approved in Just a Few Days!”; and “Direct EB-5 Due Diligence: Buyer Beware (and Immigration Attorneys Be Cautious). https://wolfsdorf.com/news/
Stephen Yale-Loehr (bio: https://www.abil.com/lawyers/lawyers-loehr.cfm?c=US) authored a new blog post, “Breaking Down the Build Back Better Act,” published by Global Detroit. https://globaldetroitmi.org/prof-stephen-yale-loehr-breaking-down-the-build-back-better-act/
Mr. Yale-Loehr was interviewed on National Public Radio’s The World about the immigration provisions in the social spending bill. The interview is at https://theworld.org/media/2021-11-11/latest-immigration-plan-congress-falling-short
Mr. Yale-Loehr was quoted by Univision in “Temporary Residence and Travel Permits: Immigration Measures Approved in Biden’s Social Plan in the House.” He said that “[t]he 2,135-page budget bill includes a number of important immigration provisions, including up to 10 years of work authorization and protection against deportation for undocumented people living in the United States The bill would also give the Department of Homeland Security $2.8 billion to help process immigration applications and reduce backlogs in case processing … and would recover employment-based and family-sponsored green cards that have not been used and that otherwise would expire at the end of each year. If enacted as is, the House bill would not offer a path to legalization for the roughly 10 million noncitizens who lack immigration status. However, the immigration provisions of the House bill would still constitute the most significant immigration changes in decades and would provide a beginning to fix our broken immigration system.” https://www.univision.com/noticias/inmigracion/residencia-temporal-permisos-de-viaje-claves-plan-migratorio-aprobado-camara-representantes-presupuesto (Spanish, with English translation available)