Larrabee Albi Coker LLP

Many successful companies in the United States were founded or co-founded by immigrant entrepreneurs. In a recent 2024 trend, the American Immigration Council found that a total of 230 (about 46%) Fortune 500 companies were either founded by immigrants or children of immigrants. The growth of New American Fortune companies founded by immigrants this year continues to portray the influence of immigrant entrepreneurship on the U.S. economy. https://lnkd.in/e3SdssWz

The Department of State has released the new #VisaBulletin for December 2024. This month, there was a small advancement in the final action dates for employment-based filings in the EB-2 and EB-3 categories for India: (1) EB-2 advanced by 17 days for India and (2) EB-3 advanced by 7 days. For December 2024, USCIS has determined to use the Dates for Filing Chart for both family-sponsored and employment-based filings. https://lnkd.in/gHjq9V9Z

Welcome November 2024 and Happy Native American Heritage Month! The month of November is a time to honor the rich legacy of Indigenous culture in our nation. As we celebrate Native American Heritage Month, let us reflect on the heritage of the first peoples that inhabited our land, uplift Native and Indigenous contributions and accomplishments, and continue to advocate for Indigenous rights. Below we share an article highlighting influential Native American Leaders who left a long-lasting mark on their leadership, bravery, and innovations. https://lnkd.in/gHKv-dvj

This week, we would like to shine a spotlight on our senior LAC attorney, Melissa Nonaka, who will speak as a panelist at the 37th Annual AILA CA Chapters Conference in Monterey, CA on Thursday, November 7th. As part of a Conference Panel titled “Strategies to Interrupt Bias in the U.S. Immigration System (Implicit Bias)”, the panelists will discuss how unconscious attitudes or stereotypes related to race, sex, gender, age, and/or national origin affect legal representation, particularly in the context of immigration law. A few topics of discussion will include: (1) Recognizing bias in laws and systems, (2) Recognizing your own biases and how to remedy them, (3) Building resilience and allyship in daily life and community, and (4) Strategies to reduce the effects of bias on your client’s case.?

Voting is one of the most powerful and influential ways we can protect the core foundation of our society and participate in civic engagement. As we count down to Election Day on November 5, 2024, let us be reminded of the opportunity we have to promote change and to make a difference that will shape the future of the United States. Let us remember that our voices matter and be a part of making history. #HappyElectionDay

On December 5, 2024, our very own LAC partner, Fausta Albi will speak as a panelist for an upcoming AILA webinar titled “Navigating TN: Unlocking the Pathway to Cross-Border Professional Success.” The panelists will take a deep dive into the TN visa classification for Canadian and Mexican nationals as an alternative solution for corporate clients, address TN port of entry (POE) experiences, discuss regulatory standards, and compare Canadian and Mexican TN intricacies.

On October 25th, USCIS approved a new credentialing organization, International Educational Evaluations, LLC,?for healthcare workers for certain immigration purposes. USCIS has authorized the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CCFNS), the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT), and the Foreign Credentialing Commission on Physical Therapy (FCCPT) to issue certificates for individuals in certain health care occupations. Individuals applying for an immigrant or non-immigrant visa, applying for adjustment of status, or a change of status request, can present certificates issued by the above-mentioned organizations as evidence of their foreign educational background. https://lnkd.in/gsREzkiT

October 28, 2024, is National Immigrant’s Day! We proudly celebrate the United States long history of welcoming of Immigrants from around the world.?We honor the economic, social, and cultural impact Immigrants have made in the United States, whose efforts have helped shape and build our nation. We also reflect on the importance of creating pathways to citizenship for Immigrants who call the U.S. their home and highlight the challenges they continue to face. As we celebrate National Immigrants Day,?let us be reminded of the significance of this special day, tracing back to the 1892 opening of Ellis Island in the New York Harbor, and continue to advocate for the rights of Immigrants and immigration reform.

Forbes article highlighting recent research finding by the National Foundation for American Policy that by 2025, the main source of the U.S. labor force growth will come from Immigrant workers. The article also highlights the key roles immigration workers play in the U.S. labor force and economic growth. https://lnkd.in/eRTpbgDp

On October 17th, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced new Temporary Protected Status (TPS) designation and Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) for Lebanese Nationals who are currently in the United States. TPS options include: (1) 18-month new TPS designation for Lebanon due to ongoing conflict, (2) TPS eligibility for Lebanese Individuals having no nationality who last habitually resided in Lebanon and who have been continuously residing in the United States since October 16, 2024. Lebanese nationals who entered the United States after October 16, 2024, will not be eligible for TPS. Eligible Lebanese nationals (including F-1 students) covered by DED can apply for employment authorization valid through January 25, 2026. For F-1 students, DHS is publishing a Special Student Relief notice that will allow students to work an increased number of hours and reduce their course load through the DED designation period. https://lnkd.in/eDisagsg