Impact of the Election Webinar, Preparing for the H-1B Lottery, & More
Upcoming Webinar: The Impact of the 2nd Trump Administration on Immigration
Monty & Ramirez invites you to join immigration attorneys, Sarah Monty and Saif Ali, on December 10th at 6PM (CST) for an in-depth webinar to discuss the re-election of Donald Trump for a 2nd term and the new Trump Administration’s impact on business immigration.
At this time, there is still uncertainty about the policies the new Trump administration will put into place. However, based on policies enacted during the 2016-2020 Trump administration, we can expect changes to the government’s priorities in I-9 enforcement, including audits, possible worksite raids, longer processing times for petitions and applications filed by or on behalf of employees, changes to the H-1B visa program, and additional requests for evidence issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Other possible impacts to the workforce may include possible suspension of protection and employment for employees who are Deferred Action of Childhood Arrivals (DACA), Temporary Protected Status (TPS), especially from previously impacted countries such as El Salvador and Honduras, and impacts to employees who are nationals of countries impacted by Executive Order 13769, commonly known as the “Muslim ban.”
To provide you with more specific information, we will discuss these impacts and more at our December webinar. Please reserve your spot to learn more about these issues. Key topics will include the potential impact on both employers and individuals. Don’t miss this opportunity to stay ahead of the curve on immigration matters that could impact you. Register here!
Preparing for the H-1B Lottery: What Employers Should Consider
As the H-1B lottery approaches, employers planning to sponsor foreign talent should take key steps to ensure they meet regulatory standards. Employers should confirm that candidates and their terms of employment meet the requirements for the H-1B visa.
The application process also requires planning for a start date of October 1, 2025, which aligns with the government’s fiscal year. While this timeline can seem straightforward, ensuring compliance with visa requirements, prevailing wage rules and specialty occupation standards requires careful preparation. Monty & Ramirez LLP is here to guide employers through each step of the process, helping them navigate these regulations and position themselves for a successful H-1B application.
How to Change Your Address and Form AR-11
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has recently updated the process for submitting Form AR-11, the Alien’s Change of Address Card, which is required for most noncitizens to notify USCIS of address changes within 10 days of a move. Now, instead of the previous online-only tool, applicants must either use a USCIS online account or submit the AR-11 form by mail. The online account option allows quicker, real-time address changes, while paper submission remains an alternative.
It’s important to update your address with USCIS directly, as the U.S. Postal Service won’t forward USCIS mail. Keeping your address up-to-date helps ensure you receive all correspondence without delays, which is crucial for immigration case updates and benefits. For more details, visit the USCIS Change of Address page.
DHS Offers Protections for Lebanese Nationals: TPS and DED Programs Now Available
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has introduced new protections for Lebanese nationals residing in the United States, including Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and Deferred Enforced Departure (DED), which may provide temporary relief from removal and work authorization (EADs) to eligible individuals.
Monty & Ramirez LLP is available to assist Lebanese nationals with their applications for TPS, DED, or EADs, and to offer guidance on navigating these protections.
November 2024 Visa Bulletin
A. FINAL ACTION DATES
For November 2024, USCIS announced it will use the Final Actions Date chart published by the Department of State.
| Category | All Chargeability | China (Mainland) | India | Mexico | Philippines |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EB-1 | C | 08NOV22 | 01FEB22 | C | C |
| EB-2 | 15MAR23 | 22MAR20 | 15JUL12 | 15MAR23 | 15MAR23 |
| EB-3 | 15NOV22 | 01APR20 | 01NOV12 | 15NOV22 | 15NOV22 |
| Other Workers | 01DEC20 | 01JAN17 | 01NOV12 | 01DEC20 | 01DEC20 |
| EB-4 | 01JAN21 | 01JAN21 | 01JAN21 | 01JAN21 | 01JAN21 |
| Religious Workers | 01JAN21 | 01JAN21 | 01JAN21 | 01JAN21 | 01JAN21 |
| EB-5 Unreserved | C | 15JUL16 | 01JAN22 | C | C |
| EB-5 Set-Asides (Rural/Unemployment/Infrastructure) | C | C | C | C | C |
Immigration Questions? We’re Here to Help.
Whether you’re an employer navigating the H-1B lottery or an individual pursuing TPS or naturalization, Monty & Ramirez LLP is your trusted immigration partner.
📞 Call: 713-289-4546
📧 Email: info@montyramirezlaw.com
✅ We Know What Works.