Dear Readers:
We’re getting close to the Labor Day Weekend and in presidential politics, that’s usually when voters start to pay close attention. But in what most agree is a crazy presidential cycle, it’s hard to believe people haven’t been paying attention. Immigration, as you know, has been one of the most prominent issues in the race. Hillary Clinton’s record is fairly clear – she’s strongly backing a comprehensive immigration reform plan along the lines of that passed in 2013 by the US Senate. She’s also in favor of the DAPA/DACA+ proposal that is currently still in legal limbo since the Supreme Court reached a tie result last June.
Donald Trump’s views are presumed to be extremely hardline, though there have been some signs of wobbling on the most severe aspects. Building a wall (that Mexico pays for), developing a massive new deportation force and largely curtailing skilled worker immigration are a few of the ideas that have gained notoriety. In recent days, he mentioned potentially allowing some immigrants to stay and even hinted at a legalization program. But then would return to saying that every undocumented immigrant would need to leave the US and there would be no change in the law to allow them back in the US. As of this writing, Trump is scheduled to give a major policy speech on immigration and some believe his positions will become more clear.
***
One of the announced executive actions from President Obama’s November 2014 immigration speech became closer to reality this week. The Parole for Entrepreneurs regulation was published in proposal form. The Department of Homeland Security will be accepting comments for the next 45 days and most expect the rule to be finalized before the end of the year. We cover that news with an extensive section by section summary as well as an article describing the regulation’s highlights. This is potentially a game changer for entrepreneurs. Many have faced closing their companies down when they haven’t been able to get selected in the H-1B lottery. Between the STEM OPT rule and this new program, it’s possible an entrepreneur could work up to eight years in his or her company before having to convert to a nonimmigrant or immigrant visa.
***
In firm news, we welcome Jason Susser as an associate at our firm. Jason’s last name may sound familiar and that’s because he is the son of Siskind Susser firm founder Lynn Susser. We are really excited to have Jason joining the firm. He’s not really new, of course, having grown up in the household he did. But he also worked at our firm as a clerk and a paralegal over the years before attending law school so he’s able to hit the ground running.
***
As always, we invite you to contact us if our firm can be of assistance. Please visit our web page at www.visalaw.com for information on reaching the firm or scheduling a consultation.
Regards,
Greg Siskind
Disclaimer: This newsletter is provided as a public service and not intended to establish an attorney client relationship. Any reliance on information contained herein is taken at your own risk.