Jean Louise

The Department of Homeland Security (hereafter “DHS” or its agency “USCIS”) proposes significant revisions to the regulations governing the Affidavit of Support (I-864). These proposed revisions published on October 1, 2020, are set to take effect within 30 to 60 days from their publication. What is the Affidavit of Support? The affidavit of support, Form...

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On October 8, 2020, the Department of Labor (DOL) has issued an interim final rule (IFR) to incorporate changes to the computation of prevailing wage levels. The wage adjustments will affect the processing of H-1B, H-1B1, and E-3 temporary work visas, as well as the permanent labor certification program (PERM) applications. The IFR is effective...

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On October 1, 2020, Congress passed a new Bill (Emergency Stopgap USCIS Stabilization Act was included in Division D, Title I of the Continuing Appropriations Act, 2021 and Other Extensions Act) increasing USCIS Premium Processing Fees from $1,440.00 to $2,500.00 for most cases. The good news is that the Bill also expands the immigration petitions...

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The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has published the New H-1B regulation. This appears to be in the effort to restrict legal immigration that has enhanced the American economy for centuries. The rule is an interim final rule (IFR), it is therefore vulnerable to legal challenges in federal court. See article DHS is Taking Final...

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The current administration is now taking a big step in its agenda to restrict immigration. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is taking the final steps for the publication of new H-1B regulation. It is going to be the first time that this administration’s restrictions on H-1B visas will be officially published under a rule....

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Since the beginning of the Coronavirus Pandemic, President Donald Trump has issued two Proclamations banning entry of a huge range of foreign workers and family immigrants. The proclamations are supposedly in response to unprecedented unemployment levels. More specifically, virtually no employment-based immigrants (H1s, L1s, Js and their families) or family immigrants (except for the spouses...

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The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) will be joining forces to investigate suspected cases of fraud of the H-1B specialty occupation visa program (H-1B program). The two federal departments have entered into an agreement under which DHS will share data and records on H-1B petitions in the...

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Amidst the COVID-19 emergency guidelines and the current Trump administration, staying updated with immigration laws, Department of Homeland Security (DHS) notices, and Presidential Proclamations is crucial for international students. Access comprehensive guidelines to navigate these challenges effectively. If you are an international student, you not only have to focus on your classes but also have...

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