For updates, see my blog page on Obama's Immigration Action.
Takeaway points for legal immigration from President Obama’s executive action:
1. USCIS is “about to” publish the final rule on H-4 work authorization. That will make it possible for certain spouses of H-1 holders to get work authorization.
2. Improving employment-based green card backlogs by:
a. Making visa issuance more efficient so no immigrant visas are wasted;
b. Providing for better AC21 rules and other ways to keep immigrant visas intact after a change of jobs. USCIS will clarify what constitutes “same or similar” job so that AC21 will not stop workers from getting promotions or even changing to related jobs within their field. USCIS must clear the path to career progression for green card applicants.
3. Expandingfurther the OPT time for STEM students, but creating tighter control on which universities/schools/degrees are eligible and ensure local workers are protected (Implement some sort of a “mini PERM?”).
4. Creating opportunities for foreign “inventors, researchers and founders of start-up” companies to come to the USA through an existing program called “National Interest Waiver.” Unfortunately for India, this is an EB-2 category program requiring several years of wait. But the following parole program will help:
a. Creating a parole (which is usually a temporary, but very quick measure and could eventually lead to a green card) program so that on a case-by-case bases, “inventors, researchers and founders of start-up” companies can be brought quickly into the USA where:
i.They have raised financing in the USA; OR
ii.Otherwise hold the promise of innovation and job creation through development of new technologies OR cutting edge research
5. Creating guidelines for exceptionally qualified or advanced degreed individuals to come to the USA through an existing program called “National Interest Waiver.” As noted, unfortunately for India, this is an EB-2 category program requiring several years of wait. But the parole option above could be helpful.
6. Providing clear guidance on L-1B program as to who can qualify.
Currently I am on H-1B and my wife in H-4, my company had recently filed for Green Card. It has been 6 months since the petition has been filed. My wife has about 5 years of work experience back in India. She is interested to work here now. What are the possibilities of her getting a job here in US. As my GC is in progress, can she start looking for a job once my I-140 is approved?
Until the pending H-4 EAD regulations are promulgated, the only obvious option for her is to obtain her H-1 through employment.
I have utilized the services of Attorney Rajiv Khanna many times over the last 10 years and have 100% of the time been satisfied with the prompt, expert, and swift handling of the H1B and Green Card applications. Most recently I took over a very complicated immigration situation when I took over as the Chief Operating Officer for CCOM Medical Group. I was faced with an employee that was out of status and her whole immigration process had been mishandled by numerous attorney’s over several years. Rajiv’s staff quickly put together a plan, researched all the potential obstacles we could potentially run into, and executed parallel applications for an H1B visa and green card. The end result was obtaining an approved H1B visa for my employee and H-4 for her son along with an approved I-140 so that as her priority date comes up later this year she can get her green card. We are all very happy and appreciative of the fine work Rajiv and his staff did for our employee and CCOM Medical Group. In my ten year history in working with Rajiv he has never, ever, let me down and he and his staff are always conscious of ensuring I have the appropriate expected outcome in mind and am fully aware of any downside to a situation before it happens. I like to make informed decisions and Rajiv allows me to do that. Anyone reading my comments is more than welcome to contact me at (918) 683-0753.