USCIS Reverses Long-Standing Policy on H-1B Extensions

USCIS Reverses Long-Standing Policy on H-1B Extensions On October 23, 2017, USCIS rescinded its long-standing policy of deference in the adjudication of H-1B extensions with the same employer. USCIS officers will now “apply the same level of scrutiny to both initial petitions and extension requests for certain nonimmigrant visa categories” pursuant to the policy memorandum,…

Latest Details on Employment Based Green Card Interviews: Will Field Officers Readjudicate?

Latest Details on Employment Based Green Card Interviews: Will Field Officers Readjudicate? By Ameer Shaikh (Newark/Fremont, CA) On September 28, 2017, MPLG participated in a USCIS Ombudsman teleconference regarding the USCIS’ new interview requirement for employment based green cards. Here are a few of the salient points gleaned from the conversation: The USCIS will begin…

The Insidious Attack on Business Immigration to the U.S.

The Insidious Attack on Business Immigration to the U.S. By Kalpana V. Peddibhotla & Ameer Shaikh Trump Administration Changes Business Immigration Overnight and Simultaneously Circumvents the Legislative Process. This needs to be stated bluntly:  The Trump administration’s assault on immigrants is an assault on the viability and strength of American business. The immigration debate is often framed…

Travelers Be Wary – International Travel on Pending I-131 Will be Deemed Abandonment

Travelers Be Wary – International Travel on Pending I-131 Will be Deemed Abandonment By Roujin Mozaffarimehr The USCIS has changed its policy with regard to international travel while a form I-131 Application for Advance Parole is pending. In the past, the USCIS routinely approved advance parole applications where applicants traveled abroad during the pending period…