Pre-Order Upcoming Seminars

Mergers and Acquisitions-Impact on Employment-Based NIV and IV Cases
November 10, 2009

In this time of ongoing change, companies are performing more mergers and acquisitions than ever. This panel will discuss the impact of mergers and acquisitions on employment-based NIV and IV cases.

-Acquiring and Merging Companies-When to File an Amended Petition
-Strategic Analysis-Whether to Argue Successor in Interest
-Successor in Interest for H-1B Petitions, Filing an Amended LCA
-Successor in Interest for L-1 Petitions-When Is This Possible?
-Acquiring and Merging Companies and the Permanent Resident Process
-Proactive Due Diligence Considerations

Third Country National Processing in Canada and Mexico
November 17, 2009

Practitioners with extensive border experience will address current issues in third country national (TCN) processing.

-Is Third Country National Processing Available for Your Client?
-Which Posts Accept TCNs?
-Current Issues with Bars, Waivers, and TCNs
-Inspection and Entry Issues-DUIs and Other Issues
-Right to Counsel at the Border
-E Visas for TCNs-Special Considerations

Expedited Naturalization and Other Benefits for Military Personnel
November 19, 2009

This panel will discuss naturalization benefits for military personnel, and how to advise clients of the immigration benefits of enlisting for themselves, their spouses, and family members.

- Naturalization of Military Personnel-Who Qualifies?
- Naturalization Under INA §328 vs. INA §329
- What is "Active Duty?"
- From H-1B or J-1 to US Citizen in 31 Days-New Military Enlistment Programs
- Overcoming Document Fraud, False Claims and Other Usual Bars
- Residency and Physical Presence Exemptions
- The Application Process-Form N-426, Fees, Documentation
- Posthumous Citizenship
- Benefits for Family Members of Military Personnel

Permanent Porting under AC21 in the Twenty-First Century Economy
December 3, 2009

After almost ten years since its enactment in October 2000, the permanent portability provisions of section 106(c) of AC21 have been the subject of heated debate, numerous USCIS memos, an AAO adopted decision, federal court litigation, but no regulations. This panel provides a re-examination of the law's parameters given its heightened importance in an economy with continuing layoffs.

- Standard of Eligibility for AC21 Portability-Has It Changed?
- Matter of Al Wazzan and an Approvable I-140
- Can the Immigration Judge Permit Porting in Proceedings?
- Is an Approved I-140 Petition Ever Safe for Porting? Understanding Herrera v. USCIS
- AC21 Porting and Rescinding the Green Card
- Dual Representation Issues—In General and When the Employee Gets Laid Off

CSPA and Priority Date Retention
December 8, 2009

Notwithstanding the BIA decision in Matter of Wang, a U.S. district court has certified a national class action to address the interpretation of priority date retention in §203(h)(3) of the Child Status Protection Act. This panel will review some of the major components of the Act to help practitioners maximize the amount of time one can hold the status of a "child."

- Overview of the CSPA
- Immigration Math and the Importance of Seeking a Visa within One Year
- Choosing to Grow Old-Opting Out
- Stubborn Children-Can You Avoid a Final Decision and Stay Young Forever?
- When Does the CSPA Permit Priority Date Retention?
- What Went Wrong with Matter of Wang?
- Review of Costelo v. Chertoff—Is Your Client a Class Member?

Oh My-O-1s for Extraordinary Scientists and Business Persons
December 10, 2009

Just who is extraordinary in the eye of USCIS? This panel will discuss the changing landscape for O-1s in the sciences and business.

- What Is "Extraordinary"-Review of the Statutory Criteria and Analysis of USCIS Interpretations
-Is Your Client Really "Extraordinary"?-The Weight Accorded to Each Criteria, When to File, and When to Pursue Other Options
- Examination of Case Law-Can You Avoid the Dreaded RFE?
- Preparing the Case-The Consultation Requirement and Evidence of Extraordinary Ability
- "Event" Interpretation in the Context of Ongoing Business or Academics
- Adjudication Trends and the Effect of the Economy on Business and Science
O-1s

Diplomats, International Organization & NATO Visas
December 15, 2009

This panel will offer an introduction to the NATO, A, and G visa classifications including their eligibility requirements and benefits. In addition, the panelists will highlight the unique issues that arise with respect to clients who currently hold, or have ever held one of these visas and who seek to change status or apply for permanent residence.

- The Basics of As, Gs, and NATO Visas-An Overview of Eligibility Criteria for Principals
- Spouses, Children, Parents, Domestics and Personal Employees-Who Else Can Come Along, for How Long and for What Purpose?
- The Lingo: Diplomatic Designation, Diplomatic Visas and Official Visas-What's the Difference?
- We Want to Stay! Or Not-Change of Status and LPR Eligibility Including Special Immigrant Status for Family Members and INA §13 Eligibility

Criminal Waivers of Inadmissibility
December 17, 2009

This seminar will cover general strategies for preparing a successful criminal wavier application.

- Is a Waiver Necessary?-A Brief Overview of Criminal Grounds of Inadmissibility and Exceptions
- Criteria for an INA §212(h) Waiver
- Preparing and Documenting a Successful §212(h) Waiver-Hardship, Rehabilitation and Other Mitigating Factors
- When Extreme Hardship Is Not Enough-Don't Forget About Discretion
- The Waiver Process-IV Consular Processing, Adjustment of Status, Admission at the Border
- Review of Recent Circuit Court and BIA Decisions