Practice Resources
The DOL O*NET Program had an update on August 2023 that may have a direct impact on Form ETA 9089. AILA's DOL Liaison Committee prepared this practice pointer outlining factors confirmed by DOL's Office of Foreign Labor Certification (OFLC) during AILA's Spring Conference.
Professional Resources
This mindfulness practice meditation, guided by Ken Mayeaux, is five minutes long and leads viewers through relaxing breathing exercises that can be done without ever leaving your office chair.
Immigration News
Aggregated local and national media coverage of major immigration law news stories being discussed throughout the U.S. on May 3, 2024.
5/3/24
AILA Announcements
With EB-4 Retrogression, attorneys are looking to file PERMs for their religious worker clients. However, religious workers present unique challenges for PERM applications such as low salaries. Our panelists will look at these various issues and discuss strategies to address these challenges.
AILA Governance
AILA is committed to providing a professional and productive learning environment for all participants and staff. These guidelines apply to all AILA in-person, virtual, webcast, and online programming including but not limited to AILA conferences, seminars, online courses, and roundtables.
5/3/24
AILA Doc. No. 24050360.
AILA Announcements
It's been one year since the Biden administration issued the “Circumvention of Lawful Pathways” rule, also known as Asylum Transit Ban. Join us for to learn more about when the rule does and does not apply, how to assert an exception to the rule, and the status of ongoing litigation challenging CLP.
AILA Announcements
Join members of the Business Section Steering Committee will discuss the recent rapid-fire updates and changes from USCIS over the last several months, including lessons learned from the H-1B registration system, H-1B cap processing (the new online system), the new fee increases, and more.
Liaison Minutes
The AILA DOS Liaison Committee met with DOS officials in Washington, D.C. on 3/20/24. During this meeting, issues such as technology matters, stateside visa renewal pilot, LegalNet review, visa appointment processing, including in the Middle East, and EB-5, among others were discussed.
AILA Blog
AILA Practice and Ethics Counsel Charity Anastasio shares details of all the opportunities the AILA Well-Being Committee has created for AILA members to help us find balance during #AILAWellBeingWeek next week, including a way to win at AILA Bingo!
Immigration News
Aggregated local and national media coverage of major immigration law news stories being discussed throughout the U.S. on May 2, 2024.
5/2/24
Professional Resources
When it appears that prior counsel may have violated Rules of Professional Conduct and provided ineffective assistance to a client during removal proceedings, this can raise ethics questions for successor counsel. Find answers to these questions in this helpful ethics article by Matthew Blaisdell.
Practice Resources
The Global Migration Section Analytics Subcommittee provides a document covering key immigration updates and developments, the most widely used immigration processes, exit controls, and more related to the jurisdictions of China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, and Vietnam.
AILA Announcements
In this roundtable, members of AILA's DOS Liaison Committee will provide updates and takeaways from the Spring 2024 meetings with the National Visa Center in Portsmouth, NH and the Department of State in Washington, DC. This roundtable is hosted by AILA's DOS Liaison Committee.
5/2/24
AILA Announcements
Dealing with USCIS errors, incorrect decisions, system glitches, and other bureaucratic inefficiencies can frustrate one. Our panel of experts will provide practical tips and strategies to help preserve your sanity and achieve better outcomes for your clients.
5/2/24
AILA Announcements
AILA Global Migration Section (GMS) invites you to attend the AILA/GMS Annual Global Migration Forum where experts from around the world will discuss these topics from an immigration perspective. Our esteemed panelists will delve into how global mobility is fueling change. Register today and save!
Federal Agencies
USCIS announced that it selected 114,017 beneficiaries, resulting in 120,603 selected registrations in the initial selection for the FY2025 H-1B cap.
Immigration News
Aggregated local and national media coverage of major immigration law news stories being discussed throughout the U.S. on May 1, 2024.
5/1/24
Practice Resources
AILA contacted EOIR for confirmation that their website and related documentation will reflect the updated USCIS fee schedule, as the EOIR website did not reflect that biometric services fees are now $30. As of May 1, 2024, the website is updated.
Practice Resources
On March 22, 2024, AILA hosted an open forum at the 2024 Spring Conference with the BIA. The EOIR National Committee provides the following key takeaways.
Agency Memos & Announcements
USCIS invites stakeholders to a webinar on May 29, 2024, to discuss Form I-730, Refugee/Asylee Following-to-Join Processing. Questions are due by May 3.
5/1/24
AILA Doc. No. 24042315.
Asylum
Professional Resources
Knowledge management is a key part of your work as an immigration lawyer. This article explores ways to leverage AI to improve your practice.
Agency Memos & Announcements
USCIS has added rescheduling a biometrics appointment through the USCIS online account and is seeking feedback from both applicants and legal representatives on this new process. USCIS will accept responses to this invitation to participate through May 6.
5/1/24
AILA Doc. No. 24050103.
Agency Memos & Announcements
USCIS issued a reminder with an updated FAQ on the USCIS Fee Rule to help certain employment-based petitioners understand how to submit the correct required fees.
AILA Announcements
AILA has taken important steps to ensure that all of its members feel welcome, have equal opportunity for success and leadership, and experience a true sense of belonging in the organization. This presentation will highlight the process over the past year that AILA has taken to evaluate and improve.
5/1/24
FR Regulations & Notices
CBP 30-day request for comments on ESTA. CBP is implementing a new capability within CBP OneTM to allow nonimmigrants who are subject to Form I–94 requirements to voluntarily provide evidence of departure. Comments are due by 5/30/24. (89 FR 34262, 4/30/24)
AILA engages in regular meetings with federal agencies, including USCIS, EOIR, ICE, CBP, DOL, and DOS, to discuss how the agencies are implementing policies and adjudicating cases, as well as to raise concerns about immigration issues that are impacting our members.
5/1/24
AILA Doc. No. 21110803.
Liaison Minutes
AILA DOL Liaison Committee met with DOL's Wage and Hour Division to discuss issues such as H-2B and H-2A investigations, pre-employment activities, different scenarios an employer may face when employing H-2B and H-2A employees, and more. Read the agenda now.
AILA Announcements
Transitioning from one case management platform to another or adding a new technology is always a tough process. There are so many products to choose from, many hidden costs, and pitfalls abound. Come to this roundtable discussion by the Innovation and Technology Committee to learn more.
AILA Announcements
The 19th edition of Kurzban's Immigration Law Sourcebook will be released this September, with comprehensive updates on legislation, regulations, and case law. Members get 25% off the regular member price when they order between 6/1/24 and 7/31/24. Sign up to be notified when presales open.
5/1/24
AILA Doc. No. 24043002.
Adjustment of Status, Admissions & Border, Asylum, Business Immigration, Consular Processing, Crimes, Employer Compliance, Family Immigration, Naturalization & Citizenship, Removal & Relief, T & U Status, Temporary Protected Status & Deferred Enforced Departure
AILA Governance
All candidates for the 2024 National Office and the AILA Board of Governors were invited to submit statements regarding their candidacy, which will be posted by Tuesday, April 30. You are invited to attend a virtual candidate forum on May 2. Registration will close on April 30.
5/1/24
AILA Doc. No. 24042305.
Litigation Resources, AILA Announcements
Join the Federal Court Litigation Section for an overview of discovery in immigration-related litigation with the opportunity to hear from experienced practitioners and get their advice on discovery. Topics include: Types of discovery available, using FOIA as a discovery tool, and more!
5/1/24
AILA Announcements
Every family is going to suffer in the event of removal. But how much suffering does a client need to prove? When do the different levels of hardship apply? Our panelists will discuss the dynamics of different levels of hardship and how to meet the statutory requirements.
Practice Resources
USCIS’s h1btechsupport@uscis.dhs.gov email box has shutdown as of April 30, 2024. AILA encourages members to continue reporting technical issues to reports@aila.org.
FR Regulations & Notices
USCIS final rule on T nonimmigrant status program classifications and eligibility. Comments are due by 7/1/24 and the rule is effective as of 8/28/24. (89 FR 34864, 4/30/24)
FR Regulations & Notices
HHS final rule that adopts and replaces regulations relating to the placement, care, and services provided to unaccompanied children referred to the Office of Refugee Resettlement under the Flores settlement. Rule is effective 7/1/24. (89 FR 34384, 4/30/24)
Practice Resources
On March 21, 2024, AILA hosted an open forum at the 2024 Spring Conference with EOIR leadership. The EOIR National Committee provides the following key takeaways.
Client Flyers
AILA provides an easy flyer for you to share with your clients to provide an overview of nonimmigrant visa processing in the United States. There are two versions available: a generic PDF version and a customizable Word version. Share widely.
Immigration News
Aggregated local and national media coverage of major immigration law news stories being discussed throughout the U.S. on April 30, 2024.
4/30/24
AILA Announcements
Will AC24 be your first Annual Conference? Want help navigating your first Annual Conference? Do you want to learn more about AILA activities at the national or chapter level and get to know other members of the AILA community? If you answered yes to any of these, check out the Navigator program!
4/30/24
Correspondence
Response from USCIS regarding AILA and partners' letter advocating for the agency to immediately implement biometrics policies that would allow for continued adjudication of U and T petitions for applicants abroad.
AILA Announcements
Join us for a live-only briefing about the Welcome Corps, a private refugee sponsorship program under the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program. Speakers from the Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration at the U.S. DOS and the Community Sponsorship Hub (CSH) will present a program overview.
FR Regulations & Notices
DOL issued a final rule on the temporary employment of nonimmigrant workers employed in temporary or seasonal agricultural employment and the enforcement of the contractual obligations applicable to employers of these nonimmigrant workers. The rule is effective June 28, 2024. (89 FR 33898, 4/29/24)
FR Regulations & Notices
DOS 30-day request for comments on DS–5535, Supplemental Questions for Visa Applicants. Comments are due by May 29, 2024. (89 FR 33437, 4/29/24)
Practice Resources
Reported issues of erroneous rejections across USCIS facilities and receipt delays have been raised to USCIS. AILA continues to seek examples of erroneously rejected applications and petitions.
FR Regulations & Notices
DOS request for comments on DS–156E, NonimmigrantTreaty Trader/Investor Application. Comments are due by June 28, 2024. (89 FR 33438, 4/29/24)
Agency Memos & Announcements
USCIS announced three new classes of admission (COAs) for the surviving spouses and children of deceased Afghans and Iraqis who previously worked for or on behalf of the U.S. government. Individuals with these COAs are lawful permanent residents (LPRs) and are employment authorized incident to their
Immigration News
Aggregated local and national media coverage of major immigration law news stories being discussed throughout the U.S. on April 29, 2024.
4/29/24
AILA Announcements
Hear from two immigration attorneys who have lived through natural disasters and assisted clients with the immigration consequences of these urgent and life-altering events. We will discuss client needs, long-term client impacts, practice emergency preparedness, and more.
AILA Announcements
Join us all week for special well-being roundtables focusing on supporting the particular needs of attorneys. AILA will be offering special programming all week!
AILA Announcements
Join members of the Business Section Steering Committee will discuss the recent rapid-fire updates and changes from USCIS over the last several months, including lessons learned from the H-1B registration system, H-1B cap processing (the new online system), the new fee increases, and more.