It is clear that 2007 will end without a new Immigration Act and without any major changes in the rules and regulations in spite of the critical need in the United States to assist the 12 million undocumented foreigners living here; individuals who want to live, work or study in the United States; and businesses and companies who need foreign workers.  With the 2008 US Presidential elections underway and immigration reform a controversial issue, we do not expect significant changes in 2008 either. 

Nevertheless, there are still opportunities and changes:

• Labor certificates now expire 180 days after approval.  An I-140 based on a labor certificate approved prior to July 16, 2007 must be filed by January 11, 2008 or the labor certificate will expire.  Please contact Yvonne Rosenthal at yvonne@bandervisa.com if you are holding an approved labor certificate that is about to expire.
• U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services announced December 11^th that "despite rumors to the contrary, 'green cards'(I-551) with no expiration dates are still valid, and lawful permanent residents carrying those cards will continue to receive all appropriate benefits.  These cards will remain valid until the implementation of the final rule addressing this issue".
• The new H1B Filing Period will begin on April 1, 2008 for employment beginning in October, 2008.  It is anticipated that the demand will be as high as in 2007, when by the second day of the filing period no additional applications were accepted.  It is critical that applications be filed on April 1^st to maximize chances of success.  Bander & Associates has a team in place to assist you with this competitive process.  Please contact Michael A. Bander, Esq. immediately at michael@bandervisa.com if you believe that the H1B might be the best vehicle to assist you. 
• If your Naturalization Examination was held more than 120 days ago, and you still have not been scheduled for an oath taking ceremony, we are prepared to file suit in the US District Court to force CIS to adjudicate your application.  We have expertise in this procedure and an excellent record of success.  Please contact Stephen M. Bander, Esq. at stephen@bandervisa.com for more information. 
• If you are a child of a native or citizen of Cuba, even though born outside of Cuba (for example, Venezuela) you may be eligible to qualify for green card status under the Cuban Adjustment Act.  A legal suit initiated by Bander & Associates clarified the documentation required and has allowed us to help many in this situation become green card holders.  Please contact Stephen M. Bander, Esq. at stephen@bandervisa.com for more information. 

Please visit our website at www.bandervisa.com for up to date news on these opportunities and others.  You may call (305)358-5800 to schedule an appointment. 

Disclaimer:  The information contained in this newsletter is generalized and should not be used to replace legal advice for specific immigration cases.