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A new study by Duke University researchers has estimated that one out of every four U.S. technology start-ups over the past 10 years has at least one senior executive who was born outside the U.S. The study’s lead researcher, Vivek Wadhwa, who was born in India and founded two technology companies, noted, “It’s one thing… Read More
On January 26, 2007, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that it has received approximately 80,000 temporary protected status (TPS) applications from nationals of Honduras and Nicaragua, and approved nearly 70,000 of those cases. USCIS has received approximately 236,000 TPS applications from nationals of El Salvador and has approved nearly 196,000. Approved individuals should… Read More
On January 22, 2007, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) released details about its pilot naturalization exam. The new exam is intended, USCIS said, to “encourage civic learning and patriotism among prospective citizens.” USCIS noted that studies have shown nationwide inconsistencies in the way the test was administered and there was no assessment of whether… Read More
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) recently released a memorandum to the field on P-1 admission for minor league professionals, entertainers, and teams under the COMPETE Act of 2006, which expanded the P-1 nonimmigrant visa classification to include certain athletes who were admitted formerly as H-2B nonimmigrants.
The Colorado General Assembly recently passed a law requiring Colorado employers, effective January 1, 2007, to verify the employment authorization status of new employees within 20 days. Employers who fail to maintain the required documentation will be subject to fines. An “Affirmation of Legal Work Status” is required to be attached with supporting documents to… Read More
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) recently released guidance to the field on the reauthorization for an additional three years of the Nursing Relief for Disadvantaged Areas Act of 1999 (NRDAA). Specifically, USCIS noted that all I-129 petitions for H-1C classification will be adjudicated exclusively at the Vermont Service Center, in accordance with previous practice.… Read More
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced on January 12, 2007, that it has launched a new Web-based service allowing most noncitizens to submit change-of-address information online. USCIS noted that all noncitizens in the U.S. are legally required to keep USCIS informed of any change of address within 10 days of a move by completing… Read More
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has proposed large filing fee increases for many immigration-related forms. In addition to raising fees, the rule proposes to merge the fees for certain applications so applicants will pay a single fee rather than paying several fees for related services. There is a 60-day comment period on the proposed… Read More
Mark A. Ivener, A Law Corporation advises graduating students and their employers to contact their ABIL member now to help them identify potential H-1B candidates and prepare H-1B paperwork. H-1B applications to be filed under the fiscal year 2008 cap will be accepted by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) no earlier than April 2,… Read More
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) released guidance on determining periods of admission for those previously in H-4 or L-2 status, those applying for additional periods of admission beyond the H-1B six-year maximum, and those who have not exhausted the six-year maximum but who have been absent from the U.S. for over one year.