USCIS Policy Update: L-1 Visa Limitations for Sole Proprietorships

The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) recently clarified, through their Policy Alert (PA-2023-29) dated October 20, that a sole proprietorship cannot file an L-1 visa petition for its owner. This decision stems from the fact that a sole proprietorship, unlike other business structures, is not recognized as a separate legal entity from its […]

What is the Public Charge and Its Effect on Immigration?

The concept of a “public charge” in US immigration law dates back to 1882, but it wasn’t formally defined until the Immigration and Naturalization Service—now replaced by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS)—introduced the “1999 Interim Field Guidance.” This guidance defined a “public charge” as an individual primarily dependent on government support for subsistence. This […]