Immigration resource news magazine for United states of america» DACA

No More DACA Deal? TN For Mexico in Crisis!

Tiyalaw — Sun, 01 Apr 2018 22:11:22 +0000

No More DACA Deal? TN For Mexico in Crisis!

This morning, President Trump tweeted: “NO MORE DACA DEAL!” and threatened to terminate NAFTA with Mexico if it doesn’t stop people from flowing through Mexico’s Southern Border and then into U.S.

It is unclear if the tweet represents a change on DACA policies. Although rescinded by President Trump, The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program’s cancellation is being partially postponed by court action. Currently, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is not accepting DACA applications from individuals who had never been previously granted DACA. The benefits of having an approved DACA are the ability to apply for a work permit and deferred removal actions from the U.S.

The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) is an agreement of special economic and trade relationships for the United States, Canada and Mexico. Under NAFTA, eligible Mexican and Canadian citizens may apply for TN classification to perform professional business/work activities in the U.S. Unlike H-1B Cap Petition, TN is not subject to an annual visa cap.

April 1, 2018

This article is intended for informational purposes only, and should not be relied on as legal advice or attorney-client relationship. By Aik Wan Kok, Lawyer USA Immigration Services, at Tiya; Tel: 703-772-822four & email to info at tiyaimmigration dot com; Direct dial from abroad: 001-703-7728224; https://www.tiyaimmigration.com ; http://tiyalaw.blogspot.com ; https://immigrationresource.net

We represent employers, companies, individuals, and families in U.S. Immigration & Nationality Law. Our clients are based nationwide in the U.S. and internationally. We focus on diverse immigration cases including, but are not limiting to: extraordinary ability; national interest waiver; PERM with U.S. Department of Labor; I-130 for sponsoring relatives and families; I-140 for employment green card; I-485 Adjustment Applications; I-765 work permit; I-131 for international travel and returning to the U.S; I-601 extreme hardship waiver relatives of U.S. citizen or green card holder; I-751 joint filing or waiver; N-400 Naturalization/Citizenship; N-648 Medical Waiver; I-212 waiver for deportation or removal order; J waiver; other waivers; H-1B professional worker/specialty occupation; H-2B temporary worker; L executive, manager and specialized knowledge professional transferring from overseas; E treaty investors/traders; B-1 business visitor to the U.S.; B-2 visitor to the U.S.; F-1 student coming to study in the U.S.; matters pertaining to consular processing with U.S. consulates and National Visa Centers; cases with USCIS; cases with U.S. Department of Labor; PERM audit; RFE Request for Evidence (RFE); NOID Notice of Intention to Deny (NOID), and others.

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DACA Cancelled. Some Individuals May Still Apply

Tiyalaw — Thu, 07 Sep 2017 19:22:37 +0000

DACA Cancelled. Some Individuals May Still Apply

Even though Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) Program has been terminated on September 5, 2017, certain individuals may still apply or proceed with DACA. For examples, U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS) will still adjudicate the following:

1. Properly filed pending DACA renewal requests and related Employment Authorization Documents (EAD) from current beneficiaries that have been accepted as of September 5, 2017; and

2. From current beneficiaries whose benefits will expire between September 5, 2017 and March 5, 2018 that have been accepted as of October 5, 2017.

3. USCIS will reject all requests to renew DACA and associated applications for EADs filed after October 5, 2017.

September 5, 2017

This article is intended for informational purposes only, and should not be relied on as legal advice or attorney-client relationship. By Aik Wan Kok, Lawyer USA Immigration Services, at Tiya; Tel: seven zero three – 772-8224 & info at tiyaimmigration dot com; Direct dial from abroad: 001-703-772-8224;

https://www.tiyaimmigration.com ; http://tiyalaw.blogspot.com ; https://immigrationresource.net

Need help with green card, work visas, work permit, sponsoring family, sponsoring employees, sponsoring relatives, hardships or immigration waivers, U.S. naturalization/citizenship, and cases with USCIS, Department of Labor or immigration? We represent employers, companies, individuals, and families in U.S. Immigration & Nationality Law. Our clients are based nationwide in the U.S. and internationally. We represent diverse immigration cases including, but are not limiting to: extraordinary ability; national interest waiver; PERM with U.S. Department of Labor; I-130 for sponsoring relatives and families; I-140 for employment green card; I-485 to adjust status; I-765 work permit/employment authorization; I-131 for international travel and returning to the U.S; I-601 extreme hardship waiver relatives of U.S. citizen or green card holder; I-751 joint filing or waiver; I-212 waiver for deportation or removal order; J waiver; H-1B professional worker/specialty occupation; H-2B temporary worker; L executive, manager and specialized knowledge professional transferring from overseas; E treaty investors/traders; B-1 business visitor to the U.S.; B-2 visitor to the U.S.; F-1 student coming to study in the U.S.; matters pertaining to consular processing with U.S. consulates and National Visa Centers; cases with USCIS; cases with U.S. Department of Labor; PERM audit; RFE Request for Evidence; NOID Notice of Intention to Deny; and many more.

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U.S. Supreme Court Decision: Blocking Continues on President Obama’s DAPA and Expanded DACA

Tiyalaw — Thu, 23 Jun 2016 14:26:21 +0000

U.S. Supreme Court Decision: Blocking Continues on President Obama’s DAPA and Expanded DACA

DAPA AND EXPANDED DACA UPDATES

The fate of DAPA and expanded DACA has now been decided when the U.S. Supreme Court renders its 4-4 decision this morning in United States v. Texas. This means the 5^th Circuit’s court decision upholding an injunction to prevent the implementation of DAPA and Expanded DACA will remain. The original DACA, already implemented, is unaffected by the decision and will continue.

U.S. President Barrack Obama announced important executive actions on November 20, 2014, such as DAPA and expanded DACA. The implementations of DAPA and expanded DACA have been on hold since February 2015 due to a preliminary injunction, supported by 26 states.

WHAT IS DAPA?

Undocumented parents of U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents may request deferred action and apply for a 3-year work permit (employment authorization document/EAD) under the Deferred Action for Parental Accountability Program (DAPA). On November 20, 2014, they must be parents of U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents born on or before November 20, 2014. Among other things, such parents must also have been continuously residing in the U.S. since January 1, 2010; and must have passed the required background checks. Eligible applicants would have been able to apply for DAPA around May 19, 2015, if it was not blocked by the preliminary injunction.

WHAT IS EXPANDED DACA?

The executive actions were also expanding DACA eligibility. DACA is Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals. The executive actions are expanding work authorization to 3 years from 2 years; the age requirement to include those born prior to June 15, 1981; the continuing residence to include those residing in the U.S. since January 1, 2010 instead of June 15, 2007. All other DACA prior requirements must be met. Eligible applicants would have been able to apply for this expanded DACA around February 18, 2015, if it was not blocked by the preliminary injunction. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) had previously approved work permit/work authorization for 3 years for certain applications for DACA extensions.

WHEN CAN ONE APPLY FOR DAPA AND EXPANDED DACA?

DAPA and expanded DACA are still blocked by an ongoing injunction. Eligible applicants may still apply for the original DACA (instead of the expanded DACA). In February 2015, with the support of 25 other states, a federal District Court in Texas issued a preliminary injunction blocking the implementation of DAPA and expanded DACA. After the 5^th Circuit Court of Appeals affirming the preliminary injunction, the U.S. government (President Obama) requested a U.S. Supreme Court review so that the U.S. federal government may proceed with DAPA and expanded DACA. On January 19, 2016, the U.S. Supreme Court agreed to review the case. This morning, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a 4-4 decision which means the injunction blocking DAPA and expanded DACA continues; and the U.S. federal government cannot move forward with DAPA and expanded DACA.

This article is intended for informational purposes only, and should not be relied on as legal advice or attorney-client relationship. By Aik Wan Kok, Lawyer USA Immigration Services, at Tiya; Tel: 703-772-8224 & koka at tiyalaw dot com; Direct dial from abroad: 001-703-772-8224; https://www.tiyaimmigration.com ; http://tiyalaw.blogspot.com ; https://immigrationresource.net

Need help with green card, work visas, work permit, sponsoring family, sponsoring employees, sponsoring relatives, hardship waivers, marriage waiver, and cases with USCIS, Department of Labor or immigration? We represent employers, companies, individuals, and families in U.S. Immigration & Nationality Law. Our clients are based nationwide in the U.S. and internationally. We represent diverse immigration cases in naturalization/citizenship, green card, work visas, waivers and other immigration matters. Some of our cases including, but are not limiting to:extraordinary ability; national interest waiver; PERM with U.S. Department of Labor; I-130 for sponsoring relatives and families (child, spouse, brother, sister, stepchild); I-140 for employment; I-485 to adjust status; I-765 work permit/employment authorization; I-131 for international travel and returning to the U.S; I-601 extreme hardship waiver relatives of U.S. citizen or green card holder; I-751 joint filing or waiver; I-212 waiver for deportation or removal order; J waiver;H-1B professional worker/specialty occupation; H-2B temporary worker; Lexecutive, manager and specialized knowledge professional transferring from overseas; E treaty investors/traders; B-1 business visitor to the U.S.; B-2 tourist visiting the U.S.; F-1 student coming to study in the U.S.; consular processing with U.S. consulates; National Visa Centers; filing cases with USCIS; filing cases withU.S. Department of Labor; PERM audit; RFE Request for Evidence; NOID Notice of Intention to Deny; and Immigration Courts.

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When Can One Apply for DAPA and Expanded DACA?

Tiyalaw — Thu, 02 Jun 2016 13:00:03 +0000

When Can One Apply for DAPA and Expanded DACA?

DAPA AND EXPANDED DACA UPDATES: U.S. Supreme Court Decision on the outcome of DAPA and Expanded DACA is likely at the end of June 2016. U.S. President Barrack Obama announced important executive actions on November 20, 2014, such as DAPA and expanded DACA. The implementations of DAPA and expanded DACA have been on hold since February 2015 due to a preliminary injunction, supported by 26 states. The fate of DAPA and expanded DACA will likely be decided at the end of June 2016 when the U.S. Supreme Court renders its decision in United States v. Texas.

WHAT IS DAPA? Undocumented parents of U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents may request deferred action and apply for a 3-year work permit (employment authorization document/EAD) under the Deferred Action for Parental Accountability Program (DAPA). On November 20, 2014, they must be parents of U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents born on or before November 20, 2014. Among other things, such parents must also have been continuously residing in the U.S. since January 1, 2010; and must have passed the required background checks. Eligible applicants would have been able to apply for DAPA around May 19, 2015, if it was not blocked by the preliminary injunction.

WHAT IS EXPANDED DACA? The executive actions were also expanding DACA eligibility. DACA is Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals. The executive actions are expanding work authorization to 3 years from 2 years; the age requirement to include those born prior to June 15, 1981; the continuing residence to include those residing in the U.S. since January 1, 2010 instead of June 15, 2007. All other DACA prior requirements must be met. Eligible applicants would have been able to apply for this expanded DACA around February 18, 2015, if it was not blocked by the preliminary injunction. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) had previously approved work permit/work authorization for 3 years for certain applications for DACA extensions.

WHEN CAN ONE APPLY FOR DAPA AND EXPANDED DACA? DAPA and expanded DACA are still on hold because it has been under litigation. Eligible applicants may still apply for the original DACA (instead of the expanded DACA). In February 2015, with the support of 25 other states, a federal District Court in Texas issued a preliminary injunction to block the implementation of DAPA and expanded DACA. After the 5^th Circuit Court of Appeals affirming the preliminary injunction, the U.S. government (President Obama) requested a U.S. Supreme Court review so that the U.S. federal government may proceed with DAPA and expanded DACA. On January 19, 2016, the U.S. Supreme Court agreed to review the case. A U.S. Supreme Court decision is likely at the end of June 2016.

The following are some possible outcomes of a U.S. Supreme Court (Court) decision:

If the Court dismisses the case because the Plaintiff states lack standing, the entire case will end, and the injunction blocking DAPA and expanded DACA will be lifted. This means the U.S. federal government can implement DAPA and expanded DACA.
The Court may reverse the 5^th Circuit Court on a critical legal issue, thereby allowing the U.S. federal government to implement DAPA and expanded DACA if it chooses to. However, the litigation on DAPA and expanded DACA may continue.
The Court may affirm the 5^th Circuit Court decision, upholding the preliminary injunction blocking DAPA and expanded DACA. This means, the U.S. federal government cannot move forward with DAPA and expanded DACA.

This article is intended for informational purposes only, and should not be relied on as legal advice or attorney-client relationship. By Aik Wan Kok, Lawyer USA Immigration Services, at Tiya; Tel: 703-772-8224 & koka at tiyalaw dot com; Direct dial from abroad: 001-703-772-8224; https://www.tiyaimmigration.com ; http://tiyalaw.blogspot.com ; https://immigrationresource.net

Need help with green card, work visas, work permit, sponsoring family, sponsoring employees, sponsoring relatives, hardship waivers, marriage waiver, and cases with USCIS, Department of Labor or immigration? We represent employers, companies, individuals, and families in U.S. Immigration & Nationality Law. Our clients are based nationwide in the U.S. and internationally. We represent diverse immigration cases in naturalization/citizenship, green card, work visas, waivers and other immigration matters. Some of our cases including, but are not limiting to: extraordinary ability; national interest waiver; PERM with U.S. Department of Labor; I-130 for sponsoring relatives and families (child, spouse, brother, sister, stepchild); I-140 for employment; I-485 to adjust status; I-765 work permit/employment authorization; I-131 for international travel and returning to the U.S; I-601 extreme hardship waiver relatives of U.S. citizen or green card holder; I-751 joint filing or waiver; I-212 waiver for deportation or removal order; J waiver; H-1B professional worker/specialty occupation; H-2B temporary worker; L executive, manager and specialized knowledge professional transferring from overseas; E treaty investors/traders; B-1 business visitor to the U.S.; B-2 tourist visiting the U.S.; F-1 student coming to study in the U.S.; consular processing with U.S. consulates; National Visa Centers; filing cases with USCIS; filing cases with U.S. Department of Labor; PERM audit; RFE Request for Evidence; NOID Notice of Intention to Deny; and Immigration Courts.

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In the U.S. Illegally? Need to fix U.S. Immigration Status? Consider Applying for DAPA Around May 19, 2015 or Expanded DACA February 18, 2015.

Tiyalaw — Fri, 16 Jan 2015 16:03:36 +0000

In the U.S. Illegally? Need to fix U.S. Immigration Status? Consider Applying for DAPA Around May 19, 2015 or Expanded DACA February 18, 2015.

The President announced several executive actions on November 20, 2014.

Parents without immigration status or who are illegally present in the U.S. (undocumented parents) of U.S. citizens or green card holders may request deferred action from removal or deportation under DAPA. They can also apply for a 3-year work permit (employment authorization document/EAD). DAPA stands for Deferred Action for Parental Accountability Program. They must have no immigration status on November 20, 2014. They must be parents of U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents/green card sons or daughters born on or before November 20, 2014. Among other things, such parents must also have been continuously living in the U.S. since January 1, 2010; and must have passed the required background checks. Eligible applicants should be able to apply for DAPA around May 19, 2015.

Additionally, the executive actions are expanding the categories of people who are illegally present in the U.S. (undocumented individuals) who may apply for provisional waivers. Provisional waiver is a process for an eligible applicant to apply for approval of waiver of certain time bar prior to leaving the U.S. for immigrant-visa or green card consular processing. The waiver is for time bar that would have been triggered by departing the U.S. after having been illegally present for a certain period in the U.S. (unlawful presence). The expanded provisional waiver is including those who have lived in the U.S. for at least 180 days; and who are spouses, or sons and daughters of green card holders, or sons and daughters of U.S. citizens.

The executive actions are also expanding DACA eligibility. DACA means Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals. DACA applies to certain individuals who has no immigration status or are illegally in the U.S., and who arrived in the U.S. as a child (before 16 years old). Eligible DACA applicants may apply for deferred action from deportation or removal, and apply for work permit. The executive actions are expanding work authorization to 3 years from 2 years; the age requirement to include those born prior to June 15, 1981; the continuing residence to include those living in the U.S. since January 1, 2010 instead of June 15, 2007. All other DACA prior requirements must be met. Eligible applicants should be able to apply for this expanded DACA around February 18, 2015. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is already approving work permit/work authorization for 3 years for certain applications for DACA extensions.

These recent executive actions are not yet effective. Individuals cannot yet apply for DAPA deferred actions or expanded DACA deferred actions until the anticipated dates above.

The government will provide guidelines in the coming months. The guidelines may provide additional criteria and further outlining eligibility. Please stay tune and sign up for our eNews for future updates.

This article is intended for informational purposes only, and should not be relied on as legal advice or attorney-client relationship.

By Aik Wan Kok Fillali, Lawyer USA Immigration Services, at Tiya; Tel: 703-772-8224 & koka at tiyalaw dot com; Direct dial from abroad: 001-703-772-8224; https://www.tiyaimmigration.com ; http://tiyalaw.blogspot.com ; https://immigrationresource.net

Need help with green card, work visa, work permit, illegal immigration status, sponsoring family, sponsoring employee, sponsoring relative, hardship waiver, and marriage waiver? Need help with filings to or cases at USCIS, Department of Labor (DOL), or immigration?

We represent employers, companies, individuals and families in U.S. Immigration & Nationality Law. We represent diverse immigration cases in naturalization/citizenship, green card, work visas, waiver and other immigration matters. For examples including, but are not limiting to, extraordinary ability; national interest waiver; PERM with Department of Labor; I-130 for sponsoring relatives and families (child, spouse, brother, sister, stepchild); I-140 for employment; I-485 to adjust status; I-765 work permit/employment authorization; I-131 for international travel and returning to the U.S; I-601 extreme hardship waiver for spouse, parent, son and/or daughter of U.S. citizen or green card holder; I-751 joint filing or waiver; I-212 waiver for deportation or removal order; J waiver; H-1B professional worker; H-2B temporary worker; L executive, manager and specialized knowledge professional transferring from overseas; E treaty investors or traders for business owners; new, start-up businesses; B-1 business visitor to the U.S. for business or legitimate activities; B-2 tourist visiting the U.S. for holiday; F-1 student coming to study in the U.S.; consular processing with U.S. consulates; consular processing via National Visa Center; filing cases with the USCIS; filing cases with the U.S. Department of Labor; PERM audit; RFE Request for Evidence by USCIS; NOID Notice of Intention to Deny from USCIS; and Immigration Courts.

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Get Ready to Apply for DAPA Around May 19, 2015 & Expanded DACA Around February 18, 2015! New Executive Actions on U.S.A. Immigration

Tiyalaw — Tue, 23 Dec 2014 16:02:47 +0000

Get Ready to Apply for DAPA Around May 19, 2015 & Expanded DACA Around February 18, 2015! New Executive Actions on U.S.A. Immigration

The President announced important executive actions on November 20, 2014.

Undocumented parents of U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents may request deferred action and apply for a 3-year work permit (employment authorization document/EAD) under the Deferred Action for Parental Accountability Program (DAPA). On November 20, 2014, they must be parents of U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents born on or before November 20, 2014. Among other things, such parents must also have been continuously residing in the U.S. since January 1, 2010; and must have passed the required background checks. Eligible applicants should be able to apply for DAPA around May 19, 2015.

Additionally, the executive actions are expanding the categories of undocumented individuals who may apply for provisional waivers. Provisional waiver is a process for an eligible applicant to apply for approval of waiver of certain time bar prior to departing the U.S. for immigrant-visa consular processing. The waiver is for time bar that would have been triggered by by departing the U.S. after having certain period of unlawful presence in the U.S. The expanded provisional waiver is including those who have resided in the U.S. for at least 180 days; and who are spouses, or sons and daughters of green card holders, or sons and daughters of U.S. citizens.

The executive actions are also expanding DACA eligibility. DACA is Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals. The executive actions are expanding work authorization to 3 years from 2 years; the age requirement to include those born prior to June 15, 1981; the continuing residence to include those residing in the U.S. since January 1, 2010 instead of June 15, 2007. All other DACA prior requirements must be met. Eligible applicants should be able to apply for this expanded DACA around February 18, 2015. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is already approving work permit/work authorization for 3 years for certain applications for DACA extensions.

These recent executive actions have not yet been implemented. Applications based on these new executive actions cannot be filed at this time until the anticipated dates above. The government will provide guidelines in the coming months. The guidelines may provide additional criteria. Please stay tune and sign up for our eNews for future updates.

This article is intended for informational purposes only, and should not be relied on as legal advice or attorney-client relationship.

We represent employers, companies, and individuals and families in green card, citizenship/naturalization, and work visa matters in U.S. Immigration & Nationality Law. We also have a focus on naturalization and green card cases such as extraordinary ability, national interest waiver, PERM, family, and waiver cases. Additionally, we focus on temporary visas such as work visas, family visas, nonimmigrant visas, and waiver matters.

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PROPOSED IMMIGRATION REFORM SUMMARY: “BORDER SECURITY, ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY, AND IMMIGRATION MODERNIZATION ACT”

Tiyalaw — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 23:01:12 +0000

PROPOSED IMMIGRATION REFORM SUMMARY

“BORDER SECURITY, ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY, AND IMMIGRATION MODERNIZATION ACT”

On April 17, 2013, the U.S. Senate introduced proposed immigrant reform in an Immigration Bill: “Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act”. The proposed law included, but are not limited, to the following:

REGISTERED PROVISION IMMIGRANT (RPI)

A. Registered Provision Immigrant (RPI) status for undocumented persons in U.S. prior to December 31, 2011:

1. Eligibility:

(a) Continuous physical presence since December 31, 2011- certain exceptions apply such as brief trips after December 31, 2011.

(b) Derivative spouses and unmarried children also eligible if physically present when principal granted and present on December 30, 2012.

(c) Can apply for RPI status from outside U.S. if physically present in U.S. prior to December 31, 2011, were deported for non-criminal reason, and have USC or LPR spouse or child.

(d) Current removal proceedings or reinstatement does not bar eligibility.

(e) Public charge, labor certification and documentation requirements grounds of inadmissibility do not apply.

(f) Unlawful entry, stowaways, misrepresentation, and other grounds of inadmissibility do not apply unless inadmissible conduct after statute enacted.

(g) Failure to attend removal proceeding or prior removal grounds of inadmissibility does not apply unless after date of registration.

2. Ineligibility:

(a) If convicted of three misdemeanors or one felony, aggravated felony, voted unlawfully, national security, or health-related grounds — minor traffic offenses excepted AND conviction does not include an expungement.

(b) If green card status, refugee, valid non-immigrant status – except TPS status.

(c) Subject to grounds of inadmissibility not specifically exempted, but waivers available non-criminal, non-security related grounds of inadmissibility based on humanitarian concerns, family unity, public interest

3. Advantages:

(a) RPI status allows for protection from deportation, detention, work authorization, travel.

(b) No accrual of unlawful presence.

4. Application Process:

(a) Application period will be for one year after final regulation (possible 18 month extension).

(b) Pay filing fee, $500 penalty, and accessed taxes.

(d) Filing fee required for those 16 years old and over

(e) Biometrics and biographic will be conducted.

(f) Interview

5. Extension:

(a) RPI status renewable for an additional 6 year period upon payment of filing fee, $500 penalty, remains eligible, and maintenance of regular employment.

6. DACA Recipients’ Provisions:

(a) DHS may grant RPI status to DACA recipient if national security clearances and law enforcement clearances completed and no conduct since DACA approval that would make person ineligible for RPI.

B. Can apply to adjust to Green Card status after 10 years:

Some of the conditions included, but are not limited to:

Clearing of current family-based backlog and other matters.
Demonstrate continuous residence, payment of taxes, regular employment in U.S or poverty guidelines income, knowledge of English and civics, remains eligible for RPI (no denial or revocation).
Payment of filing fee and $1,000 penalty.
After 3 years, may apply for Naturalization after Green Card status.

DREAM ACT & GREEN CARD

DREAM ACT & applying for Green Card status for certain noncitizens who entered the U.S. as children:

1. Eligibility:

(a) RPI for five years.

(b) Younger than age 16 on date of initial entry to U.S.

(d) Has higher education degree or at least 2 years in good standing toward higher education degree; or has served in uniformed services for at least 4 years and, if discharged, received an honorable discharge. An exemption from this requirement is available based on hardship.

(e) Listing each secondary school attended in U.S.

(f) Has knowledge of civics and English; exception for physical or developmental disability.

(g) Time in RPI status can be considered as Green Card status for naturalization eligibility.

AGRICULTURAL WORKERS

1. Eligibility:

(a) Farmworkers who have been working in the U.S. for 100 “work days” in the last two years can qualify for Agricultural Card Program.

(b) They can apply for Green Card status after working in agricultural employment for either three years (at least 150 days/year) or five years (at least 100 days/year), show payment of taxes, no serious criminal conviction, and $400 fine.

(d) This streamlined agricultural guest worker program to replace current H-2A program and ensure adequate supply of farm laborers as well worker protections.

(e) W-2 visas will be for contract laborers; and W-3 visas will be for portable, at-will employment.

NONIMMIGRANT WORK VISA

Proposing an increase in annual cap on H-1B visas from 65,000 to 110,000 with gradual rise to 180,000 based on a High Skilled Jobs Demand Index
Protections for U.S. domestic workers by requiring employers to pay higher wages and undergo recruitment of U.S. workers.
Allocating more visas for those with degrees in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM), which could lead to Green Card status.
Providing a new W visa category for lower-skilled workers and their dependents.

Initial W visa will be for 3 years, extension available if not unemployed for more than 60 consecutive days.

Eligible employers must be registered and comply with worker protections.

There will be annual caps of W visas for first four years, beginning April 1, 2015 (20,000 for first year; 35,000 second year; 55,000 third year; 75,000 fourth year).

There will be a newly established Bureau of Immigration and Labor Market Research that will determine annual cap of W visas, declare shortage occupations, influence recruitment methods.

EMPLOYMENT VERIFICATION

Mandatory employment verification system (E-Verify) will be required. All employers must comply within five-years of issuance of implementing regulations; time frame varies depending on number of employees.
Non-citizens must show biometric work authorization card at time of hiring and be photo-matched with system.
U.S. citizens will undergo photo-matching of passports or drivers licenses.
Social security numbers will be “locked” into E-Verify system.

NATURALIZATION

English and civics requirements will not apply to: (a) those with mental or physical impairment ; or (b) 65 or older, been a Green Card holder for at least 5 years (new)
Civics requirement can be waived for anyone who’s at least 60 and has been an LPR for 10 years (new).
English not necessary if: (a) At least 50, and Green Card status for 20 years; (b) At least 55, Green Card status for 15 years; (c) At least 60, Green Card status for 10 years (new).

This article is intended for informational purposes only, and should not be relied on as legal advice or attorney-client relationship.

April 17, 2013: By Aik Wan Kok Fillali, Lawyer USA Immigration Services, at Tiya; Tel: 703-772-8224 & koka at tiyalaw dot com; Direct dial from abroad: 001-703-772-8224; https://www.tiyaimmigration.com ; http://tiyalaw.blogspot.com ; http://immigrationresource.net

We represent employers, and individuals and their families in green card, citizenship and work visa matters in U.S. immigration law. We also have a focus on green card cases such as extraordinary ability, national interest waiver, PERM, family; work and related visa matters such as H, L, P, O, E, K.