USCIS Reaches FY 2009 H-1B Cap - 04/08
Immigration
April 14, 2008
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that it has received enough regular H-1B petitions to meet the congressionally mandated cap for fiscal year 2009.
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H-1B Cap Alert! Plan Now For New H-1B Hires - 01/08
Immigration
January 11, 2008
Employers can file for new H-1B hires starting April 1, 2008. These petitions can only be filed for an H-1B start date of October 1, 2008 or later. It is important for employers to start planning now for these April 1 filings, as the allotment of H-1B numbers is expected to be used up on the first day of filing, similar last year.
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USCIS Revises Employment Eligibility Verification Form I-9 - 11/07
Immigration
November 15, 2007
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that the long awaited revised Employment Eligibility Verification Form (I-9) is now available for use.
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Controversy Continues: Can DHS Regulate SSA No-Match Letters? - 09/13/07
Immigration
September 14, 2007
On August 15, 2007, Department of Homeland Security published its final "No-Match" regulation, entitled "Safe Harbor Procedures for Employers Who Receive a No-Match Letter," which was scheduled to become effective on September 14, 2007. However, a temporary restraining order issued by a district court in California has delayed
this effective date and brought to the forefront the controversy of DHS' authority to regulate in Social Security territory.
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New Rule for Expedited Passports - 08/07
Labor, Employment & Immigration
August 21, 2007
The Department of State has published a regulation modifying the procedures for expedited passport issuance.
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New Fee Increases For USCIS Filings - 0717/07
Immigration
July 17, 2007
Beginning July 30, 2007, United States Citizenship and Immigration Services will increase its filing fees for all nonimmigrant and immigrant applications and petitions, as well as naturalization applications, biometric fees and other related immigration documents
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The Government Giveth and Taketh Away - 07/07
Immigration
July 2, 2007
The Department of State announced today that effective Monday, July 2, 2007, all employment-based immigrant visa numbers were unavailable.
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New Georgia Immigration Law Affecting Employers - 06/07
Immigration
July 1, 2007
Senate Bill 529 is the Georgia Security and Immigration Compliance Act of 2006 ("the Act") and affects employers and their contractors and subcontractors who contract or subcontract with the State of Georgia for the performance of services.
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New Georgia Immigration Law Affecting Local Governments - 06/12/07
Immigration
June 12, 2007
Senate Bill 529 is the Georgia Security and Immigration Compliance Act of 2006 ("the Act"). The Act affects counties, municipalities and their corresponding authorities and agencies ("Local Governments") as well as Local Government contractors and subcontractors.
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USCIS Reaches FY 2008 H-1B Cap - 04/04/07
Immigration
April 4, 2007
U.S.Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced April 3, 2007, that it has received enough H-1B petitions to meet the congressionally mandated cap for fiscal year 2008 (FY 2008).
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H-1B CAP ALERT! Plan Now For New Hires - 02/19/07
Immigration
February 19, 2007
Employers can file for new H-1B hires starting April 1, 2007. These petitions will be filed for an H-1B start date of October 1, 2007 or later. It is important for employers to start planning now for these April 1 filings, as the allotment of H-1B numbers is expected to be used more quickly than ever before - possibly in one month or less.
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BIS Fines EP MedSystems For Filing Voluntary Disclosure - 11/06
International
November 21, 2006
ATTORNEYS
Robert Clifton Burns
William Steinman
Also in this alert: USTR Requests Comments Regarding Compliance with Telecommunications Trade Agreements ~ Burning the Candle at Both Ends: Expanding Coverage Of the Antidumping Duty Order On Candles from China ~ FCPA Enforcement Agencies Fine Norway's Statoil $21 Million for Bribing an Iranian Oil Official ~ Schnitzer Steel Industries Inc. to Pay 15.2+ Million in Fines to Resolve FCPA Liability ~ Antidumping and Countervailing Duties on Certain Emergency Imports ~ Commerce Dept. Changes its Methodology in Antidumping on Treatment of Duty Drawback ~ U.S. International Trade Commission Investigates Trade with China ~ L-3 Pays the Price For Titan's Commission Payments ~ Proposed Consumer Insolvency Act in Taiwan
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DV-2008 Immigrant Visa Lottery for 2007-2008 - 10/12/06
Immigration
October 12, 2006
We have just received information regarding this year's version of the annual "lottery" for United States immigrant visas. Known as the "DV-2008" lottery, this program provides an opportunity for certain foreign nationals to participate in a special lottery of 50,000 immigrant "green card" visas.
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Social Security No-Match Letters - Proposed Burdens on Employers - 06/16/06
Immigration
June 16, 2006
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) proposes to amend the regulations relating to the unlawful hiring or continued employment of unauthorized workers. The amended regulation describes the legal obligations of an employer, under current immigration law, when the employer receives a no-match letter from the Social Security Administration or the Department of Homeland Security.
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H-1B Cap Hits - Employers Face Over a Year with No New H-1Bs - 06/02/06
Immigration
June 2, 2006
The cap for new H-1B petitions has been reached. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services just announced that the H-1B cap for fiscal year 2007 has been exhausted, effective retroactively as of May 26, 2006, less than two months after filings began.
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Update on Federal Funding for Emergency Care to Undocumented Immigrants - 05/16/06
Health Care
May 16, 2006
Through the Section 1011 program, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) is directly reimbursing hospitals, physicians, and ambulance services for the cost of providing emergency care to undocumented immigrants. Nationally, providers are eligible to receive $250 million annually.
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Raids Mark New Homeland Security Strategy - 04/25/2006
Immigration
April 24, 2006
The interior enforcement strategy recently announced by Homeland Security will target companies that employ illegal aliens and punish employers that knowingly and recklessly employ them. ICE has already initiated a strategic shift in the way it approaches such employers by bringing criminal charges against them and seizing their illegally-derived assets rather than relying on the old tactic of administrative fines as sanctions.
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H-1B Cap Alert! - 03/17/06
Immigration
March 16, 2006
Last year, H-1B visas became unavailable in August, 2005, two months before the beginning of the next fiscal year. As a result, the H-1B visa could not be used for new professional hires during the 2005-2006 fiscal year beginning October 2005. Unless Congress takes some action with regard to this problem, the cap will be reached even sooner this year, extending the length of time that employers will not have access to H-1B visas.
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DV-2007 Immigrant Visa Lottery for 2005-2006 - 10/05
Immigration
October 3, 2005
We have just received information regarding this year's version of the annual "lottery" for United States immigrant visas. Known as the "DV-2007" lottery, this program provides an opportunity for certain foreign nationals to participate in a special lottery.
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VISA Retrogression - 09/27/05
Immigration
September 27, 2005
We are writing to alert you of a recent development impacting employment-based permanent residence cases. Starting October 1, there will be cutoff dates for permanent residence applications in most categories.
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I-9 Documentation and Hurricane Katrina - 09/20/05
Immigration
September 20, 2005
The Department of Homeland Security announced on September 6, 2005, that for the next 45 days, it will not bring I-9 sanction actions against employers for hiring victims of Hurricane Katrina who would otherwise be eligible for employment, but, due to the circumstances, are currently unable to obtain documents establishing work eligibility or identity normally required.
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U.S. Immigration Service Implements Nurse Visa Expansion while Limiting Other Employment-based Visas - 07/05/05
Health Care
July 5, 2005
The U.S. Department of State announced in its July Visa Bulletin the availability of the newly recaptured employment based (EB-3) visa slots for nurses immigrating to work in the United States.
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DDTC Begins Returning License Applications Based on New Interpretation of Part 129 - 6/28/05
International Client Alert
June 28, 2005
ATTORNEYS
Robert Clifton Burns
William Steinman
In our June 28, 2005 International Client Alert: DDTC Begins Returning Applications Based on New Interpretation of Part 129; Diagnostic Products Corp. and Chinese Subsidiary Agree to Fines for Violating the FCPA; BIS is Likely to Adopt ¡§Catch-All¡¨ Regulations Limiting Exports to China; Customs Answers Questions Posed at Last Trade Symposium.
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Third Preference Employment-Based Immigrant Visas Unavailable - 6/23/05
Immigration Client Alert
June 23, 2005
ATTORNEYS
Ashley A. Palermo
In this Important Immigration Client Alert: Third Preference Employment-Based Immigrant Visas Unavailable-- The Department of State ("DOS") has announced that beginning July 1, 2005 no more immigrant visa numbers will be available in the EB-3 Skilled Worker category for employment-based immigration; New Passport Requirement For Visa Waiver Countries-- The Department of Homeland Security has issued a reminder to all travelers from the 27 Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries that they must have a machine-readable passport to enter the United States as a visitor without a visa beginning June 26, 2005.
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Additional H-1B Numbers Now Available - 05/05/05
Immigration
May 5, 2005
ATTORNEYS
Ashley A. Palermo
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Would You Like a Budweiser With Your Feta Cheese? 05/04/05
International
May 4, 2005
ATTORNEYS
Illya Antonenko
Robert Clifton Burns
Also included: To Patent or Not to Patent?; Iraq Contracts Subject to Federal Claims Act Argues Justice Department; BIS Fines Exporter for Failure to Keep Adequate Records; Border Officials Are Turning Away Larger Numbers of Travelers at U.S. Entry Points
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Travelers Beware - 04/04/05
Immigration Law
April 4, 2005
ATTORNEYS
Ashley A. Palermo
Gone are the days that visitors can travel to the United States confidently with only a passport and valid visa (or expectations to enter under VWP).
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OFAC Announces New Rules for Cuban Agricultural Transactions - 3/14/05
International Client Alert
March 14, 2005
ATTORNEYS
Robert Clifton Burns
William Steinman
In our March 14, 2005 International Client Alert: OFAC Announces New Rules for Cuban Agricultural Transactions; Record Fines Imposed on Titan for Violating FCPA; Panel Considers Export Controls for Nanotechnology; Criminal Convictions For Exports of Polygraph Equipment; Micrus Corporation Agrees to Fines for Violating the FCPA
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Yakou Case Creates International Uncertainty - 02/01/05
International Client Alert
February 1, 2005
ATTORNEYS
Robert Clifton Burns
In our Febraury 2005 International Client Alert:
* Monsanto Settles FCPA Charges over Payments in Indonesia Intended to Cause Repeal of an Environmental Regulation;
* DDTC Changes Licensing of Foreign Nationals Employed in the United States; EU Revokes Punitive Tariffs, At Least for Now;
* U.S. Citizen Pleads Guilty to Violation of the Foreign Agents Registration Act
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Major Changes to Labor Certification Processing - 01/28/05
Immigration
ATTORNEYS
Ashley A. Palermo
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InVision's FCPA Settlement - 1/21/04
International
December 21, 2004
ATTORNEYS
Robert Clifton Burns
William Steinman
In the December issue of the International Client Alert we discuss:
* InVision's FCPA Settlement
* New Rules Ease Sanctions on Literary and Scientific Exchanges with Cuba, Iraq and Sudan
* Supreme Court Extends Carriage of Goods at Sea Liability Limits to Multimodal Transport
* BIS to Issue New Rules on Installed Base in Libya
* Commerce's Interim Regulations Revise Licensee's Responsibility to Communicate License Conditions
* The Directorate of Defense Trade Controls Announces Embargo on Arms Exports to the Ivory Coast
* Proposed Changes in OFAC Rules on Cuban Payments for Agricultural Goods Might Violate Law
* There's a New Sheriff in Town
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H-1B and L-1 VISA Reform - 12/04
Immigration
ATTORNEYS
Ashley A. Palermo
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H-1B CAP - Action Alert! - 11/11/04
Immigration
November 11, 2004
ATTORNEYS
Ashley A. Palermo
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Immigration Update: DV-2006 Immigrant Visa Lottery for 2004-2005
Immigration
October 11, 2004
ATTORNEYS
Ashley A. Palermo
In this issue of our Immigration Update we will discuss
* Information regarding this year's version of the annual "lottery" for United States immigrant visas. Known as the "DV-2006" lottery, this program provides an opportunity for certain foreign nationals to participate in a special lottery of 50,000 immigrant "green card" visas.
* While you may not need or be eligible to file for the lottery yourself, we are sending this letter to all our clients and friends so that you can pass along this information to others you know who may be interested in applying.
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USCIS Announces H-1B Cap Reached - 10/04
Immigration
The cap for new H-1B petitions has been reached. This means that no new H-1B numbers will be available until October 1, 2005.
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H - 1B Cap Alert - 08/04
Immigration
* H-1B Cap Alert
* EADs To Be Issued for Longer Periods
* I-9 Documentation
* ICE Targets Students
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ABB Affiliates Plead Guilty to Bribing Nigerian Officials - 08/04
International
In this issue of the Powell Goldstein International Client Alert, we discuss:
* ABB Affiliates Plead Guilty To Bribing Nigerian Officials
* Final Rules on Exports to Iraq Announced
* Proposed Retaliatory Sanctions Against Japan Announced
* U.S. Supreme Court Denies False Arrest Claim Under Alien Tort Claim Act
* Breaking News
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State Department to Stop U.S. VISA Mail-in Revalidations - 06/04
Immigration
In this issue of the Powell Goldstein Immigration Client Alert, we discuss:
* The Department of State's termination of mail in visa revalidations; and
* The H-1B Cap for FY 2005
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The Mouse That Roared: Antigua Wins WTO Case Against U.S. On Internet Gambling - 04/04
International
In this issue:
* The Mouse That Roared: Antigua Wins WTO Case Against U.S. On Internet Gambling
* OFAC Revises Guidelines for Publishing Works of Authors From Sanctioned Countries
* BIS Continues to Impose Heavy Fines on Companies Making Voluntary Disclosures of Export Violations
* Libya Sanctions Are Due To Be Lifted; Syria Sanctions Are Reputedly Delayed
* U.S. Copper Scrap Users Seek Restrictions on Copper Scrap Exports
* BIS To Expand Countries Eligible For Encryption License Exception
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Plan Now for New H-1Bs - 03/04
Immigration
In this issue of the Immigration Client Alert, we discuss Planning Now For New H-185, Radical Changes To Labor Certification On The Horizon, and Longer Validity For EADS Proposed
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November Elections Influence Trade Policy in 108th Congress - 02/04
International
In this issue of the Powell Goldstein International Client Alert, we discuss:
* November Elections Influence Trade Policy in 108th Congress
* BIS Announces $647,500 Penalty for Illegal Chemical Exports
* BIS Imposes Fine on Company Manager for Export Violations
* OFAC and BIS Continue Crack Down on Cuba
* Libya Travel Sanctions Lifted
* H-1B Numbers Depleted
* More L-1 Debate On Capitol Hill
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H-1B Numbers Depleted - 02/04
Immigration
In this issue of the Powell Goldstein Immigration Client Alert, we discuss the latest information on the depletion of H-1B numbers and the current L-1 debate on Capitol Hill. To read the article or download a PDF version of our Alert, please click MORE.
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Export Sanctions Lifted for Angola and Revised for Iraq - 01/04
International
The Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC) has amended the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (the ITAR) to lift the embargo on shipment of items on the U.S. Munitions List to Angola. To read or download our Client Alert in PDF format click MORE.
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New International Trademark Procedures in the United States: The U.S. Becomes A Member of the Madrid Protocol - 10/03
International
IN THIS ISSUE:
* New International Trademark Procedures in the United States: The U.S. Becomes A Member of the Madrid Protocol
* FDA Imposes Registration Requirement and Advance Notice Rule on Imported Food
* BIS Proposes Guidance on Mitigating and Aggravating Factors Used in Determining Appropriate Penalties
* Breaking News: India Expands Trademark Protection
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