WHAT A YEAR THIS HAS BEEN!

2012 has been a big year for immigration:  DACA, prospects for comprehensive immigration reform and states enacting their own immigration laws have all made this a topic worthy of discussion.  As I write this, I am reminded of how many clients we have represented in the past twelve years and how so many have experienced tremendous growth, both our individual and corporate clients.  Immigration has been, and will continue to be, a controversial subject for many.  However, those who understand how our country was built  appreciate the valuable contributions immigrants have made and will continue to make.

Next year promises to be an eventful year on the immigration front.  Will comprehensive immigration reform pass both houses of Congress and become law?  If so, what form will it take?  As the situation unfolds, we will do our best to keep you informed via this blog.

We wish all of our clients, friends and readers a happy, healthy and prosperous 2013!

Please visit our firm’s websites at www.immigrantconnect.com and www.americaninvestorvisa.com and check out our page and “like” us on Facebook!

IMPLEMENTATION OF NEW USCIS IMMIGRANT FEE FEBRUARY 1ST

According to a USCIS News Release:  “On Feb. 1, 2013,U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will begin collecting a new USCIS Immigrant Fee of $165 from foreign nationals seeking permanent residence in the United States.”

Please visit our firm’s websites at www.immigrantconnect.com and www.americaninvestorvisa.com and check out our page and “like” us on Facebook!

USCIS OFFERS EXPANDED E-REQUEST SERVICES

According to a USCIS News Release:  “USCIS has expanded the services offered by our e-Request system.  This Web-based tool allows customers to inquire about applications and petitions submitted to USCIS.”

Please visit our firm’s websites at www.immigrantconnect.com and www.americaninvestorvisa.com and check out our page and “like” us on Facebook!

USCIS DEVELOPS TOOLS TO HELP FOREIGN ENTREPRENEURS CREATE AND GROW BUSINESSES IN THE UNITED STATES

According to a USCIS News Release:  “U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Director Alejandro Mayorkas marked a significant milestone for the USCIS Entrepreneurs in Residence (EIR) initiative by launching an online resource center today at the Martin Trust Center for MIT Entrepreneurship in Cambridge, Mass. The resource center, Entrepreneur Pathways, provides entrepreneurs who seek to start a business in the United States an intuitive way to navigate the immigration process.”

It is wonderful that the federal government is recognizing and seeking to reward the contributions that foreign entrepreneurs make to the US economy. The next step is to make sure that USCIS adjudicative policies are in line with these goals.

Please visit our firm’s websites at www.immigrantconnect.com and www.americaninvestorvisa.com and check out our page and “like” us on Facebook!