Blog Topic

Encouraging Entrepreneurs and High Skilled Workers to Bolster the U.S. Economy and Spur Job Growth
Posted by: euser
August 16, 2011

The United States has a long, rich history of welcoming innovative entrepreneurs and skilled workers into our country. These men and women fuel our nation's economy by creating jobs, and promoting new technologies and ideas. Today, I joined Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano and outlined a series of new policy, operational, and outreach efforts that will help fuel the nation's economy and stimulate investment by making it easier for high-skill immigrants to start and grow companies and create jobs here in the United States

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Public Affair and Immigration (David H. Nachman/Michael Phulwani)
Posted by: euser
August 09, 2011

On TV ASIA, U.S. Immigration Attorneys David Nachman & Michael Phulwani discuss various U.S. Immigration Law Updates:

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Secretary Napolitano Announces Initiatives to Promote Startup Enterprises and Spur Job Creation
Posted by: euser
August 04, 2011

Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Director Alejandro Mayorkas today outlined a series of policy, operational, and outreach efforts to fuel the nation's economy and stimulate investment by attracting foreign entrepreneurial talent of exceptional ability or who otherwise can create jobs, form startup companies, and invest capital in areas of high unemployment.

"The United States must continue to attract the best and brightest from around the world to invest their talents, skills, and ideas to grow our economy and create American jobs," said Secretary Napolitano. "Today's announcements will help our nation fully realize the potential of existing immigration laws."

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Reminder: Certain Fees May Not Be Collected From H-2A and H-2B Workers
Posted by: euser
August 04, 2011

As the traditional harvest season approaches, USCIS reminds petitioners that certain fees may not be collected from H-2A and H-2B workers, according to 8 C.F.R. ? 214.2(h)(5)(xi)(A) and ? 214.2(h)(6)(i)(B). We realize that delays in adjudicating these petitions may affect employers' ability to place workers in time-sensitive jobs. To avoid delays, USCIS urges petitioners to submit sufficient information regarding their recruitment efforts and the nature of fees collected from H-2A and H-2B workers. We also recommend petitioners refer to U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) guidelines on employers' obligation to avoid passing costs to H-2A workers.

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A GUIDE TO H-1B, GREEN CARD REFORM -- There is increasing activity on high-skill visa reform in Congress. Here's what to watch for.
Posted by: euser
August 04, 2011

Unlike with the debt limit debate, there is bipartisan interest in Congress in reforming high-skill immigration. New legislation is on its way, and here's what to watch for.

What bills have been introduced or are coming?

In the House, the most important Democratic initiative is from Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.), whose district includes Silicon Valley. Her bill would make green cards available to students who earn advanced degrees in science, technology, engineering and mathematics -- the so-called STEM fields. However, it isn't expected to go anywhere.

The person to watch instead is Rep. Lamar Smith (R-Texas), who heads the House Judiciary Committee. Smith appears interested in some limited immigration changes expected in a bill from Rep. Jason Chaffetz (R-Utah).Chaffetz's bill, which is due "soon," is expected to call for elimination of the per-country limits on employment-based visas -- as green cards are officially called.

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Notifying USCIS of a Change of Address Is Important
Posted by: euser
August 01, 2011

It is the sole responsibility of the applicant/petitioner to ensure USCIS has the correct address information on file. For example, USCIS expects to adjudicate 750,000 family-based petitions on or before December 31, 2010. Adjudication of these filings can result in Requests for Evidence (RFEs), and most correspondence sent by USCIS is not forwarded even if a change of address was filed with the U.S. Postal Service. Generally, USCIS denies cases as abandoned when a customer fails to timely respond to an RFE. To ensure that USCIS correspondence is sent to the right address, those seeking benefits must take affirmative steps to notify the agency of address changes.

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