Publication

On May 14th, 2019, Mr. Mohammad Syed presented at a D.C. Bar Continuing Legal Education class  addressing the topic “What Lawyers Need to Know About Business Immigration in the Trump Era.” He was joined by Brian Hunt (Acting Chief, Business & Foreign Workers Division, USCIS Office of Policy and Strategy) and Hudaidah Bhimdi (Murray Osorio PLLC). Together, their work on both the client and federal ends of the business immigration process provided a nuanced overview of this dynamic field.

The program, intended for non-immigration and newer immigration lawyers, was divided into two parts. In the first session, Mr. Syed, Mr. Hunt, and Ms. Bhimdi discussed the many business-related visa and immigration options available to clients. They highlighted the requirements, best filing practices, and legal nuances of business visas such as H-1B, H-2B, PERM, E-1/E-2, L-1A and L-1B, and EB-1. They also discussed how immigration attorneys can prepare and file successful petitions in general by determining the most appropriate visa type, knowing the client’s background, establishing realistic client expectations, and thoroughly understanding the entire visa application process.

In the second session, Mr. Syed and his co-speakers offered practical tips on how to best work with clients in responding to “Requests for Evidence” (RFEs), and how to follow up after a visa denial. Finally, the presenters discussed business immigration issues in the context of the Trump administration, highlighting changes and trends in the field and how attorneys and their clients can best adapt.

This program took place at D.C. Bar, 901 4th Street NW, Washington, D.C. 20001, and offered 2.0 CLE credit hours for attendees. The event page can be found HERE.

May 17, 2019