Myth Busted! Immigrants Are NOT a Burden on Our Economy
This is an article that was posted on the American Immigration Lawyer’s Association web site, reprinted here in full. Read more
EB-5 Visa Program Extended Through September 2009
Many people didn’t realize that the EB-5 Regional Center program was in danger of disappearing in February because the legislation that authorized it was set to expire. We received good news on February 25th, 2009 that the House of Representatives passed the Fiscal 2009 Omnibus Appropriations bill (H.R. 1105), totaling $410 billion, and that measure includes provisions that would extend two immigration related programs — the EB-5 regional center program and Basic Pilot (E-Verify) program– through September 30, 2009.
New Poverty Guidelines Set for 2009
The Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services is required to update, at least annually, the poverty guidelines, which are used in many issues relating to immigration. Those intending to immigrate to the U.S., change their immigration status in the U.S., or wanting to come to the U.S. on some non-immigrant visas (like E-1, E-2, and L visas, for example), will be subject to limitations imposed by these numbers. Read more
Access to Information – Thank You Mr. President, Barack Obama!
As an immigration attorney, we know first-hand how frustrating it can be to get information from the government about our clients’ files. Hopefully with Barack Obama in the White House, things will change for us and for all of the immigrants and citizens in the US who want access to information that has been hidden or unaccessible for many years. To read the memorandum that Barack Obama issued to Heads of Executive Departments and Agencies, CLICK HERE.
The First Word on Possible Amnesty for America’s Illegal Immigrants
This article begins our coverage of the immigration reform that we hope and pray is around the corner for not only our country but the thousands or millions of illegal immigrants that are here in our country right now. Read more
The E-Verify Program for U.S. Employers
Employment Eligibility Document Review Process for the Nation’s Employers
E-Verify is an Internet-based system operated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in partnership with the Social Security Administration (SSA) that allows participating employers to electronically verify the employment eligibility of their newly hired employees. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) administers the program. Read more
E Visa Treaty Countries
In order to qualify for an E-1 or E-2 Visa (Treaty Trader or Treaty Investor), the person who is trying to get the visa must be from one of the countries that has a treaty with the U.S. for that visa. Some countries are not on the list, and therefore, citizens of those countries do not qualify for E-1 or E-2 Visas. Some countries only qualify for E-1, some only for E-2, and some for both. See this list below, and be sure to read the Country Specific Footnotes below the list. NOTE: If you do not see your country here, you still are able to get a visa via an investment using the EB-5 visa category. Contact Cowden Law for more details. EMAIL US HERE. Read more
New Cap Count for H-1B and H-2B Workers, 2009
The Cap has been reached, as of January 7, 2009!!!
What is a “Cap”?
The word “Cap” refers to annual numerical limitations set by Congress on certain nonimmigrant visa classifications, e.g., H-1B and H-2B. Caps control the number of workers that can be issued a visa in a given fiscal year to enter the United States pursuant to a particular nonimmigrant classification. Caps also control the number of aliens already in the United States that may be authorized to change status to a cap-subject classification.
For the full article at the USCIS, CLICK HERE.
I WAS DETAINED AT THE BORDER – WHAT CAN I DO?
Many people who wish to come to the U.S. on a short trip, come under the Visa Waiver Program. (For more information on the VWP, see our information portal at www.visa-me.com). The VWP allows you to come for 90 days without getting a visa in your home country first, if you are from one of the qualifying countries. Read more
READER’S DIGEST ARTICLE: FOREIGNERS WEIGHING IN ON U.S. ELECTIONS
I was in the doctor’s office the other day, and I picked up the November 2008 issue of Reader’s Digest and read this interesting article. [Click HERE for the full article] Read more