Immigration Update with Lin Walker

In this episode, immigration attorney Lin Walker delves into the transformative role of electronic payments in streamlining immigration processing.

Though USCIS has stated that the aims of requiring digital transactions are reducing wait times, enhancing security, and improving efficiency for both immigrants and officials, the future implications of this change are far reaching.

Lin also lists who and why certain applicants would be considered exceptions to this new rule.

This is a must-listen episode for HR professionals or anyone considering applying for a visa in the United States.

For more details, please see these links:

https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/news-releases/uscis-to-modernize-fee-payments-with-electronic-funds

https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/document/policy-manual-updates/20250829-ElectronicPayments.pdf

Immigration attorney Lin Walker explains the recent tightening of standards by USCIS on discretionary immigration benefits.

USCIS is now evaluating immigration petitioners for possible Anti-American activity, including opinions expressed on social media.

This episode provides a comprehensive look at the changes, as well as the implications for First Amendment free speech rights.

Don't miss out on future episodes—subscribe now to stay updated on the latest immigration news and insights.

Important links:

https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/news-releases/uscis-to-consider-anti-americanism-in-immigrant-benefit-requests

https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/news-releases/uscis-to-consider-anti-americanism-in-immigrant-benefit-requests

In this episode of the Immigration Update Podcast immigration attorney Lin Walker outlines the recent changes in US visa policies affecting certain countries.

We discuss the potential impact on international travel.

Topics Covered:

An overview of the new visa regulations,

Analysis of the affected countries and regions,

Helpful Tips for travelers navigating these changes

Stay informed and prepared by subscribing to our podcast for more updates on global visa policy changes.

Important Links:

https://www.nafsa.org/regulatory-information/dos-reduces-validity-new-visas-number-countries

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/fees/reciprocity-whats-new.html

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/Visa-Reciprocity-and-Civil-Documents-by-Country.html

In this episode of the Immigration Update podcast, immigration attorney Lin Walker explores the essential rights and precautions for individuals in detention.

Learn about the legal protections available, the importance of knowing your rights, and practical steps to ensure safety and fair treatment.

Lin outlines the importance of the right to remain silent and its significance, access to legal counsel and how to obtain it, safety measures to protect yourself while detained and expert insights on navigating the detention process.

Subscribe now to stay informed and empowered. Please share this episode with friends and family to spread awareness.

A new season of The Immigration Update podcast begins with a very important episode. Lin is back behind the mic! And just in time because there's been a knock at your door.

In this episode of the Immigration Update podcast, we delve into the crucial steps your law firm should take when faced with an ICE visit.

We talk about some tips to prepare a written plan, understand the nuances of attorney-client privilege, and train your team to handle these situations with confidence.

Confidentiality is important and so we talk about how to protect your clients' privacy and much more!

Reach out to Lin on LinkedIn if you have any questions about your firms particular immigration issues.

In this episode of our series we are going to talk about the USCIS criterion for an O-1B that requires evidence that the artist “has either commanded a high salary or will command a high salary or other substantial remuneration for services in relation to others in the field, as evidenced by contracts or other reliable evidence”.

But what does this mean?

What do you need to show to satisfy this criterion?

And why do so many people misunderstand this criterion and get it wrong?

To ask Lin Walker about your particular immigration concerns please contact her here...

[email protected]

One criterion for the O-1B requires evidence that the artist “has received significant recognition for achievements from organizations, critics, government agencies, or other recognized experts in the field in which the alien is engaged.

Such testimonials must be in a form which clearly indicates the author's authority, expertise, and knowledge of the alien's achievements.”

But what does this mean? What do you need to show to satisfy this criterion?

And why do so many people make mistakes in this area?

The USCIS O-1B criterion at 8 CFR §214.2(o)(3)(iv)(B)(4) requires evidence that the artist “has a record of major commercial or critically acclaimed successes as evidenced by such indicators as title, rating, standing in the field, box office receipts, motion pictures or television ratings, and other occupational achievements reported in trade journals, major newspapers, or other publications.”

But what does this mean? What do you need to show to satisfy this criterion?

And why do so many people get it wrong?

To discuss your immigration questions with Lin Walker please reach out to her at...

[email protected]

Today is part three of our six-part deep dive into the O-1B visa.

You can go back to our last two episodes to catch up if you missed them.

This series is about the often convoluted language in the USCIS regulations that gets glossed over and misunderstood, and that that people far too often get wrong.

One of the criterion for the O-1B that, IMHO, causes the most confusion is evidence that the foreign national “has performed, and will perform, in a lead, starring, or critical role for organizations and establishments that have a distinguished reputation evidenced by articles in newspapers, trade journals, publications, or testimonials.” 8 CFR §214.2(o)(3)(iv)(B)(3)

What’s so difficult about this criterion? Why do so many people get it wrong?

To discuss your business immigration ssituation with Lin Walker reach out to her here...

[email protected]

Part two of our six-part deep dive into the O-1B visa.

The USCIS regulations for the O-1B visa require evidence that the foreign national “has achieved national or international recognition for achievements evidenced by critical reviews or other published materials by or about the individual in major newspapers, trade journals, magazines, or other publications.”

What’s so difficult about this criterion? And why do so many people get it wrong? What IS national or international recognition?

To discuss your personal and confidential business immigration issues please contact Lin Walker at [email protected]