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Update on ESTA

April 1, 2020

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, travelers who entered the U.S. under the Visa Waiver Program (or “ESTA”) may find themselves in a difficult set of circumstances: should an ESTA traveler depart the U.S. at the end of the 90-day authorized stay with all the obvious risks of doing so, or should the ESTA…

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USCIS Updates amid the Covid-19 pandemic

March 31, 2020

USCIS to Continue Processing Applications for Employment Authorization Extension Requests Despite Application Support Center Closures The USCIS issued this statement on Monday: “U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services today announced that it will reuse previously submitted biometrics in order to process valid Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, extension requests due to the temporary closure of…

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Future of Society?

March 31, 2020

Future of Society? Coronavirus outbreak Coronavirus The global war against Covid-19 is a pivotal moment. Our lives have changed – and now we really are all in it together shows the folly of stripping state and society to the boneost of us have experienced nothing like this before. It is strange, forbidding and dislocating to…

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Unemployment Claims during the COVID-19 Pandemic

March 31, 2020

Under the new CARES Act signed into law on Friday, March 28, 2020 unemployment benefits were expanded to provide assistance for more workers than are usually eligible for unemployment benefits (this includes self-employed people and part-time workers).  In addition to state benefits, the Act also provides workers an extra $600 per week in unemployment benefits.…

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The State of North Carolina’s new “Stay at Home” Order Business Considerations in the times of CoVID-19

March 30, 2020

The Order is similar to many of the restrictions that are currently in place in Mecklenburg County and the City of Charlotte. As per the terms of the new statewide Order, in the event that the provisions of the County Stay at Home order are more restrictive than the statewide order, then those more restrictive…

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Democracy?

March 30, 2020

Democratic group defies Trump, ramps up ad blasting coronavirus responseDemocratic super PAC Priorities USA said on Thursday it planned to expand its use of an advertisement critical of President Donald Trump’s response to the coronavirus pandemic despite the Trump re-election campaign’s efforts to stop it. The ad plays verbatim quotes from the president, including “We…

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The CARES Act – Which businesses will qualify for a Small Business Administration Loan?

March 26, 2020

The CARES Act has officially passed in the Senate and a vote is expected in the House on Friday, March 27th. If the Bill is signed into law as expected, $350 billion will be dedicated to preventing layoffs and business closures while workers stay home during the outbreak. Companies with 500 employees or fewer that…

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The 2020 Census

March 26, 2020

What Is the 2020 Census? The 2020 Census counts every person living in the United States and five U.S. territories. The count is mandated by the Constitution and conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau, a nonpartisan government agency. The 2020 Census counts the population in the United States and five U.S. territories (Puerto Rico, American…

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COVID-19 “CARES Act” bipartisan stimulus package being finalized in Congress will help small businesses

March 26, 2020

In the early morning on March 25, 2020, the White House and Senate finally reached an agreement on a $2 trillion package to respond to the current economic crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Though a deal has been struck on the key points of the Bill, many details are still being finalized. However, a few…

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Immigration and Related Matters

March 26, 2020

USCIS has suspended its operations until at least April 1st – including premium processing of all I-129 and I-140 petitions. Scheduled appointments and interviews are postponed and notice from USCIS should be received confirming postponement. Similarly, the U.S. State Department (DOS) has suspended immigrant and nonimmigrant visa application appointments at all consular posts. DOS has…

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