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Archive for December 24, 2008

HOW LAYOFFS AND UNPAID WAGES AFFECT IMMIGRANT WORKERS

In the current economic climate, many firms are laying off workers and some are unable or unwilling to pay wages owed to these employees.  In the new year, I will be blogging on this issue and will explain the effects of layoffs of US workers and/or foreign-nationals on immigration benefits.  This issue is complex and our firm has seen an increase in consultations from individuals who are interested in exploring their options as a result of actually being laid off or fearing an uncertain future with a particular employer.

Regarding unpaid wages or overtime, many individuals are unaware of or fear exercising their rights to obtain unpaid wages from their former employers.  Employees are entitled to payments of all wages and in the case of foreign nationals, may be entitled to the reimbursement of certain additional expenses immediately upon or shortly after termination. 

It is an unfortunate that the economic reality we face forces workers and their employers to examine immigration and wage issues in greater depth as we wait for the overall situation to improve.  There are sometimes options available to workers who are terminated and I recommended that you invest in a consultation with a qualified lawyer to determine what these may be.  Some options require thinking outside of the box and a consultation may be just what you need to evaluate your situation and determine what your next step will be as we all navigate these murky waters.

I wish you health, happiness and prosperity this Holiday Season!

DHS OMBUDSMAN ISSUES A STUDY AND RECOMMENDATIONS ON NATURALIZATION CEREMONIES

According to a DHS Press Release:  “The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Citizenship and Immigration Services (CIS) Ombudsman Michael Dougherty today issued a study and recommendations on naturalization oath ceremonies.”

BEGINNING JANUARY 2009 CITIZENS OF VISA WAIVER PROGRAM COUNTRIES WILL NEED TO OBTAIN TRAVEL AUTHORIZATION IN ORDER TO TRAVEL TO THE US

 

According to the Department of Homeland Security:  “Beginning January 12, 2009, all nationals and citizens of Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries will be required by law to obtain a travel authorization prior to initiating travel to the United States under the VWP. This authorization may be obtained online through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA™), a free Internet application administered by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) through a U.S. government Web site.”

Access to Information on the ESTA program and the Online Application are now available.

USCIS REVISES DIRECT MAIL PROGRAM FOR APPLICATIONS FOR NATURALIZATION

According to a USCIS Update:  “U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced today that it is revising the Direct Mail Program for the Application for Naturalization (Form N-400).”

USCIS OFFICES CLOSED DECEMBER 25-26

According to a USCIS Press Release:  “Due to the Christmas holiday, and to an Executive Order excusing executive branch non-Postal Service employees from duty on Friday, December 26, 2008, all USCIS offices and Application Support Centers will be closed on Thursday, December 25 and Friday, December 26.”

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