The Business Immigration Monthly is Hammond Law Group’s latest news eZine, 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 Craig Clark, Attorney Hammond Law Group, LLC 
FEBRUARY VISA BULLETIN RELEASED
The Department of State has released the February Visa Bulletin. Unfortunately, the Bulletin shows no movement in any of the EB1, EB2 and EB3 categories.
See: http://travel.state.gov/visa/frvi/bulletin/bulletin_3111.html
USCIS RELEASES FAVORABLE H-1B MEMO
On December 5th, the USCIS released a Memorandum that confirms and clarifies several unresolved H-1B issues in a favorable manner for foreign nationals. Among the most significant clarifications, the memo states that time on H-4/L-2 status does not count towards the maximum time on H-1B or L-1 status; that Foreign Nationals need not be in H-1B status when requesting 7th year extensions; and that an H-1B holder who has been out of US for more than one year now has the option of either recapturing remainder of unused time in the previous six year period, or to be subject to the cap again and entitle them to six more years on H-1B status.
For more information see: http://www.hammondlawfirm.com/alerts/12.20.2006_alert.htm
“CONGRESSIONAL LEADERS PREDICT IMMIGRATION LAW”
Reuters recently reported that Democratic and Republican leaders predict that Congress would pass an immigration law this session following the dismissal of President’s Bush’s plan last year. President Bush had proposed an overhaul of the immigration system that included a guest worker program and easier path to citizenship for some. House Republicans stopped the President’s plan from passage. Now, for the first time in 12 years, as Democrats take control of both houses of Congress the outlook for passage of an immigration bill looks favorable. HLG will keep you posted of any new legislative developments.
For full text of article see:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/01/07/AR2007010700595_pf.html
SUBMIT CHANGE OF ADDRESS FORM ONLINE
The USCIS has launched a new web-based service allowing Foreign Nationals to file their change of address requests online. Foreign Nationals are required by law to file an Alien Change of Address Card (Form AR-11) within 10 days of moving. With the new online system, the USCIS hopes to reduce processing times and improve customer service. The Service will continue to accept Change of Address forms through the mail.
See: http://www.uscis.gov/files/pressrelease/OnlineCoA.pdf
DON’T FORGET YOUR PASSPORT
Starting January
23rd, air travelers who enter the US from Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, Bermuda, and the Caribbean must present a passport at the port of entry. Travel from the US territories, including Puerto Rico and US Virgin Islands are not impacted by this new rule. In the past, only a driver’s license and birth certificate were needed when traveling to the US from these areas. The US Customs and Border Protection officers hope this new rule will actually speed up the entry process by eliminating the need to recognize many forms of identification. Typically, getting a new passport can take up to six weeks. However, for an extra fee processing times for passport can be cut down to two weeks time. In addition, by appointment passport agencies are available for walk in appointments.
For more information see:
http://travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2223.html
TRY OUT NEW CITIZENSHIP TEST
The USCIS is planning on sending out thousands of letters to immigrants in 10 cities around the country inviting them to try out the new citizenship test. Study guides will be enclosed with the letters to help participants prepare for the exam. The practice exams will be used to help determine the final test questions on the new exam.
For more information see: http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/APStories/stories/D8MIO5IG2.html
HLG EMPLOYEE FEATURED IN LOCAL UNIVERSITY PUBLICATION
HLG legal assistant Rebecca Himmelsbach was recently featured in an article in the University of Cincinnati, Raymond Walters College alumni publication. A 2003 graduate of Raymond Walters, the article details Rebecca’s time at Raymond Walters and her career at HLG. Rebecca credits her time at Raymond Walters for the inspiration to help others, a trait which she has continued working with HLG. Rebecca is part of Sherry L Neal’s staff.
See: http://www.hammondlawfirm.com/monthly/RMAlum.pdf
HLG TO HOLD SEMINARS IN ATLANTA AND CHICAGO
HLG is planning on holding a free seminar, open to the public, in the Atlanta area on March 5th. A similar seminar will be held in the Chicago area in spring. More details to follow.
HLG Event Calendar: http://www.HammondLawFirm.com/main.htm | 
