Crimmigration: Navigating the Complex Intersection of Criminal and Immigration Law for Defense Attorneys

It is well-established that criminal and immigration law are inextricably intertwined.  The catchphrases “crim-imm” or “crimmigration” are used interchangeably to refer to this intersection.  As Maine welcomes more immigrants to our state, it is essential to protect noncitizen criminal defendants’ rights to be informed of the impact of criminal contacts on their immigration status.  So,… [Read More]

Client Advisory: Renewal of H-1B Visa Stamp within the U.S.

The Department of State announced that, beginning on January 29, 2024, and ending on April 1, 2024, certain H-1B applicants will be eligible to renew their H-1B visa stamp without having to travel internationally to a U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Eligible applicants will apply through an online portal found at: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visa/employment/domestic-renewal.html To be eligible for… [Read More]

Top 4 Essential Strategies for Schools and Districts to Prepare for 2024-2025: Addressing Open Requisitions and Embracing Global Recruitment

As schools and districts nationwide grapple with a deluge of open requisitions and the ongoing struggle to find qualified candidates, it’s time to take proactive steps to ensure your institution’s success. In this blog post, we’ll unveil the top 4 strategies that your school or district should be embracing to prepare for the upcoming academic… [Read More]

Giving Thanks for Change: A Feast of Proposed H-1B Visa Amendments for 2024

As an employer seeking to hire and retain key team members, it is critical to stay informed about the latest H-1B visa program changes proposed by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) as these changes could significantly impact the landscape of employment-based immigration. The USCIS aims to “modernize” the H-1B program with these… [Read More]

Unlocking International Talent: The Conrad 30 J-1 Waiver Options for Hospitals

In today’s globalized world, the healthcare industry is more diverse than ever before, with hospitals continually seeking to attract international medical talent to provide high-quality care to their patients. The Conrad 30 J-1 waiver program is a valuable tool for HR leaders of hospitals looking to bring in foreign physicians to address critical shortages in… [Read More]

Client Advisory: Update to Form I-9 Employment Verification Flexibility

During the global pandemic, the Department of Homeland Security provided more flexible measures for employers in the I-9 employment verification process. In particular, the most flexible of these steps was to allow employers to verify documents used to complete the I-9 virtually, i.e., without physically inspecting the actual document. The USCIS announced that, as of… [Read More]

Client Advisory: USCIS Proposes Fee Increase Under New Rule

The Biden Administration has proposed raising application fees for employment-based visas and other immigration programs. As a result of the proposed rule, employers would be required to pay significantly higher fees for petitioning for and sponsoring workers for permanent residence. The new fee schedule proposes a significant increase in fees for using the electronic registration… [Read More]