IMMIGRATION AND NATIONALITY LAW SERVICES
www.morganlewisresources.com
The Morgan Lewis Resources Immigration and Nationality Practice combines the legal talents of one of the country’s most experienced teams of business immigration attorneys and paraprofessionals with cutting-edge web-based technology to provide clients with extraordinary service and advice in a cost-effective manner.
Scope of Services
Inbound Visa Applications (Temporary and Permanent Visa Applications): We team with clients to facilitate entry of businesspeople and professionals into the United States in the most expeditious and productive manner. This ranges from assisting with the rapid movement of one high-level executive to strategizing on the transfer of hundreds of skilled technicians. Large-Scale International Movement of Personnel: We counsel clients on, and facilitate, large-scale personnel transfers. Our lawyers work with clients to determine eligibility to participate in “blanket” programs that allow expeditious movement of employees of multinational corporations and “blanket” programs that permit temporary or seasonal movement of skilled workers. Outbound Visa Applications: We provide “one-stop shopping” for immigration services, including advice and assistance in moving employees to assignments abroad. Our lawyers can assist you in obtaining foreign immigration clearance, as well as U.S. visas. Corporate Policy Development: We assist corporations in developing clear and consistent internal policies with respect to immigration. This includes written guidance for I-9 completion, written guidelines for Public Access file maintenance, corporate policies regarding sponsorship for temporary visas and permanent residence, and agreements regarding repayment of legal fees for immigration sponsorship. We also team with clients to develop internal websites containing immigration information. Corporate Change Counseling: We have substantial experience in handling the immigration-related aspects of corporate change. This includes review of the target’s I-9 forms, M&A due diligence and advice during spin-offs, mergers or reductions in force. Training: We have developed half-day and full-day workshops for clients that cover all aspects of immigration compliance. Our programs include training handbooks, exercises and a “certification procedure” at the close of the workshop.
Tax Implications of Immigration Status: We are one of only a few groups that can provide tax counseling and advice on issues related to immigration. This includes advice on FICA exemptions for foreign students and exchange visitors, as well as guidance in determining whether a foreign employee is a nonresident for tax purposes, the effect of Social Security Totalization Agreements, and the impact of renunciation of U.S. citizenship for high net worth individuals. Auditing and Government Investigations: We provide assistance with internal audits of immigration compliance practices and procedures as well as with government audits, including, among other things, I-9 audits for clients, and audits of Labor Condition Applications and Public Access files.
Our Technology
Morgan Lewis Resources offers clients access to a 24/7, password-protected, online immigration case status and information portal. By using this state-of-the-art technology, human resource managers, in-house counsel and other company personnel charged with immigration program management can access real-time information about the company’s foreign national employees and their immigration status, ongoing immigration projects, upcoming deadlines and other important data. Our clients’ employees may access information about their case status through this portal as well.
Our Immigration Team
Eleanor Pelta, Esq. Managing Director 202.739.5050 epelta@morganlewis.com
Eric S. Bord, Esq. Director 202.739.6040 ebord@morganlewis.com
Madeline Fain Ellis, Esq. Director 202.739.5045 mellis@morganlewis.com
Morgan Lewis Resources: Business Realities, Legal Solutions
Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP