Immigration Insights & Issues Blog
Key legal insights into modern immigration challenges.
The H-1B visa program is a cornerstone for U.S. companies looking to hire international professionals in specialty occupations—from engineers and IT experts to researchers, teachers, and healthcare professionals, among others. Unfortunately, the cap of 85,000 visas that are available each year does not meet the demand. The selection rate of H-1B registrants for the fiscal …
Continue reading “Crossing the Finish Line: Navigating Post-H-1B Registration”
On March 12, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published its proposed new registration Interim Final Regulation (IFR).[1] It becomes effective on April 11, 2025. The IFR outlines the existing long-term regulations that provide that it is a legal requirement for all unregistered foreign nationals (or previously registered foreign nationals who turn 14 years …
Continue reading “Canadian B Visitors to the U.S.: What Does Registration Mean for You?”
An article published by The New York Times on March 14, 2025, details a travel ban proposal under review by the Trump administration affecting 43 countries, categorized using a color-coded triage system (the “Article”). The article is based on a leaked memo. Reportedly, the U.S. Department of State (DOS) submitted this proposed list a few …
Continue reading “Planning for Travel Ban 2025 – Leaked Draft includes 43 countries”
On March 11, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published the draft of its proposed new registration Interim Final Regulation (IFR) referenced in the announcement by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) on February 25, 2025.[1] The IFR was published today in the Federal Register, March 12. Individuals who are required to register but …
Continue reading “April 11, 2025 Registration Rule Enhanced: Foreign Nationals – Carry your Papers!”
The Department of Homeland Security (“DHS”) has historically maintained a “sensitive spaces” or “protected areas” policy which restricted the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (“ICE”) agents from making arrests in certain areas, including (1) schools (including primary, secondary, colleges, universities, daycare, preschools, school bus stops), (2) places of worship (includes religious or civil ceremonies or …
Continue reading “Protecting Students and Schools: Guidance on Federal Agent Presence”
During the first Trump administration, worksite enforcement actions (aka raids) were focused in the Southeast and Midwest. The primary industries targeted were manufacturing and meat/poultry processing.[1] In 2017, Thomas Homan was the acting director for the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). He directed Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) to increase worksite immigration enforcement actions by …
Continue reading “Immigration Compliance for Employers in 2025: Guide to Worksite Audits”
As we approach 2025 with the threat of impending mass deportation[1] of those without legal immigration status in the United States (U.S.), it is important for foreign nationals lawfully here to remember what documents they are obligated to maintain in their possession under federal law. In addition, any assessment of legal status by law enforcement …
Continue reading “Walking While Foreign: Documenting Immigration Status in 2025”
Effective December 2, 2024, certain applicants applying for adjustment of status (Form I-485) to permanent residence must now submit the required Report of Immigration Medical Examination and Vaccination Record (I-693) concurrently with their I-485 adjustment application. This change by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) was made to expedite processing times and reduce delays in …
Continue reading “Avoid Rejection: Submit I-693 with I-485 Adjustment Application”
On November 1, certain Texas hospitals must comply with an Executive Order issued by Governor Greg Abbott on August 8, 2024 (Order), requiring them to document medical costs related to the care of individuals without legal immigration status. Governor Abbott provided the following statement explaining the reasoning behind his Order: “Due to President Joe Biden …
In a significant move, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has extended temporary immigration protections for Lebanese nationals currently residing in the United States. These measures, which include Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and Deferred Enforced Departure (DED), will provide critical relief to individuals affected by the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Lebanon. Let us break …
Continue reading “New TPS and DED Protections for Lebanese Nationals: What You Need to Know”