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. 
October Visa Bulletin
The Department of State has released the October Visa Bulletin. All EB1 categories are current, EB2 all chargeability areas, EB2 Mexico and EB2 Philippines are also current. EB2 China and India are retrogressed until January 1, 2006 and April 1, 2004 respectively. EB3, as well, is retrogressed across the board until 2001 or 2002 depending on the country.
For full visa bulletin see: http://travel.state.gov/visa/frvi/bulletin/bulletin_3800.html USCIS Issues Receipt Notice Updates
USCIS has released the latest receipt notice update. The Service has clarified that they will honor the date the application is received in the mailroom, and this should be the date reflected on the receipt notice. As of September 21st, 2007, the USCIS has completed data entry and issued receipt notices for applications and petitions received on or before the dates indicated: Form Number | Date Rec’d | California Service Center | | N-400 | 7/29/2007 | All other forms | 9/13/2007 | Nebraska Service Center | | I-131 | 8/09/2007 | I-140 | 8/09/2007 | I-485 (employment based) | 8/09/2007 | I-765 | 8/09/2007 | N-400 | 7/29/2007 | All other forms | 8/05/2007 | Texas Service Center | | I-131 | 7/19/2007 | I-140 | 8/13/2007 | I-140 concurrently filed with I-485 I-485 (employment based) | 7/29/2007 7/29/2007 | I-765 | 7/29/2007 | N-400 | 7/17/2007 | All other forms | 9/16/2007 | Vermont Service Center | | N-400 | 7/25/2007 | All other forms | 9/11/2007 |
For full update see: http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.5af9bb95919f35e66f614176543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=ace7ec20cfbd4110VgnVCM1000004718190aRCRD DOL Releases Performance Report
The Department of Labor’s Office of Foreign Labor Certification has released a performance report containing information on the reduction of pending cases at the backlog centers and an assessment of the re-engineered PERM program. In addition, statistics are provided regarding jobs filed, number of employer’s requests, and countries from which employees come from. Further, important labor market trends and occupational opportunities are highlighted in the report. Assistant Secretary Emily Stover DeRocco writes, “DOL’s role in immigration is growing along with the pressures on our nation’s immigration systems. In the 12 months ending September 30, 2006, DOL processed requests from employers for temporary or permanent labor certifications for over one million workers…ETA is meeting its particular challenges; the benefits of the global economy are being felt around the nation.”
For full report see: http://www.foreignlaborcert.doleta.gov/pdf/OFLC_Report_v11_8-23-07.pdf
Congress Returning to the Immigration Issue…Again?
The Los Angeles Times is reporting that less than three months after Congress defeated the Comprehensive Immigration Reform Bill, Congress is returning again to the hot topic of immigration. Starting as early as this week, a number of smaller measures are set to be discussed including ways to increase the H-1B cap, a proposition being discussed by Senate Republicans. HLG will keep you posted of any significant developments being made in this direction.
http://www.latimes.com/news/printedition/front/la-na-immig17sep17,1,7178201.story?ctrack=1&cset=true
USCIS Announces New Naturalization Test
The USCIS has announced the implementation of a new naturalization test. The new test consists of 100 questions and answers that comprise the civics component of the exam. The new test will be administered to applicants starting October 2008. “We are very proud of this new test” says USCIS Director Emilio Gonzalez. “Together, we developed a test that will encourage citizenship applicants to learn and identify with the basic civic values that unite us as Americans.”
See: http://www.uscis.gov/files/pressrelease/NatzTest_27sep07.pdf
Immigration Outlook: Free Seminar for Employers and Employees
Friday, November 16th at the Newark Liberty International Airport Marriott in New Jersey Mike Hammond, Amy Dalal and Chris Musillo will be speaking at this event. Read more about this event Register for this event View the complete HLG Event Calendar HLG to Attend the National Association of Computer Consulting Businesses (NACCB) Annual Conference & Trade Show November 6-9, 2007 in Las Vegas
Mike Hammond and Amy Dalal will be attending this event. Please visit us at our exhibit booth. Read more about this event View the complete HLG Event Calendar | 
