Immigration Reform

A subject that pounds in the hearts of many of our foreign national clients who would like permanent residence status here in the U.S., Immigration Reform is a complex issue that straddles both sides of the political fence, both in terms of economics and social ethics.

Click Here for video/transcript of President Obama's announcement on November 20, 2014
(This is a link to The Washington Post)

Compliments of E2Visa Reform:

Separately, a CNN Money article pertaining to High Tech Reform (Click Here)

Here are the potential positives for those hoping for permanent status:

• It may expand the options for foreign entrepreneurs to start businesses in the U.S., but it's typically ambiguous: "those who meet certain criteria for creating jobs, attracting investment, and generating revenue in the U.S."

E2 Visa Reform Group states "This could mean a revamp of the criteria for the 0-1A visa (for individuals of extraordinary ability or achievement), which could include things like admittance to startup accelerators. These visas don't have a quota and would expand opportunities for entrepreneurs to stay in the U.S."

• It May extend the existing Optional Practical Training (OPT) program by time length or definition.

This program lets foreign students work in the U.S. without a work visa for 12 months after graduation.  President George W. Bush expanded the program in 2008 for STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) workers from 12 to 29 months. In 2012, Obama expanded the definition of "STEM" to include additional fields of study like computer and information sciences.

There seem to be parts of Immigration Reform that both parties agree on.  Let's hope we can begin to make some bipartisan progress here.