Curran & Berger LLP

On January 31, 2012, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) released an overview of anticipated administrative reforms to attract and retain highly skilled immigrants. Such reforms include strengthening the H-1B program, introducing a so-called "Startup Visa," and making it easier for certain foreign-born graduates in STEM(science, technology, engineering, math) fields to get green cards.

The announcement is available here . 

The Department of State has released the Visa Bulletin for February 2012: http://travel.state.gov/visa/bulletin/bulletin_5640.html.

The EB-2 category for China and India has surged forward again, this time a whole year, to January 1, 2010. These EB-2 categories are expected to retrogress within the year, so EB-2 individuals current on the new visa bulletin are recommended to file as soon as possible. 

AILA advisory explains the recent announcements regarding the DHS immigration review, process, prosecutorial discretion, and administrative closure.  This is not amnesty, and does not create legal status. A Spanish version follows.

Please click here for the advisory