BAL Immigration Report
BAL News
The BAL Immigration Report gives you all of the news you need to know to navigate the world of corporate immigration. Every week, we offer the latest in U.S. and global immigration news and analysis — all in about 10 minutes.
Episodes
Mentioned books
May 25, 2023 • 11min
Episode 25: Administrative processing, Florida's E-Verify law, AILA's USCIS progress report
The State Department streamlines administrative processing. Florida passes a new E-Verify law. And a check on USCIS’ efforts to reduce barriers to immigration services. We cover all this and more on this week's BAL Immigration Report. Guest: Shev Dalal-Dheini.
May 18, 2023 • 11min
Episode 24: The COVID public health emergency, STEM gap with China, TPS as an H-1B workaround
The COVID-19 public health emergency ends. National security experts warn of a STEM talent gap between the U.S. and China. And the advantages and risks of TPS as an H-1B alternative. We cover all this and more on this week's BAL Immigration Report. Guests: Tiffany Lam-Bentley "Experts push Congress for more high skilled immigrants to compete with China": https://www.axios.com/2023/05/15/science-tech-stem-china-immigration National Security Leaders' Letter: https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/23813309-national-security-leaders-letter-to-house-select-committee-on-ccp?responsive=1&title=1
May 11, 2023 • 12min
Episode 23: Form I-9 update, Diversity Visas, visa processing abroad
The U.S. announces a 30-day grace period for compliance after Form I-9 flexible measures end July 31. Diversity Visa results are now available. And an update on consular processing from two of BAL’s newest attorneys. We cover all this and more on this week's BAL Immigration Report. Guests: Dave Wagner and Nate McKinlay-Roy. Wagner and McKinlay-Roy's full conversation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3gK2pEexDMY
May 4, 2023 • 11min
Episode 22: COVID-19 vaccination requirement, writers on strike, and the massive number of H-1B registrations
The Biden administration announces the end of a COVID vaccination requirement. A writers’ strike could slow O-1 visa applications. And a look at the huge number of H-1B registrations USCIS received. We cover all this and more on this week's BAL Immigration Report. Guests: Gabriel Castro, Steve Plastrik.
Apr 27, 2023 • 11min
Episode 21: Employers say better immigration policies would make the U.S. more competitive
Employers grapple with an increase in PERM audits. A plan to increase USCIS fees draws nearly 8,000 comments. And in a new survey, employers say better immigration policies would help make the U.S. more competitive. We cover all this and more on this week's BAL Immigration Report. Guests: John Hamill, Kerri Nelson. BAL PERM audits webinar: https://www.bal.com/bal-events/perm-audit-trends-updates-and-strategies-for-navigating-the-current-dol-climate/ Comments on proposed rule to raise USCIS fees: https://www.regulations.gov/document/USCIS-2021-0010-0001/comment SHRM 2023 Workplace Immigration Research: https://advocacy.shrm.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/SHRM-Workplace-Immigration-Research-2023.pdf SHRM Policy Recommendations: https://advocacy.shrm.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/SHRM-Workplace-Immigration-Policy-Recommendations-2023-1.pdf
Apr 20, 2023 • 10min
Episode 20: What PWD delays mean for employers, employees and their families
The White House moves to expand healthcare coverage to DACA recipients. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services extends a biometrics suspension for H-4 and L-2 applicants. And the impact of delays in issuing prevailing wage determination on employers, employees and their families. We cover all this and more on this week’s BAL Immigration Report. Guest: Stephen Parker. PERM audit trends webinar: https://www.bal.com/bal-events/perm-audit-trends-updates-and-strategies-for-navigating-the-current-dol-climate/ Q & A with BAL’s Stephen Parker: https://www.bal.com/bal-perspectives/q-a-with-stephen-parker/
Apr 13, 2023 • 10min
Episode 19: O-1 visas, visa processing in India, Exchange Visitor Program
The U.S. Mission to India makes progress toward its goal of processing one million visa applications this year. The State Department updates requirements for Ukrainian students in the Exchange Visitor Program. And why the O-1 visa is a good option for some who were not selected in the H-1B lottery. We cover all this and more on this week’s BAL Immigration Report. Guest: Cecilia Lai.
Apr 6, 2023 • 9min
Episode 18: Post-lottery H-1B recap
A federal judge rules in favor of the government in a case challenging H-4 work authorization. USCIS issues guidance related to gender markers listed on forms and documents. And preliminary analysis suggests it was another record-breaking cap season. We cover all this and more on this week’s BAL Immigration Report. Guest: Stephanie Pimentel. NIL Perspective: https://www.bal.com/bal-perspectives/
Mar 30, 2023 • 10min
Episode 17: H-1B lottery, summer travel, state and local pay transparency laws
USCIS completes the H-1B lottery. The State Department prepares for a busy summer travel season. And how state and local pay transparency laws impact the PERM process. We cover all this and more on this week’s BAL Immigration Report. Guests: Delya Ghosh, Poonam Gupta.
Mar 23, 2023 • 10min
Episode 16: How the business community is responding to proposed USCIS fee increases
The government makes it easier to obtain temporary proof of lawful permanent residence. The U.S. has a new ambassador to India. And business groups push back on plans to dramatically increase USCIS fees. We cover all this and more on this week’s BAL Immigration Report. Guest: Eileen Lohmann. BAL USCIS Fee Calculator: www.bal.com/resources/2023-uscis-fee-calculator
