Recently, the Department of Homeland Security released a new rule regarding registration requirements for noncitizens (including lawful permanent residents) who are present in the U.S. for more than 30 days. These requirements take effect on April 11, 2025. Noncitizen registration is not entirely new. Many noncitizens are currently compliant and will continue to comply with registration requirements… [Read More]
Client Alert: Consider Avoiding International Travel at This Time – Heightened Visa Scrutiny and Entry Denials
FordMurray advises that all visa holders and Green Card holders (lawful permanent residents) strongly consider avoiding non-essential international travel at this time. On January 25, President Trump ordered the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of State to implement “enhanced vetting” of visa applicants. In recent weeks major news outlets have reported on harsh… [Read More]
New Year, New Opportunities: Preparing for the H-1B Cap Registration and Lottery FY 2026
As we usher in the new year, it is time to evaluate your workforce needs, including any new hires or current employees who may require sponsorship. One critical consideration for this season is the H-1B Cap Registration, often referred to as the H-1B “Lottery,” which will occur in March (actual date to be determined). Preparing… [Read More]
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]
USCIS Revises Form I-485 to Include Social Security Card Application
USCIS announced a partnership with the Social Security Administration. This will permit petitioners for I-485 lawful permanent resident status to apply for a Social Security number or replacement card as part of the Adjustment of Status application process. I-485 What You Need to Know: Eliminates the need for green card petitioners to apply for a… [Read More]
FY2023 H-1B Alternatives
The H-1B Registration period ended on March 18th and the H-1B Lottery Selection period has begun. Currently, we are seeing about a 27% selection rate among all filers. This suggests one of two things: (1) either the number of applicants is up for this fiscal year; or (2) USCIS is only partially into the selection… [Read More]
USCIS Abandons 2019 Public Charge Rule, Abolishes Form I-944
USCIS will no longer use the Trump Administration’s 2019 Public Charge Rule for adjudication of permanent resident “green card” petitions. The announcement abolishes Form I-944, Declaration of Self Sufficiency, and should result in streamlined petitions, lower fees, and faster adjudication. On March 9, the Justice Department said it would no longer defend lawsuits against the… [Read More]
USCIS Announces Flexibility for OPT Applications
F-1 students who have been impacted by USCIS lockbox and service center delays may qualify for additional flexibility in their petition for Optional Practical Training (OPT) work authorization, according to an announcement from USCIS. Overview OPT is a coveted component of the F-1 visa program, allowing foreign students to work in the United States in… [Read More]
President Biden to Face Trump’s 11th Hour Immigration Rules
In a flurry of activity before leaving office January 20, the Trump Administration implemented or extended changes to U.S. immigration policy that will likely be overturned by the incoming administration of President Joe Biden. Department of Labor Prevailing Wage Rule The Department of Labor reissued a Wage Level Rule that will increase the minimum wage… [Read More]
Trump Administration Rescinds Harmful Foreign Students Policy
The Trump Administration has stepped back from a policy that would have denied visas to foreign students in the event colleges and universities moved to virtual instruction for the 2020-2021 school year. The July 6 policy announcement was met with immediate disapproval from higher education institutions and prompted a lawsuit from Harvard and MIT, along… [Read More]
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