Some people lawfully enter the United States because they have family members living here. Others have opportunities for education or professional development that make them eligible for visas. There are also humanitarian immigration programs that can prove beneficial to people facing hardship in th...
When you are granted a visa to enter the United States, it comes with a specific expiration date. Staying beyond that authorized period, even for a short time, is considered a visa overstay. This situation is not uncommon, but it can carry serious consequences for your future immigration options....
Many individuals pursue expungement to move on from past mistakes and gain access to new opportunities. In some situations, this process can seal a criminal record from public view. However, immigration authorities may still access these records, and expunged convictions can play a role in removal p...
A green card authorizes you to be a permanent resident of the United States. You’re not a full citizen, but this is a step up from simply living and working in the United States on a visa. If you have a green card, you don’t have to worry about satisfying visa requirements in the same specific ways....
Many people born in other countries dream of becoming United States citizens. The legal process of acquiring citizenship, called naturalization, is somewhat lengthy....
Employment immigration is very important to both the businesses and the workers themselves. It gives businesses a chance to seek high-level employees in any part of the world—not just the United States—and it gives those workers a chance to relocate and seek new job opportunities....
People considering employment immigration often have questions about the process. For example, they want to know how long they can legally remain in the United States with an employment visa. They may have questions about travel restrictions that apply while they reside in the United States....
Employers sometimes need to use specific employment visas when they want to bring workers to the United States from another country. One example is the H-1B visa. Employers can work with prospective employees by demonstrating that there is a valid job offer, which can help influence the government t...
If you are an Illinois business looking to sponsor a foreign national for a job, the PERM Labor Certification is a crucial step. This process can seem a bit complicated, especially when it comes to figuring out the “prevailing wage.” Getting this wage right is essential for your employee...
Understanding the PERM (Program Electronic Review Management) labor certification process is vital for U.S. employers hiring foreign workers. This certification is a key step in obtaining an employment-based green card for your employees. Here is a breakdown of the process to help you grasp what is ...
Starting a business in the United States as a foreign entrepreneur presents unique challenges, but understanding your visa options can significantly ease the process....
Immigration is vital in farming, hospitality and food service, healthcare, construction and manufacturing. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce states that many jobs would remain unfilled even if all unemployed people took available positions. Immigration and census data show that early retirement, older wo...
Businesses often rely on international talent to stay competitive. However, the increasing complexity of immigration processes has led to scams targeting businesses. Here are three common immigration scams that business owners should be aware of to protect their companies and employees....
As an employer in Illinois, you know that immigrant workers bring a wealth of unique perspectives, languages and skills to the table. They can boost your business’s competitiveness and innovation, creating a diverse and skilled workforce....
Losing your job can be stressful, especially for H-1B visa holders whose legal status depends on their employers. The recent tech industry layoffs in 2023, which affected roughly 10,000 employees with H-1B visas, serve as a stark example....
As a small business owner, you have the option to hire immigrant workers. Employing talent from other countries can contribute diverse skills and perspectives that could help your business grow. However, the complex legal aspects of U.S. immigration law could present challenges. Here are four tips t...
Reality shows depict the process of obtaining a fiancé visa in a very narrow and entertaining light. While the process can go smoothly and without issue, the reality is that many of those seeking to bring a foreign fiancé to the United States to marry encounter issues or delays along the way....
Employers in Illinois and elsewhere can hire Immigrants on various visas. While this is a great way to bring in talent around the world, there are federal rules and regulations that need to be complied with when making such a hire....
Major metropolitan areas like Chicago are seeing more news these days about the impact of immigration on the local infrastructure and social services. But, what about the impact of immigration on the economy? Well, according to one recent news article, data seems to show a positive impact....
Entrepreneurs play a key role in the economy and employment landscape in Illinois. Immigrants who have an idea for a business or product need to know about the entrepreneur pathways for immigration. This could be a viable alternative to starting a business in the United States....
In Illinois, few topics generate as much attention as immigration. There are many layers to the debate. For businesses, it boils down to increasing their productivity and profit. In many instances, that means they need to hire immigrants who can perform certain duties based on their skills and educa...
Illinois businesses that are trying to advance and improve in a competitive environment will look everywhere for employees that can help them. That includes hiring well-qualified immigrants. Since Immigration is such a controversial topic in today’s atmosphere, it is imperative to understand the opt...
Many married couples decide to move to the United States to start their careers and families. However, in many cases, one spouse will move to the United States and establish themselves before sending for their spouse....
Immigrants can bring a wide range of experience to the U.S. workplace, and it is important for businesses to comply with employment requirements for these workers....
The United States welcomes immigrants from all over the world each year; however, there are some situations where an immigrant’s application is denied. Fortunately, there may be an opportunity to appeal the decision....
The immigration process can be complex. If a person is faced with deportation from the U.S., they may need help to understand the process....
An I-9 form is used to verify the identity and employment authorization of individuals who are hired in the United States. There are sections of this document that both the employee and employer must complete....
The United States has many opportunities for employment in several different fields of work. If a person who is not a U.S. citizen is interested in applying for a U.S. employment visa, there are several important steps to follow....
The current climate in the United States for immigrants is rather complicated. Immigration authorities are stricter now about enforcing immigration laws and the presence of sanctuary cities. The Attorney General’s Office has launched a campaign called “Know Your Rights” to make thi...
A portion of the U.S. Code has been receiving a lot of attention lately as would-be immigrants continue to pile up on the country’s southern border....
As a Chicago business owner, you know that hiring good employees is vital to the success of your business. The United States is currently made up of a diverse mix of immigrant workers....
Legal pathways for citizenship have remained a topic of conversation since the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) became law in June of 2012. A press conference by Democratic senators addressed a recent decision by U.S. Appeals Court for the Fifth Circuit has renewed discussion on the iss...
When running a business in Illinois, there is always competition. Trying to stay one step ahead is complicated. Finding qualified employees who can provide value may not be easy. In some cases, it is necessary to expand the search beyond the United States and hire people from other countries. Since ...
The United States is becoming increasingly strict about its immigration policies and that is especially true for people who are specifically coming to the country to work. Illinois employers who are considering prospective employees from other countries will have certain responsibilities if they are...
For immigrants that are currently working in the United States, your work could be your pathway to a green card. Indeed, employment-based visas are a common way for immigrants to establish permanent residency and eventually, citizenship. Each EB visa is given a priority level based on the skill leve...
Foreign citizens may sometimes need to enter the United States for a short period of time to conduct business. There is a special type of visa designed just for this purpose, called a visitor visa....
When we think of immigration – both the application process and obtaining resident status or citizenship – we tend to think of immigrants themselves. But businesses can play a large role in that process, by sponsoring the immigrant in hopes of obtaining them as a long-term employee. It can be a win-...
Being able to work in the United States under a green card visa is a complicated and time-consuming process, and one that can delay skilled foreign nationals from entering the country to provide indispensable services to industries in need of their specialized abilities....
What many immigrants forget is that, regardless of their status (legal or otherwise), everyone on United States soil is covered by the Constitution. Though, even for those immigrants that know this, they may still not know how to interact with police because of a fear of losing their status or being...
Federal law requires that employers maintain accurate I-9 forms on all current employees, so that their identity and eligibility to work can be verified. An I-9 audit occurs when federal Immigration officials select a business for the verification process, reviewing the company’s records to ensure c...
Immigration law in the United States can be extraordinarily complex and therefore challenging to understand. Yet, successfully navigating it could mean the difference between building the life you always envisioned for yourself and your family and being removed from the country altogether. That’s wh...
The Department of Homeland Security has released guidelines regarding who is to be prioritized for enforcement proceedings. It is stepping away from the approach taken by the previous administration and will move forward with a more categorical or “targeted” approach. Under the previous administrati...
For many years, employers have been required to verify the identity and employment eligibility of their employees....
Immigration law and the potential changes that have been proposed and attempted over the past five years have placed Illinois residents and people across the nation on an emotional pendulum. This is especially true for those who fall into the category of “Dreamers” and were subject to the Deferred A...
Each year, many people apply for employment-based immigrant visas. These visas are divided into several preference categories....
Being an undocumented immigrant in the Chicago can be stressful. On one hand, you came to this country in seek of a better life for you and your loved ones. You may have been escaping poverty or war in your home nation. However, once in the U.S. you may live in constant fear of being arrested by U.S...
The stability and safety of foreign nations is ever-changing. Many individuals who live abroad do not feel safe or secure in their home countries. Some risk traveling through war-torn nations to reach safety in the United States as asylum seekers. Of those who make it to America, some settle right h...
For those living in another country wanting to immigrate to the U.S., one method of immigration is through family sponsorship. If the foreign citizen has an immediate relative that is already a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident, that relative can petition for the foreign citizen’s immigrat...
The US immigration law regime could see drastic changes with a new president in the White House. The Biden Administration described the ways it intends to reform the immigration system in a press release earlier this month....
Earlier this year, the federal government announced rules that would seriously limit the number of visas issued to skilled workers under its H-1B visa program. On Dec. 1, however, a federal judge in California struck down two federal rules designed to restrict this US immigration law program because...
Although a U.S. Supreme Court ruling reinstated the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program in July 2020, the current administration has continued to chip away at the application process and effectively halted the program, pending Department of Homeland Security (DHS) review. According...
Obtaining a visa to live and work in the United States has rarely been as competitive or difficult to obtain as it is now, and the path just got even a little narrower for H-1B visa holders....
People interested in coming to the United States from other countries may apply for a visa related to their employment. The United States Department of State indicates that the dependent children under 21 years of age and spouse of an applicant may also request a visa to accompany their family membe...
For those people in Chicago who are not native to the United States and still under immigrant status, the fear of deportation may be ever-present. Not only do they need to monitor their activities in regard to their immigration status, but they also have to keep in mind that other actions (such as a...
As a Chicago employer, you likely have applicants and employees with a wide variety of immigration statuses. Just as it is illegal to discriminate against employees and job applicants based on protected statuses like race, nationality, gender and disability, it’s also illegal to discriminate b...
Many people who move to the United States wish to eventually gain citizenship so that they may fully enjoy the rights and benefits offered to citizens through the government. When seeking U.S. citizenship some individuals may choose to give up their citizenship in their home countries. Others may el...
A person who enters onto American soil may seek asylum by demonstrating that they may suffer persecution in their home country. Asylum exists to offer safe harbor to individuals who have suffered under the policies of their governments because of their beliefs and traits. Across Illinois, individual...
Last month President Donald Trump announced that immigration raids would take place across the nation to identify and remove allegedly illegal immigrants from the United States. Those raids were put on hold. However, it has been publicized that they will in fact happen and will begin after the 4th o...
Every year thousands of people arrive in the United States from countries throughout the world. Some of these travelers are just that – individuals who wish to visit the country to learn about its history and culture, and who wish to experience the tastes, sounds and sights of America for them...
There are a variety of reasons to apply for a visa to enter the United States. Immigrants entering the U.S. at Illinois or any other state should understand that a visa holds certain restrictions or requirements. In other words, a visa, no matter what type, does not afford a foreign national the rig...
Whether it is for work, education, love or a fresh start, foreign nationals need more than just a reason to come to America. Proper documentation and paperwork is necessary for those seeking to temporarily or permanently reside in the U.S. Applying for a visa may seem routine; however, it can be a c...
Foreign nationals across the globe come to America for a wide variety of reasons. One of these reasons is for work. Whether it is long term or for a short duration, immigrants need to get the proper documentation and file the appropriate paperwork to work in the U.S. In some cases, specific work vis...
As a previous post highlighted, many foreign nationals come to America through Illinois and other states to establish citizenship. While it can be a lengthy process, it is possible for immigrants to successfully enter the path to citizenship and complete it without any issues. This process is also k...
Reality television often glamourizes normal life events. Even when something is not normally experienced by individuals in Illinois and elsewhere, a television series can leave out the challenges that are often associated with it. Take for example the reality series that follows U.S. citizens on the...
Coming to America means so many different things to immigrants currently residing in the nation. For some, it is a life long dream to come to the United States for school or a career. For others, it means a better chance for their family. And for some, it means escaping a very challenging and dire s...
An analysis of the first three months of the 2018 fiscal year shows a steady increase in the number of immigration application denials....
Many individuals from a wide range of countries seek to come to the United States to obtain temporary or permanent employment. However, in order to come to America for employment, a certain process must be followed. This requires obtaining the proper documentation, such as a specific visa, for the t...
For some, obtaining employment is challenging. Thus, when a person obtains their dream job, it is something that they do not want to turn down. For foreign nationals, it is a bit more complex, as they must ensure they have applied for the proper visa so they can travel to the U.S. and obtain employm...
Visiting America is often a goal of many foreigners. In some cases, nationals from other countries seek to come to the U.S. for more than just a limited visit as a tourist. Because there are many opportunities in Illinois and other states, immigrants will enter the U.S. with a specific visa, allowin...
Traveling to America is typically an exciting event for foreigners; however, each person traveling to the U.S. has a different story and their own reason for entering the United States. In many cases, their trip is short lived and only for tourism. In other cases, the goal is long term or permanent....
For some immigrants entering the U.S., resettling in the United States is their goal. While this might be for career opportunities, others take this step because of the fear of persecution in their home country. Seeking asylum is not a rare step taken by immigrants; however, it is an area of immigra...
Foreign nationals come to the U.S. for a wide variety of reasons. While many of these reasons cause a foreigner to be in the country temporarily, there are some reasons to make a stay permanent. And when immigrants seek to make Chicago or any other city their forever home, there are required steps. ...
It can take much time and effort for an immigrant to leave their home country and venture to America. The goal may be to remain in the U.S. for an extended period of time, or possibly, make it their new home. No matter what the end goal may be, immigrants coming into the country at Illinois or any o...
When a person is born in a country, he or she becomes a citizen of that country. So, in simple terms, a person born in the U.S. then becomes a citizen of the U.S. While this is very straightforward, it can become more complex as dual citizenship is possible. As the name implies, this means a person ...
Some immigrants enter the United States as a means to see the county, traveling to major tourist locations. Other immigrants seek to remain in the U.S., taking steps to lawfully reside in the country. By filing for a green card, these immigrants are open to certain rights and privileges other immigr...
There are many reasons why foreign nationals come to the United States. While some seek to just visit and sight-see, others seek to make their move permanent, as they have nothing back at home. In some cases, immigrants decided to leave their home as a means to obtain a better life and escape persec...
Immigrants come to America for various reasons. And some of these reasons turn into entering the path of citizenship. While citizenship is not the goal of all immigrants in America, it is often sought after, making it important to understand what this process entails. In other words, what must an ap...
Besides tourism, one of the biggest reasons immigrants come to America is to find work. While there are many legal avenues to accomplish this endeavor, not all foreign nationals go through the legal channels to obtain a work visa to relocate to the United States for a period of time. Thus, immigrant...
For many immigrants, it is common to come to the United States as a tourist. In order to do so, a visitor visa is required. This visa allows the foreign national to travel within the U.S, for a designated amount of time. If that time is about to lapse, it is possible to obtain an extension. However,...
While the reasons range greatly, some Illinois immigrants come to the United States to make it their home. Every day, immigrants seek to obtain citizenship. However, this is not an easy process. It can be a lengthy, making it vital for immigrants seeking to become a citizen to understand the process...
A person’s purpose for coming to America can vary greatly, as this is dependent on the person and their ultimate goals for their visit. For some, it is truly a visit. Many foreigners come to Illinois and other U.S. states to see the country as a tourist. Others attempt to stay in the country l...
As a previous post highlighted, some immigrants come to America as a means to gain a safe haven. Because the foreign national is afraid of persecution in their home country, their best option for survival is to flee their home country, come to the United States and seek asylum. While asylum seekers ...
Hundreds of immigrants are being held in detention facilities across the country awaiting decisions on their immigration status. But when they are suddenly plucked from their communities and disappear, many Americans are unaware of the trauma they’ll endure before being sent back to their birt...
When foreign nationals leave their country to come to America, they seek to remain in the United States for specific reasons. While they look at the U.S. as their new home, some immigrants do not see this situation as giving up their past life in their home country. Thus, some immigrants do not want...
Relocating to the United States means a wide variety of things to the immigrants starting fresh in a new country. It could be a work opportunity, the ability to reconnect with family, starting a family with a spouse that is a citizen or even escaping persecution in your home country. Whether you are...
Of the 50 most dangerous cities in the world, 42 belong to Latin America. Although the continent only makes up 8.5 percent of the world’s population, 27 percent of global homicides are committed within this region alone. As the Trump administration is attempting to limit the requirement...
After fighting to be freed from behind bars for a crime they did not commit, Gabriel Solache and Arturo Reyes want out of the U.S. The two Mexican citizens made arrangements to return to their native country after serving 18 years out of life sentences for murder. Although this is not the typical st...
To remain competitive in the expanding Illinois market, businesses often think outside the box. For some, this means employing people who do not live in the U.S. By bringing a different focus to the company, employing foreigners can be very beneficial. However, companies need to take certain steps t...
Many foreigners come to Illinois every year. While some of these individuals are just visitors on vacation, others seek to come to America for education and work opportunities. For those relocating to the U.S. for higher education, a student visa will be necessary. Depending on what a student plans ...
The U.S. state department estimates roughly 9 million U.S. citizens live overseas. Apart from learning a new language and adapting to an unfamiliar culture, the expat lifestyle can become even more complicated if you find yourself expecting a child on foreign land. Typically a child born in a foreig...
While many foreigners come to the United States as tourists, many enter the country to work temporarily or permanently. This can be a major business endeavor or just an opportunity sought by an individual. However, no matter the reason for coming to work in the U.S., immigrants entering in Illinois ...
Whether you just recently moved to the U.S. or are here only temporarily for work, many immigrants seek to maintain their newfound life in America. Because of that, many seek to bring over family members to help with this process. This is especially true if an individual does not want to return to t...
There are a wide variety of reasons for foreign nationals to enter the United States. While some might visit Illinois and other states for tourism, others seek to make their stay more permanent. Although work visas help immigrants to enter and remain in the United States for a certain period of time...
Individuals from all over the country venture to the United States for a wide variety of reasons. For some, this is for a vacation, while others seek to work in the country temporarily or long-term. In some instances, foreign residents enter the U.S. with the hope that it could save them from harm a...
Being a citizen of the United States is often very beneficial and the goal of many individuals throughout the world. While a person born in the U.S. is considered a U.S. citizen, this is not the only even that could result in an individual being considered a U.S. national. Whether you were born abro...
Working in America is a dream of many. Because many foreigners seek to obtain what has been built up and known as the American dream, the U.S. tends to see an influx of immigration into the nation. Whether it is a business operating in the United States or an individual obtaining employment in the U...
Since its creation by the Immigration Act of 1990, the H1-B visa program has given skilled workers in other countries the opportunity to temporarily work here in the United States....
