In 2014, we anticipate to see some of the same and
also some promising news!
There are ongoing efforts to reform our immigration laws through a series of incremental bills at the federal and state levels. Republican House Speaker Boehner is supportive of House bills dealing with specific issues such as the Dream Act, visas for high-skilled workers and potentially legalization but not naturalization for undocumented immigrants.
The president of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in his annual "State of American Business" indicated that the Chamber - through grassroots lobbying, communications, politics and partnerships with unions, faith organizations, law enforcement and others will work to get immigration reform passed.
At the state level, there are emerging immigrant-friendly bills in states like California, Oregon and Illinois. These bills authorize undocumented persons to apply for driver's licenses, limit who state and local police can hold for deportation at the request of ICE and allow certain undocumented immigrants to pay college in-state tuition.
The Visa Bulletin for February 2014 shows priority dates for EB-2 India at November 15, 2004 and China at January 08, 2009. It is expected that EB-2 India will not change much until around June. Other cut-off dates are expected to continue to move slightly forward every month.
We also expect ongoing delays in adjudication by DOL and USCIS and emphasis on employers' compliance with the employment verification process and expansion of E-Verify.
I am extremely proud to be able to work with our distinguished clients and readers to continue to promote competitiveness and diversity in the U.S. and assist foreign nationals to achieve their aspirations to live and work in the U.S.
I look forward to another fascinating year of immigration news and to continue to bring you important updates.
Marks Gray, P.A.