Thursday, October 17th, 2013
SEC Files Charges Against Texas-based EB5 Scheme EB-5 Warning: The SEC filed fraud charges against a Texas-based scheme targeting EB-5 foreign investors, including allegations of soliciting investors prior to the approval of the EB-5 regional center by USCIS and failing to hold investments in escrow as required. (See SEC v. Marco A. Ramirez, et al.,
Thursday, October 17th, 2013
Biometric Exit Improvement Act of 2013 Introduced by Rep. Miller US Representative Miller (R-MI) has introduced the Biometric Exit Improvement Act of 2013, which directs DHS to establish a biometric EXIT data system in airports and seaports, and to conduct a pilot biometric exit program in land ports of entry.
Thursday, October 17th, 2013
H-2B Visa Cap Update As of 11 October 2013, USCIS has receipted 7,535 petitions toward the 33,000 H2B visa cap for the first half of Fiscal Year 2014. This count includes both approved and pending petitions.
Tuesday, October 15th, 2013
More than 100 activists arrested outside the US Capitol More than 100 activists have been arrested outside of the US Capitol during a protest to push the House of Representatives to vote on immigration legislation. Included among those those arrested for refusing to move out of the street were 8 Democratic members of Congress.
Tuesday, October 15th, 2013
California’s Governor Brown Signs the TRUST Act into Law California Governor Brown has signed into law several bills that put California at the head of efforts to ameliorate immigration policies at the state and local level. Included in the measures approved by the Governor was the so-called TRUST Act, which limits whom state and local
Thursday, October 10th, 2013
Congress passes bill extending Special Immigrant Visa program for Iraqi nationals USCIS has announced that Congress passed a bill extending the Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) program for Iraqi nationals who worked for or on behalf of the US government. On 4 October 2013, President Obama signed this bill into law. The SIV program provides immigration
Thursday, October 10th, 2013
IRS Warns of Fake Form W-8BEN The IRS is warning that fraudsters have targeted non-residents of the USA and used the W-8BEN format to acquire personal details and information that is not asked for on the legitimate IRS form.
Wednesday, October 9th, 2013
California’s New DMV Law On 3 October 2013, California’s Governor Brown signed into law a bill that extends the legal right to drive to undocumented persons who can prove to the California DMV their identity, California residency, and other licensing requirements.
Wednesday, August 14th, 2013
US Embassy in London: New Online Booking System DOS has recently implemented a new online appointment booking system and new contact details for the US Embassy in London. Attorneys and applicants may no longer contact the Embassy directly through the CIU process. Additionally, there is also no longer pre-screening for the VCU process or for
Wednesday, August 14th, 2013
DOS: Guidance for Same-Sex Couples The Department of State hosted a “Google Hangout” webcast regarding the logistics of visa processing for same sex spouses on 08 August 2013. The Webcast is viewable on the DOS YouTube Channel at: http://www.youtube.com/user/statevideo Additionally, on 02 August 2013, Secretary of State John Kerry made an announcement at the US
