Immigration Alerts - LAW OFFICE OF JULIA L. STOMMES

LAW OFFICE OF JULIA L. STOMMES

Friday RoundUp

2/28/2025

In this week’s Friday RoundUp, we cover President Trump’s new "Trump Gold Card" visa to attract wealthy foreigners, along with House Republicans’ budget proposal. We break down key spending changes and how these moves could impact immigration and the national deficit.

Immigration Resource Highlight

2/27/2025

The Executive Office for Immigration Review - Pro Bono List

The Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) provides a valuable resource for individuals seeking legal assistance through its Pro Bono List. This list includes organizations and providers who offer free legal services to those involved in immigration proceedings. It is an essential tool for individuals who cannot afford an attorney but still require professional guidance during their case.

The full Pro Bono List is organized by immigration court locations across the country, making it easier for individuals to find help based on where their case is being heard. To access the list of providers for a specific court, simply click on the relevant state or territory in the provided map or list.

It is important to note that if a state or territory is not an active link, this indicates that there is currently no immigration court or hearing location in that area. If you live in one of these locations, you can click on the state where your hearing is scheduled to find nearby legal service providers.

This Pro Bono List is an invaluable resource for individuals navigating the complex immigration system, ensuring access to legal support regardless of financial resources.

Visit EOIR Pro Bono website

If you have questions about your visa status or if you are an employer exploring immigration options, we are here to help. At the Law Office of Julia L. Stommes, we are committed to helping individuals and businesses navigate complex legal landscapes.

The information provided in this blog is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. To schedule a Consultation to discuss your legal immigration options, please email us at [email protected].

Immigration News Update

2/26/2025

Myth vs Fact

2/26/2025

MYTH: Immigrants receive more government benefits than U.S. citizens.

FACT: Immigrants, including those you are undocumented, are generally not eligible for more government benefits, such as welfare, food stamps, and Medicaid. These benefits are primarily reserved for U.S. citizens and certain categories of legal immigrants. While some immigrants may qualify for limited assistance under specific circumstances, the overall eligibility for public benefits is largely restricted.

If you have questions about your visa status or if you are an employer exploring immigration options, we are here to help. At the Law Office of Julia L. Stommes, we are committed to helping individuals and businesses navigate complex legal landscapes.

The information provided in this blog is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. To schedule a Consultation to discuss your legal immigration options, please email us at [email protected].

Quick Facts

2/25/2025

It is important for employers and potential H-1B applicants to ensure that the beneficiary's travel documentation, such as a passport, is accurate and valid before submitting the registration for the H-1B lottery.

If you have questions about your visa status or if you are an employer exploring immigration options, we are here to help. At the Law Office of Julia L. Stommes, we are committed to helping individuals and businesses navigate complex legal landscapes.

The information provided in this blog is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. To schedule a Consultation to discuss your legal immigration options, please email us at [email protected].

Monday Q & A

2/24/2025

Yes, you can sponsor a family member to come to the United States, but the process depends on the relationship between you and the family member, as well as their specific situation. Generally, U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents (green card holders) can sponsor certain relatives for family-based immigration.

Who Can You Sponsor?

The eligibility for sponsorship depends on the type of family relationship you have and whether you are a U.S. citizen or a green card holder.

If you are a U.S. citizen:

Immediate relatives (No annual cap): Immediate relatives are those who are closest to you, and you can sponsor them for a green card without worrying about the annual limit on how many can be accepted. These include:
- Spouse: You can sponsor your husband or wife to come to the U.S.
- Unmarried children under 21: This includes biological children, stepchildren, and adopted children who are under 21 years old.
- Parents: You can sponsor your parents if you are at least 21 years old.

Family preference categories (subject to annual caps): These categories have an annual cap, meaning that only a limited number of people can be accepted each year, so the wait times may be longer. These include:
- Unmarried children over 21: If your children are over the age of 21 and unmarried, they fall under this category.
- Married children of any age: You can sponsor your married children, regardless of age.
- Siblings: You can also sponsor your brothers and sisters, provided you are at least 21 years old. However, this category tends to have the longest wait times.

If you are a lawful permanent resident (green card holder):

As a green card holder, your sponsorship options are somewhat more limited compared to U.S. citizens, and the wait times for approval can be longer due to caps on family-based visas. Here are the family members you can sponsor:

Spouse: You can sponsor your husband or wife to join you in the U.S.
Unmarried children under 21: This includes children who are biological, adopted, or stepchildren, as long as they are unmarried and under 21 years old.
Unmarried children over 21: While you can sponsor your unmarried children who are 21 years old or older, the wait times can be long because of the annual limits for this category.

Green card holders cannot sponsor parents, siblings, or married children. If you are interested in sponsoring these family members, you must first become a U.S. citizen.

In conclusion, this process can be lengthy, depending on the family category and the country your relative is from, so patience is key. If you are unsure of any steps or need help with the paperwork, consulting an immigration attorney could be beneficial.
Would you like help with any specific aspect of the sponsorship process, or do you have a particular family member in mind you would like to sponsor?

Drop your questions in the comments or send us an email [email protected]

If you have questions about your visa status or if you are an employer exploring immigration options, we are here to help. At the Law Office of Julia L. Stommes, we are committed to helping individuals and businesses navigate complex legal landscapes.

The information provided in this blog is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. To schedule a Consultation to discuss your legal immigration options, please email us at [email protected].

Friday RoundUp

2/21/2025

Suspension of all immigration applications from migrants from Latin America and Ukraine who were granted entry into the U.S. under certain programs.

The Trump administration has paused all immigration applications from migrants in Latin America and Ukraine allowed into the U.S. under certain programs, citing fraud and security concerns, according to U.S. officials and an internal memo obtained by CBS News.
The freeze will remain in place indefinitely while officials work to identify fraud and improve vetting procedures to address national security and public safety concerns.
This move creates uncertainty for many migrants applying for immigration benefits that could allow them to stay in the U.S. legally or permanently.
The hold affects several programs that permitted hundreds of thousands of foreigners to enter the U.S. under an immigration law known as parole, which allows the government to grant entry for humanitarian or public benefit reasons.

Public health order to limit immigration at the U.S.-Mexico border expected

The Trump administration is expected to issue a public health order this week that would label migrants at the U.S. southern border as risks for spreading diseases, marking a significant escalation in the president’s ongoing efforts to severely restrict immigration, according to multiple sources familiar with the discussions. The order, which has not yet been finalized, is similar to one implemented by the Trump Administration in 2020. That earlier order effectively sealed off the border to asylum seekers and sparked strong criticism from immigrant advocates, while also fueling repeated border crossings and generating pushback from some officials within the Department of Homeland Security.
This new order is expected to reference diseases like "measles" and "tuberculosis," further tightening the administration's position on the U.S.-Mexico border. Despite a continuing decline in border crossings, the order would mark another step in the administration’s broader strategy to limit immigration and tighten border control. This measure would be part of a series of actions aimed at reducing the number of migrants entering the U.S. legally or illegally.

If you have questions about your visa status or if you are an employer exploring immigration options, we are here to help. At the Law Office of Julia L. Stommes, we are committed to helping individuals and businesses navigate complex legal landscapes.

The information provided in this blog is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. To schedule a Consultation to discuss your legal immigration options, please email us at [email protected].

Immigration Resource Highlight

2/20/2025

United We Dream

United We Dream is the largest immigrant youth-led community in the country. They create inclusive spaces for young people – regardless of immigration status – “to support, engage, and empower them to make their voice heard and win!”

“Whether we’re organizing in the streets, building cutting edge technology systems, opening doors for LGBTQ immigrant youth, clearing pathways to education, stopping deportations or creating alliances across social movements, United We Dream puts undocumented immigrant youth in the driver’s seat to strategize, innovate and win.”

United We Dream provides support in areas such as mental health, DACA, and offers resources to help educate immigrants about their rights in the U.S.

Learn more at https://unitedwedream.org/

If you have questions about your visa status or if you are an employer exploring immigration options, we are here to help. At the Law Office of Julia L. Stommes, we are committed to helping individuals and businesses navigate complex legal landscapes.

The information provided in this blog is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. To schedule a Consultation to discuss your legal immigration options, please email us at [email protected].

Myth vs Fact

2/19/2025

MYTH: It is easy to enter the U.S. legally.

FACT:

Entering the U.S. legally is often a complex and lengthy process. Whether it is applying for a tourist visa, work visa, student visa, or seeking asylum, each requires meeting strict criteria and going through multiple steps. For instance, visa applications often involve extensive documentation, interviews, long waiting periods and can be very expensive. Asylum seekers must prove they have a credible fear of persecution in their home country, adding another layer of complexity. The increasing scrutiny of asylum claims, combined with policy changes, has also made it harder for many people to seek refuge in the U.S. through legal means. Additionally, there are quotas, legal restrictions, and potential delays, making legal entry more difficult than many people realize. All of these factors contribute to the reality that entering the U.S. legally is a difficult and often uncertain process.

If you have questions about your visa status or if you are an employer exploring immigration options, we are here to help. At the Law Office of Julia L. Stommes, we are committed to helping individuals and businesses navigate complex legal landscapes.

The information provided in this blog is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. To schedule a Consultation to discuss your legal immigration options, please email us at [email protected].

Immigration News Alert

2/18/2025

The H-1B selection process has been updated with a new beneficiary-centric system that will impact how registrations are processed. Under this new system, the selection process will now be based on the beneficiary's valid passport number or another valid travel document, rather than the number of employer registrations submitted for that individual. This means that no matter how many employers submit H-1B registrations for the same beneficiary, the lottery will only count the unique beneficiary once.

Previously, the selection process was based on the number of employer registrations. With the new approach, each employer that submits a registration for a beneficiary must use the same passport or travel document number. Once the selection process is complete, the USCIS will notify the employers whose registrations were selected, allowing them to submit an H-1B petition for the beneficiary during the 90-day filing window.

Additionally, under the final rule, all employers who registered a selected beneficiary will be able to submit an H-1B petition for that beneficiary. There is no longer a designation of a single employer to file the petition in the case of multiple registrations. This gives beneficiaries more autonomy in choosing which employer they ultimately work for. The USCIS will adjudicate each petition submitted by the employers, and the beneficiary can begin working under any of the approved petitions, provided they are still valid.

The USCIS states that this beneficiary-centric system was designed to eliminate the ability of beneficiaries to increase their chances of selection by requesting multiple employers to submit registrations on their behalf. The USCIS believes that this new system will prevent “gaming” of the process, ensuring fairness and increasing the integrity of the selection system.

If you have any questions, please leave them below.

If you have questions about your visa status or if you are an employer exploring immigration options, we are here to help. At the Law Office of Julia L. Stommes, we are committed to helping individuals and businesses navigate complex legal landscapes.

The information provided in this blog is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. To schedule a Consultation to discuss your legal immigration options, please email us at [email protected].

Friday Round Up

2/14/2025

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has formally requested that Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent grant authorization for certain employees within the Treasury Department, including officers from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), to be deputized and assist with immigration enforcement. This request represents a significant shift in the enforcement of immigration laws, as it expands the role of IRS officers—who are traditionally focused on tax and financial matters—to include immigration-related responsibilities. Such a move could have broad implications, affecting both individuals and businesses, and may increase the scope of federal immigration enforcement across various sectors.

Meanwhile, in the March 2025 Visa Bulletin, there is a modest advancement in the Employment-Based EB-2 and EB-3 Preference categories for most countries. The USCIS will be honoring the Final Action Dates for these employment-based categories in March.

Key updates include:

EB-2 and EB-3 for India: The Final Action Dates will advance by six weeks
EB-2 China: The Final Action Date will advance by two weeks
EB-2 Worldwide: The Final Action Date will advance by six weeks
EB-3 China (Professional/Skilled Workers): The Final Action Date will advance by one month
EB-1 and EB-5 categories will remain unchanged in March

Make sure you are following us for updates and do not forget to leave your comments below!

If you have questions about your visa status or if you are an employer exploring immigration options, we are here to help. At the Law Office of Julia L. Stommes, we are committed to helping individuals and businesses navigate complex legal landscapes.

The information provided in this blog is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. To schedule a Consultation to discuss your legal immigration options, please email us at [email protected].

Immigration Resource Highlight

2/13/2025

Immigration Law Help.com
"Helping low-income immigrants find legal help"

ImmigrationLawHelp.org offers a straightforward way to find trusted legal support, whether seeking assistance with visa applications, asylum, deportation defense, or other immigration matters. The platform provides access to over 1,000 nonprofit organizations offering free or low-cost legal services across all 50 states. Users can search by state, zip code, or detention facility and refine their results based on the specific legal services required, populations served, and languages spoken.
The platform was developed by the Immigration Advocates Network (https://www.immigrationadvocates.org/) and Pro Bono Net (www.probono.net), with support from the Four Freedoms Fund (https://fourfreedomsfund.org/), ImmigrationLawHelp.org ensures that individuals and families facing immigration challenges have access to the resources they need.
Explore the directory and connect with service providers here: ImmigrationLawHelp.org

If you have questions about your visa status or if you are an employer exploring immigration options, we are here to help. At the Law Office of Julia L. Stommes, we are committed to helping individuals and businesses navigate complex legal landscapes.

The information provided in this blog is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. To schedule a Consultation to discuss your legal immigration options, please email us at [email protected].

Myth vs Fact: "Immigrants do not pay taxes."

2/12/2025

Immigrants, regardless of their legal status, pay a wide range of taxes, including sales tax, property tax, and income tax. Undocumented immigrants also contribute to Social Security and Medicare through payroll taxes, even though they can't access those benefits.

If you have questions about your visa status or if you are an employer exploring immigration options, we are here to help. At the Law Office of Julia L. Stommes, we are committed to helping individuals and businesses navigate complex legal landscapes.

The information provided in this blog is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. To schedule a Consultation to discuss your legal immigration options, please email us at [email protected].

Quick Fact

2/11/2025

USCIS offers an interactive tool (https://www.uscis.gov/naturalization-eligibility) designed to help you assess your eligibility for U.S. citizenship. This user-friendly resource walks you through key requirements and criteria, guiding you step by step to determine if you are ready to apply. Whether you are curious about residency, language skills, or your overall qualifications, this tool provides valuable insights into your journey toward becoming a U.S. citizen.

If you have questions about your visa status or if you are an employer exploring immigration options, we are here to help. At the Law Office of Julia L. Stommes, we are committed to helping individuals and businesses navigate complex legal landscapes.

The information provided in this blog is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. To schedule a Consultation to discuss your legal immigration options, please email us at [email protected].

Monday Q & A

2/10/2025

Friday Round Up

2/7/2025

Yesterday, USCIS announced the dates for the FY 2026 H-1B cap registration period, which will open at noon ET on March 7, 2025, and close at noon ET on March 24, 2025. This year, there are some significant changes: the H-1B registration fee has increased to $215 per beneficiary, up from $10 in previous years, so be prepared for the increase. After registration closes, USCIS will conduct the lottery for FY 2026 and notify employers of selected beneficiaries by March 31, 2025. H-1B petitions will be accepted starting April 1, 2025, with at least 90 days to submit petitions.

USCIS will still count registrations by beneficiary using the foreign national’s passport number, but this year, if a foreign national has multiple employers submitting petitions, it will count as one entry. If selected, all employers will be notified and can submit a petition on behalf of that individual. The foreign national can then choose which employer they wish to work for.

USCIS has also granted more flexibility with start dates, which can range from October 1st to April 1st. However, due to LCA validity lasting only six months, the latest start date will likely fall in December.

Finally, ensure that all information in travel documents matches the details on the H-1B petition. Any discrepancies could result in significant delays or denials.

In other news, a federal district court in Maryland issued a nationwide preliminary injunction halting President Trump’s January 20, 2025 birthright citizenship Executive Order. This injunction blocks enforcement while the court assesses its legality, and it will remain in effect indefinitely unless overturned by a higher court. The Maryland lawsuit is one of at least eight filed across the U.S. challenging the Executive Order.

Make sure you are following us for updates and do not forget to leave your comments below!

If you have questions about your visa status or if you are an employer exploring immigration options, we are here to help. At the Law Office of Julia L. Stommes, we are committed to helping individuals and businesses navigate complex legal landscapes.

The information provided in this blog is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. To schedule a Consultation to discuss your legal immigration options, please email us at [email protected].

Immigration Resource Highlight

2/6/2025

"The American Immigration Lawyers Association is the national association of immigration lawyers established to promote justice, advocate for fair and reasonable immigration law and policy, advance the quality of immigration and nationality law and practice, and enhance the professional development of its members."

While the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) is primarily focused on supporting immigration attorneys, they also offer valuable resources to immigrants. AILA provides tools to help individuals find experienced immigration lawyers who can guide them through the complexities of immigration law, helping them understand their options and potential risks. They also offer affordable financing options in partnership with organizations like the Capital Good Fund, making legal services accessible to clients who may not otherwise be able to afford them. Additionally, AILA advocates for fair immigration policies and provides tools for the public and its members to promote positive changes in immigration law.

AILA Lawyer helps you find an immigration lawyer who can guide you in understanding your options and risks: (https://ailalawyer.com/)
AILA offers resources and tools to assist the public and its members in advocating for immigration policy changes: (https://shorturl.at/nkUQC)
AILA partners with the Capital Good Fund to provide affordable financing options for clients who may not be able to pay for services: (https://capitalgoodfund.org/loans/immigration/)

#ImmigrationSupport #AILA #ImmigrationLaw #LegalResources #ImmigrationUpdates

If you have questions about your visa status or if you are an employer exploring immigration options, we are here to help. At the Law Office of Julia L. Stommes, we are committed to helping individuals and businesses navigate complex legal landscapes.

The information provided in this blog is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. To schedule a Consultation to discuss your legal immigration options, please email us at [email protected].

Myth vs Fact: "The H-1B Program is Riddled with Abuse and Fraud”

2/5/2025

Fact: The H-1B program has strict safeguards in place to prevent abuse and fraud. Employers are required to notify U.S. employees that they are hiring an H-1B position and are offering fair wages for the position. If any fraud or abuse is discovered, the penalties can be severe. Let’s break down a bit more about how these protocols work:

1. Fair Wages
The employer must pay the H-1B worker the same wages as a similarly employed U.S. worker for that position, ensuring there is no exploitation. This is known as the “prevailing wage” rule. It is a key measure that prevents companies from undercutting U.S. salaries and incentivizes the hiring of qualified foreign talent without disadvantaging American workers.

2. Severe Penalties for Fraud or Abuse
The H-1B program is enforced with serious consequences for those who misuse it. Employers caught engaging in fraudulent practices, such as submitting false documentation or attempting to underpay workers, can face hefty fines, disqualification from the program, or even criminal charges. These penalties act as a strong deterrent against potential abuse, ensuring that the system remains fair and transparent.

These safeguards preserve the program’s integrity while enabling U.S. companies to tap into top global talent, driving economic growth and enhancing America’s global competitiveness.

If you have any questions regarding H-1Bs, please drop them in the comments.

Quick Fact

2/4/2025

Q & A with Stommes Immigration

2/3/2025