A Freedom of Information ACT (FOIA) request has led to the release of an internal, confidential memorandum from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Fraud Detection and National Security Directorate (FDNS). The memo, dated June 3, 2013, revises USCIS policies related to detecting and...
The category of J-1 intern or trainee is sometimes overlooked as a useful option for individuals and employers. Many foreign nationals aspire to gain professional experience in the United States to enhance their long-term career opportunities in their home countries. These individuals may believe their...
Winter snowstorms and other weather-related problems can impact the operations of virtually any organization or business. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is no exception; nor are the courier and mail delivery services exempt from delays due to weather. The government recognizes that severe...
In mid-November 2013, attorneys from the Murthy Law Firm participated in the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) DC Chapter Fall Conference as speakers and moderators for many of the informative panels. One particularly thought-provoking session, moderated by Sheela Murthy, was a U.S. Department of Labor...
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issued a news alert on November 15, 2013, reminding those impacted by the devastation in the Philippines created by Typhoon Haiyan that certain forms of immigration relief may be available. This reminder covers a number of general provisions applicable...
Mergers and acquisitions frequently result in critical immigration compliance issues that must be addressed, as explained in the MurthyDotCom NewsBrief, Mysteries of Mergers & Acquisitions: Basics of Immigration Due Diligence (26.March.2012). It is typically the responsibility of a human resources manager or other company representative,...
The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) issued guidance on October 31, 2013, regarding PERM labor certification cases impacted by the recent government shutdown. During the shutdown, it was not possible to use the DOL Office of Foreign Labor Certification (OFLC) electronic submission systems. The guidance...
As explained in Part 1 of this article, the Department of Homeland Security's Office of Inspector General (OIG) recently released a report with its findings and recommendations regarding the L-1 intracompany transferee program. Part 1 discussed the OIG's findings of inconsistencies in adjudications. This second...
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has issued a brief announcement regarding the acceptance of H1B petitions (as well as H2A and H2B petitions) that were filed late because of the recent government shutdown. The following discusses the application of these instructions when seeking relief...
Now that the U.S. federal government shutdown has thankfully ended, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) has resumed the processing of labor condition applications (LCAs). However, the bill to reauthorize funding for the federal government is only a stopgap, and is set to expire in...
