Key facts about U.S. immigration policies and Biden’s proposed changes
The Biden administration is acting on a number of fronts to reverse Trump-era restrictions on immigration to the United States. The steps include plans to boost refugee admissions, preserving deportation relief for unauthorized immigrants who came to the U.S. as children and not enforcing the “public charge” rule that denies green cards to immigrants who might use public […]
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7 April 2021
Can Immigrants Receive Coronavirus Stimulus Checks?
In order to qualify for the payments, you must be either a U.S. citizen, a lawful permanent resident (green card holder), or a qualifying resident alien, and have a Social Security number. What Are the Stimulus Payments? COVID-19, the novel coronavirus, has disrupted life across the United States and around the world. In order to […]
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16 May 2020
COVID-19 Impact on the U.S. Immigration System
As the world responds to a novel coronavirus, numerous of countries, including the United States, have implemented travel or entry restrictions and closed their borders in an attempt to prevent the virus from spreading. Mandatory lockdown has affected the U.S. immigration system and disrupted immigration services and proceedings. In just over a week, there have […]
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9 April 2020
H-1B Registration Tool
On December 6, 2019, USCIS announced that it is implementing an electronic registration requirement for petitioners seeking to submit H-1B cap-subject petitions. Employers seeking to file FY2021 H-1B cap-subject petitions, including those eligible for the advanced degree exemption, must first electronically register and pay an associated $10 fee for each electronic registration they submit to USCIS. According […]
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14 February 2020
Five USCIS changes that will impact legal immigrants in the U.S. in 2020
The U.S. immigration system saw many changes ordered by the Trump administration during 2019, including some that will take effect in 2020. The changes by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will have a significant impact on the lives of millions of immigrants living legally in the United States. COST HIKES FOR KEY IMMIGRATION […]
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17 January 2020
Big changes coming to H-1B visa lottery
Immigration authorities next year will revamp the system of applying for H-1Bs, the skilled-worker visas that are particularly prized by Silicon Valley tech companies, with the stated aim of streamlining a cumbersome process. Rather than submitting full applications by April 1, workers and companies will register online in March and pay $10 to enter a […]
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21 December 2019
DACA: Updates and Options for Dreamers
First things first, what is DACA? DACA stands for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals. It is a U.S. immigration policy that allows some people who came to the country as children to request that any removal orders for deportation be postponed. It also allows DACA recipients to work legally. Who are the “Dreamers”, and what […]
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7 December 2019
J-1 Visa Trainee Program
J-1 Visa Trainee Programs are designed to allow foreign professionals to gain exposure to U.S. culture and to receive training in U.S. business practices in their chose occupational field. The Occupational Categories available for J-1 Trainee Program include: Arts and Culture Education, Social Sciences, Library Science, Counseling and Social Services Hospitality and Tourism Information Media […]
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31 October 2019
OPT Rules and Requirements for F-1 Students
International students in the U.S. in valid F-1 immigration status are permitted to work off-campus in optional practical training status. Optional Practical Training (OPT) is temporary employment that is directly related to an F-1 student’s major area of study. Eligible students can apply to receive up to 12 months of OPT employment authorization. Pre-completion OPT: […]
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11 October 2019
Immigration Opportunity Untouched by the Trump Administration
President Donald Trump’s immigration policies have significantly affected immigration landscape of the United States and made it harder for certain groups of foreign nationals to obtain permanent residency in the U. S. This is especially true for low income immigrants, who are likely to become depended on the U.S. government for assistance (see our previous […]
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20 September 2019