Immigration Update: August 2017

Proposed Immigration Bill: RAISE Act

The Trump administration has backed a new Immigration Bill which would create a points system for employment-based permanent residence.  The RAISE Act, if passed, would replace the current green card program which is based on five employment-based green card preference categories.  The proposed system would award points on a sliding scale based on applicant’s education level, offered salary, investment level, achievements, age and English-language proficiency.  Spouse’s would undergo a points assessment, though their scores would only decrease or maintain the principal applicant’s score.  Twice a year, the applicants with the highest scores would be invited to apply for permanent residence.  The proposed bill would also reduce family-based immigration, limit refugee admissions to 50,000 per year and eliminate the Diversity Visa lottery program.

U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Russia Suspend and Reduce Nonimmigrant Visa Operations

Nonimmigrant visa (NIV) operations were suspended as of August 23, 2017 and interviews will resume September 1, 2017 at the U.S. embassy in Moscow only.  The suspension comes after the Russian government imposed a personnel cap on the U.S. Mission in Russia in late July.  NIV interviews at all other locations including St. Petersburg, Yekaterinburg and Vladivostok are suspended until further notice.  Applicants who have had their visa appointments cancelled at these locations may call +7 (495) 745 3388 to reschedule their appointments in Moscow.

DACA Program at Risk

On August 24, 2017, news outlets including the Washington Post reported that the Trump administration is considering ending the DACA program and some information indicated that an announcement could be imminent.  Our office will continue to monitor the situation and all DACA clients will be contacted individually if any changes are made.

H-1B Clients Should Speak Out in Support of the H-1B Visa Program

H-1B visa holders are encouraged to send a letter to their members of Congress and speak out in support of the benefits of the H-1B visa program.  The American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) has provided a letter template which can be used.  Please contact Perl Law to request a copy of the template.