CHUGH - Attorneys & CPAs Podcast

Strengthening Immigration Filings: Avoiding Common Errors and RFEs

Immigration filings leave little room for preventable errors. Missing evidence, inconsistencies, outdated forms, incorrect filing fees, or overlooked requirements can lead to delays, Requests for Evidence (RFEs), and in some cases, denials.

Partner and Attorney Kirti Kalra and Client Services Manager Arianna Gonzalez, MBA led an informative discussion on how individuals and employers can prepare stronger immigration filings from the start.

During the session, they explored common issues that can trigger RFEs, the importance of establishing eligibility at the time of filing, identifying inconsistencies across immigration records, and practical steps to ensure forms, fees, signatures, and supporting documentation are complete and accurate. They also shared strategies for responding effectively when an RFE is issued.

The session provided valuable insights for employers managing immigration matters and individuals navigating the immigration process, highlighting ways to reduce avoidable delays and strengthen immigration filings.

Attorney and Partner Mishita Jethi and Client Services Manager Arianna Gonzalez, MBA led an informative session covering the latest developments affecting H-1B and F-1 visa holders, including recently implemented changes as well as proposed rules that could impact employers, international students, and foreign professionals.

During the session, Mishita and Arianna discussed what these developments meant in practice, highlighted key considerations for individuals and employers navigating the evolving immigration landscape, and shared insights on what to watch for as proposed changes moved forward.

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The U.S. immigration landscape continued to evolve, with several significant developments that could affect employers, foreign nationals, and families navigating the immigration process.

Partner and Attorney Gladys Gervacio and Client Services Manager Arianna Gonzalez, MBA led an informative session discussing key developments affecting H-1B employers and workers, including USCIS’s proposed new $103,265 fee for H-1B cap petitions and DHS’s proposal to eliminate the discretionary maximum 60-day grace period available to certain nonimmigrant workers following termination of employment.

The session also covered the temporary worldwide pause on U.S. immigrant visa interviews, including what was known about the pause and its potential impact on applicants awaiting consular processing.

Gladys and Arianna explained where these developments stood, who could be affected, their practical implications, and what employers and foreign nationals should watch for moving forward.

The discussion provided employers, HR professionals, foreign nationals, and others navigating the U.S. immigration system with valuable insights into these evolving developments and their potential impact.

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As year-end approached, small bookkeeping mistakes had the potential to turn into larger accounting, tax, and audit challenges. Businesses following the accrual method of accounting or preparing for year-end audits were encouraged to review their books, identify potential issues, and ensure their financial records were accurate and up to date.

Partner and CPA Bhakti Pujara Suba and Client Services Manager Arianna Gonzalez, MBA led an informative session focused on common bookkeeping mistakes that businesses often overlook. They discussed how these errors could create larger challenges at year-end, along with important considerations for companies using accrual accounting or preparing for an audit.

The session provided practical guidance and reminders to help businesses clean up their books, address potential issues early, and prepare for a smoother year-end close and audit process.

U.S. immigration policy continued to evolve, bringing several significant regulatory and procedural developments into focus.

Partner and Attorney Min Kim and Client Services Manager Arianna Gonzalez, MBA led an informative discussion highlighting four important immigration developments relevant to employers and foreign nationals.

The session covered the proposed elimination of the 60-day grace period for certain nonimmigrant workers following the end of employment; the Department of Labor’s anticipated modernization of the PERM labor certification program; USCIS’s authority to require electronic filing for certain immigration benefit requests; and the expansion of the 9-11 Response and Biometrics Entry-Exit Fee for covered H-1B and L-1 petitioners.

The presenters provided insights into these developments, their current status, and their practical implications for employers and foreign national employees.

Attorney Ujwala Bagal and Client Services Manager Arianna Gonzalez, MBA presented an informative session on The Path to U.S. Citizenship: Naturalization in 2026.

The session provided an overview of the U.S. naturalization process, highlighted important eligibility requirements, and discussed recent developments and trends in 2026. The presenters also shared practical guidance to help applicants better understand and prepare for their citizenship journey.

The webinar offered valuable insights for individuals considering U.S. citizenship, as well as those assisting others through the naturalization process, with guidance from experienced immigration professionals.

Requests for Evidence (RFEs) for F-1 students have become increasingly common, making it essential for applicants to understand the issues USCIS is closely examining.

Attorney Sreelatha Babu and Client Services Manager Arianna Gonzalez, MBA, led an informative discussion on emerging trends in F-1 RFEs, common reasons applications may receive additional scrutiny, and practical guidance for preparing stronger applications and responding effectively to RFEs.

The session provided valuable insights for F-1 students and applicants navigating the evolving U.S. immigration landscape, with a focus on maintaining status, strengthening documentation, and preparing for potential USCIS inquiries.

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Website privacy enforcement is accelerating, and businesses of all sizes are facing increased scrutiny over how their websites collect, use, and share consumer data.

In this informative session, Attorney Maureen A. Scorese and Client Services Manager Arianna Gonzalez, MBA, discussed the latest enforcement and litigation trends, including website tracking technologies, cookies, pixels, session replay tools, wiretap claims, and the growing risks associated with privacy compliance.

The presenters also explored common gaps between website privacy policies and actual business practices, explained organizations' obligations under evolving privacy laws, and shared practical guidance on consumer rights, vendor management, consent mechanisms, and the immediate steps businesses can take to reduce legal and regulatory exposure.

Whether attendees were updating their websites, launching new marketing initiatives, or seeking to strengthen their privacy compliance programs, the session provided actionable insights to help organizations better protect themselves from legal and regulatory risks.

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Rahul Agarwalla, Consulting Partner, and Arianna Gonzalez, MBA, Client Services Manager, led a practical masterclass covering the key legal, tax, and compliance considerations for U.S. companies expanding into India.

The session explored the 10 essential factors businesses should consider before establishing a back office, shared services center, or software development operation, including selecting the appropriate legal structure, navigating FDI and RBI requirements, transfer pricing, taxation, employment laws, and avoiding common pitfalls.

Attendees gained actionable insights and practical guidance to help them confidently plan and execute their expansion into the Indian market, whether they were just beginning to explore opportunities or preparing to launch operations.

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CHUGH LLP hosted an insightful session, “Why and How Audits Matter for Small and Medium Businesses.” Senior Accountants Priyanka Mehta and Tejaswini Chandolu, along with Arianna Gonzalez, Client Services Manager, discussed the importance of audits for small and medium-sized businesses, highlighting how audits strengthen financial transparency, support growth, improve compliance, and build stakeholder confidence.

The session provided attendees with practical insights into the value of audits and demonstrated how they can help businesses achieve long-term success.