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E-Blasts

2024

Impact of the Election Webinar, Preparing for the H-1B Lottery, & More

  • Upcoming Webinar for Employers Registration Link
  • Form AR-11
  • DHS Protections for Lebanese Nationals

Read more.

“Keeping Families Together” Program Update, The Impact of the Election, & More

  • Federal Judge Blocks “Keeping Families Together” Program
  • November Visa Bulletin
  • New DHS Protections

Read more.

Impact of New Legislation on the Healthcare Industry, DACA Update, F1 Travel Tips, & More

  • October Visa Bulletin
  • USCIS Extends Green Card Validity
  • Diversity Visa Program

Read more.

‘Keeping Families Together’ Program Update, DACA News, & More

  • Parole in Place Program Update
  • October Visa Bulletin
  • TTP Fee Structure Update

Read more.

Pathways to Permanent Residency Webinar

  • Monty & Ramirez’s expert immigration partner, Maricela Alvarado, provides an overview of 2024’s immigration updates and the pathways to citizenship.

Watch Here.

Latest Court Ruling on Parole in Place Program and Visa Category Updates

  • Parole in Place Program Update
  • September Visa Bulletin
  • Visa Categories Reach Annual Cap
  • Easing the Visa Process for US College Graduates Webinar

Read more.

Extended Pause on Family Parole in Place Program & More

  • Family Parole in Place Update
  • Naturalization Surge Before Elections
  • September Visa Bulletin

Read more.

Act Now: Biden’s Parole-in-Place Program is Live

  • USCIS has officially launched the Parole-in-Place program under the Biden Administration benefiting undocumented spouses and children of U.S. Citizens

Read more.

Family Unity Parole Starts Soon, Visa Bulletin Updates, and More!

  • September 2024 Visa Bulletin
  • Renew Your DACA ASAP
  • Understanding the SAVE Program

Read more.

USCIS Conducts Second H-1B Lottery, Visa Bulletin Updates, and more!

  • September 2024 Visa Bulletin
  • Biden – Harris Administration Streamlines Waivers for DACA Recipients and Dreamers
  • DHS Updates the STEM Degree Program List

Read more.

Work Permit Extension; Big Movement on the May Visa Bulletin; and More!

  • USCIS increases the Automatic Extension Validity of Certain Work Permits
  • Medical Examination Form Validity Update
  • May 2024 Bulletin

Read more.

S.B. 4 Update – Migrant Arrest Law on Hold, Again!

  • Update on the “Show Me Your Papers” Law
  • Upcoming Immigration Seminar

Read more.

USCIS Fees, Visa Bulletin, & H-1B Registration Updates

  • New USCIS Fees
  • Beneficiary Centric Selection Process for H-1B
  • April 2024 Bulletin
  • Travel Reimbursement Updates

Read more.

Breaking News – Texas Judge Stops the Migrant Arrest Law

  • Update on Senate Bill 4
  • Upcoming Immigration Seminar

Read more.

Senate Bill 4 Taking Effect March 2024 – What Does This Mean for You?

  • Visa Backlog Report
  • Special Passport Acceptance Fairs
  • Enforcement of Labor and Employment Laws
  • Immigration and Naturalization Fee Adjustments
  • Visa Bulletin Update

Read more.

DOL Finalizes Controversial
New Independent Contractor Rule

  • DOL’s rule relies on six (6) economic reality factors.

Read more.

New Texas Bills Declare New Crimes for Non-US Citizens or Nationals

  • Update on House/Senate Bill 4
  • Extensions of Re-Registration Periods for Temporary Protected Status
  • Access to Counsel in ICE Detention – Expanding the Virtual Attorney Visitation Program
  • Visa Renewal Pilot Program

Read more.

2023

USCIS Changes Work Permit Validity Period

  • USCIS Increases Employment Authorization Document Validity for Certain Categories

Read more.

New Texas Law Requires Documentation at Traffic Stops

  • New Texas Senate Bill 1551 Requires Documentation at Traffic Stops, Beginning September 2023

Read more.

August Family Immigration Newsletter

  • Invitations Issued for Family Reunification Parole Processes for Colombia, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras
  • TPS Re-Registration for El Salvador, Honduras, Nepal, and Nicaragua
  • Visa Bulletin Update – September 2023

Read more.

August Business Immigration Newsletter

  • Temporary Increase of Automatic Employment Authorization Extension Period Ends in October
  • USCIS Conducted a Second Random Selection from Previously Submitted FY2024 H-1B Cap Registrations
  • USCIS is Publishing a Revised Form I-9
  • USCIS is Allowing Employers to Remotely Examine Employee Documents
  • USCIS is Updating the Receipt Process for Form I-129S
  • New Fields of Study Eligible for STEM Designated Degrees
  • Visa Bulletin Update – September 2023

Read more.

June Family Immigration Newsletter

  • Legal Pathways to Enter the United States Following the End of Title 42
  • DACA Update
  • DHS Extends TPS Designations
  • Visa Bulletin Update – June 2023

Read more.

June Business Immigration Newsletter

  • Premium Processing for Applicants Changing to F,M, and J Visas
  • Afghan Parolees are Employment Authorized
  • Recission of Prior TPS Terminations and Extension of TPS
  • Visa Bulletin Update – June 2023

Read more.

May Family Immigration Newsletter

  • End of Title 42- New Asylum Rules and New Lawsuits
  • Biden Administration Announces New Reunification Program
  • USCIS Update on Citizenship and Naturalization for Adopted Children
  • Visa Bulletin Update – May 2023

Read more.

May Business Immigration Newsletter

  • Biometrics Suspension for certain I-539 Applicants
  • USCIS Ends COVID-Related Flexibilities
  • H-1B Registrations Update
  • Visa Bulletin Update – May 2023

Read more.

April Family Immigration Newsletter

  • Monthly Seminar Announcement
  • DACA Update
  • USCIS Open HART Service System
  • Visa Bulletin Update – April 2023

Read more.

March Family Immigration Newsletter

  • Upcoming Seminar – April 15th
  • DOL Gives OSHA Authority to Provide T and U Visa Certifications
  • DACA Update
  • USCIS Redesigning the Naturalization Test
  • Visa Bulletin Update – March 2023

Read more.

February Family Immigration Newsletter

  • Monthly Seminar Announcement
  • Extension and Redesignation of Haiti & Somalia for TPS
  • Asylum Applicants Can Now File Form I-765 Online
  • Visa Bulletin Update – February 2023

Read more.

February Business Immigration Newsletter

  • USCIS Announces Final Phase of Premium Processing Expansions
  • Visa Bulletin Update – February 2023

Read more.

January Family Immigration Newsletter

  • USCIS Proposed Rule to Adjust Immigration Fees
  • Supreme Court Grants Emergency Request to Keep Title 42
  • Visa Bulletin Update

Read more.

January Business Immigration Newsletter

  • Options for Nonimmigrant Workers Following Termination of Employment
  • USCIS Increased Fees
  • Visa Bulletin Update
  • Simplified Arrival – Customs and Border Protection

Read more.

2022

November Business Immigration Newsletter

  • TPS Update
  • H-2B Visa Expansion
  • TN Fee Update
  • Visa Bulletin

Read more.

November Family Immigration Newsletter

  • TPS Update
  • DACA Update
  • National Visa Center (NVC) Immigrant Visa Backlog

Read more.

Family Immigration June Newsletter

  • USCIS Policy Alert on the 3/10 Year Bar
  • New Policy on 3/10 Year Bar

Read more.

Family Immigration May Newsletter

  • Prosecutorial Discretion (PD) Update
  • Designation of Afghanistan for TPS
  • Cuban Family Reunification Parole Program
  • June 2022 Visa Bulletin Breakdown

Read more.

USCIS Premium Processing Update

  • May 2022
  • USCIS to Implement Premium Processing for Certain Previously Filed EB-1 and EB-2 Form I-140 Petitions

Read more.

Business Immigration May Newsletter

  • EAD Extension Temporary Increase
  • H-2B Cap Reached
  • June 2022 Visa Bulletin

Read more.

Business Immigration April Newsletter

  • TN Processing Changes in Mexico
  • USCIS Path to Permanent Residency for TPS Beneficiaries
  • USCIS New Actions to Reduce Backlogs

Read more.

Business Immigration February Newsletter

  • New STEM List
  • EAD Expediated Guidance for Health Care Workers
  • Update on Current Travel Restrictions

Read more.

U.S. Supreme Court Blocks OSHA’s Vaccine Mandate

  • Block Vaccine Mandate for Private Employers
  • Allows Vaccine Mandate for Healthcare Workers

Read more.

2021

April COVID-19 Paid Sick Leave is Back (Again)

  • Update on COVID-19 Paid Sick Leave (April 2021)

Read more.

March Family Immigration Newsletter

  • Temporary Protected Status for Venezuelans

Read more.

February COVID-19 OSHA Guidance Update

  • Updated OSHA Guidance on COVID-19 Workplace Safety)

Read more.

January Business Immigration Newsletter

  • H-1B Regulations
  • USCIS Delays Due to COVID-19
  • Trump’s Extension on Banning Entry of H/L/J Nonimmigrants

Read more.

Expiration of the COVID-19 Paid Sick Leave

  • 2021 COVID-19 Paid Sick Leave Update

Read more.

COVID-19 Compliance Updates for Employers

  • December 2021 COVID-19 Compliance Updates

Read more.

November Business Immigration Newsletter

  • Employment Authorization Policy Changes

Read more.

November Family Immigration Newsletter

  • DACA Update
  • Proposed Asylum Rules Update
  • TPS Automatic Extension
  • International Travel Vaccine Updates

Read more.

New Sexual Harassment Law Update

  • New Sexual Harassment Law Expands to Protect Employees

Read more.

Family Immigration August Newsletter

  • DACA, U Visa Deferred Action, and TPS Update

Read more.

Business Immigration April Newsletter

  • Update on Non-Immigrant Visa Processing Status
  • FY2022 H-1B Cap Season Updates

Read more.


2020

DACA Update

  • December 2020 DACA Update
  • Government Now Accepting First-Time DACA Applications

Read more.

November Family Immigration Newsletter

  • DACA Update
  • TPS Update
  • Public Charge Update
  • Rise in USCIS Fees Update

Read more.

August Business Immigration Newsletter

  • Form I-9 Verification During EAD Production Delays
  • DHS Extends Flexibility in Requirements Related to Form I-9 Compliance
  • Visa Issuance Dates Revised for Mexican E-1, E-2, L-1, and H1-B Visas
  • USCIS Selects Additional Registrations for the FY2021 H-1B Cap
  • Fee Increases Take Effect October 2, 2020

Read more.

July Business Immigration Newsletter

  • ICE Rescinds Restrictions on International Students
  • Borders Between Canada and Mexico Remain Closed to Nonessential Travel Until At least August 21, 2020
  • Customs and Border Patrol Reopen Trusted Traveler Programs Enrollment Centers
  • Thousands of Approved Green Cards and Work Authorizations Documents Have Not Been Printed
  • The Department of State Will Restart Visa Services Soon
  • Presidential Proclamations Continue to Restrict Issuance of Immigrant and Nonimmigrant Visas

Read more.

Employment Law Webinar

  • Monty & Ramirez Employment Law Webinar:  held on Tuesday, June 23rd, discussing the Supreme Court decision on DACA and what it means for employers and other recent business immigration developments.

View the Recorded Webinar.

Immigration Webinar – U.S. Supreme Court saves DACA

  • Monty & Ramirez Immigration Webinar: held on Friday, June 19th discussing the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision that saved the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, and what it means for ‘Dreamers’.

View the Recorded Webinar.

Business Immigration COVID-19 E-Blast

  • COVID-19 and H1-B Compliance Challenges: Amendments Required for Part-Time H1-B Employment

Read more.

DHS Announces Flexibility in Requirements Form I-9 Compliance

  • DHS Extends Form I-9 Requirement Flexibility to July 19th, 2020

Read more.

Guidance on Preparing the Workplace for COVID 19

  • COVID-19 Safety Card
  • CDC Recommended Steps
  • Additional Considerations for Employers

Read more.

Guide on Avoiding Penalties and Fines for I-9 Compliance

  • Protocols to Use with I-9 Compliance
  • Fraudulent Documents Hall of Shame

Read more.

Executive Order Update

  • President Trump’s Executive Order to temporarily suspend immigration into the United States
  • April 22, 2020

Read more.

April Business Immigration Newsletter

  • H-1B registration selections have been made for the FY2021 H1-B cap season
  • COVID-19 outbreak U.S. Department of Labor requirements
  • Travel restrictions for nonimmigrant visa holders
  • Impact on nonimmigrant status expirations

Read more.

H-1B Visa Season Information – February

  • Information regarding changes to the H-1B visa lottery

Read more.


2019

November Business Immigration Newsletter

  • How to document TPS automatic extension for 6 countries
  • Updates on public charge DHS and DOS
  • ICE begins on-site inspections for STEM OPT employment
  • Regulatory changes to EB-5 program

Read more.

June Business Immigration Newsletter

  • DOS will now request visa applicants to provide social media information
  • Denaturalization efforts by USCIS
  • U.S investor visa now available for Israeli citizens
  • Presidential memorandum issued targeting high visa overstay rates

Read more.

March Business Immigration Newsletter

  • USCIS resumes premium processing for all H1-B petitions
  • U.S. Embassy in Bogota begins processing Venezuelan immigrant visas
  • USCIS published revised form I-539 and introduces new I-539A
  • Update on H-4 work authorization

Read more.

January Family Immigration Newsletter

  • Greetings from Monty & Ramirez LLP- 21 years and counting!
  • Free Monthly Immigration Seminars
  • Getting Ready for the Civic Test: Q&A- Free Citizenship Classes at M&R

Read more.

January Labor & Employment Newsletter

  • Monty & Ramirez Arbitration Shield

Read more.


2018

December Family Immigration Newsletter

  • A Federal Judge Blocked President Trump’s Issuance of 90-Day Order That Would Deny Individuals the Right
  • to Seek Asylum If not Done at a Port of Entry
  • The Government Began Using Digital Tablets to Administer Naturalization Exams
  • Current Status of DACA
  • Know Your Rights
  • The Government Warns of Longer Wait Times Indefinitely at El Paso Port of Entry
  • With the End of TPS Near, Individuals Should Consult With an Immigration Attorney Regarding Their Immigration Matters
  • New Memorandum Regarding The Suitability of Prospective Adoptive Parents for Intercountry Adoption

Read more. 

December Business Immigration Newsletter

  • TN Visa Survive Rebrand of NAFTA
  • DHS Proposes Changes to H-1B Visa Lottery Process
  • Surge in FY18 ICE Worksite Investigations
  • DOL Implements New ETA Form 9035 Effective November 19, 2018
  • Fall 2018 Regulatory Agenda Proposes Further Changes to H-1B and H-4 Programs
  • Current Status of DACA

Read more.

October Family Immigration Newsletter

  • The Government Allows Green Card Applications to be Filed
  • Early for October
  • What is Happening with DACA?
  • Immigration Court Backlog
  • The Government Implements Change in Policy Regarding
  • Request for Evidence & Notice of Intent to Deny
  • and more.

Read more.

Recent $45.3M Verdict Explains Why Every Employer Should Have a Robust Cell-Phone Policy

  • Many employers in Texas may be unaware that simply permitting
  • employees to email or text while driving may open the company up to
  • multi-million dollar lawsuits if an accident should occur due to distracted driving.
  • Recent $45.3M verdict underscores the importance of having
  • a consistent and robust cell-phone policy in place in the workforce.

Read more.

Afraid of Government Raids? What Every Employer Should Know About Increased Enforcement of I-9 Noncompliance

  • Given the current administration’s sharp shift in immigration enforcement,
  • I-9 compliance is quickly gaining the reputation amongst employers as an area fraught with harsh
  • penalties for employers failing to comply with its maze of compliance requirements
  • While it is undeniable that enforcement is at an all-time high,
  • employers need to take this opportunity to ensure that
  • their employee records are in order.

Read more.

September Business Immigration Newsletter

  • New Memorandum Grants USCIS Authority to Deny Petitions Without First Issuing an RFE or NOID
  • Premium Processing Suspension Extended and expanded by USCIS for H-1B Petitions
  • Common H-1B RFEs to Expect This Year
  • USCIS Announces Increase to Premium Processing Fees
  • and more.

Read now

Supreme Court: Collective Action Waiver in Employment Contracts Are Enforceable 

  • The Supreme Court of the United States issued a decision this week holding that collective action waivers in employment contracts remains enforceable.
  • This decision validates over 25 million employment contracts in the country and re-affirms employers’ rights to engage in alternative dispute mechanisms with employees on a bilateral basis.

Read more.

June Business Immigration Newsletter

  • New EB-5 Investment Amount Possible in August 2018
  • USCIS Alters Unlawful Presence Calculation for Nonimmigrant Students
  • Proposed Extreme Vetting to be Added to All Nonimmigrant Visa Applications
  • Temporary Protected Status for Honduras to End in January 2020
  • and more.

Read now.

June Family Immigration Newsletter

  • New EB-5 Investment Amount Possible in August 2018
  • USCIS Alters Unlawful Presence Calculation for Nonimmigrant Students
  • Proposed Extreme Vetting to be Added to All Nonimmigrant Visa Applications
  • Temporary Protected Status for Honduras to End in January 2020

Read now.

June Family Immigration Newsletter

  • The Government Ends Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Hondurans
  • Lawsuits filed Challenging Termination of TPS for El Salvador, Haiti, and Honduras
  • Federal Judge Rules that the U.S. must Keep DACA and Accept New Applications

 Read Now

January Business Immigration Newsletter

  • “Buy American, Hire American”: Impact on H-1B Visa Program
  • “BAHA” Proposed Rule to End Employment Authorization for H-1B Spouses
  • What Employers Should Know About Termination of TPS

Read now

January Family Immigration Newsletter

  • Updates on Temporary Protected Status
  • DACA Recipients can renew their DACA again!
  • A Memo has been issued regarding Immigration Court Priorities & Performance Measurement

Read now

Immigration News — TPS Update

  • The Trump Administration Ends Protection for El Salvador known as TPS

Read now


2017

September Business Immigration Newsletter

  • Employment and Immigration Seminar
  • Expanded Travel Ban includes Venezuela and North Korea
  • October 1, 2017: USCIS will Expand In-Person Interviews for Certain Permanent Residency Applicants

Read now.

September Family Immigration Newsletter

  • President Trump Announced the End of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals with a 6-month Delay
  • The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals Entered an Order Partially Allowing Texas to Enforce SB-4
  • The U.S. Government Offers a New Civics Test Study Tool: a New Mobile App is Now Available!

 Read now.

Friends and Family of DACA Beneficiaries

  • With the recent announcement of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) phase-out, it is important to make sure that you know what to expect in the next month.  Many friends and family members may be worried about status expirations, deadlines, or wondering how they can help.

Read now.

President Trump Ends DACA with a Six Month Delay

  • President Trump announced today that he is rescinding the Executive Action issued by President Obama in 2012 known as Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals or “DACA”, leaving thousands of children and young adults in limbo.

Read now

View archived e-blasts.

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