Navigating Employment-Based Immigration: Compliance, Strategy and Policy in a Shifting Landscape

This program provides an in-depth overview of employment-based immigration in the context of recent and ongoing policy changes under the current administration. With increasing scrutiny, processing delays, and a surge in enforcement actions, attorneys advising employers and foreign national employees face new challenges in maintaining compliance and ensuring successful visa outcomes.

The program covers key legal and procedural developments across USCIS, ICE, and the Department of State, including shifting adjudication standards, heightened I-9 enforcement, and evolving approaches to Requests for Evidence (RFEs). Through real-world case studies and strategic planning tips, attendees will learn how to proactively prepare clients for audits, anticipate adjudication hurdles, and protect against liability in today's fast-moving immigration landscape.

Learning Objectives:

1. Identify recent policy changes and trends across USCIS, ICE, and the Department of State that impact employment-based immigration

2. Develop strategies to address common visa processing challenges, including RFEs, delays, and administrative processing

3. Implement effective compliance protocols for employers, including I-9 best practices and audit preparedness

4. Assess when to pursue internal appeals, litigation, or alternative case strategies following a visa denial or enforcement action

5. Advise clients on planning ahead for long-term immigration sponsorship, with a focus on minimizing risk and adapting to regulatory shifts