EXECUTIVE ORDER ON VISAS

We are currently in an environment where there are continuous changes to the US immigration landscape.  From an Executive Order issued without warning or much coordination between affected agencies to legal challenges around the country.  It is imperative that all non-immigrants, permanent residents and employers closely follow developments that are subject frequent changes.

According to the most recent news release from the Department of State:

“An order issued by a U.S. District court in the state of Washington  on February 3 bars the U.S. government from enforcing certain provisions of Executive Order 13769, “Protecting the Nation from ForeignTerrorist Entry into the United States,” including those related to visas and travel. 

The Department of State had, under the Executive Order, provisionally revoked all valid visas of nationals of those seven countries, with limited exceptions.  That provisional revocation is now lifted, and those visas are now valid for travel to the United States, if the holder is otherwise eligible. Individuals whose visas are expired, or were physically cancelled, must apply for a new visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate, absent a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) decision to grant parole or waive the visa requirement at the port of entry.  We are looking further into this issue and will revise this site with any updates.

We are working closely with the Departments of Justice and Homeland Security and we will provide further updates as soon as information is available.

On January 27, 2017, President Trump signed Executive Order 13769 on Protecting the Nation from Foreign Terrorist Entry into the United States which directs us to review current screening procedures, while protecting national security – our top priority when issuing visas.

The U.S. government’s national security screening and vetting procedures for visitors are constantly reviewed and refined to improve security and more effectively identify individuals who could pose a threat to the United States.  We welcome every opportunity to continue to review and improve our systems and procedures.  In implementing this executive order, the Department of State had temporarily stopped scheduling appointments and halted processing of immigrant and nonimmigrant visa applications for individuals from Syria, Iraq, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen, with limited exceptions. Processing of those applications has now resumed and appointments will be scheduled.”

This post does not constitute legal advice.  Please contact a qualified immigration lawyer for information and guidance regarding your particular circumstances.

Please visit our firm’’s websites at www.immigrantconnect.com and www.americaninvestorvisa.com.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

At Maged Rost, we would like to express our gratitude to our clients.  From start-up companies to large organizations to foreign investors to those immigrants who have worked so hard to improve their lives while contributing so much to the fabric of american society, we say thank you.  From the jobs created by investors and entrepreneurs, to the academic, technical and artistic contributions of hard-working immigrants, you are all part of what makes America great.

As we have for the past sixteen years, we look forward to continuing to help our clients best achieve their immigration goals, regardless of the regulatory environment.  Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours, from your team at Maged Rost.

Please visit our firm’’s websites at www.immigrantconnect.com and www.americaninvestorvisa.com.

 

MOVE IT OR LOSE IT? SHOULD YOU ACT ON IMMIGRATION OPTIONS BEFORE PRESIDENT TRUMP TAKES OFFICE?

Donald Trump will be the next US President. He built his campaign on promises to build a wall with Mexico and imposing a temporary ban on Muslims from entering the country. His transition team, close advisors and future administration includes Senator Jeff Sessions as well as others who seek greater restrictions on immigration.

What does this mean for foreign nationals currently in the United States who wish to remain? At this point it is hard to predict what new laws may be enacted and conversely, which existing laws may be repealed. It is believed that Donald Trump’s companies used EB-5 funds for some developments and since such a program will bring in wealthy foreign investors and is designed to create American jobs, it is possible that a program such as this would be promoted.

On the other hand, it is predicted that temporary visas may be harder to obtain. For example, H-1Bs may become more costly and a less attractive option for employers.

For DACA recipients who currently have Employment Authorization Documents but no status in the United States, will Trump cancel the program or simply not renew the cards once they expire? It is unlikely that he would extend the program.

Regarding Comprehensive Immigration Reform with a pathway to citizenship for undocumented individuals who are already in the country, if it were to happen, it would be in the distant future in light of who Trump has chosen as his close advisors and his campaign rhetoric. However, it is possible that if he starts with strict enforcement and uses a “harsh tone” to appease his base, that once the enforcement component concentrating on those who have committed crimes is enacted, he would consider some legalization option.

It is hard to predict what will happen and I would venture to say it is quite possible that Mr. Trump himself does not know what his plans will be. However, it looks as though the immigration landscape will get worse before it gets better.

My recommendation to those interested in living or working in the United States is to contact a qualified immigration lawyer and discuss what options are available to you under current laws and regulations as these may not be available if the next President’s agenda is realized. As my father liked to say: “Move it or lose it!”

Please visit our firm’’s websites at www.immigrantconnect.com and www.americaninvestorvisa.com.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS! USCIS FILING FEES SET TO INCREASE ON DECEMBER 23, 2016

According to a USCIS News Alert:  “U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services today announced a final rule published in the Federal Register today adjusting the fees required for most immigration applications and petitions. The new fees will be effective Dec. 23.”  The new fee schedule is now available.

Please visit our firm’’s websites at www.immigrantconnect.com and www.americaninvestorvisa.com.

 

VISA BULLETIN FOR NOVEMBER 2016

The Visa Bulletin for November 2016 is now available. The bulletin includes a category that will allow many foreign nationals and their dependents to file their adjustment of status applications even though their priority dates are not yet current.

Please visit our firm’’s websites at www.immigrantconnect.com and www.americaninvestorvisa.com.

VISA BULLETIN FOR OCTOBER 2016

The Visa Bulletin for October 2016 is now available. The bulletin includes a category that will allow many foreign nationals and their dependents to file their adjustment of status applications even though their priority dates are not yet current.

Please visit our firm’’s websites at www.immigrantconnect.com and www.americaninvestorvisa.com.