Gordon Law Group PC

??? H-1B Cap Registration Opens March 7 ??? This year's H-1B cap registration period will run from March 7 at noon ET to March 24 at noon ET. Employers who have not yet reviewed their foreign national workforce to identify potential candidates should act quickly: ? time is now of the essence ?. ?? Key Considerations: - Beneficiary-Centric System: Each applicant must use the same valid passport or travel document for all registrations to avoid disqualification. - Plan for Possible Delays: A potential government shutdown on March 15 could impact the registration system—filing early is strongly advised. ?? Next Steps for Employers: Employers should identify H-1B candidates immediately and ensure they have valid and consistent passport or travel document information for registration. Given the possibility of a government shutdown, early submission is strongly recommended to prevent issues. Employers should also work with their immigration counsel to set up the correct USCIS organizational account and avoid last-minute issues. ?? Questions about the H-1B process? Contact [email protected] for guidance on compliance and strategy. #H1B #H1BLottery #BusinessImmigration #USCIS #GlobalTalent #ImmigrationLaw

?? U.S. Visa Interview Waiver Restrictions Now Apply Globally ?? Last week, Gordon Law Group PC shared that U.S. consulates in India had begun limiting visa interview waiver eligibility—now, this policy has been rolled out worldwide per a Feb. 18 update from the State Department (link below). So, what’s changing? ?? Stricter Eligibility: Only those renewing a visa in the same category whose prior visa expired within the last 12 months are eligible for an interview waiver (down from 48 months). ?? Global Impact: This change is now in effect at all U.S. consulates, not just those in India. ?? Longer Wait Times Expected: Demand for in-person visa appointments is likely to increase significantly, particularly in high-volume countries. ?? Planning Ahead If you or your employees need a U.S. visa renewal, prepare for delays and schedule consular appointments as early as possible. ?? Need help navigating these changes? Contact [email protected] for visa renewal strategies and guidance. #USVisas #VisaRenewal #GlobalMobility #ImmigrationLaw #TravelPlanning #H1B

?? Visa Renewal Interview Waiver Eligibility Narrowed ?? Gordon Law Group PC has received reports that the U.S. Department of State has quietly rolled back expanded eligibility for the nonimmigrant visa (NIV) interview waiver program at consular posts abroad. This means fewer applicants will qualify to renew their visas without attending an in-person interview. ?? Stricter Eligibility: Only applicants renewing a visa in the same category are eligible, and the prior visa must have expired within the last 12 months (previously 48 months). Those who no longer qualify must now schedule an in-person interview, likely increasing wait times at U.S. consulates. ?? Uncertainty for Pending Cases: It remains unclear how consular posts will handle NIV applications already submitted under the previous criteria. ?? What This Means for Travelers & Employers ?? ???Plan ahead if you will need a visa renewal soon. ???Expect longer appointment wait times and review consular guidance for rescheduling instructions. ???Employers should factor in potential delays when planning for international travel of visa-dependent employees. ?? Have questions about your visa renewal or travel plans? Contact [email protected] for guidance on navigating these changes. #USVisas #ImmigrationLaw #GlobalMobility #VisaRenewal #TravelPlanning

?? DHS Ends 2023 TPS Designation for Venezuela ?? The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced the termination of the 2023 Temporary Protected Status (TPS) designation for Venezuela, which will take effect 60 days after its official publication on February 5, 2025. ?? Key Takeaways ?? ?? TPS beneficiaries under the 2023 designation will lose protection and work authorization once the termination takes effect. ?? The 2021 Venezuela TPS designation remains valid through September 10, 2025—DHS must decide by July 12, 2025, whether to extend or terminate it. ?? DHS cited that allowing Venezuelans to remain under the 2023 designation is “contrary to the national interest,” despite conditions in Venezuela remaining “extraordinary” and “temporary.” ?? The decision may face legal challenges, as previous TPS terminations under the first Trump administration were met with lawsuits. ?? What This Means for TPS Holders ?? Venezuelans who registered under the 2023 TPS designation should explore alternative immigration options before their status expires. If you or your employees are impacted, seeking immigration counsel is critical to maintaining legal status and work authorization. ?? Need guidance? Contact [email protected] for case evaluations and alternative pathways. ?? Follow Gordon Law Group PC for regular updates on U.S. immigration law and practical guidance in this changing landscape. #TPS #VenezuelaTPS #ImmigrationUpdate #ImmigrationLaw #DHS #WorkAuthorization

Trump Administration Strips Schools, Churches of Immigration Enforcement Protections NPR reports that the Department of Homeland Security has rescinded Biden-era protections that restricted immigration enforcement in sensitive areas, allowing immigration authorities to conduct arrests at schools, healthcare facilities, and places of worship. This shift follows President Trump's executive actions, which also ended humanitarian parole programs for individuals from certain countries, and emphasized a return to more aggressive immigration enforcement, particularly in sanctuary cities. ? Follow Gordon Law Group PC for updates on U.S. immigration law and practical guidance in this changing landscape. #ImmigrationLaw #PolicyUpdate #SanctuaryCities #TrumpAdministration #GlobalMobility

?? Have You Checked Your I-94 for Errors? ?? With no more passport stamps at the border, I-94 errors have become more common, and they can lead to serious immigration issues. If you recently traveled, it’s critical to check your I-94 record for mistakes in your name, travel history, admission dates, or visa classification. If you spot an error, our latest flyer provides a helpful guide to: ? Identify I-94 issues ? Gather necessary documents ? Correct errors with CBP through deferred inspection sites or the online Traveler Communication Center ?? Need assistance? Contact our office at [email protected] for help navigating this process. #ImmigrationLaw #I94 #TravelTips

?? Happy New Year from Gordon Law Group PC! ?? As we step into 2025, we extend our heartfelt wishes for a happy, healthy, and prosperous New Year to all! ?? We’re deeply grateful for the trust our clients and community have placed in us over the past year. ?? Whether you're pursuing your dream of living in the U.S., working to reunite with loved ones, or expanding your U.S. workforce, it has been our honor to support your journey. Looking ahead, we remain committed to providing exceptional legal counsel and unwavering support to help you achieve a brighter future in the United States. ?? Here's to an incredible 2025 together! ?? #HappyNewYear #NewYear2025 #ImmigrationLaw

"The immigration surge of the past few years has been the largest in U.S. history," according to The New York Times. From 2021 to 2023, an average of 2.4 million immigrants entered the U.S. each year—a record-breaking trend fueled by global crises, evolving immigration policies, and economic factors. Key Highlights from the Surge: ?? The U.S. foreign-born population reached 15.2% in 2023, surpassing the previous high of 14.8% in 1890. ?? Roughly 8 million immigrants have entered the country since 2021, including 5 million without legal authorization. ?? While immigration has bolstered workforce growth and cooled wage inflation, it has also put pressure on local services and spurred political debates. As we navigate these changes, it’s crucial to understand both the opportunities and challenges this historic wave of immigration presents—particularly for employers aiming to leverage a global talent pool while staying compliant with immigration regulations. ?? At Gordon Law Group PC, we partner with businesses to develop effective immigration strategies that address workforce needs and mitigate risks. Contact [email protected] to learn how we can support your organization. #ImmigrationLaw #WorkforceDevelopment #GlobalMobility #TalentAcquisition

?? Final H-1B Modernization Rule Effective January 17??? ? The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has finalized the H-1B Modernization Rule, with significant updates taking effect on January 17, 2025. These changes are designed to bring clarity and flexibility to the H-1B program while strengthening compliance measures. Key updates include: ? Revised H-1B Definition ? Updates provide more flexibility for defining specialty occupations by clarifying that (1) a bachelor's degree may not always be required, and (2) positions requiring multiple degree fields are eligible if directly related to job duties. ? Deference to Prior Approvals ? Greater predictability for employers by clarifying that USCIS will defer to prior petition approvals unless material changes, errors, or adverse information arise. ? Enhanced Cap-Gap Protections ? F-1 students awaiting H-1B status can benefit from extended work authorization during delays. ? Clarity on H-1B Amendment Requirements ? Employers must file amendments for material location changes but can avoid amendments for moves within areas covered by the original Labor Condition Application (LCA). ? Site Visit Program Codified ? Strengthened USCIS site visit authority ensures compliance at all work locations. These updates include mandatory use of a new Form I-129 starting January 17th and potential adjustments as the incoming administration considers changes to the rule. At?Gordon Law Group PC, we’re here to help you navigate these changes. From strategizing compliance to managing the transition, our?team?ensures?your business stays ahead. Follow us for insights on how these updates impact your workforce and hiring plans.?#H1B #ImmigrationUpdate #WorkforceCompliance #WorkVisas

?? Legal Immigration During Second Trump Term??? Trump’s second term is likely to bring significant challenges for employers and highly skilled foreign workers. While Trump has spoken about welcoming workers legally, his track record—and key advisors like Stephen Miller—suggest a return to restrictive policies and increased obstacles for legal immigration pathways. Here's a summary of what to expect: ?? More Red Tape for Visa Holders ?? From 2016–2020, H-1B and L-1 visa applicants faced higher denial rates, extensive documentation requirements, and lengthy delays. We anticipate the same “invisible wall” tactics, with growing scrutiny for renewals and additional interviews for green card applications. ?? Harder Pathways for Families and Spouses??? Spouses of visa holders may lose their right to work or face new barriers. Students graduating from U.S. universities might see their work authorization period curtailed, complicating job transitions. ?? Impact on Indian and Chinese Nationals??? Indian and Chinese nationals, already stuck in long green card queues due to per-country quotas, will likely face even more delays, tighter renewal requirements, and shorter grace periods if they lose jobs. ? Strategic Immigration Planning?? As policies tighten under the new administration, employers may face increased costs, longer processing times, and stricter requirements when hiring or retaining foreign national employees. A proactive and well-planned immigration strategy is more important than ever. At?Gordon Law Group PC, we specialize in guiding businesses through these complexities. Whether it’s streamlining visa processes or ensuring compliance with regulations, our team is here to support evolving workforce needs and help businesses stay competitive.?#ImmigrationLaw #H1B #TrumpAdministration?#WorkVisas