Legal News

SVP Scores & H-1B Wage Levels: Hidden Triggers, Real Risks.

As part of ongoing guidance to support your H-1B program compliance, this newsletter addresses a critical but often overlooked factor in H-1B wage level determinations: the Specific Vocational Preparation (SVP) score and its role in shaping DOL wage level classifications under the Labor Condition Application (LCA) process. Misalignment between a job’s described complexity and the wage level selected in the LCA continues to be a leading cause of RFEs, NOIRs,

Invitation for Employers Needing Assistance with Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) Filing

Dear Employers, We hope this message finds you well. In light of the recent federal requirement mandating the reporting of Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI), we understand that employers, like yourself, may have questions and concerns about compliance. At Somireddy Law Group, we are here to offer our expertise and support to assist you in meeting these new regulatory obligations effectively and efficiently. What is Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI)? Beneficial

The H-1B electronic registration process for FY-2026

Starting with the Fiscal Year 2021 H-1B Lottery AILA practitioners have been using the USCIS electronic registration system for employers seeking to file H-1B cap-subject petitions. The sixth season of the H-1B electronic registration process opened at noon (ET) on March 7, 2025, with the “beneficiary-centric” selection process and the myUSCIS enterprise account system. The following practice pointer addresses the most frequently asked questions regarding the electronic H-1B registration process

Are You Registered? 2025 Alien Registration Requirement

Understanding the 2025 Alien Registration Requirement: What It Means for Immigrants On January 20, 2025, President Donald Trump issued the Protecting the American People Against Invasion executive order, directing the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to enforce compliance with the Alien Registration Requirement under Section 262 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) (8 U.S.C. 1302). This executive order mandates that all qualifying non-citizens register with the U.S. government, ensuring

They Will Steal Your Money and Your Personal Details

Toll road text message scams are a common form of phishing where scammers send fake messages claiming you owe toll fees. These scams often include a link to a fraudulent website designed to steal personal or payment information. Here’s how to recognize and avoid them: How the Scam Works You receive a text message claiming to be from a toll service (e.g., E-ZPass, TxTag, SunPass). The message states you owe

Important Things to Know When Entering the United States on a Non-Immigrant Visa

For non-immigrants entering the United States, it is important to understand the key factors that CBP (Customs and Border Protection) Officers consider when processing your entry. Understanding these factors is crucial for ensuring a smooth and lawful entry into the U.S: Understanding the Role of Your VISA and Passport CBP Officers rely on your VISA and passport to determine your entry status into the U.S. The officer will check your

New Sick leave policy affecting Michigan Employers

New Sick leave policy affecting Michigan Employers The new Earned Sick Time Act (ESTA) policy affecting Michigan Employers is slated to go into effect on February 21, 2025. The new ESTA policy affects all Michigan Employers with 10 or more employees. Some of the key provisions to be noted are as follows: Employees may accrue up to 72 hours of paid earned sick time per year. Unused sick time rolls

Relief Options for Domestic Violence Victims

Relief Options for Domestic Violence Victims Survivors of domestic violence and other serious crimes may qualify for several forms of immigration relief in the United States, specifically designed to protect individuals who are non-immigrant visa holders so that they may be able to secure a work permit independent of their spouse. Relief under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) The Violence Against Women Act (“VAWA”) provides critical protections

Addressing Erroneous SEVIS Terminations for F-1 and J-1 Visa Holders

We have recently observed a rising number of cases involving F1 and J1 non-immigrants who have encountered erroneous terminations of their SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) SEVIS is an online system used by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to maintain information about non-immigrant students and exchange visitors in the United States. The SEVIS record is crucial for maintaining your legal status, and any errors can have serious

Announcement !! Merger of Somireddy Law Group and VY Law Group based out of New Jersey.

It is with great pleasure that we announce the merger of Somireddy Law Group PLLC and VY Law Group LLC. The merger of the two legal practices will become effective August 5, 2024. The merged law firm, Somireddy Law Group PLLC, will consist of 5 full-time attorneys, 5 Of counsel attorneys and over 60 staff members. With the merger Somireddy Law Group’s practice areas will include Immigration, Litigation, Corporate, Municipal,

U Visas: Offering Visa Options for Victims of Crime

The U visa is an immigration benefit that can be sought by victims of certain crimes who are currently assisting or have previously assisted law enforcement in the investigation or prosecution of a crime, or who are likely to be helpful in the investigation or prosecution of criminal activity. The U visa provides eligible victims with non-immigrant status to temporarily remain in the United States (U.S.) while assisting law enforcement.

New Regulations From DOL & FTC Effecting Non Compete Agreements

!!Attention Employers!! New regulations from DOL & FTC aimed at curtailing employment based non-competes and increase the base salary for over time exemption effecting employers throughout the US. This week is soon turning out to be crucial for all US Employers, with both the Department of Labor (DOL) and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) issuing the Final Rules that could fundamentally alter employer-employee relationships. Very likely

COMMON EMPLOYMENT DISCRIMINATION PRACTICES

1) Discrimination based on Citizenship pertaining to hiring, firing, and recruitment or referral for a fee Employers with four or more employees are not allowed to treat individuals differently in hiring, firing, recruitment or referral for a fee based on citizenship status. U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, asylees, refugees, and recent lawful permanent residents are protected from citizenship status discrimination. Note: Lawful permanent residents who do not apply for naturalization within

H1B Registrations FAQ’s

1. What is the purpose of the USCIS Final Rule regarding H-1B registrations? Answer: The purpose of the USCIS Final Rule is to implement a “beneficiary centric” selection process for H-1B registrations, address concerns about fraudulent use of the registration system, and enhance the integrity of the H-1B selection process. 2. How does the beneficiary-centric selection process differ from the previous system? Answer: Under the previous system, registrations were based

USCIS Announces New Security Measures for H-1B Visa Process

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has released a final rule aimed at reinforcing the integrity and fairness of the H-1B visa registration process. The new measures are designed to prevent fraud, equalize selection opportunities, and streamline application procedures. Detailed information includes: 1. Enhanced H-1B Registration Process: • The final rule introduces a beneficiary-centric selection method, meaning applicants will be chosen based on unique individual criteria rather than by