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.
I took consultation with Rajiv Sir twice. In few words, I would say he is excellent in his knowledge and he really reads your case, tries to understand it before he talk to you over the phone. My case is very much complicated ( labor substitution, EB2, concurrent filing, previous comp filed chapter 7, new comp filed another GC with different salary and job duties...etc).
During my first consultation, I asked same set of questions (10 - 15) from both Rajiv Sir and Sheela Murthy but I got all my queries answered with satisfaction and piece of mind only from Rajiv Sir.
During my 2nd consultation, due to dynamic nature of my queries, discussion needed more time than scheduled and Rajiv Sir gave me another slot free of charge to give me right direction before closing discussion thread with him.
Finally, I would say his fees is highest amoung all lawyers I have met but is worth paying as it gives you piece of mind at the end.