On Wednesday May 20, 2020, USCIS updated its Policy Manual to clarify guidance on portability for physicians with an approved immigrant petition based on a national interest waiver (NIW) applying for adjustment of status and the applicability of the two-year foreign residence requirements to certain NIW physicians. This change was made in Chapter 8 of…
By Kalpana V. Peddibhotla and Desire Lance. The COVID-19 pandemic has affected immigration into the U.S. on a number of fronts. Due to economic uncertainty, companies are less willing to initiate the transfer or hire of foreign nationals. As travel restrictions linger and U.S. Consulate services are suspended, it is difficult for foreign nationals to…
On May 14th, the American Immigration Lawyers Association Santa Clara Valley Chapter (AILA SCV) hosted its annual installation event, during which the new Executive Board was virtually sworn in and installed. ImmiCore Law Attorney Roujin Mozaffarimehr was sworn in as this year’s Chapter Chair. She has been an active member of AILA, serving committee and…
President Trump’s Immigration Proclamation only limits a narrow set of potential immigrants, with little impact on protecting the U.S. labor market. It instead appears to be a stepping stone to pursuing an anti-immigrant agenda. On April 22, 2020, President Donald Trump signed a Proclamation intended to suspend the entry of immigrants who purportedly present a…
At 10:06 pm Eastern on April 20, 2020, President Donald Trump stated his intent to assert the most sweeping policy for immigration in U.S. history, by tweet. This was later followed by a Whitehouse press conference on April 21, 2020, where he narrowed the scope to 60 days with possible extensions and to only target…
As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, various government departments and agencies have suspended a wide range of in-person immigration operations. Updated instructions and processes have also been provided for certain immigration filings. Below, we provide several links to track the most up-to-date information on the government’s response to immigration
ImmiCore Law has received several questions related to appointments, office closures, visas, and travel as a result of COVID-19. We answer some of them below. Q1. Do I have to attend my biometrics appointment or USCIS interview scheduled at the USCIS field office during the Shelter-in Place (SIP) order? A1. No, not until the SIP…
On March 27, 2020, a $2 trillion stimulus package, known as the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (“CARES Act”), was signed into law. The stimulus package provides relief to businesses and direct payments to individuals. Below we briefly describe the relief for individuals
If companies are unable to generate enough work for an employee due to the COVID-19 outbreak, then H-1B workers, whose immigration status is tied to their employment, may not be able to maintain their non-immigrant status. There is currently no specific COVID-19 relief to nonimmigrant workers
With more and more people either losing their jobs, being temporarily laid off, or furloughed, unemployment benefits may be a critical component of economic security. This update analyzes eligibility for certain foreign nationals. We conclude that Lawful Permanent Residents can seek