The Department of Labor will soon implement a new integrated online system – known as the iCert Portal – through which employers will submit applications for permanent labor certification, labor condition applications (LCAs) and other applications for immigration-related DOL programs. In addition, the agency will introduce new editions of Form…
H1B Visa Lawyer Blog
2009 – The Year of Immigration Compliance
Tighter government oversight over the H-1B visa program and permanent employment-based immigration expected. On October 8, 2008, the U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Service (USCIS) released a report that 13% of all H-1B petitions filed on behalf of U.S. employers are fraudulent. The same report also stated that another 7% of…
Introduction of the “Immigration Fraud Prevention Act of 2009” on the Senate Floor
On Thursday, March 12, 2009, United States Senators Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) and Edward Kennedy (D-MA) introduced the “Immigration Fraud Prevention Act of 2009.” This Act would make it a Federal crime to defraud individuals – citizens and non-citizens alike…in connection with any matter arising under the Immigration Laws. Accordingly, it…
Salt Lake City Man allegedly conned victims by posing as an Immigration Official
In an article published by Pamela Manson of The Salt Lake Tribune, federal prosecutions confirmed the identity of a Salt Lake City man who allegedly impersonated an immigration official ultimately stealing thousands of dollars from undocumented immigrants hoping to become legal residents. The complaint alleges that the Salt Lake City…
ALJ Finds H-1B Employer liable for Back Wages and Retaliatory Discharge
An Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) of the Department of Labor (DOL) recently ordered the employer of an IT company to pay the alien beneficiary’s unpaid salary for the full term of the H-1B visa with interest, an amount for his monthly health, dental and vision insurance benefits, an amount for…
USCIS releases updated Naturalization materials
The United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) has released its most updated materials for those interested in or applying for naturalization/citizenship. At the MVP Law Group, we recommend that naturalization/citizenship applicants review the Publication: The Citizens’ Almanac. The Almanac provides an in-depth look at the history of the United…
ICE Investigation results in former Supervisor of Poultry plant sentenced to 23 months in prison
After an investigation conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) a former supervisor of an Iowa poultry plant was sentenced to twenty-three months in prison for his role in harboring illegal aliens. According to information disclosed in court, the former supervisor played an active role in harboring the illegal…
All H-1B Cap EXEMPT visa petitions should be filed with the California Service Center
Employers who are filing H-1B cap exempt visa petitions including extension petitions must file those petitions with the California Service Center (CSC). Additionally, please note that any H-1B cap exempt and extension petitions mistakenly sent to the Vermont Service Center (VSC) will be REJECTED. H-1B “Cap EXEMPT” petitions include petitions…
USCIS Incorporates Passport Data into E-Verify Program
In an effort to reduce the amount of Tentative Non-confirmations (TNCs) being issued by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS), the Service has teamed up with the Department of State (DOS) and has incorporated DOS passport data into the E-Verify employment authorization program. Before this joint effort, foreign…
April 2009 Visa Bulletin
The Department of State has released its latest Visa Bulletin. The April 2009 visa bulletin still shows employment based third preference (EB-3) visas as oversubscribed while the employment based second preference (EB-2) is current for all areas of chargeability except for China and India. Click here to view the April…