The definition of “specialty occupation” for H-1B visa petitions has been updated to provide more flexibility in the types of degrees required. The rule now clarifies that a specialty occupation normally requires a bachelor’s degree, but it does not always have to be a specific degree for a specific position. Employers can now accept…

      If you have experienced abuse by a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident and are considering applying for relief under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), you may wonder if you still qualify if your abuser is no longer in the U.S. The answer is yes, you may still be eligible for…

      If you have Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and are experiencing abuse from a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident spouse, parent, or child, you can apply for relief under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). Having TPS does not prevent you from submitting a VAWA self-petition.   TPS is a temporary immigration…

  We recently helped a client obtain a VAWA (Violence Against Women Act) approval in just five months, far faster than the average processing time of 41.5 months. Here’s how we achieved this result.     Our client was facing serious health issues, which made their case urgent. We filed an expedite request, submitting medical…

  Dear Friends,   On January 29, 2025, President Donald Trump signed the Laken Riley Act into law, marking a significant shift in U.S. immigration policy. Named after a Georgia nursing student tragically killed by an undocumented Venezuelan immigrant, the law mandates the detention of undocumented individuals who have been arrested, charged, or convicted of certain offenses, including theft-related crimes and assaulting law enforcement officers.…

  USCIS has reinstated the practice of giving deference to prior approvals for petitions filed on Form I-129, the Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker. This new regulation requires USCIS adjudicators to defer to previous approvals when the same employer, beneficiary, and job duties remain unchanged. This rule applies to all visa categories filed on Form…

  H-1B Modernization Rule Now in Effect   The H-1B Modernization Rule took effect on Friday, January 17th, updating key aspects of the H-1B visa program to improve clarity, compliance, and efficiency. Proposed in October 2023, the rule includes significant updates that impact employers and foreign professionals.   Deference for Form I-129 Petitions The rule…

If ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) conducts a raid at your home, it’s important to know your rights and how to respond. Understanding what to do during an ICE raid can help protect you and your family. Please remember you are still protected by the U.S. Constitution and can enforce your rights even if you…

On January 20, 2025, President Donald Trump signed Executive Order 14156, titled “Protecting the Meaning and Value of American Citizenship,” aiming to redefine birthright citizenship in the United States. The order seeks to deny automatic citizenship to children born on U.S. soil if neither parent is a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident. Specifically, it…

What You Need to Know About VAWA and Why Acting Now Is Critical       As the new administration prepares to take office, many of our clients are understandably concerned about the future of immigration policies, particularly humanitarian protections like the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). While VAWA has historically had strong bipartisan support,…