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,
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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.
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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
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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
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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
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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
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Domestic H-1B Visa Renewal Pilot Begins January 29, 2024
Overview Program Scope: H-1B principal visa holders only. Purpose: To assess the impact of domestic visa renewals on visa processing capabilities. Selected Missions: Mission India and Mission Canada, representing a global population sample. Eligibility Criteria Time Frame: January 29, 2024 – April 1, 2024. Prior Visa: Issued by Mission Canada (Jan 1, 2020 – Apr 1, 2023) or Mission India (Feb 1, 2021 – Sep 30, 2021). Other
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USCIS to Introduce Online Filing for H-1B Petitions in FY 2025
USCIS to Introduce Online Filing for H-1B Petitions in FY 2025 In February, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will launch online organizational accounts, allowing H-1B petitioners to file Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, for fiscal year 2025. Key details include: • Enhanced Features: Organizational accounts will feature improved design and case management tools for legal representatives and organizations with H-1B registrant accounts. • Filing Options: H-1B petitioners
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Somireddy Law Group Welcomes New Team Member: Jibran Muhammad, Expert in Criminal and Family Law
Somireddy Law Group is Excited to Announce the Newest Addition to Our Team We are delighted to welcome Mr. Jibran Muhammad, an established litigator with extensive experience in both criminal and family law, to the Somireddy Law Group. Mr. Muhammad’s joining marks a significant expansion of our legal services and reinforces our commitment to providing top-tier legal representation. About Jibran Muhammad: A Blend of Expertise in Criminal and Family Law
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New regulations Affecting California Employers Starting January 01, 2024!!
Employers based in California and those conducting in business in the state must be aware of the several new laws and amendments that will come into effect in 2024. These changes will significantly impact employers’ operations in California. 1. Creation of Rebuttable Presumption of Retaliation: The State of California has broadened employee protections against disciplinary actions or termination within 90 days of engaging in a certain protected activity. Additionally, such
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Q & As regarding the DOS Stateside Visa Renewal Pilot Program that Begins January 29, 2024
On December 20, 2024, the Department of State (DOS) shared an unpublished version of a Federal Register notice announcing that the greatly anticipated stateside visa renewal pilot will begin on January 29, 2024, and end on April 1, 2024. It will be published at the same link in the Federal Register on December 21, 2023. The notice describes, among other things, the requirements for participation, the application process, and how applications
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Attention International Students: Urgent Advisory on OPT Application Deadlines
Attention students completing your academic programs in the winter session: the OPT application process requires careful timing, particularly due to the unique schedule of winter course completion. Somireddy Law Group is committed to ensuring you are well-informed to avoid pitfalls that may jeopardize your OPT application success. Winter Session Considerations: Early Planning: If you complete your courses in the winter, start planning your OPT application early to account for holiday
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New Washington State Laws Affecting Employers Nationwide with Job Postings!
Equal Pay and Opportunity Act In a recent judgment, the Superior Court of the State of Washington held employers like Insight Global LLC liable for violating the “Pay Transparency” requirements. The court awarded $5,000 in damages plus attorney fees to each applicant who applied to a non-conforming posting. Effective January 1, 2023, Washington State’s “Pay Transparency” Law requires all employers with more than 15 employees, including at least one Washington-based
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H-1B Workers Won’t have to go out of the United States to get a visa anymore!
Domestic Visa Renewal Pilot Program, starting Jan 2024. A limited number of H-1B specialty occupation workers will be able to renew their visas in the US. The rollout of the H-1B domestic visa renewal pilot will be limited to just 20,000 participants at first. This would allow those H-1B holders to renew their visas by mailing them to the State Department rather than travel outside the US and face uncertain wait
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The Holiday Shopping Season and Rising Shoplifting Concerns
The Impact of Shoplifting Charges on Foreign Students and H-1B Workers in the U.S. Sunila Bali, Esq. As the holiday season approaches, shopping malls and stores become bustling centers of activity, filled with excitement and the spirit of gift-giving. However, this period also sees a notable rise in shoplifting incidents, a trend that carries significant legal and immigration implications, particularly for foreign students and H-1B workers in the United States.
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