In his first address to Congress, President Trump called for shifting the U.S. to a merit-based immigration system from the current family-based system. The family-based system prioritizes admitting immigrants with relatives in the U.S. willing to sponsor the family member. Trump praised Canada and Australia’s merit-based systems during his address. He said the current system…
DetailsThe Mountain View Chamber of Commerce selected immigration lawyer Sophie Alcorn as this year’s Celebration of Leaders Outstanding Young Business Person. Every year, the Mountain View Chamber of Commerce acknowledges individuals, companies, and organizations for their exceptional contributions and service. Immigration Law Expert Alcorn founded Alcorn Immigration Law in Mountain View, California, in 2015. An…
DetailsMany immigrants and employers of immigrants—even legal ones—are living in fear. But you don’t have to. At Alcorn Immigration Law, we protect our clients’ rights by taking action. My staff and I are monitoring all immigration developments. We stand ready to take action and do everything possible for you, your employees, your family, or your…
DetailsThe Trump administration put a freeze on all new and pending regulations, including the International Entrepreneur Rule, the Obama Administration’s creative substitute for a startup visa. Last week’s freeze was expected. Typically, new administrations taking over from the other party halt new and pending regulations to review them before they’re finalized. Regulatory Process Before…
DetailsPresident Trump’s executive order banning nationals from seven predominantly-Muslim countries have prompted confusion and fear. Several reports that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents have arrested, detained or deported individuals and are possibly planning raids have profoundly added to that confusion and fear. Here are the eight most important steps to protect yourself from being arrested and…
DetailsAs the deadline for the H-1B lottery approaches, both the Trump administration and federal lawmakers are making moves to reform the oversubscribed H-1B visa program. Highly Coveted The H-1B visa allows U.S. companies to employ workers in occupations that require special expertise in fields, such as science, technology, engineering and mathematics. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services…
DetailsJudge Ann Donnelly of the Eastern District of New York issued an order temporarily prohibiting the enforcement of Trump’s Executive Order banning visa holders from seven Muslim countries from entering the United States. You can read the ACLU’s motion and the judge’s order of the temporary stay at Mother Jones. This ruling will be in effect…
DetailsImmigration Attorney Sophie Alcorn explains why Trump’s Executive Order banning visa holders, lawful permanent residents, and refugees, is a bad idea. This order applies to people who who hold passports from the countries of Syria, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Yemen, Iraq and Sudan. President Trump’s executive order is a thinly veiled effort to ban and scapegoat…
DetailsTwo draft executive orders by the Trump Administration will end some of the key immigration reforms of the Obama Administration. The draft orders, copies of which were obtained and originally reported by Vox, also place more restrictions on legal immigration. Wide-Ranging Changes The draft order, titled “Protecting American Jobs and Workers by Strengthening the Integrity…
DetailsWatch Sophie’s video to learn all about the newly final International Entrepreneur Rule, a wonderful parting gift to Silicon Valley from President Obama’s administration. Now startup founders are eligible for International Entrepreneur Parole, a U.S. immigration status. Here are the top five things startup founders should know: This rule provides an immigration status for startup…
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