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Transcending Borders Newsletter
Original Content
Guest Blog Series: Acquiring Dual Citizenship
In light of the recent presidential election, GYH has been receiving an influx of inquiries about how to acquire dual citizenship or move abroad. GYH called upon its vast international local counsel network for a series of guest blog posts detailing immigration options in various countries. Learn more about acquiring citizenship in:
Trump Unlikely to Offer Visas to Foreign Grads of U.S. Universities
In our recent webinar on Immigration Under the New Administration we were asked about the incoming President’s mention during his campaign of providing green cards to people who completed college studies in the US.
In an excellent analysis for Forbes, immigration expert Stuart Anderson examined the challenges surrounding a potential Trump administration’s ability to overhaul immigration policies favoring college-educated immigrants. Trump has indicated support for such measures, but Anderson highlighted several hurdles that make significant policy changes unlikely.
Policy Updates
H-1B Reminder
Employers – It’s time to prepare for the fiscal year 2026 H-1B cap visa lottery!
What you can do now – review your roster of foreign national employees – focusing on:
- Any employees with CPT or OPT (even if they have a year or two of STEM OPT left, we recommend applying annually to get the most “bites at the apple”)
- Any employees in other non-immigrant statuses that expire before 10/1/2026 (which will be your next opportunity to sponsor cap-subject H1Bs)
- Any former employees you would like to bring back/ potential new hires
Contact our firm (sooner is better) for consultation! In the month of January we are offering a complimentary 15-minute consultation to employers to discuss next steps.
H-1B Modernization Rule
Prior to the election, Donald Trump expressed negativity towards the H-1B visa program, but new developments indicate that he is changing his tune. In a recent interview the incoming president described himself as a “believer in H-1B.”
In other positive news for the H-1B program, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) published on December 18, 2024 the H-1B Modernization Rule, implementing significant changes to the H-1B nonimmigrant visa category.
Key Takeaways Include:
- New Form I-129 Starting on January 17, 2025
- Expanded definition of “specialty occupation”
- More Inclusive H-1B Cap Exemptions
- Revised Definition of Employment and Third-Party Worksites
- Expanded authority and compliance requirements for H-1B site visits
- Clarified requirements for H-1B amended petitions and H-1B validity period for certain situations
- Longer H-1B Cap-Gap Extensions
E-Verify+
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has introduced E-Verify+, which consolidates Form I-9 and E-Verify into a single online tool. Participation in E-Verify+ is optional, although the incoming Administration has proposed making E-Verify mandatory.
New UK Entry Requirement: Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) for U.S. Citizen Travelers
Beginning January 8, 2025, all U.S. citizens planning to visit the United Kingdom for tourism, business, or short-term study will be required to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA). This new requirement applies to travelers of all ages, including those transiting through UK airports.
Israel Launches ETA-IL for Visa-Exempt Travelerst
As of January 1, 2025, Israel requires visa-exempt travelers (including U.S. citizens) to register through its new Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA-IL) system at least 72 hours before arrival. Similar to the UK ETA system andthe U.S. ESTA system, ETA-IL aims to enhance security and streamline immigration by pre-screening visitors. Applicants must provide passport details, an email address, and a payment of 25 Israeli Shekel (approximately USD 7).
Most applications are processed immediately, though some may take up to 72 hours or require additional follow-up. Approved authorizations are valid for two years (or until passport expiration) and allow visits of up to 90 days for business or tourism. Travelers denied authorization will need to apply for a visa through an Israeli consulate. Early application is recommended to avoid delays.
DHS Permanently Extends Automatic EAD Renewal Period
In December, The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued a final rule that amended regulations to permanently increase the automatic extension period for expiring employment authorization and/or Employment Authorization Documents (Forms I-766 or EADs) for certain renewal applicants who have timely filed Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, from up to 180 days to up to 540 days. After two temporary rules, DHS is finalizing the recent temporary rule and making the increase permanent to help prevent eligible renewal EAD applicants from experiencing a lapse in employment authorization and/or the validity of their EAD as a result of lengthy USCIS processing times.
Firm News
GYH Welcomes Attorneys Cat Walker and Juliana Carvajal Yepes
Welcome, Catherine Walker!
Catherine Walker is an immigration attorney with a passion for navigating complex immigration matters. Currently based in Miami, Florida, Catherine will join GYH’s Bethesda office as a remote attorney. Catherine has specialized in removal defense for people with criminal convictions, including those detained by immigration authorities. Read more about Catherine here…
Welcome, Juliana Carvajal Yepes!
Juliana Carvajal Yepes joins GYH’s Silver Spring office, where she will represent corporate and individual clients on a broad variety of employment-based and family-based immigration matters. Juliana was born and raised in Colombia and continues to have close ties to her hometown and has a passion for connecting Latin American businesses and investors to U.S. markets. Read more about Juliana here…
GYH Welcomes Employer Compliance Specialist Mary Pivec as Of Counsel
Immigration compliance specialist Mary Pivec joins GYH as Of Counsel! With decades of experience in employment law and compliance, Pivec’s addition strengthens the firm’s employment-based immigration practice, providing clients with unparalleled expertise in navigating complex workforce compliance issues. Read more about Pivec here…
Firm Webinars
Upcoming
What is International Humanitarian Law and Do We Have to Follow It?
Thursday, January 9, 2025 | 12:00pm ET | via Zoom
Join us for an engaging and informative webinar exploring the critical field of International Humanitarian Law (IHL). Whether you’re a legal professional, policymaker, or simply curious about the rules governing armed conflict and humanitarian efforts, this session will provide valuable insights into the history, principles, and practical implications of IHL.
Speakers:
- Gianna Borroto, Senior Attorney, Grossman Young & Hammond
- Thomas Harper, Senior Counsel, International Humanitarian Law, American Red Cross
Preparing Your Business to Survive the Workplace Immigration Enforcement Challenges Under Trump 2.0
Thursday, January 16, 2025 | 11:00am ET | via Zoom
Donald Trump has announced plans for the largest mass deportation in U.S. history, with nominee Thomas Homan emphasizing a sharp increase in I-9 audits to target undocumented workers. Industries like hospitality, manufacturing, landscaping, and tech-dependent businesses employing H-1B workers can expect heightened enforcement, including fraud inquiries and DOL investigations. Employers should prepare for potential Justice Department scrutiny of hiring and retention practices.
Join GYH Managing Partner Becki Young and immigration compliance attorney Mary Pivec for a webinar addressing the challenges of the second Trump Administration’s worksite enforcement policies.
*This webinar is co-sponsored by the Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington (RAMW)
Past Webinars
Immigration Under the New Administration
The results of the recent presidential election ushered in new questions and uncertainties about immigration policy. In this webinar, the GYH Partners answered questions about what may be expected for immigration under the new administration.
Opportunities for U.S. Citizens to Live, Work, or Immigrate to Canada
In the wake of recent U.S. election results, many Americans are evaluating their options for living, working, or immigrating to Canada. This webinar – co-sponsored by the Canadian immigration firm, BARTLAW LLP – addressed legal pathways available for U.S. citizens considering a move north of the border.
Firm Accolades
GYH Managing Partners included in Washingtonian’s Top Lawyers List
The Grossman Young & Hammond Managing Partners – Becki Young and Sandra Grossman – were included in Washingtonian Magazine’s 2024 list of Washington, DC’s Top Immigration Lawyers!
Based on peer review, Washingtonian’s Top Lawyers list honors the DC region’s standout legal talent.
We’re grateful to Washingtonian for acknowledging the work being done in this vital area of law. Congratulations to all the incredible lawyers recognized this year!
GYH About Town
Congressional Testimony on INTERPOL
On Tuesday, October 29th, GYH Managing Partner Sandra Grossman and Of Counsels Ted R. Bromund and Charlie Magri testified at a briefing before the U.S. Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe (the “U.S. Helsinki Commission”) on the topic of authoritarian abuse of INTERPOL.
View the full recording here.
Frontlines of Freedom Conference
On October 30th, Sandra Grossman spoke at Renew Democracy Initiative’s Frontlines of Freedom Conference (FOCON), a gathering of dissidents, advocates, and allies working to fight transnational repression in all its forms.
AILA DC Chapter Fall Conference
Attorneys Yeon Me Kim and Hallie Cohen spoke at the fall conference for the DC chapter of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA DC). Their panel was titled: “PERM Challenges Explored: Addressing issues to the current workforce, recruitment, the new form, and of course, the delays!”
GYH Holiday Party!
GYH celebrated the holidays in style at Joy by Seven Reasons! As GYH continues to expand, these rare opportunities for the whole firm to be together in one place are especially valuable. It was a joy to ring in the new year with great food, fabulous drinks, and our beautiful GYH family!
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