The U.S. Department of State’s (DOS) Visa Bulletin sets out per country priority dates that regulate when an individual may begin the final phase of the “green card” process, either through adjustment of status or consular...more
On August 15, 2014, a California-based staffing company reached a settlement with the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), Office of Special Counsel for Immigration-Related Unfair Employment Practices (OSC), resolving...more
The filing period for “new” H-1B petitions to be counted against the annual H-1B quota (the “H-1B cap”) for FY 2015 begins on Tuesday, April 1, 2014. Note that petitions need to be mailed on March 31 to ensure receipt by the...more
Employers and their attorneys monitor the U.S. Department of State (DOS) Visa Bulletin to determine when sponsored employees may file adjustment of status applications on Form I-485 (the last step in the permanent residence...more
“E-Verify” is an internet-based system, operated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in partnership with the Social Security Administration (SSA). Used in conjunction with Form I-9, Employment Eligibility...more
At the federal level, E-Verify is mandatory only for certain federal contractors and subcontractors who must use E-Verify to confirm that particular employees are authorized to work in the United States. At the state level,...more
A recent interim policy memorandum, released by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), clarifies the degree completion requirements for the 17-month extension of Optional Practical Training (OPT) available to...more
A key element of immigration control involves tracking the arrival and departure of foreign visitors to the United States. While the need for arrival controls is apparent, many argue that recording departures is also...more
As immigration reform measures proceed through Congress, it is critical that employers are prepared for strict worksite enforcement of I-9 requirements to prevent costly auditing and penalties for paperwork violations or the...more
In May and June 2011 respectively, the states of Georgia and North Carolina each passed laws mandating the use of E-Verify, an internet-based system, administered by the federal government, which allows businesses to...more