Securities lawyer Chris Barsness discusses recent SEC actions and criminal indictments related to FTX and separate $45 million crypto fraud....
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Chris Barsness discusses the new proposed rule from the Federal Trade Commission that would make nearly all non-compete clauses (including existing agreements) unenforceable to employees and independent contractors....
In 2022, USCIS began the process of expanding Premium Processing for EB-1C and EB-2 Petitions. For more information on this, please see our previous article: USCIS Expands Premium Processing-for Certain EB-1C and EB-2 NIW Applications Now in 2023, USCIS is completing its Premium Processing expansion for the EB-1C and EB-2 classifications. Starting January 30, 2023, a...
On January 4, 2023, USCIS posted a notice of proposed rulemaking to adjust filing fees. Certain fees, particularly cases filed using form I-129 (H-1B, L-1A, L-1B, etc.) could potentially see significant hikes as well as EB-5. Here of a brief overview of some of the notable proposed fee increases: Immigration benefit Current fee Proposed fee...
Dec222022
Like most people, I can’t believe it’s time for another new year to begin, and the guilt-ridden, annual ritual of confronting last year’s resolutions that failed to materialize. Although a few of my resolutions never came to fruition, I did follow through on one commitment–to engage in more volunteer work assisting communities in need. I’ve...
USCIS has released a new version of Form I-485, which must be used from December 23, 2022. This form can be found at: https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/document/forms/i-485.pdf This form is intended for preview only and should not be submitted prior to December 23, 2022. This form becomes mandatory on the aforementioned date which means that the current version...
When USCIS announced that H-4 holders would qualify for an automatic extension of their EAD, this was praised as a move in the right direction. However, the caveat to this rule is that to qualify for an automatic extension an individual needs to have a valid I-94. The automatic extension was initially 180 days, but...
On November 23, 2022, The Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) released its Strategic Plan for fiscal years 2022 through 2026, detailing its mission, vision, values, and goals moving forward through the next four years. Three main goals guide the SEC’s plan: (1) protecting the investing public against fraud, manipulation, and misconduct; (2) developing and implementing...