Author: Jeff MacArthur

Supreme Court strikes down DOMA – how does this affect immigration and same-sex couples? In a 5-4 decision, the Supreme Court has struck down the 1996 Defense of Marriage Act which blocked federal recognition of same-sex marriages.  In writing the decision, Justice Anthony Kennedy characterized DOMA as promoting, “deprivation of the equal liberty of persons […]

While there are a number of countries that provide legal protections to LGBT travelers, others do not.  Additionally, there are countries that even criminalize consensual same-sex relationships.  Individuals convicted under these laws face harsh penalties.  Before choosing an international travel destination, LGBT travelers should be aware of local laws and biases at international destinations, and […]

Beginning July 1, 2013, Canada will start issuing electronic passports that will contain an electronic chip embedded in the back cover.  The chip will store the passport holder’s personal information for increased security.  The new ePassport will also be expanded to 36 pages that will benefit frequent travelers. The new fee schedule for Canadian passports […]

When you are petitioning for your foreign national family member, one of the requirements you must prove to the government is that your family member will not become a public charge after admission into the U.S.  This means that once granted permanent resident status, your foreign national family member will not need public assistance.  This […]

For fiscal year 2012 (October 1, 2011 – September 30, 2012) the Department of State issued in excess of 8.9 million nonimmigrant visas. A nonimmigrant visa appointment and interview is needed for most individuals seeking to obtain a nonimmigrant visa for entry to the U.S.  Nonimmigrant visas are issued to foreign citizens who visit the […]

Berardi Immigration Law represents many employees and individuals regarding the H-1B visa category.  Today, we will focus on some of the most common questions we are asked: Statement #1: I’m currently in H-1B status, this means I can change employers and start working for them immediately. FACT. If you are in current valid H-1B status, you can […]

Several weeks ago, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) announced that they were moving away from paper I-94 cards to electronic records for travelers entering by air or sea. You can read about it by clicking here. Beginning April 30, CBP began phasing out the I-94 paper form at various ports-of-entry to the U.S.  Under […]

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) recently released an updated notice regarding the Beyond the Border (BTB) Entry/Exit Program with Canada. The BTB program was created to expand CBP’s mission of protecting the U.S. borders while facilitating legitimate travel and trade.   The BTB program is divided into three phases: […]

Our Associate Attorney, Jennifer Early, met with two clients at the Peace Bridge yesterday to present their applications for U.S. work permits to Customs & Border Protection.  Both were quickly approved without issue.  Our immigration lawyers are at the U.S./Canadian border multiple times per week presenting TN and L-1A Visa applications. Our first client applied […]

On Tuesday, May 21, 2013 the Senate Judiciary Committee approved the bipartisan comprehensive immigration reform bill.  The 13-5 vote by the Judiciary panel now sends the measure to the Senate floor for consideration.  If this plan is ultimately approved it would be the first overhaul on the nation’s immigration policy since 1986. The reform as […]