Welcome

Jul 6, 2011 by Neera Bahl

Welcome to the website of Neera Bahl & Associates. My name is Neera Bahl and I founded Neera Bahl & Associates in 2009. My legal career began in 2005, when I joined Dixit & Youn, LLP as an associate. Thereafter in 2007, I became a name partner in the firm changing the firm name to Dixit, Youn, & Bahl, LLP. In April 2009 I decided to found my own firm to foster my independent practice of law. Prior to that, I interned at the Jimmy Carter Center (Human Rights Division); worked as a Constituent Representative for U.S. Rep. Denise Majette (GA Dem. ’04-’05), focusing on immigration issues; and served as law clerk for Fulton County Superior Court Judge Honorable Gail S. Tusan.

Through my experiences, I have discovered my true passion – immigration law. Since that time, I have focused my practice on providing individual service and attention to those who are struggling to understand the ever evolving, intricately complex maze of United States immigration. The mission of Neera Bahl & Associates is to help individuals understand and navigate through immigration issues.

I am writing this blog for 2 reasons:

  1. To educate those who need guidance and information on immigration laws.
  2. To encourage an open dialog with my readers in order to foster open communication.

I welcome comments, questions, as well as queries about problems that you may be having regarding the U.S. Immigration Laws in this country. You can participate by signing up on my blog through email using the RSS feeder button.

Sincerely,

Attorney Neera Bahl

Neera Bahl & Associates LLC

 

 

 

March 2013 Visa Bulletin &...

Feb 19, 2013 by admin

The U.S. Department of State (DOS) has published the March 2013 Visa Bulletin. The second-preference (EB-2) category cut-off dates will remain current worldwide (except for China and India). The priority date for Indian nationals in the EB-2 category will continue to remain unchanged at September 1, 2004, while the cut-off date for Chinese nationals in this category will move forward by one month to February 15, 2008.

In the third preference (EB-3) category, priority cut-off dates will advance by one and a half months for all countries except China, India, and the Philippines, to May 1, 2007. The priority date for China will move forward by approximately two months and one week to January 22, 2007, while the cut-off date for India will continue to advance slowly by one week, to a priority date of November 22, 2002. The priority date for the Philippines will move forward by approximately one and a half weeks to September 1, 2006.

All priority dates for employment-based, other workers’ category will remain identical to the cut-off dates in the EB-3 category for each respective chargeability area, except China. The priority date for China will remain unchanged at July 1, 2003.

The employment-based, first preference (EB-1) and fifth preference (EB-5) categories will both remain current for all countries.

The movement of priority dates is assessed on a monthly basis by the DOS, based on demand across categories throughout the year. As a result, cut-off dates can advance, retrogress, or remain unchanged. It is important for employers and employees to take the immigrant visa backlogs into account for long-term planning purposes.
The March 2013 Visa Bulletin can be read in its entirety at: http://www.travel.state.gov/visa/bulletin/bulletin_5885.html.

White House Immigration Plan O...

Feb 19, 2013 by admin

Details of an immigration plan put forward by the White House which were released on Saturday, February 16th, and widely reported by the press, offers illegal immigrants (not legal) a path to residency after 8 years. The proposal would grant illegal immigrants, estimated at 11 million in the United States, permanent residence status eight years after the bill is enacted or 30 days after visas have been granted to all those who applied legally, whichever date is earlier. Illegal immigrants would be able to apply for a newly created “Lawful Prospective Immigrant” visa if they pass a criminal background check, submit biometric information and pay fees that are presently undetermined. They would also be able to apply for permanent residence once they have learned English and “the history and government of the U.S.” and paid back taxes.

The plan would also allow most young illegal immigrants who came to the U.S. as children to apply for legal permanent residence two years after the law has passed. At this point it is not clear how long potential applicants must have been in residence in the United States.

In an effort to show support for the Congressional process, yesterday a White house official announced that President Obama’s draft immigration proposal is a backup plan in case Congress fails to produce comprehensive legislation of their own.

New Passport Service Provider ...

May 6, 2013 by admin

consulate New Passport Service Provider Appointed

Consulate General of India

(Atlanta)

PRESS RELEASE

New Passport Service Provider Appointed

BLS International Services Ltd will be the new service provider for Passport Services w.e.f. May 07, 2013. The Services of the current service provider VFS Global Ltd will be terminated w.e.f. May 07, 2013. VFS Global Ltd will continue to receive passport applications in person until May 6 and by mail until May 3, 2013. Those applying after those dates may submit their applications to new service provider. Their website and location details are given below:

 

Website                :        http://www.blsindia-usa.com

 

Atlanta :        5775 Glenridge Drive Northeast,   Building B

Suite # 390, Atlanta GA 30328

 

Contact email of BLS International Services are as under:

For Information related to passport services info@bls-india-usa.com

For feedback    : feedback@blsindia-usa.com

 

 

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Do I Really Need an Immigratio...

Jul 14, 2011 by Neera Bahl

statue3 Do I Really Need an Immigration Lawyer?

The immigration process is a long, arduous process.  The American political climate concerning immigration can be described as tumultuous at best.  There are federal, state and local laws to take into consideration.  Even seemingly innocuous forms are important as most questions pertain directly to some regulation or another.  Government agencies and their websites are considered by many to be a good source of information.  However there are some things to consider.

  • There are constant changes in immigration laws and the websites may not be up-to-date.
  • Agents are trained in enforcement and are more focused on keeping people out rather than helping in the immigration process.
  • Both the websites and agents only provide  generalized information, not specific to your case.

How can an immigration lawyer help?

  • A good immigration lawyer will be knowledgeable not only of the current laws, but is also keeping abreast of pending changes in the legislative or judicial pipeline.
  • A lawyer can present your petition to the government agency, making a strong argument as to why your petition should be granted under the law.
  • A lawyer can also bring other resources to bear should problems arise with your petition and can file an appeal if necessary.

Immigrating to a new country is a lifetime decision with lifetime repercussions.  Having someone help you to navigate the labyrinth of laws will assure that things will go as smoothly as possible and provide the peace of mind that comes from having someone on your side who understands your case and can present all the best possible arguments on your behalf.

 

EB-5 Visa Spurs Investment Opp...

Aug 18, 2011 by admin

At Neera Bahl & Associates, LLC., we are always informed of the latest developments in Immigration Reform.

USCIS Announcement to Encourage Entrepreneurs to the U.S.

In an unexpected and encouraging move, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced an initiative on August 2, 2011, to encourage immigrant entrepreneurs and start-up companies to the United States. This USCIS initiative will be especially helpful to people from countries like India and Russia, with whom the U.S. does not have an E visa treaty to allow for the E-1 or E-2 visas. Now citizens of these countries, and all others, will be able to invest money in the U.S. and potentially qualify as entrepreneurs for both the H1B visa and permanent residence (or the “green card”), by properly structuring their investments.

The USCIS explains that a business owner can establish an “employer-employee relationship” by showing that the company has a separate board of directors with power over the owner-investor. Prior to the August 2011 announcement, the Murthy Law Firm adopted this type of strategy and argument to successfully obtain H1B approvals for owners of start-up businesses. After the H1B status, the USCIS explains, the entrepreneur can pursue the green card option. Under the August 2011 USCIS announcement, an entrepreneur may be able to qualify for the green card in the EB2 classification, under its new and more expansive definition, as a person with Exceptional Ability, or a person whose work will benefit the U.S. in the national interest as a National Interest Waiver (NIW) case.

We at the Neera Bahl & Associates applaud the USCIS for clarifying that entrepreneurs and investors can qualify for H1B approval or obtain NIW approval under the new expanded definitions. While the EB2 category does require a long wait for citizens of India and China to ultimately obtain the green card, the entrepreneur can gain and maintain H1B status without the onerous restrictions under the employment-based, fifth preference (EB5) investor category. With our extensive and successful H1B and NIW approval track record, we at the Neera Bahl & Associates would be honored to help many entrepreneurs and start-up company owners who may qualify to obtain the H1B and the green card. With the current state of our economy, attracting entrepreneurs to benefit all who reside within our shores and the U.S. national interest is a necessity.

Read More About Premium EB-5 Visa Processing at EB5info.com

or

read the press release issued by the Department of Homeland Security .