Introducing: Immigration Insights
Nixon Peabody’s Immigration team is adapting their popular Immigration Update newsletter into a timely Immigration blog on the firm’s blog network.—Courtney H. New
Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals upholds California’s “sanctuary” immigration laws
On April 18, 2019, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals largely upheld a lower court’s ruling refusing to block three California “sanctuary” immigration laws.—Mary-Benham Nygren, Courtney H. New
E-2 Treaty Investor visas available for Israelis starting May 1, 2019
Beginning on May 1, 2019, a treaty between the U.S. and Israel will allow qualifying Israelis to apply for Treaty Investor (E-2) non-immigrant visa status in the U.S. Israel joins many other countries, from Australia to the United Kingdom, whose citizens are already eligible for E-2 visas. —Courtney H. New, Mary-Benham Nygren
Decision to terminate TPS for Haiti temporarily blocked
On April 11, 2019, a New York judge blocked the Trump administration’s decision to terminate TPS for Haitian nationals lawfully residing in the U.S., finding the administration’s decision raised serious questions under the Administrative Procedure Act and Equal Protection Clause of the Constitution—Jason Gerrol
USCIS completes H-1B Cap lottery
USCIS completes its process to select enough H-1B petitions to meet the H-1B quota for FY 2020.—Jason Gerrol
H-1B Data Hub
The H-1B Employer Data Hub is here and ready for searching.—Courtney H. New
Premium processing of H-1B cap-subject petitions filed on April 1, 2019
USCIS announced that the premium processing of fiscal year 2020 H-1B petitions will be implemented in two phases.—Courtney H. New
How do the I-797, visa stamp, PED and I-94 expiration dates work?
When a foreign national has differing expiration dates on their U.S. immigration documents, it is important to know which expiration date controls in order to determine when an extension of status is needed.—Mary-Benham Nygren
Premium processing available for all H-1B petitions beginning March 12, 2019
As of March 12, 2019, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) will resume premium processing of all H-1B petitions.—Mary-Benham Nygren
DOS announces suspension of visa services in Caracas, Venezuela
The U.S. Embassy in Caracas has suspended visa services, and will have “limited ability” to assist U.S. citizens in Venezuela.—Jason Gerrol
Do you have a Corporate Immigration Policy?
A Corporate Immigration Policy outlines the processes, policies and procedures a company has adopted with respect to sponsoring foreign employees for immigration benefits.—Courtney H. New
DOS announces changes to H and L visa processing in China
Effective March 1, 2019, interviews for H (e.g., H-1B) and L-1/2 visas will only be conducted at the U.S. Embassy in Beijing, or the U.S. Consulates in Guangzhou or Shanghai.—Courtney H. New
USCIS finalizes changes to H-1B lottery
By notice dated January 31, 2019, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) in particular, issued a final rule changing the process by which H-1B cap subject petitions will be selected each fiscal year (FY).—Jason Gerrol