USCIS Makes Technical Updates to its Policy Manual to Clarify Guidance on Portability for Physicians with approved NIW immigrant petitions

On Wednesday May 20, 2020, USCIS updated its Policy Manual to clarify guidance on portability for physicians with an approved immigrant  petition based on a national interest waiver (NIW) applying for adjustment of status and the applicability of the two-year foreign residence requirements to certain NIW physicians. This change was made in Chapter 8 of…

As Trump suspends immigration, USCIS seeks $1.2 billion bailout

By Kalpana V. Peddibhotla and Desire Lance.  The COVID-19 pandemic has affected immigration into the U.S. on a number of fronts. Due to economic uncertainty, companies are less willing to initiate the transfer or hire of foreign nationals. As travel restrictions linger and U.S. Consulate services are suspended, it is difficult for foreign nationals to…

MPLG Attorney Roujin Mozaffarimehr Sworn in As AILA SCV Chapter Chair for 2020-2021 Year

On May 14th, the American Immigration Lawyers Association Santa Clara Valley Chapter (AILA SCV) hosted its annual installation event, during which the new Executive Board was virtually sworn in and installed. MPLG Attorney Roujin Mozaffarimehr was sworn in as this year’s Chapter Chair. She has been an active member of AILA, serving committee and executive…

Trump’s Proclamation: More Bark than Bite?

President Trump’s Immigration Proclamation only limits a narrow set of potential immigrants, with little impact on protecting the U.S. labor market. It instead appears to be a stepping stone to pursuing an anti-immigrant agenda. On April 22, 2020, President Donald Trump signed a Proclamation intended to suspend the entry of immigrants who purportedly present a…

President Trump’s Proposed Executive Order to Ban Immigration Will Unlikely Be What He Tweeted

At 10:06 pm Eastern on April 20, 2020, President Donald Trump stated his intent to assert the most sweeping policy for immigration in U.S. history, by tweet. This was later followed by a Whitehouse press conference on April 21, 2020, where he narrowed the scope to 60 days with possible extensions and to only target…