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The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is presently processing clearance requests at a very slow pace and has suspended processing of all nongovernmental fingerprint requests until further notice due to a new computer system at the FBI’s Criminal Justice Information Service division. The slowdown is affecting requests pending as of September 7, 2014, and possibly earlier.

The FBI has stated that the current wait time is approximately 12 weeks, which represents roughly a threefold increase from the usual four to six weeks. Applicants should, thus, plan for lengthy delays and backlog given that no date has been announced for the resumption of normal activity and processing times.Continue Reading FBI Clearance Requests Delayed Following New Computer System Roll-Out

Greenberg Traurig attorneys Kate Kalmykov and Jennifer Hermansky served as editors for the recently released What Every Lawyer Needs to Know About Immigration Law reference book. The publication highlights the…

Continue Reading Greenberg Traurig Attorneys Kate Kalmykov and Jennifer Hermansky Serve as Editors for Immigration Law Book

As corporations move into international markets, there are several considerations to take into account to avoid high-profile security problems, political pitfalls and a potentially damaged reputation. Greenberg Traurig Immigration Shareholder Ian Macdonald recently discussed a few of these considerations in a Corporate Counsel article entitled “6 Immigration Law Mistakes GCs Make When Going Global.” The article highlights several immigration law errors that can be averted when equipped with proper knowledge. These include:
Continue Reading Greenberg Traurig Immigration Shareholder Ian Macdonald Featured in Corporate Counsel’s ‘6 Immigration Law Mistakes GCs Make When Going Global’

Greenberg Traurig’s Business Immigration & Compliance practice and several attorneys were included in the 2014 Chambers USA Guide. The 2014 guide includes more than 180 Greenberg Traurig attorneys and…

Continue Reading Greenberg Traurig Business Immigration & Compliance Practice and Attorneys Recognized in 2014 Chambers USA Guide

On March 6, 2014, Representative Jared Polis (D-CO), along with Representative Joe Garcia (D-FL), Representative Matt Salmon (R-AZ) and Representative Mark Amodei (R-NV), introduced The American Entrepreneurship and Investment Act of 2014. A copy of the bill and an official Section by Section overview have been made available. The legislation would, among the other items listed below, make the Regional Center program permanent and improve the program by addressing key administrative and substantive concerns. Some of the specific proposals in the bill include:

  • Improved definition of Targeted Employment Area (TEA) designations
    • Codifies the current TEA designation authority, which leaves such designations up to the states, which are best equipped to determine local employment needs. This is consistent with USCIS’s May 30, 2013 “EB-5 Adjudications Policy (PM-602-0083);
    • Lowers the minimum capital investment required from $1,000,000 to $500,000; and
    • Expands the TEA designation for areas where a military installation was closed and where a State or the Federal government has designated an area as an economic development incentive program.

Continue Reading House Member Introduces Bi-Partisan Immigration Legislation to Enhance, Augment the EB-5 Regional Center Program

Greenberg Traurig, LLP continues to expand its Business Immigration & Compliance practice as the firm grows its Pennsylvania and New Jersey offices to further address our clients’ needs. The Philadelphia office welcomed attorney Adam Longenbach, who will primarily focus on the firm’s growing EB-5 practice. He assists clients in filing I-526 Petitions for Alien Entrepreneurs, including documenting the investor’s lawful source of funds. The Philadelphia office also welcomed paralegal Amanda Aslin. Ms. Aslin brings a breadth of experience in immigration law and assists the firm’s clients in all areas of employment-based immigration.Continue Reading Greenberg Traurig Expands Pennsylvania and New Jersey Immigration Practices