On November 20, 2014, the President announced a series of executive actions to crack down on illegal immigration at the border, prioritize deporting felons not families, and require certain undocumented immigrants to pass a criminal background check and pay taxes in order to temporarily stay in the U.S. without fear of deportation.
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.
Iam a Indian National Married to A US PR holder She has cleared her N400 Interview .I have been last year Denied Admission (deported) from Airport after me being initially on Student (F-1) Visa & then on H1B (61/2 years previously) with Citations : 212(a) (7)(A) (i)(I) & 235(b) (1) .
The questions I have for you are :
Q) Do I have any 3 yr, 5 Yr or 10 yr ban on my entrance to USA ?
Q) Do I need any waiver like I-212 or anything else for my future entry to USA ?
My I-130 had been approved and I believe I can upgrade my I-130 by my Spouse sending her Naturalization Certificate & her passport copy to NVC(Kentucky)
Q) Do you think I might have difficulties while facing this changed IR-1 Category Visa Interview and any other problems at the Port of Entry ?
Q) What timeframe does NVC take to notify the Consulate & Can it be Hyderabad, India ? & Overall how much time will it take for me to get the Visa or the Conditional Green Card
Hello, My interactions with the Law offices of Rajiv S Khanna started in Aug 2004 when I first applied for my H1 visa. Ever since, I have reached out to Mr. Khanna, Mr. Chacko and other support personnel (Ms. Mehta, Ms.Bhasin, Ms.Baker) for all my immigration related needs. This group of professionals is the best you can ever hope to find to help you navigate the complex and painfully slow immigration process. Rajiv and his team form a tremendous body of knowledge and the beauty of this group is that they provide their expertise as a 'service'. It is true that the law firm charges fees for processing ones case, but the amounts charged are far less than what one would have to pay elsewhere for service that is typically not on par. Mr. Khanna himself has called me on numerous occasions to clarify a question or seek more specific detail....it amazes me that the seniormost attorney in the firm takes time to do this and that too without charging a single dime for a personal call. My wife and I used Rajiv's offices to handle our Green Card application. The process was lengthy and stretched over 6 years from start to finish. I'm glad to report that the GC was granted. Without Rajiv's group supporting this would have been a nightmare. The team that handled my case did their work in the most professional manner possible. I got prompt replies to my emails, voice messages and on occasion even emails and calls over the weekend. I have probably inundated mailboxes with questions and counter arguments...never once have I been discouraged from asking questions nor have I not gotten a clear and definitive answer for my queries. Over the green card process, Rajiv's group renewed my Advance Paroloe and Employment applications (for my wife and I) three times. They have never sent me a bill for this, stating clearly that this falls within the overall green card application process. In my comments above, I emphasize on many occasion the financial matters related with this firm. It is also important to highlight the humane treatment you are accorded by everyone I worked with. The support staff and attorneys clearly understand the emotional stress involved in the immigration process and they treat you with respect and dignity. I have referred many friends of mine to Rajiv's office and they all state similar commendable experience. In short, I am glad I found this group of brilliant immigration attorneys and support personnel. I'm glad they were on my side and helped me win permanent residency. I can state without any hesitation that you will not be disappointed if you choose Rajiv's group to represent you. The level of service and support you will receive from the Law offices of Rajiv S Khanna will be far more than what you ever dream about. Many thanks to everyone at Rajiv's office for all the hard work. If there is anything I can every do in return please let me know....