Recently, individuals from Burma, Yemen and Somalia received TPS. So, what does TPS mean for employers? Let’s start at the beginning. What is TPS? TPS stands for Temporary Protected Status. According to immigrationforum.org, TPS is granted by the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security to eligible foreign-born individuals who are unable to unable to return home safely due to conditions or Read More
In the U.S. and Want to Go to College – The Process Has Been Streamlined
USCIS recently announced new policy guidance affecting foreign visitors who have decided they want to attend college in the United States. It is common for visiting foreign nationals to determine that they wish to pursue an education in the States. However, the process is not that simple. But there is good news. If you are in the U.S. and want to go to college, you no longer have to file bridge Read More
Why should employers care about the I-9 in 2021?
Despite ICE announcing that I-9 flexibility was extended through August 31, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be paying attention. Employers must care about the I-9!! What is I-9 Flexibility? Since the beginning of the pandemic, companies operating remotely have been able to inspect Section 2 Form I-9 documents virtually. In other word, over video link, by fax, or email. In April of this year, DHS clarified that Read More
Check at My Interview with VoyageMIA
I was recently interviewed by VoyageMia about my life and career. I always find it a little awkward to talk about myself. However, I had fun doing the interview. The entire interview can be found here. For those who only want the highlights, these are mine: Becoming a Lawyer Growing up, every evening we would discuss current events and news at our dinner table. As we all know, the television news media loves to Read More
Williams Immigration Law Celebrates Eight Years
This month, Williams Immigration is celebrating its 8th year in business. Before opening her own law firm, Carol Williams worked at several large immigration practices. She also served as an Adjudications Officer at the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) at its headquarters in Washington, DC. In May 2013, Williams opened the doors of Williams Immigration to help employers hire the best Read More
F-1 Students Can File Form I-765 Online
On April 12, 2021, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services announced that F-1 Students seeking optional practical training (OPT) can now file Form I-765 online. Form I-765 is an application for employment authorization. However, to file online, they must be filed under one of these categories: (c)(3)(A) - Pre-Completion OPT; (c)(3)(B) - Post-Completion OPT; and (c)(3)(C) - 24-Month Extension of OPT Read More
The Immigrant Visa Backlog
As we all know, the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted all aspects of life. So why would immigration law be different? It is not. In fact, the pandemic has caused a significant immigrant visa backlog. This backlog has caused much confusion and frustration for many people here and around the world. To address the confusion and frustration, the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs has turned to social Read More
Good News for Green Card Applicants
The Biden administration stopped enforcing certain “public charge” green card restrictions. The Trump administration put these restrictions in place. What is Public Charge? Public charge made its introduction into American law in the 1880s. This is when the government started with immigration regulations. Today, the term is used as a ground of inadmissibility. Grounds of inadmissibility are reasons that a person Read More
FY 2022 H-1B Registration Period Opens on March 9
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that the initial registration period for the fiscal year 2022 H-1B cap will open on March 9 and end on March 25. Please note that noon EST is the time on both the 9th and 25th. During this period, prospective petitioners and representatives can fill out petitioner and beneficiary information and submit their registrations. The H-1B Program The H-1B Read More
How to Avoid Fines and Criminal Charges over the I-9 Form
What is the I-9 Form and Who Has to Complete it? The I-9 is a government form owned by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. All employers must have all employees complete the I-9 once on the payroll. This form is mandatory for all employees, U.S. citizens and non-U.S. citizens. One thing employers cannot do is pick and choose who completes the I-9. We have heard the following explanations for why Read More
