Answer The executive order does not immediately impact H1B workers who are working on federal contracts. However, action may be taken in the future that will force such H1B workers off of these projects.Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide guidance that clarifies the law. For...
Today, President Trump signed an executive order that directs federal agencies to use U.S. workers, not foreign nationals, to fill federal government contractor positions. The order also directs the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) to finalize guidance that prevents employers from moving H1B workers to...
Today, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced that it will "adjust USCIS fees by a weighted average increase of 20 percent to help recover its operational costs." The final rule is expected to be published in the Federal Register on August 3,...
Today, a representative from the office of U.S. Senator Patrick Leahy (D) announced that the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) had agreed to postpone furloughs of its staff until August 31, 2020. In the meantime, if Congress and the president are able to reach...
The U.S. Department of State (DOS) has released the August 2020 Visa Bulletin. All cutoff dates listed refer to the dates in the final action (FA) chart, unless otherwise specified. Visa Bulletin Summary Employment-Based, First Preference (EB1) Category The EB1 China and India categories continue to advance. The...
Today, the U.S. Department of State (DOS) announced a short list of exceptions to President Trump's April 22 and June 22, 2020 executive orders that prevent admission of certain foreign nationals. Notably, the announcement excepts "… spouses and children of certain visa class holders, such...
A large group of H1B and H-4 visa applicants have filed the first lawsuit against the Trump Administration's June 22, 2020, proclamation that prohibits the admission of certain nonimmigrants. Importantly, the lawsuit not only requests the court to rule on each individual's visa application, but...
Answer The USCIS has been noticeably delayed in terms of issuing receipts (up to 30 days). So, a delay like this is not necessarily an indication of a problem. (13.Jul.2020)Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide guidance that clarifies the law. For information on our FREE...
Answer One in this situation could attempt to have the company file an H1B petition, requesting a change of status to H1B. However, there are some legal issues to this strategy that first should be discussed with a qualified attorney. (13.Jul.2020)Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys...
Last week, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) sent out notices to more than two-thirds of its employees that they may be furloughed, effective August 3, 2020. The USCIS is seeking $1.2 billion in emergency funding from Congress; if this is not granted, the...
