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US Immigration Advisor, One World Trade Center, Suite 8500, New York, NY (2026)

03/25/2026

Illegal Migration via the “Donkey Route” Highlights the Risks of Unlicensed Immigration Agents ⚠️

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Recent reports about Indian migrants being deported from the United States have brought renewed attention to the dangers of irregular migration routes often referred to as the “donkey route.”

Many migrants are reportedly persuaded by unlicensed agents who promise legal entry into the United States but instead route individuals through complex and risky journeys across multiple countries. These cases frequently involve families taking on significant debt in pursuit of migration opportunities.

🪪 Sukanya Raman, Immigration Lawyer, Country Head at Davies & Associates, LLC said that “It is very disheartening to see that innocents are being cheated this way and they are borrowing money from friends and relatives… going through this trap which is very very disheartening.

But at the same time I think there is a lot of awareness which needs to be created in these places… primarily Punjab, Haryana, Gujarat and of course the rest of the country.

Whoever is watching this should be very very careful as to whom they’re dealing with and they should always take professional help in terms of visas… regardless of the category. It is always important to take professional help and not go to some random agent in and around their town who has a little shop.”

📍 At Davies & Associates, we frequently observe how misinformation and fraudulent immigration practices can place individuals and families at significant risk.

Unlicensed agents often exploit the aspirations of prospective migrants by offering unrealistic promises of quick or guaranteed entry into the United States. In many cases, individuals are encouraged to travel to intermediary countries before attempting irregular entry routes, exposing them to dangerous conditions, detention, and eventual deportation.

Beyond the immediate risks, these journeys can leave families burdened with substantial debt and long-term financial hardship. From a legal perspective, lawful immigration pathways exist but require careful planning, documentation, and compliance with U.S. immigration regulations.

Individuals who rely on unauthorized intermediaries may unknowingly jeopardize their future eligibility for visas or other immigration benefits.

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For individuals considering immigration opportunities abroad, informed decision-making is essential. At Davies & Associates, we strongly encourage prospective applicants to seek guidance from qualified immigration professionals and verify the legitimacy of any service providers.

Proper legal advice can help ensure that immigration goals are pursued through lawful and sustainable pathways while avoiding the serious consequences associated with irregular migration.

03/25/2026

From Backlogs to Breakthrough: Why EB-1A Is Gaining Momentum Among Skilled Professionals 📈

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Ongoing backlogs in employment-based green card categories, particularly EB-2 and EB-3 for Indian nationals, are prompting a shift toward more efficient and self-directed immigration pathways.

The EB-1A category is increasingly being viewed as a viable alternative for qualified professionals seeking faster outcomes.

🪪 According to Sukanya Raman, immigration attorney and country head at Davies & Associates, this shift is being fueled by long-standing backlogs in the EB-2 and EB-3 categories for Indian applicants.

She notes that the EB-1A pathway is gaining traction because it gives qualified individuals the ability to self-petition, offering more control and often significantly shorter wait times. She told Business Standard, “extraordinary ability is really about measurable impact, not global fame.”

Increasingly, Indian engineers, researchers, and product leaders are turning to the EB-1A route, leveraging their professional achievements to strengthen their applications.

Many are highlighting patents, high-profile publications, industry recognitions, and leadership positions to meet the criteria for “extraordinary ability,” positioning themselves for a faster and more independent path to U.S. residency.

“Indian professionals are realizing they already meet the standard… you can quote me here again,” told Raman. “Their work is driving innovation globally, and the EB-1A category acknowledges that.”"

📍 At Davies & Associates, we are seeing a clear behavioral shift among high-skilled professionals who are reassessing traditional immigration pathways.

The prolonged wait times associated with EB-2 and EB-3 categories have made EB-1A an increasingly attractive option due to its self-petition structure and expedited processing potential.

Crucially, the perception barrier around EB-1A eligibility is evolving. As noted, “extraordinary ability” is not confined to global recognition but is instead rooted in measurable professional impact.

This has broadened access for professionals in technology, research, and leadership roles who can demonstrate sustained contributions to their fields.

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We encourage qualified individuals to proactively assess their EB-1A eligibility. With the right legal strategy and evidence framework, this pathway can provide a faster, more autonomous route to U.S. permanent residency amid ongoing systemic delays.

03/25/2026

Visa Stamping Delays and Social Media Screening Create Uncertainty for H-1B Workers Abroad ⁉️

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Recent discussions around the U.S. H-1B visa system have highlighted increasing delays in visa renewals and stamping for workers traveling outside the United States.

Immigration practitioners are observing cases where applicants are facing extended wait times due to additional vetting procedures, including the review of social media profiles.

These delays have left some H-1B professionals temporarily stranded outside the country while waiting for visa appointments and processing.

🪪 Sukanya Raman, Immigration Lawyer, Country Head at Davies & Associates, LLC said that “So at the moment we do not have any solution for that unfortunately legally, primarily because this is what the embassy and the consulates want — to kind of verify each applicant's social media profile, right.

That is why they are taking some time to evaluate that and based on that they want to do the renewal or stamping.
So it is a wait and watch game for now unfortunately for people who are stranded in India.

But I think this delay that we are seeing — that is till mid of 2026 or later 2027 — is going to change eventually once the officers are also used to this process of social media verification, is what we think is the only solution as we speak.

But we don't know if things are going to get any better.”

📍 At Davies & Associates, we see these developments as part of a broader shift toward heightened scrutiny in U.S. visa processing.

Social media vetting has become an increasingly common tool used by consular officers to evaluate applicants during visa adjudication.

While the policy objective is enhanced security and compliance verification, the implementation has created significant uncertainty for many professionals whose employment depends on timely visa renewals.

For H-1B workers who travel abroad for stamping, extended processing times can disrupt both personal and professional plans. Employers may also face operational challenges if key employees remain outside the United States for prolonged periods.

Until processing workflows stabilize and consular officers become more accustomed to these new verification practices, delays may continue to affect applicants in certain regions.

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As visa policies evolve, individuals and employers should plan international travel carefully and remain informed about changing processing practices.

At Davies & Associates, we continue to monitor these developments closely and advise clients on strategies to minimize disruptions related to visa renewals and international mobility.

03/25/2026

U.S. Pilot Program for Domestic H-1B Visa Renewals Signals Potential Relief for Skilled Workers 💼

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The United States has introduced a limited pilot program allowing certain H-1B visa holders to renew their visas domestically rather than traveling abroad for consular processing.

The initiative is designed to address long-standing processing delays and logistical challenges faced by skilled professionals who previously needed to leave the country for visa stamping.

If successful, the program could reduce uncertainty for both employees and employers navigating the U.S. immigration system.

🪪 Sukanya Raman, Immigration Lawyer, Country Head at Davies & Associates, LLC said that “This program, the pilot program, has been reintroduced because this was happening about two decades back earlier in the US where you could renew your visas.

But then for various reasons it was stopped and now it has been reintroduced for five weeks.
This is again a pilot program, and they are going to be issuing visas only for Indian nationals and Canadians. There are specific criteria listed for H-1B applicants who will be eligible to benefit from this program.

This is a good start of the year, I must say, because during renewals it used to take an insane amount of time. Sometimes cases go into administrative processing and you don't know how long that will take.

If you're eligible to get your H-1B stamped within the country, then at least you know where things stand.
If you are outside the country, there are challenges. Some companies do not allow their data to be accessed outside the US, which means employees cannot work while waiting for visa stamping. So this is definitely a good start.”

📍 At Davies & Associates, we view the domestic H-1B visa renewal pilot program as a practical step toward addressing the operational challenges many skilled professionals have faced in recent years.

Requiring visa holders to travel abroad for renewal has often resulted in prolonged waiting periods, particularly when cases enter administrative processing. During that time, workers may be unable to return to the United States or perform their job responsibilities due to company security restrictions on accessing systems from abroad.

Allowing eligible applicants to renew visas within the United States could significantly reduce these disruptions and provide greater certainty for employers relying on global talent.

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If the pilot program proves effective, it could serve as a foundation for broader reforms to streamline visa renewals and reduce international travel requirements for skilled workers in the future.

03/25/2026

Digital Self-Reporting Tools Raise Privacy and Enforcement Concerns for Migrants 📲

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As U.S. immigration enforcement evolves, digital tools such as the CBP One app have become central to managing migrant flows and processing entries. However, these systems are also raising concerns among users regarding data privacy, surveillance, and potential enforcement consequences.

🪪 Sukanya Raman, Immigration Lawyer, Country Head at Davies & Associates, LLC said that "In 2023, the Joe Biden administration had launched a similar self-reporting feature on the CBP One App, although that was primarily meant for those seeking asylum to register themselves and schedule appointments with the CBP at certain ports of entry into the US,

As with the older version of the app, Raman says that individuals are concerned about the fact that using this feature may open them up to more investigation or questioning, or more tracking, since they have to upload a lot of details and documentation."

📍 At Davies & Associates, we recognize that while digital self-reporting tools like CBP One are designed to streamline immigration processing, they also introduce complex legal and privacy considerations.

The requirement to submit detailed personal and biometric information may create apprehension among users, particularly those in vulnerable or uncertain immigration situations.

These concerns are not unfounded. Increased data collection can lead to heightened scrutiny, and applicants may inadvertently expose themselves to enforcement risks if discrepancies or eligibility issues arise.

At the same time, failure to use such systems may limit access to lawful entry pathways or procedural benefits.

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We advise individuals to approach digital immigration tools with informed caution. Understanding the legal implications of data submission and seeking professional guidance before engaging with such platforms is essential to mitigating risk while navigating evolving U.S. immigration processes.

03/25/2026

Rising Shift Toward EB-5 as a Strategic Pathway for Non-Immigrant Visa Holders 🛣

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As restrictions and uncertainties grow around traditional non-immigrant visas such as H-1B and student visas, more individuals already in the United States are exploring alternative pathways to secure long-term status. The EB-5 immigrant investor program is increasingly emerging as a viable solution.

🪪 Sukanya Raman, Immigration Lawyer, Country Head at Davies & Associates, LLC said that "The path is also becoming popular in the adjustment of status category, among those already in the US on non-immigrant status.

“Students and individuals on H-1B visas currently represent the primary group seeking lawful means to remain in the US with the ability to work,”

“Indian nationals currently in the US on non-immigrant status such as H-1B or student visa and who file under the new provisions benefit from automatic issuance of work and travel permits within 3-6 months from the time of filing I-526E petition typically which remain valid until their EB-5 green card is approved,” said Raman.

📍 At Davies & Associates, we are seeing a marked increase in adjustment-of-status filings under the EB-5 program, particularly among H-1B holders and international students seeking stability.

The ability to obtain employment authorization and advance parole within a relatively short timeframe represents a significant advantage over traditional visa pathways that are subject to caps, lotteries, and employer dependency.

This trend reflects a broader recalibration of immigration strategy, where individuals prioritize flexibility, long-term security, and independence from employer sponsorship. As policy constraints tighten around temporary visas, EB-5 offers a more predictable and self-directed route to permanent residency.

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Given the evolving immigration landscape, we advise eligible individuals to evaluate EB-5 not only as an investment option but as a strategic immigration solution. Early planning and proper legal guidance are essential to fully leverage the program’s concurrent filing benefits.

03/24/2026

Proposed State-Level Property Restrictions Raise Constitutional Questions for Green Card Holders 🏘

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A growing number of U.S. states are introducing legislation aimed at restricting property ownership by foreign nationals. Among these, proposed bills in Ohio have sparked concern due to their potential scope—extending restrictions even to lawful permanent residents, including Green Card holders.

🪪 Sukanya Raman, Immigration Lawyer, Country Head at Davies & Associates, LLC said that "Between January 2023 and July 2024, at least 22 states enacted legislation restricting or regulating the purchase of agricultural land, critical infrastructure, and in some cases, residential or commercial property by foreign nationals, entities, or governments.

Legal challenge likely

The Ohio Bills are still in their early stages, and could change significantly as they are put to vote in the state legislature over the coming months. But if passed in their current, maximalist form, they would restrict land ownership by all non-citizens, including legal permanent residents.

This would be unprecedented in the US. To date, no federal law prohibits Indian Green Card holders from purchasing or owning land in the country. Under the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment, Green Card holders are entitled to due process and equal protection under the law.

Any law or policy that discriminates against them based solely on immigration status may face constitutional challenges and be struck down, Raman says.

📍 At Davies & Associates, we see this emerging trend as part of a broader shift toward state-level regulation intersecting with federal immigration principles.

While states may seek to regulate land ownership for national security or economic reasons, extending such restrictions to lawful permanent residents raises significant constitutional concerns.

Green Card holders are afforded protections under the Equal Protection Clause, and any blanket prohibition based solely on immigration status is likely to face judicial scrutiny. If enacted, such laws could create legal uncertainty for investors, homeowners, and businesses relying on foreign-born talent.

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We advise stakeholders to closely monitor legislative developments at the state level. Legal challenges are likely, and affected individuals should seek counsel to understand their rights and mitigate potential risks in property ownership and investment decisions.

03/24/2026

H-1B Visa Stamping Delays Disrupt Workforce Mobility and Business Continuity 📄

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Significant delays in H-1B visa stamping appointments are creating widespread disruption for Indian professionals and U.S. employers alike.

As visa holders travel abroad for stamping, extended wait times are leaving many stranded outside the United States, intensifying uncertainty in an already volatile employment environment.

🪪 In 2024, Indians accounted for 71% of all H-1B visas issued and are employed across companies in the US. Amazon, Meta, Microsoft, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) and Google were the top five H-1B employers in 2025, according to USCIS data.

Those impacted include people who have H-1B petitions approved, both fresh and renewals, but need to travel to India to get their passports stamped with the visa.

“This is a catastrophe and a major challenge to employee mobility,” said Sukanya Raman, country head, Davies & Associates LLC.

She said that the companies are asking employees to return to the US immediately if they have an approved extension petition and the visa is still valid for a few days only. These developments take place at a time of uncertainty over tech jobs in the US, where layoffs are rampant. Not many companies will be willing to spend the $100,000 fee on fresh H-1B petitions.

Experts said there is no legal solution. “Affected employees are left with limited options, working remotely where permitted, or taking unpaid leave if earlier appointment dates are unavailable,” Raman said. December is when most Indian nationals travel home and the sudden rollout of a major policy change has forced them to cancel those plans.

For example, a techie working in the US had come to India for a parent’s surgery in early December and to have his H-1B visa stamped. With the appointment pushed to 2026, he’s been forced to stay back and is worried about his job in the US.

There is no clarity on whether applications can be expedited and rescheduled to an earlier timeline. “At this point, it is a wait-andwatch situation,” said Raman.

📍 At Davies & Associates, we recognize that visa stamping delays represent a systemic bottleneck rather than an isolated administrative issue. The inability of H-1B holders to re-enter the U.S. disrupts not only individual careers but also employer operations, particularly in sectors heavily reliant on global talent.

The absence of a clear legal remedy further exacerbates the situation, forcing both employees and employers into contingency planning. Remote work arrangements and unpaid leave are, at best, temporary solutions that do not address long-term workforce stability. In parallel, rising costs and broader labor market uncertainty are discouraging employers from initiating new H-1B filings.

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In this environment, careful travel planning and proactive immigration strategy are critical. We advise H-1B holders to assess risks before international travel and seek legal guidance to mitigate potential disruptions while navigating an increasingly constrained visa processing landscape.

03/24/2026

Surge in EB-5 Filings Reflects Investor Urgency Amid Policy Uncertainty 📑

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Growing uncertainty around potential changes to U.S. investor immigration pathways—particularly proposals such as a “gold card” initiative—has triggered a sharp increase in EB-5 visa demand among high-net-worth individuals.

Investors are accelerating their application timelines to secure benefits under the current regulatory framework.

🪪 Sukanya Raman, Immigration Lawyer, Country Head at Davies & Associates, LLC said that "We are witnessing a surge in EB-5 visa applications. Our office is overwhelmed with inquiries as many applicants are rushing to submit their I-526E petitions before any potential changes to the existing rules,"

📍 At Davies & Associates, we are observing a clear pattern of preemptive filing driven by policy uncertainty. Investors are increasingly aware that immigration frameworks can shift rapidly, and early submission of I-526E petitions can secure eligibility under existing rules, including access to concurrent filing benefits and current visa availability.

This surge also reflects broader concerns around potential program restructuring, including the introduction of alternative investor pathways that may alter thresholds, processing timelines, or eligibility criteria. For many applicants, acting now is a strategic hedge against future restrictions or increased competition.

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In a rapidly evolving immigration environment, timing is critical. We advise prospective EB-5 investors to act decisively, conduct thorough due diligence, and seek experienced legal guidance to navigate potential regulatory changes while maximizing current program advantages.

03/23/2026

Expanded U.S. Visa Scrutiny Signals Broader Shift in Immigration Enforcement 🔎

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Recent developments surrounding the suspension of certain trucking-related visas point to a broader tightening of U.S. immigration oversight. What initially appeared to be a sector-specific measure is now being interpreted as part of a wider policy shift impacting multiple visa categories and foreign workers.

🪪 Sukanya Raman, Immigration Lawyer, Country Head at Davies & Associates, LLC said that "Experts warn that trucking may only be the beginning. She told Business Standard that Washington’s review extends far beyond commercial drivers.

“The US administration is reviewing all 55 million current visa holders, including students, tourists, and temporary workers, through a process of continuous vetting,” said Raman.

“While trucking visas are the first to be halted, I think other worker visas are under direct scrutiny, and this may just be the beginning.”

She noted that trucking had long been seen as a “blue-collar shortcut” to the US compared to more competitive visa categories such as H-1B, L, or O. “Many Punjabi truckers, who formed a significant share of applicants, may now look to Canada, Europe, or the Middle East as alternatives,” she said.

According to Raman, the message is clear. “This signals discouraging US employers from hiring foreign workers across sectors, not just trucking. Authorities have already flagged English proficiency and road safety concerns, and future reforms may introduce tougher skill, language, and compliance requirements—raising the bar particularly for Indian applicants.”

📍 At Davies & Associates, we interpret this development as part of a systemic shift toward heightened immigration enforcement and compliance monitoring. Continuous vetting of visa holders represents a more dynamic and ongoing review process, increasing the compliance burden on both applicants and employers.

This evolving landscape suggests that visa categories previously considered more accessible may no longer provide reliable entry pathways. Stricter standards around language proficiency, skills, and regulatory compliance are likely to reshape eligibility thresholds, particularly for sectors reliant on foreign labor.

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In this environment, applicants and employers must prioritize compliance, documentation accuracy, and long-term immigration strategy. Proactive legal planning will be essential to navigate increasing scrutiny and maintain eligibility under tightening U.S. immigration policies.

03/23/2026

Potential EB-5 Retrogression Could Disrupt Concurrent Filing Benefits for Indian Investors 📝

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Recent signals from the U.S. Department of State suggest that the EB-5 immigrant investor visa category may soon face retrogression for high-demand countries such as India and China.

This development could significantly alter the current advantages available to applicants, particularly those relying on concurrent filing benefits while residing in the United States.

🪪 Sukanya Raman, Immigration Lawyer, Country Head at Davies & Associates, LLC said that “The US Department of State has issued a warning indicating that EB-5 visa categories for India and China may soon face retrogression or backlogs,”

Raman also told Business Standard. “If this materialises, concurrent filing—which currently allows applicants to file for Employment Authorisation (EAD) and Advance Parole (AP) alongside their I-526E petition—will no longer be available to Indian-born applicants.”

She noted this would be a major change for those already in the US on non-immigrant visas, particularly applicants in unreserved EB-5 categories from high-demand countries.

“While the EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act of 2022 introduced reserved visa categories — including Rural, High Unemployment, and Infrastructure — to promote investment in targeted areas, and these categories have generally remained current, even some reserved categories may experience backlogs due to rising interest and demand,” Raman said.

📍 At Davies & Associates, we view the potential retrogression of EB-5 categories as a critical inflection point for investors from high-demand countries. The loss of concurrent filing would remove a key strategic advantage—namely, the ability to obtain employment authorization and travel flexibility while awaiting adjudication.

This shift underscores the importance of timing in immigration strategy. Investors who delay filing may face longer processing timelines and reduced interim benefits. While reserved EB-5 categories were designed to alleviate backlogs, increasing demand may place pressure on these allocations as well, further complicating planning.

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In light of these developments, we strongly recommend early action and careful category selection. Proactive filing and strategic guidance can help mitigate the risks associated with retrogression and preserve available immigration benefits.

03/23/2026

Strategic Visa Shifts: Employers and Professionals Navigate Evolving U.S. Immigration Pathways 💼
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In response to increased scrutiny of H-1B visas and broader workforce disruptions, companies and foreign professionals are actively exploring alternative immigration strategies.

These shifts reflect a more dynamic and multi-pathway approach to securing long-term work authorization and permanent residency in the United States.

🪪 Sukanya Raman, country head – India & GCC practice team at Davies & Associates LLC said that “What we are also seeing is that some companies are transferring their employees to countries like Canada or elsewhere outside the US for a short time so that they will qualify for the L-1 visa.”

This tactic typically applies to professionals in managerial roles who may later transition to the EB-1C visa, which can lead to a green card, she said.

There’s also rising interest in the EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver)—a green card category for individuals with advanced degrees whose work is deemed to benefit the US on a national level.

EB-5 investor visa sees surge
The EB-5 immigrant investor visa has also seen a notable 50 per cent increase in demand since January 2025, according to Raman.

“These are in current status for Indian nationals, which means that visas are available and applicants can receive their authorisation and travel documents in just 3-6 months,” she noted. “This allows them to stay in the US legally.”

Raman also highlighted a growing number of Indian families on H-1B visas applying for EB-5, particularly when their children are nearing the age of 21 and risk “aging out”—becoming ineligible to stay as dependents under their parents’ visa status.

📍 At Davies & Associates, we are observing a marked evolution in how both employers and foreign nationals approach U.S. immigration planning.

With increasing uncertainty around H-1B adjudications, companies are leveraging alternative pathways such as L-1 intra-company transfers, often structuring short-term overseas assignments to meet eligibility requirements.

Simultaneously, there is growing diversification into immigrant visa categories such as EB-2 NIW and EB-5. These options provide greater autonomy and, in some cases, faster processing timelines.

For families, particularly those with children nearing age-out thresholds, the EB-5 route offers a practical solution to secure long-term residency without reliance on backlogged employment-based categories.

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As the immigration landscape becomes more complex, strategic planning is essential. We advise individuals and organizations to adopt a multi-pathway approach, evaluating both temporary and permanent visa options to mitigate risk and ensure continuity in the United States.

US Immigration Advisor

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