In November, USCIS issued a policy memorandum regarding TN nonimmigrant economists. TN status is a nonimmigrant classification that permits qualified Canadian and Mexican citizens to seek temporary entry into the United States to engage in business activities at a professional level as a part of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). The memo clarifies who would qualify for TN status as an economist, narrowing the type of duties and positions eligible.
If Customs and Border Protection (CBP) adopts this USCIS policy, CBP may revoke the TN status when such person tries to re-enter the U.S. on their approved TN status–an ugly surprise. Thus, TN status for Economists now requires even more attorney attention. We will be on the lookout to see whether the narrowing of eligibility spreads to other TN positions.