Headlines: 1. Fees Raised for Nonimmigrant, Immigrant Visa Applications; BCCs – The Department is raising the fees in light of increased security measures and fee collection mandates on behalf of the FBI. 2. Rhetoric on Support for Science Doesn’t Match Reality of Appropriations – The appropriations bill signed into law in December included meager funding […]
Headlines: 1. No-Match Letters Will Not Be Sent This Year, SSA Says; DHS Will Revise Rule – The SSA will not send out no-match letters this year to employers, in response to a preliminary injunction. 2. USCIS Releases New Form I-9 – USCIS has revised the I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification Form, to be required beginning […]
Headlines: 1. Backlogged Immigration Cases ‘Could Take Years’ to Process, USCIS Says; No Forward Movement of Cut-Off Dates – USCIS faces huge backlogs because of fee changes combined with confusion over the cut-off date for employment-based applications. 2. Talent Pool Increasingly Global: EU Blue Cards Proposed, Migrant Policy Web Site Launched – Will the European […]
Headlines: 1. U.S. Adds Photo Verification, Sues Illinois on Verification Ban; Towns Rethink Anti-Illegal Laws – The photo tool will be available when a new employee presents an EAD or green card to complete the I-9. 2. USCIS Announces New Naturalization Test -The revised test emphasizes fundamental concepts of American democracy, U.S. history, and the […]
Headlines: 1. DHS Issues Final Rule on Employer ‘No-Match’ Obligations; Judge Issues Temporary Restraining Order Until October 1 – The amended regulation describes the legal obligations of employers relating to the unlawful hiring or continued employment of unauthorized workers. 2. ABIL Releases Tips on Verification Compliance – Prudent employers should follow these steps to confirm […]
Headlines: 1. DOS, USCIS Reverse Policies, Release Guidance in Response to July Visa Number Debacle -The Department of State and USCIS reversed course to resolve the dilemma of tens of thousands of skilled workers who were left out in the cold by the State Department’s sudden announcement on July 2 that there would be no […]
Headlines: 1. Immigration Reform Bill Dies in Senate – On a procedural vote, the Senate killed the bipartisan bill on comprehensive immigration reform that has been the subject of much debate and controversy and that had the support of President Bush. 2. DOS Suddenly Announces No More Employment-Based Visa Numbers – In a stunning policy […]
Headlines: 1. Senate Debates Immigration Reform Bill – The Senate’s bipartisan bill on comprehensive immigration reform is being vigorously debated this week, with over 100 amendments being considered. 2. DOL Publishes Final Labor Certification Rule, Prohibits Substitutions; USCIS Terminates Premium Processing for I-140s Requesting Substitutions – The regulation’s provisions apply to permanent labor certification applications […]
Headlines: 1. USCIS Completes FY 2008 H-1B Selections, Changes Procedures – USCIS has completed the random selection process to determine which FY 2008 H-1B petitions would be accepted for processing, and outlined new procedures. 2. DHS Issues Final Rule on Petitioning Requirements for O and P Nonimmigrants – DHS issued a final rule to permit […]
Headlines: 1. H-1B Rush Begins and Ends; Reform Bill Introduced in House; Other Developments – The H-1B cap could be filled immediately; bipartisan reform legislation is introduced in the House. 2. USCIS Reminds Applicants of New Filing Procedures Effective April 2 – Effective April 2, 2007, all Forms I-129 and I-539 are to be filed […]