In an apparent change in policy, U.S. immigration authorities are now taking a hard-line approach to individuals who have alcohol-related charges or offenses, marking a significant shift in how U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and the U.S. Department of State treat visa holders in this predicament. Employers and employees alike should take note of this development as the consequences of having an alcohol related-charge or offense will likely mean USCIS will find individuals ineligible for an extension of status request, forcing them to leave the country and process a visa stamp at a U.S. Consulate abroad.
To read the full GT Alert, click here.