Author: Lance Curtright
Proposed Changes to H1B Process: What you Need to Know to Now
DHS has proposed substantial changes to the H1B process. We anticipate these changes will be effective for April 1, 2019 H1B filings that are subject to the annual cap. The main change to the process will be the establishment of a mandatory internet-based registration process for petitioners seeking to file H1B petitions for beneficiaries who will be counted against the H1B cap. The proposed regulations flip the lottery process to the front end of the application process. Registrants who are selected will be able to apply for an H1B visa. Here are the basics that you need to know: –The ... Read more
ICE Hold? Detained by Immigration? There May Be Hope.
Since Donald Trump took office, and in the wake of SB4, more and more immigrants are being placed in detention centers in the custody of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Unfortunately, this includes immigrants who have lived in the U.S. for years, have strong family ties, and little or no criminal record. Shortly after Trump became president in 2017, ICE launched large scale raids in the Austin and San Antonio areas, arresting more than 130 people. Following the passage of SB4 in the Texas legislature, many surrounding counties have been arresting immigrants found driving without a valid license and then ... Read more
Attorney General’s Decision a Setback for Women Seeking Asylum Based on Domestic Violence, but Hope Remains
A recent administrative decision by Attorney General Jeff Sessions marked a major step backwards for women who came to the United States fleeing domestic violence. Session’s decision overturned a 2014 landmark decision by the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA), which held some victims of domestic violence could qualify for asylum under United States. To seek asylum in the United States, a person must show that he or she has a well-founded fear of persecution in his or her country of nationality on account of his or her religion, political belief, race, nationality, or membership in a particular social group. In ... Read more
New Supreme Court Case Offers Hope for Immigrants in Removal Proceedings
As ICE continues to target the greater Austin area, and the Trump administration aggressively expands its crackdown on immigrants everywhere, one ray of hope has emerged for those seeking relief from deportation. On June 21, 2018, the U.S. Supreme Court issued its decision in Pereira v. Sessions, which has broad implications for persons in removal proceedings. The most immediate effect of the Supreme Court’s decision in Pereira is to expand eligibility for cancellation of removal. A non-permanent resident is eligible for cancellation of removal if he or she has been physically present for ten continuous years in the United States, ... Read more