Happy summer! I hope you are all gearing up to enjoy a splash in the pool or a summer trip. For some “pleasure reading” poolside or on the airplane, we have important immigration updates for you.

Work Visas Being Denied at a Higher Rate Nationwide, But We Are Still 100% Successful

A recent study reports that denials of work visas to transfer employees with specialized knowledge (L-1B visas) have increased from 7% in 2007 to a staggering 34% in 2013. However, Dayzad Law Offices has maintained a 100% success rate through creative strategies to ensure that you obtain the best visa available for your particular case. If you are considering transferring an employee to the United States from a foreign branch or affiliate, please contact our office.

Priority Date for EB-2 Visas for India Jumps Forward Almost Four Years

According to the State Department’s July 2014 Visa Bulletin, the priority date for the employment-based, second preference (EB-2) category for India jumped forward from November 15, 2004, to September 1, 2008. This means that Indians with an EB-2 priority date of September 1, 2008 or earlier can now apply for green cards. Our law firm’s database tracks in real-time priority date changes that affect each client’s case. We will take action for you as needed.

Dayzad Law Offices Is Growing!

  • Joining our team recently are Attorney Christopher Schettini and Project Director Nazila Sina. Check out their biographies on our website.
  • As you saw in our recent e-mail, we continue to seek talented professionals and have open positions for an experienced immigration attorney and an experienced immigration paralegal. Please send us recommendations!
  • One of our new legal assistants—an immigrant and DACA recipient—shares her story:It has always been my dream to work in the immigration field. Being part of such an amazing team is a real dream come true. I came to the U.S with my family when I was 3 years old. When we arrived in the U.S., my family and I were undocumented and we did not have many opportunities. Last July, I became a DACA beneficiary. Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) is a law that allowed thousands of people just like me to attain lawful immigration status in the United States. There are millions of unauthorized immigrants living in the U.S. today. Through DACA many of us gained more than just an Employment Authorization Document; we received an opportunity. I no longer live in fear of being torn away from my family. All the dreams and aspirations I grew up with are now very possible. DACA changed my life.

Immigrant Visa Petitions for LGBT Couples When Safety is an Issue

The privacy, safety, and security of LGBT visa applicants are very important—especially when applicants fear returning to their home country because of laws that criminalize homosexuality or other persecution. The Department of State has recently announced that to protect the safety of LGBT visa applicants, it will consider requests to move the adjudication of immigrant visa petitions to a safe third country. As laws and procedures constantly change for LGBT immigrants, we develop strategies to protect our clients’ privacy and safety.

Immigration News in Brief

  • USCIS Blog with Warning of New Telephone Scam
    USCIS has warned customers of a new telephone scam, in which the scammer causes a misleading phone number to be displayed on the recipient’s caller ID and poses as a USCIS official. These scammers have requested personal information such as social security numbers and passport numbers, demanded payment, and threatened to deport victims who do not cooperate. If you receive this type of call, hang up immediately. USCIS never asks for payment or personal information over the phone.
  • Attorney Navid Dayzad – Now a Seven-Time Recipient of Super Lawyers Rising Star Award
    Navid is one of 11 immigration attorneys in Southern California recognized as a Super Lawyers Rising Star. For the 7th time, this honor was recognized in Los Angeles magazine and Thomson Reuters Super Lawyers magazine.
  • DHS Announces Designation of Chile to the Visa Waiver Program
    The Department of Homeland Security has recently announced the addition of Chile to the Visa Waiver Program. Otherwise eligible Chilean passport holders approved by the Electronic System for Travel Authorization will be able to visit the United States for up to 90 days without obtaining a visitor visa.

Note: This publication serves only as general information and is not a substitute for consultation with an attorney who can assess the specifics of your case and inform you of the constant changes in law and policy. No attorney-client relationship is formed by the transmission of this information until a legal service contract has been signed by both of us.