Recently, I read an article entitled, “Why, as an immigrant, I am not outraged by Trump’s immigration proposal”. The clickbait worthy title aside, I found the very notion that a fellow immigrant would not feel outraged by a reduction in overall immigration to the United States selfish, abhorrent and wholly lacking in compassion. I commented [...]
A client pays all employees on an hourly basis. This includes U.S. Citizens, Permanent Residents and Non immigrants in H-1B status. The Employer honors the minimum salary (required wage) commitment as specified on Form I-129. Earlier this week, this employer received an email from an employee which ran thus: I am not sure I can [...]
One of the key elements of an employment relationship for H-1B purposes is the employer’s obligation to pay the required wage until employment is terminated. Several employers assume that termination is effective on the last day of employment. In fact, employers will issue a letter with an “effective date” of termination hoping to stop their [...]
I just finished reading “Physics of the Future” by Prof. Michio Kaku. In Chapter 7, Future of Wealth Winners and Losers, the Professor predicts that the future is up for grabs because innovation, rather than the type of industry is likely to decide the final outcome. He presciently claims economies that cultivate and nourish science [...]
America is divided like never before on the issue of immigration. Both sides are legitimately frustrated with the status quo. However, the partisan bickering appears to coalesce and take on a uniform front when it comes to one group - non-immigrants currently in H-1B and other highly specialized worker categories (L-1, TN, H1B1, etc.). These [...]
Yesterday (April 18, 2017), President Trump signed a new “Executive Order” entitled - "Buy American and Hire American." In introducing this Executive Order Trump said, "The buy and hire American order I'm about to sign will protect workers and students like you. It's America first, you better believe it. It's time. It's time, right?" the [...]
The Cleveland Thyagaraja Aradhana celebrates its 40th Anniversary in a town known more for its “Rock and Roll Hall of Fame” than for celebrating Indian classical music! However, the “Aradhana” has taken root in this largely industrial town on the shores of Lake Erie and thrived. Nothing can be more Indian than the culturally [...]
Once again, on April 3rd, the USCIS will begin accepting petitions against the FY 2018 H-1B CAP[1]. For some strange reason, USCIS suspended premium processing[2] for H-1B petitions as of April 3rd. This means, none of the H-1B CAP cases can be expedited, or adjudicated within fifteen-days. The wait adds to the uncertainty and dilemma [...]
Recent travel related Executive Orders and immigration enforcement has resulted in numerous questions regarding immigrant rights. In fact, this particular question and discussion is equally applicable to Citizens and Permanent Residents. This is because the laws and constitutional protection against unreasonable search and seizure that apply to Citizens and Lawful Permanent Residents within the United [...]
Over the past weekend, we received numerous emails to our Q&A section seeking clarification about the need to carry immigration documents while traveling inside the United States. In other words, what documents do you have to carry with you when you visit the neighborhood grocery store? The only time the Office put out clarification on [...]