Legal Articles, Immigration
New Legislation Increases CW1 Cap for FY-2017 and Makes Other Changes to CW1 Program
On August 28, 2017, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) released a news update titled “New Legislation Increases Availability of Visas for CNMI Workers for Fiscal Year 2017”.
President Trump Fires Rex Tillerson as Secretary of State and Will Nominate Mike Pompeo as Replacement
On March 13, 2018, President Donald Trump removed Rex Tillerson as Secretary of State. In an announcement on Twitter, President Trump stated that he will nominate Mike Pompeo, who has been serving as Director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), as the 70th U.S. Secretary of State.
New Louisville Immigration Court to Open on April 2, 2018
On February 23, 2018, the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) announced the opening of the Louisville Immigration Court. The Louisville Immigration Court will open in Louisville, Kentucky, on April 2, 2018.
William P. Barr Sworn in as U.S. Attorney General
On February 14, 2019, the United States Senate confirmed William P. Barr as the 85th Attorney General of the United States by a vote of 54-45. Attorney General Barr was sworn in on the same day.
Visa Sanctions Triggered Against Four Countries Deemed Deficient in Accepting Return of Nationals
On August 22, 2017, Stephen Dinan of The Washington Times reported that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) had exercised its authority under section 243(d) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) to trigger visa sanctions against four countries...
Internationally Renowned Director Kirill Serebrennikov Charged in Russia
In what appears to be a new instance of politically motivated prosecution in Russia, the Associated Press reported that Russian investigators have detained internationally renowned director Kirill Serebrennikov on charges of embezzling government funds provided for his productions.
Reports Indicate Trump Administration Considering Cuts to Exchange Programs, Including Au Pair
Citing to a recent Wall Street Journal report, The Hill reported that the Trump Administration is considering curtailing certain foreign work exchange programs.
USCIS Releases New Memo on H1B ACWIA Fee
On August 9, 2017, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issued a new Policy Memorandum on the definitions of “affiliate” and “subsidiary” in the H1B ACWIA fee context.
Possible Changes Coming to EB5 Program
On January 13, 2017, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking titled “EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program Modernization” in the Federal Register (FR) at 82 FR 4738.
USCIS to Require In-Person Interviews for Employment-Based AOS Applicants and Asylee/Refugee Relative Petitions
The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced its plans to expand the in-person interview requirement for certain benefit applicants whose benefits, if granted, would allow them to reside permanently in the United States.
