Sutherland's immigration practice focuses on business immigration, specifically providing counsel to both domestic and multinational corporations regarding the temporary and permanent employment of foreign national employees in the United States, and strategic planning for the employment of personnel worldwide. We have extensive experience in providing immigration counseling for Fortune 500 and Fortune 100 companies, understanding the daily need for immigration services that move at the speed of business. As regulations from the Department of Homeland Security continue to change and increase, our attorneys are committed to aiding in the long- and short-term planning required. Sutherland's Immigration Legal Services provide assistance in developing, implementing and updating immigration policies for corporations.
Our immigration experience incorporates a broad range of matters, including:
- Preparation and filing of petitions for U.S. nonimmigrant (temporary) and immigrant (permanent) visas;
- Assistance with procedures at U.S. Consulates, including accompanying foreign nationals to the U.S. Consulate in Matamoros, Mexico, to assist with their visa applications;
- Hiring/firing/tracking of foreign national employees within the United States;
- Hiring/firing/tracking of employees outside the United States;
- Acquiring proper work authorization, and ensuring acquisition and maintenance of status for employees and dependents;
- Ensuring timely departures or extensions for temporary visa holders;
- Short- and long-range immigration planning for employers and employees;
- Coordination of immigration and executive relocation policies/strategies;
- Coordination of all employees between U.S. and international locations;
- Criminal immigration strategy/policy for employees;
- Post-green card strategy for foreign national employees in the United States, including relinquishment of status issues and naturalization (citizenship);
- Employment verification policies, audits and development of risk management strategies and maintenance of public access files;
- Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act activity and compliance for foreign nationals and vessels (including obtaining certain required exemptions from the U.S. Coast Guard);
- Acquisition of U.S. Passports;
- Acquisition of work authorization worldwide (both within and beyond U.S. borders);
- Employer compliance and responses to audits by DOL and Homeland Security;
- Training company human resource professionals;
- USA PATRIOT Act compliance pertaining to foreign national employees, including commercial drivers' licenses and ATF (explosive materials) compliance for oil and gas companies; and
- "Deemed Exports" of sensitive information to foreign nationals under export control regulations.
Having knowledge and experience in various legal areas including corporate, banking, mergers and acquisitions, energy, international trade and securities, our attorneys are capable of supporting the range of client needs. As international work becomes increasingly important to the growing company, immigration policies have become more challenging. Sutherland's Immigration team is focused on assisting our clients in the acquisition, advancement and challenges of the global workplace. We provide solutions that lead to development and progress both within and outside the United States.
© 2008 Sutherland