| | The Business Immigration Monthly is Hammond Law Group’s latest web-based newsletter, directed at international workers and employers seeking the most up-to-date news on U.S. immigration issues, specifically those that impact workers on H, L, E, and O visas and workers seeking permanent residency.
August 2008 Visa Bulletin
The Department of State has released the August Visa Bulletin. All categories are current except for EB3, which will remain unavailable for the remainder of the fiscal year, and EB2 India and China which have both made a startling jump forward of two years to June 2006. http://travel.state.gov/visa/frvi/bulletin/bulletin_4310.html
DOL Debars Immigration Software Company for Three Years
On July 8, 2008, the DOL announce the debarment of the immigration software company, LawLogix Group, Inc. The basis for the debarment was that the San Francisco, California-based company had willfully provided false or inaccurate information when filing applications for the permanent labor certification process. Further, they found that LawLogix had engaged in a pattern or practice of failing to comply with the terms of the application, ETA Form 9089 by false filing more than 100 applications for the purpose of “testing the parameters of the department’s electronic processing system.” The debarment will be in effect for three years.
http://www.dol.gov/opa/media/press/eta/eta20080954.htm
DOL Places Law Firm Under "Supervised Recruitment"
On July 8th, the DOL announced that it was placing labor certification applications filed by the law firm of Cohen & Grigsby under department-supervised recruitment. Supervised recruitment mandates the employer receive advance approval from the Department of Labor for all recruitment efforts. This is done to ensure that US workers are fully considered for available positions. Last year, the DOL began auditing applications filed by the firm after they were made aware of concerns regarding Cohen & Grigsby improperly advising clients regarding the recruitment of US workers. Because of these concerns, the DOL has required this supervised recruitment as well, stating, “Supervised recruitment is one of many tools the department uses to safeguard the integrity of the permanent labor certification process and protect job opportunities for American workers," said Solicitor of Labor Gregory F. Jacob. "The department takes seriously its statutory responsibility to ensure that American workers have access to jobs they are qualified and willing to do."
http://www.dol.gov/opa/media/press/eta/eta20080955.htm
Neufield Releases Memo on Naturalization Interview Process Changes
On April 25th, Acting Associate Director, Domestic Relations, Donald Neufeld released a memo making some minor revisions to the naturalization process. Specifically, now the English and civics test may be administered by for the actual interview process as opposed to during the actual interview. Further the test must be administered by designated and trained professionals.
http://www.uscis.gov/files/nativedocuments/natz_interview_apr2508.pdf
USCIS Hiring Surge
As is reported by the Associated Press, since October the USCIS has hired an additional 830 adjudication officers, bringing the total working at immigration offices around the country to 3,775. By the end of the year, another 590 officers are expected to be trained and ready to be placed. This hiring surge is all in an effort to clear pending backlogged cases, in particular naturalization cases, and to approve or deny most applications within a six month time-frame. The Service is confident the new officers will help increase the speed at which applications are adjudicated.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/07/15/AR2008071500403.html
HLG Opens Global Immigration Practice
Hammond is pleased to announce our firm’s global immigration department to assist businesses in the global movement and relocation of employees. Hammond’s Global immigration services include:
- Formulating strategic corporate immigration strategies to facilitate a company's global immigration requirements.
- Preparation and processing global work authorizations and permanent resident visas.
- Preparation and processing of applications for business visitor visas, temporary entry and residence permits.
www.hammondlawfirm.com
HLG Global: Canada's Immigration Priorities
Canada has recently released details of consultations on Canada’s immigration priorities, following the passage of changes to Canada’s immigration legislation under Budget Bill C-50.
The new law is intended to accelerate the time required to receive a decision on a Permanent Resident application within 6 to 12 months. The new law also more closely aligns Canada’s immigration system with labor shortages so that immigrants who come to Canada will have more opportunities to find employment in their chosen fields
For more information:
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/department/media/releases/2008/2008-07-03.asp
For more information, please contact Steven Solway srs@hammondlawfirm.com or John Rotterman jtr@hammondlawfirm.com
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