Trow & Rahal, P.C.
When it comes to navigating the complex world of immigration law, you want to get it right the first time. Whether the goal is to obtain a work visa, green card, or full U.S. citizenship — you need an expert who understands the complexities of the law.
At Trow & Rahal, P.C., attorneys Cynthia Hemphill, Linda Rahal, and Steve Trow have helped clients with their immigration issues since 1993. They stay on top of rapidly changing regulations, steer around the roadblocks in the system, and craft a customized solution to help you receive the benefits you require.
Recognized as leading business immigration attorneys, Trow & Rahal’s reputation for high ethical standards has earned them recognition in Best Lawyers in America and Martindale-Hubbell Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers.
For more information, visit www.trowrahal.com.
We are pleased to announce that Linda Rahal was named one of DC’s Super Lawyers for 2011, by Super Lawyers magazine. The list, which was published in the Washington Post Magazine on May 1, annually names attorneys in each state who received the highest point totals, as chosen by their peers and through the independent research. “I am honored to be a part of this prestigious list,” Linda shares.
In this month’s newsletter, Linda explains the top 5 reasons for employers to file early for PERM Labor Certification Applications. “The reasons are many, for it not only establishes the foreign national’s priority date sooner and enables H-1B visa extensions beyond the 6-year maximum, but employers may be able to file H-1B visa extensions every 3 years, eliminating the expense of legal and filing fees to file every year.” Click to page 2 to read more.
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Is your passport expiration date important? That’s the question Linda Rahal tackles in this month’s newsletter. She explains, “The general rule for I-94 cards is that the foreign national’s passport must be valid for a minimum of six months beyond the expiration of the individual’s contemplated period of stay.” Click to page 2 to read more.
In our April Immigration Update, you’ll learn about the new Validation Instrument for Business Enterprises (VIBE) System that USCIS is testing for adjudicating most nonimmigrant and immigrant visa petitions, why enforcement activities are on the rise under the Obama Administration, and more. Click to page 3 for details.
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This month, Trow & Rahal owner and founder Steve Trow explains the Top 10 Reasons to Apply for U.S. Citizenship. From the ability to vote and run for public office, to no longer having to deal with the immigration service, Steve also outlines a guide to “Citizenship 101.” Click on this link to go to page 2.
Then click over to page 3, to find our March Immigration Update. In it, we share details and insights about the latest in I-9 compliance audits, secured mail initiative for sending green cards, updates on the ability for individuals to use E-Verify to check employment eligibility, and more.
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Many thanks to everyone who turned out to Steve Trow’s Immigration, Visa & Work Permit Educational Seminar on Feb. 9. It was a tremendous success, and we look forward to hosting similar events in the near future.
If you haven’t already done so, sign up for Steve’s next seminar on March 2. Entitled, “Landing in America: Help for Foreign Nationals in Navigating the Sea of Immigration and Banking Issues,” it is being hosted by the British-American Business Association and the French-American Chamber of Commerce.
The first in a three-part series, the March 2 discussion will cover U.S. visa options for transferring key personnel — both non-immigrant (temporary) and immigrant (green card) — from Europe to the United States; global banking and international needs — challenges facing global companies and international assignees; and immigration compliance obligations including I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification requirement and use of E-Verify, particularly as it relates to federal contractors.
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Happy New Year! In this issue of our newsletter, we usher in 2011 with a feature article on page 2 by Trow & Rahal founder Linda Rahal, who encourages readers to Consider These New Questions Employers Must Answer on Revised Form I-129. This valuable guide will help employers seeking nonimmigrant visa status for foreign national employees.
In our Immigration Update on page 3, you’ll learn more about the Delayed Implementation of Deemed Export Requirement in Revised I-129 Petition. We also share details about the H-1B Cap, which is close to being reached.
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As 2010 comes to a close, we reflect on the interesting work we’ve done this year – as well as changes in the immigration law that have made an impact on our clients.
In this month’s Immigration Update, for instance, you’ll find that USCIS has issued a new version of the Petition for Nonimmigrant Worker (Form I-129), which pertains to employers seeking nonimmigrant visa status for foreign national employees. There are significant changes, so be sure to review the information on page 3 of this newsletter.
On page 2, you’ll find an article about our Of Counsel attorney, Laurie Volk. An accomplished attorney and equestrian, she combines her skills as an immigration lawyer with her passion for the horse world. We think you’ll be as impressed by her interesting work as we are.
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“Imagine that your foreign-born client has been an American citizen since birth — but does not know it,” writes attorney Steve Trow in this month’s issue of our newsletter. “Perhaps the client tells you one of his parents was American, but he is not. Or he used to be an American citizen, but he lost that citizenship when he became a citizen of another country.” While your client may be certain he is right, Trow suggests that he or she could be wrong. Click here to learn more about The Accidental American Citizen.
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Employers have turned to this mid-sized DC law firm since 1993 for advice on immigration policies and strategies, compliance issues, and to obtain visas and green cards for executives and employees.
The firm also has niche practice areas including obtaining visas for foreign athletes, developed by Linda Rahal, a triathlete who applies the same winning strategies to her clients as she does to her races.
Cynthia Hemphill assists performing artists and the entertainment industry with their immigration needs, and collaborates with Laurie Volk to provide visa services to the equine community.
Steve Trow heads the EB-5 investor green card practice and focuses on immigration solutions for high net worth clients. He works with tax attorneys and financial advisors to develop tax-efficient immigration and citizenship solutions, both inbound into the U.S. and outbound when clients choose to terminate their U.S. status. Steve speaks regularly at conferences for tax and financial advisors worldwide, including the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP).
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Change is in the air this October.
Click inside to page 2 to find a feature article about the immigrant visa allocation system. We’ll tell you about the September 22, 2010, meeting where Charles Oppenheim explained the process used to assign priority dates and provided background in the applicable law. We’ll also share his predictions about the progression of visa numbers over the next few months. Oppenheim is Chief of the Visa Control and Reporting Division of the Visa Office at the U.S. Department of State (DOS).
On page 3, you’ll find our Immigration Updates, where among other changes, you’ll learn that the USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services) has changed its filing fees and extended the validity period of advance parole.
All of us at Trow & Rahal are available to help with your immigration-related needs. Don’t hesitate to call for more information: 202-537-4830. — info@trowlaw.com
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This month, Steve Trow traveled to Switzerland to speak at the Association of Foreign Banks in Switzerland Conference in Geneva (on Sept. 8) and in Zurich (on Sept. 9). The topic of the conference was “FATCA: first set of guidance for implementation.”
He addressed U.S. immigration rules that determine whether an individual is a U.S. citizen or has U.S. permanent resident (green card) status. This is not always clear, as a person may be unaware that he is a U.S. citizen or may mistakenly think that he has lost U.S. citizenship by acquiring another nationality or lost permanent resident status by residing abroad. Click here to view the agenda for the conference.
Steve’s next speaking engagement is October 26: He will travel to Calgary to conduct a four-hour presentation for Moodys Tax Seminars. The topic is “U.S. Immigration and Citizenship Planning for High Net Worth Clients.” Learn more about that here.
In this issue: You’ll learn about the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program, which allows foreign investors and their families to obtain U.S. permanent resident status (green cards) to reside permanently in the United States. Read all about that by clicking inside. Don’t miss the insights we share in our immigration news briefs. Specifically, take a look at the higher filing fees that will be required for companies with a large H-1B/L-1 workforce.
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