BAL Immigration Report

Passport wait times finally begin to improve. Domestic Visa Renewal could be a game-changer—but will take time and resources. And a look at the impact artificial intelligence may have on immigration law. Guest: Edward Rios.  2024 Best Lawyers Immigration Law Legal Guide: Domestic Visa Renewal: https://www.bestlawyers.com/article/domestic-visa-renewal-explained/5564 WERC Global Workforce Symposium: https://go.bal.com/BAL_WERC_GWS23      

Government is open—for now. The Supreme Court declines to hear a case challenging Optional Practical Training. And employers turn an eye toward the upcoming H-1B cap season.  Guests: Nazish Ali, Dave Wagner.  H-1B Cap Season Planning Webinar: https://www.bal.com/bal-events/h-1b-cap-season-planning-webinar/  

The government is on the verge of shutting down. The Biden administration announces new immigration measures, including extended Employment Authorization Documents. And analysis from the head of BAL’s Government Strategies team on why immigration is important to national security and global competitiveness. Guest: Lynden Melmed. Quick LinksGet Embed PlayerShare on SocialDownload Audio File

A proposed H-1B regulation is under White House Review. The October Visa Bulletin shows advancement in key employment-based categories. And analysis from the head of BAL’s Government Strategies team on why comprehensive immigration reform has proved so challenging.  Guest: Lynden Melmed

A federal judge rules against Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals. The State Department announces it has issued all available Diversity Visas. And we sit down with BAL’s new managing partner.  Guest: Frieda Garcia. BAL Proudly Appoints Frieda Garcia to Serve as Managing Partner: https://www.bal.com/press-releases/bal-proudly-appoints-frieda-garcia-to-serve-as-managing-partner/; https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/bal-proudly-appoints-frieda-garcia-to-serve-as-managing-partner-301925717.html

A policy that allows visa applicants more time to book appointments is coming to an end. The State Department’s forthcoming domestic visa renewal pilot is expected to help reduce workloads abroad. And a look at the benefits and drawbacks of E-Verify. We cover all this and more on this week's BAL Immigration Report. Guest: Maggie Murphy. What the New U.S. Domestic Visa Stamp Renewal Pilot Means for Mobility: https://www.worldwideerc.org/news/public-policy/what-the-new-us-domestic-visa-stamp-renewal-pilot-means-for-mobility

A temporary policy on employment authorization extensions is set to end. Student visa issuance is on the rise. And a look at the impact of USCIS processing delays.   We cover all this and more on this week's BAL Immigration Report. Guest: Nassim Mahzoon.

An important I-9 deadline will arrive next week. The Biden administration extends Temporary Protected Status for Sudan and Ukraine. And European countries move to establish a new travel authorization system. We cover all this and more on this week's BAL Immigration Report. Guests: Monika Gilliam and Jonathan Nagel. Plan Now for Europe’s New Travel Authorization Requirement: https://www.bal.com/bal-perspectives/plan-now-for-europes-new-travel-authorization-requirement/  

The State Department publishes a new proposal on allowing third parties at interviews for U.S. citizen services. Foreign musicians and artists express concern about proposed filing fee increases. And a look at how passport applications have swamped the State Department — and what that means for business. Guests: Tiffany Derentz and Paulina Morelos. Potential Increases in Visa Fees for International Artists Could Shake the Industry www.dallasobserver.com/music/the-increase-in-visa-fees-for-touring-artists-could-have-a-huge-economic-impact-17240179 Passport Processing Delays Disrupt Business Operations, but Options Exist https://www.bal.com/bal-perspectives/passport-processing-delays-disrupt-business-operations-but-options-exist/  

Lawmakers introduce a Name, Image and Likeness bill with new provisions for F-1 student athletes. The U.S. curtails consular services in Niger. And a closer look at USCIS’ second H-1B lottery.  We cover all this and more on this week's BAL Immigration Report. Guest: Matt Dillinger.