When Immigration Matters

Karen-Lee Pollak

Recent Posts

Updated Immigration Rules Lead to More Visa Approvals for STEM Workers

Posted by Karen-Lee Pollak on Wed, Mar 06, 2024 @ 11:44 AM

Immigration policies in the United States are going through a positive shift, particularly for foreign workers in the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) sectors. Recent data from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) indicates a notable increase in visa and green card approvals for STEM professionals. This encouraging development is largely attributed to revised eligibility criteria for two key visa categories: the O-1 visa and the EB-2 visa with a national interest waiver.

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Uniting Borders: The Path to a Marriage-Based Green Card in the U.S.

Posted by Karen-Lee Pollak on Thu, Feb 01, 2024 @ 11:04 AM

 Marriage connects not just two individuals but often bridges the gap between different countries. In the United States, marriage to a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident opens the door for the foreign spouse to apply for a marriage-based green card. This process allows the foreign spouse to live and work in the U.S. permanently, creating a foundation for families to start their new lives together.

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H-1B Candidates may not have to travel abroad to get an H-1B Stamp

Posted by Karen-Lee Pollak on Tue, Oct 24, 2023 @ 6:46 PM

On October 17, 2023, the US Department of State (DOS) sent a Federal Register Notice to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs for review, proposing that certain H1-B candidates will not have to travel overseas to renew their visas. Sending a notice to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs is a preliminary step before publishing a proposed rule in the Federal Register.

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Frustrated with USCIS delays? Why is my case taking so long?

Posted by Karen-Lee Pollak on Fri, Oct 20, 2023 @ 10:00 AM

Immigration is usually a time-sensitive issue, and in most cases, delays in the adjudication of your petition/application could potentially lead to loss of employment, restriction on foreign travel, or outright stress, which may impact an immigrant’s personal life.

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Effective Immediately Israelis Can Travel to the USA Visa-Free.

Posted by Karen-Lee Pollak on Thu, Oct 19, 2023 @ 4:55 PM

Department of Homeland Security announced today that with immediate effect, eligible Israeli Citizens can travel to the USA without first obtaining a visa.  Previously, this program was scheduled to take effect in November 2023.  Travel is for no more than 90 days, saving time and money in lengthy delays and sometimes costly visa applications.  Israelis will have to register with Customs and Border Protection ("CBP") Electronic System for Travel Authorization ("ESTA") in order to qualify for travel without a visa.    

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Israel Admitted to the Visa Waiver Program

Posted by Karen-Lee Pollak on Tue, Oct 03, 2023 @ 12:29 PM

On September 27, 2023, the Biden Administration announced Israel’s entry into the Visa Waiver program. Starting November 30, 2023, Israeli citizens will be able to travel to the US without the need to obtain a B-1/B-2 Visa at a US Consulate. The Visa Waiver Program, recognized worldwide, offers eligible citizens of participating countries a streamlined pathway to enter the United States for tourism, business meetings, or family visits for a period not exceeding 90 days. The traditional visa application process is replaced with a more straightforward Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) application, making travel arrangements more accessible and hassle-free. Applicants applying under the program would have to file the ESTA application on the Custom and Border Protection (CBP) portal here.

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Karen-Lee Pollak Selected as a Texas Super Lawyer for 2023

Posted by Karen-Lee Pollak on Mon, Oct 02, 2023 @ 1:23 PM
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U.S. Citizenship A Pathway to a Brighter Future for Families

Posted by Karen-Lee Pollak on Mon, Oct 02, 2023 @ 11:16 AM

Are you considering the journey to becoming an American citizen? As you stand on the threshold of this transformative decision, it's crucial to be armed with the knowledge of what lies ahead. United States citizenship brings not only unique rights and privileges but also the opportunity to utilize family reunification programs to bring your family along.

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Visa Retrogression: Navigating Immigration Delays

Posted by Karen-Lee Pollak on Fri, Sep 01, 2023 @ 8:44 AM

Both immigrant and non-immigrant visas are essential for U.S. immigration, but the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) can only process a limited number each year. Visa retrogression arises when the demand for immigrant visas exceeds the supply, which is often a cause for frustration and delays. The backlog created by the tremendous number of visa applications impacts certain visa categories for individuals from specific countries. To understand visa retrogression and how it may impact your visa application, it’s important to explore the contributing factors.

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Opening the Doors to International Opportunities With the L-1 Visa

Posted by Karen-Lee Pollak on Mon, Aug 07, 2023 @ 2:23 PM



In today's interconnected world, global business ventures are flourishing like never before. Companies are expanding their operations across borders, seeking new markets and international collaborations. Among the various options available, the L-1 visa stands out as a gateway to international opportunities for both employers and employees alike.

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