Today is April 1, 2015 and aside from being April Fool’s Day, it marks the opening of USCIS’s acceptance of H-1B visa petitions for the 2016 fiscal year. For those of you who are not familiar with the H-1B non-immigrant visa, it is limited to people who have, at minimum, a US bachelor’s degree or its foreign equivalent who will then work in a ‘specialty occupation’ in the US for a period not to exceed six years.  A...

On February 15, 2015 a Federal judge in Texas blocked President Obama’s executive action provisions regarding DAPA and expanded DACA.  While this is extremely disappointing, it is not the end of the road.  These is an interim decision and not a final law.  While this temporary injunction did delay the start date of expanded DACA and potentially also DAPA, it did not cancel or refute these executive actions.  The judge’s decision...

One of the President’s executive actions on immigration announced November 20, 2014 included an “expanded” form of DACA or Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals.  The new criteria for the expanded DACA are: 1. Entered the USA prior to reaching age 16; 2. Entered the USA before and maintained physical presence since 1/1/2010 ; 3. Have a high school diploma, GED or currently in school; and 4. Have no disqualifying criminal...

As the good news of President Obama’s executive action circulates through immigrant communities, something sinister is also growing-notario fraud.  “Notarios” are often people who hold themselves out to be immigration specialists or even immigration attorneys but lack the credentials and certifications.  They target immigrant communities, promising them cheaper, faster and better service and results.  Sadly, this is almost...

Yesterday, President Obama made an announcement on national TV setting forth an executive action on immigration. This is not comprehensive reform, but it does provide temporary relief for some undocumented people here, along with other measures. For now, all we know is an outline of this action. Here is a brief description of what President Obama announced: 1.Expand DACA (deferred action for childhood arrivals) to include children who entered...

I had the wonderful opportunity to be a part of the 2014 Pennsylvania National Horse Show in Harrisburg, PA this year, offering complimentary immigration information to the riders, owners, trainers and show personnel.  It was a wonderful experience, and I had such a great time talking to everyone, and even had some time to watch some top-notch hunters and amazing open jumpers. To those of you who do not know much about the PA National Horse...