| | The Business Immigration Monthly is Hammond Law Group’s latest web-based newsletter, directed at international workers and employers seeking the most up-to-date news on U.S. immigration issues, specifically those that impact workers on H, L, E, and O visas and workers seeking permanent residency. January Featured Article Written by Amy Dalal, Attorney, Hammond Law Group, LLC 
February Visa Bulletin
The Department of State has released the February Visa Bulletin. There was very little movement in any category. The big change, however, is that EB2 India has become unavailable, effective immediately. The Department of State writes “Despite two retrogressions of the Indian Employment Second preference cut-off date, demand for numbers by CIS Offices for adjustment of status cases has remained extremely high in recent months. As a result the annual limit for the India Employment Second preference category has been reached, and the category has become “unavailable” effective immediately.” Thus, EB2 India will remain unavailable for the remainder of the fiscal year.
For full visa bulletin see: http://travel.state.gov/visa/frvi/bulletin/bulletin_3925.html
Reminder to Use New I-9 Form
Please note, after December 26th, employers are instructed to use the new I-9 form for all new hires and for reverification purposes. Employers who fail to use this form will be subject to penalties.
http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.5af9bb95919f35e66f614176543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=3c5856fad2817110VgnVCM1000004718190aRCRD
H-1(b) Visa Cap Preparation and Strategy Conference Call
On January 30, 2008, at 3pm EST, HLG will be holding a free teleconference for HLG employer-clients to discuss various strategies related to the H-1(B) cap. The teleconference will cover:
- H-1B Cap 2007: cut-off dates and background
- H-1B Cap 2008: expectations
- Timelines to insure timely filings
- What kinds of petitions are NOT subject to the H-1B Cap?: transfers, prior-approved petitions
- Universities and other petitioners not subject to the H-1B Cap
- Masters H-1B Cap
- Alternative strategies: L-1, TN, E-1, O-1, Permanent Residency EB-2
Register at: http://www.hammondlawfirm.com/h1call.htm
You may also contact Mary Clark-Banschbach at mmc@hammondlawfirm.com or (513) 381-2011.
USCIS Announces Improvements to E-Verify Customer Service
On January 8, 2008, the USCIS announced efforts to expand and improve contact services for customers looking to obtain information and/or assistance on the E-verify program. The E-Verify program, formerly known as the Basic Pilot/Employment Eligibility Verification Program) is an internet based system operated by the DHS in partnership with the Social Security Administration (SSA) that allows employers to electronically verify the employment eligibility of newly hired employees. Currently, E-Verify remains a voluntary program in most states. However, more than 43,000 employers are already enrolled in the program, with an average of 1,000 more joining each week.
http://www.uscis.gov/files/pressrelease/e-verify_8jan08.pdf
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