January 25, 2017 Executive Order: Enhancing Public Safety in the Interior of the United States (Regarding Sanctuary Cities)

fickeymartinez • February 3, 2017

Sanctuary Cities are being challenged by the Executive Order. See Below:

Executive Order: Enhancing Public Safety in the Interior of the United States

EXECUTIVE ORDER

– – – – – – –

ENHANCING PUBLIC SAFETY IN THE INTERIOR OF THE
UNITED STATES

By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, including the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) (8 U.S.C. 1101 et seq.), and in order to ensure the public safety of the American people in communities across the United States as well as to ensure that our Nation’s immigration laws are faithfully executed, I hereby declare the policy of the executive branch to be, and order, as follows:

Section 1.  Purpose.  Interior enforcement of our Nation’s immigration laws is critically important to the national security and public safety of the United States.  Many aliens who illegally enter the United States and those who overstay or otherwise violate the terms of their visas present a significant threat to national security and public safety.  This is particularly so for aliens who engage in criminal conduct in the United States.

Sanctuary jurisdictions across the United States willfully violate Federal law in an attempt to shield aliens from removal from the United States.  These jurisdictions have caused immeasurable harm to the American people and to the very fabric of our Republic.

Tens of thousands of removable aliens have been released into communities across the country, solely because their home countries refuse to accept their repatriation.  Many of these aliens are criminals who have served time in our Federal, State, and local jails.  The presence of such individuals in the United States, and the practices of foreign nations that refuse the repatriation of their nationals, are contrary to the national interest.

Although Federal immigration law provides a framework for Federal-State partnerships in enforcing our immigration laws to ensure the removal of aliens who have no right to be in the United States, the Federal Government has failed to discharge this basic sovereign responsibility.  We cannot faithfully execute the immigration laws of the United States if we exempt classes or categories of removable aliens from potential enforcement.  The purpose of this order is to direct executive departments and agencies (agencies) to employ all lawful means to enforce the immigration laws of the United States.

Sec. 2.  Policy.  It is the policy of the executive branch to:

(a)  Ensure the faithful execution of the immigration laws of the United States, including the INA, against all removable aliens, consistent with Article II, Section 3 of the United States Constitution and section 3331 of title 5, United States Code;

(b)  Make use of all available systems and resources to ensure the efficient and faithful execution of the immigration laws of the United States;

(c)  Ensure that jurisdictions that fail to comply with applicable Federal law do not receive Federal funds, except as mandated by law;

(d)  Ensure that aliens ordered removed from the United States are promptly removed; and

(e)  Support victims, and the families of victims, of crimes committed by removable aliens.

Sec. 3.  Definitions.  The terms of this order, where applicable, shall have the meaning provided by section 1101 of title 8, United States Code.

Sec. 4.  Enforcement of the Immigration Laws in the Interior of the United States.  In furtherance of the policy described in section 2 of this order, I hereby direct agencies to employ all lawful means to ensure the faithful execution of the immigration laws of the United States against all removable aliens.

Sec. 5.  Enforcement Priorities.  In executing faithfully the immigration laws of the United States, the Secretary of Homeland Security (Secretary) shall prioritize for removal those aliens described by the Congress in sections 212(a)(2), (a)(3), and (a)(6)(C), 235, and 237(a)(2) and (4) of the INA (8 U.S.C. 1182(a)(2), (a)(3), and (a)(6)(C), 1225, and 1227(a)(2) and (4)), as well as removable aliens who:

(a)  Have been convicted of any criminal offense;

(b)  Have been charged with any criminal offense, where such charge has not been resolved;

(c)  Have committed acts that constitute a chargeable criminal offense;

(d)  Have engaged in fraud or willful misrepresentation in connection with any official matter or application before a governmental agency;

(e)  Have abused any program related to receipt of public benefits;

(f)  Are subject to a final order of removal, but who have not complied with their legal obligation to depart the United States; or

(g)  In the judgment of an immigration officer, otherwise pose a risk to public safety or national security.

Sec. 6.  Civil Fines and Penalties.  As soon as practicable, and by no later than one year after the date of this order, the Secretary shall issue guidance and promulgate regulations, where required by law, to ensure the assessment and collection of all fines and penalties that the Secretary is authorized under the law to assess and collect from aliens unlawfully present in the United States and from those who facilitate their presence in the United States.

Sec. 7.  Additional Enforcement and Removal Officers.  The Secretary, through the Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, shall, to the extent permitted by law and subject to the availability of appropriations, take all appropriate action to hire 10,000 additional immigration officers, who shall complete relevant training and be authorized to perform the law enforcement functions described in section 287 of the INA (8 U.S.C. 1357).

Sec. 8.  Federal-State Agreements.  It is the policy of the executive branch to empower State and local law enforcement agencies across the country to perform the functions of an immigration officer in the interior of the United States to the maximum extent permitted by law.

(a)  In furtherance of this policy, the Secretary shall immediately take appropriate action to engage with the Governors of the States, as well as local officials, for the purpose of preparing to enter into agreements under section 287(g) of the INA (8 U.S.C. 1357(g)).

(b)  To the extent permitted by law and with the consent of State or local officials, as appropriate, the Secretary shall take appropriate action, through agreements under section 287(g) of the INA, or otherwise, to authorize State and local law enforcement officials, as the Secretary determines are qualified and appropriate, to perform the functions of immigration officers in relation to the investigation, apprehension, or detention of aliens in the United States under the direction and the supervision of the Secretary.  Such authorization shall be in addition to, rather than in place of, Federal performance of these duties.

(c)  To the extent permitted by law, the Secretary may structure each agreement under section 287(g) of the INA in a manner that provides the most effective model for enforcing Federal immigration laws for that jurisdiction.

Sec. 9.  Sanctuary Jurisdictions.  It is the policy of the executive branch to ensure, to the fullest extent of the law, that a State, or a political subdivision of a State, shall comply with 8 U.S.C. 1373.

(a)  In furtherance of this policy, the Attorney General and the Secretary, in their discretion and to the extent consistent with law, shall ensure that jurisdictions that willfully refuse to comply with 8 U.S.C. 1373 (sanctuary jurisdictions) are not eligible to receive Federal grants, except as deemed necessary for law enforcement purposes by the Attorney General or the Secretary.  The Secretary has the authority to designate, in his discretion and to the extent consistent with law, a jurisdiction as a sanctuary jurisdiction.  The Attorney General shall take appropriate enforcement action against any entity that violates 8 U.S.C. 1373, or which has in effect a statute, policy, or practice that prevents or hinders the enforcement of Federal law.

(b)  To better inform the public regarding the public safety threats associated with sanctuary jurisdictions, the Secretary shall utilize the Declined Detainer Outcome Report or its equivalent and, on a weekly basis, make public a comprehensive list of criminal actions committed by aliens and any jurisdiction that ignored or otherwise failed to honor any detainers with respect to such aliens.

(c)  The Director of the Office of Management and Budget is directed to obtain and provide relevant and responsive information on all Federal grant money that currently is received by any sanctuary jurisdiction.

Sec. 10.  Review of Previous Immigration Actions and Policies.  (a)  The Secretary shall immediately take all appropriate action to terminate the Priority Enforcement Program (PEP) described in the memorandum issued by the Secretary on November 20, 2014, and to reinstitute the immigration program known as “Secure Communities” referenced in that memorandum.

(b)  The Secretary shall review agency regulations, policies, and procedures for consistency with this order and, if required, publish for notice and comment proposed regulations rescinding or revising any regulations inconsistent with this order and shall consider whether to withdraw or modify any inconsistent policies and procedures, as appropriate and consistent with the law.

(c)  To protect our communities and better facilitate the identification, detention, and removal of criminal aliens within constitutional and statutory parameters, the Secretary shall consolidate and revise any applicable forms to more effectively communicate with recipient law enforcement agencies.

Sec. 11.  Department of Justice Prosecutions of Immigration Violators.  The Attorney General and the Secretary shall work together to develop and implement a program that ensures that adequate resources are devoted to the prosecution of criminal immigration offenses in the United States, and to develop cooperative strategies to reduce violent crime and the reach of transnational criminal organizations into the United States.

Sec. 12.  Recalcitrant Countries.  The Secretary of Homeland Security and the Secretary of State shall cooperate to effectively implement the sanctions provided by section 243(d) of the INA (8 U.S.C. 1253(d)), as appropriate.  The Secretary of State shall, to the maximum extent permitted by law, ensure that diplomatic efforts and negotiations with foreign states include as a condition precedent the acceptance by those foreign states of their nationals who are subject to removal from the United States.

Sec. 13.  Office for Victims of Crimes Committed by Removable Aliens.  The Secretary shall direct the Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to take all appropriate and lawful action to establish within U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement an office to provide proactive, timely, adequate, and professional services to victims of crimes committed by removable aliens and the family members of such victims.  This office shall provide quarterly reports studying the effects of the victimization by criminal aliens present in the United States.

Sec. 14.  Privacy Act.  Agencies shall, to the extent consistent with applicable law, ensure that their privacy policies exclude persons who are not United States citizens or lawful permanent residents from the protections of the Privacy Act regarding personally identifiable information.

Sec. 15.  Reporting.  Except as otherwise provided in this order, the Secretary and the Attorney General shall each submit to the President a report on the progress of the directives contained in this order within 90 days of the date of this order and again within 180 days of the date of this order.

Sec. 16.  Transparency.   To promote the transparency and situational awareness of criminal aliens in the United States, the Secretary and the Attorney General are hereby directed to collect relevant data and provide quarterly reports on the following:

(a)  the immigration status of all aliens incarcerated under the supervision of the Federal Bureau of Prisons;

(b)  the immigration status of all aliens incarcerated as Federal pretrial detainees under the supervision of the United States Marshals Service; and

(c)  the immigration status of all convicted aliens incarcerated in State prisons and local detention centers throughout the United States.

Sec. 17.  Personnel Actions.  The Office of Personnel Management shall take appropriate and lawful action to facilitate hiring personnel to implement this order.

Sec. 18.  General Provisions.  (a)  Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect:

(i)   the authority granted by law to an executive department or agency, or the head thereof; or

(ii)  the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals.

(b)  This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.

(c)  This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.

DONALD J. TRUMP

THE WHITE HOUSE,
January 25, 2017.

Source: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2017/01/30/2017-02102/enhancing-public-safety-in-the-interior-of-the-united-states

I-864 Sponsorship: How is SSI and SSDI Assessed?

By Franchesco Fickey Martinez • May 29, 2025
The I-864 is a Sponsorship Form from USCIS that is used in nearly all Family-based Immigration. This Blog Post will address how SSI and SSDI is assessed in this process. SSI (Supplemental Security Income) provides financial assistance to older adults and persons with disabilities (regardless of age) with very limited income and resources. SSI is […] The post I-864 Sponsorship: How is SSI and SSDI Assessed? appeared first on Fickey Martinez Law Firm.

I-864 Asset Calculations

By Franchesco Fickey Martinez • May 28, 2025
The I-864 Form (Affidavit of Support) allows the US Government to assess someone’s financial capability to support a sponsored person, whether they are a spouse, parent, child, sibling, and even friend. The I-864 primarily assesses two areas of someone’s financials: Annual Income, derived from Paystubs / Pay Checks Adjusted Gross Income taken from the most […] The post I-864 Asset Calculations appeared first on Fickey Martinez Law Firm.

Immigration Attorney's Opinion on Popular Immigration Case Tracking Apps

By Franchesco Fickey Martinez • May 27, 2025
This article will cover our office's opinions on the numerous Mobile Immigration Case Tracking Apps, as well as the inaccuracies that arise: Lawfully USCISCaseTracker US Immigration Case Tracker MigraConnect For starters, it is commendable to stay "current" on any immigration filing. Everyone should know what the current status of an immigration filing is. However, the source of information is important. The Federal Government is not "up-to-date" on the Mobile App scene, but most immigration agencies do offer "online case statuses" as well as "processing time estimators." For USCIS, the MYCASE Online Account ( https://myaccount.uscis.gov/sign-in ) should be the primary source of case information. For NVC, the CEAC Online Account ( https://ceac.state.gov/IV/Login.aspx ) should be the primary source of document-uploading, correspondence. For Consular Processing, the specific Embassy or Consulate should be utilized: https://ais.usvisa-info.com/ https://www.ustraveldocs.com/ The third-party mobiles apps are great at providing the "current online status," that information is readily available online at the following agencies: USCIS: https://egov.uscis.gov/ NVC Pre-Documentarily Qualified Status: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/immigrate/nvc-timeframes.html NVC Post-Documentarily Qualified Status: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/iv-wait-times.html Embassy/Consulate: https://ceac.state.gov/ceacstattracker/status.aspx Where the mobile apps start to have inaccuracies and mis-information is with regard to the following: Estimated case processing time tends to be 100% inaccurate 3rd-party apps fail to show official USCIS or NVC correspondence, which could delay a filing or lead to a denial Confuse an immigrant beneficiary as to the current phase of the immigration process. When is a Mobile App a good thing? It is a helpful tool for an immigrant that is abroad. It allows the immigrant to receive updates. However, most use the app during the USCIS processing of the I-130, and it is more beneficial to just sign up for a USCIS account and elect for Email updates: https://egov.uscis.gov/ (Only the USCIS Receipt Number is required and anyone or multiple people can sign up for such notification services). Why is the Mobile App inaccurate with the USCIS processing time estimate? The App is inaccurate as the estimator requires the category type and location of processing. If you place the incorrect information, the mobile app would be off. Additionally, USCIS provides a "rough estimate" that occurs for 80% of the cases. USCIS may move quicker or slower depending on the specific case history, USCIS Officer assignment, and the Country of Origin. So, if a mobile app ways an estimated processing time is: 5 months, that should be taken with a grain of salt. USCIS is generally slow with Consular Processing, and a little quicker with Adjustment of Status. Disclaimer: This Blog is made available by the lawyer or law firm publisher for educational purposes only as well as to give you general information and a general understanding of the law, not to provide specific legal advice. By using this blog site you understand that there is no attorney-client relationship between you and the Blog/Web Site publisher. The Blog should not be used as a substitute for competent legal advice from a licensed professional attorney in your state.

Need a Temporary Green Card? Information on the ADIT Stamp

By Franchesco Fickey Martinez • May 22, 2025
The ADIT Stamp is a temporary proof of the I-551 Green Card that is an acceptable form of a lawful permanent resident card that can be used for: Domestic and international travel DMV SSA Employment purposes Need of a government-issued ID The ADIT Stamp can be placed in 1 of 3 locations: As a sticker on the back side of a fairly current/recently-expired I-551 Green Card As a Stamp in an unexpired foreign passport AS a Stamp on an I-94 card The ADIT Stamp may be a byproduct of the following Immigration forms: I-90 for a Green Card renewal or replacement after loss/theft I-751 for Removal of Conditions N-400 for Naturalization The document can be a "stamp" and a close look of the stamp is as follows:

Old Green Cards and issues with the DMV and Social Security

By Franchesco Fickey Martinez • May 14, 2025
This article will cover the Old Versions of the Green Cards and how they encounter issues with the DMV when attempting to renew a Driver's License as well as with SSA when attempting to acquire Medicaid, SSD, or SSI. The I-151 Green Card: The former Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) issued Form I-151 (Alien Registration Receipt Card), commonly called a “green card,” to aliens from: July 1946 to 1978. The I-151 Green Card never had an expiration date printed on the card, which has led many to believe their documentation was up-to-date. Even in 2025, I-151 Green Card holders never knew their Green Card had actually expired by law on March 20, 1996 . I-151 card holders experience issues with the DMV, especially after the Real ID Requirements of May 2025, due to the INS records not being easily accessible in current government system, as the INS agency ended in 2003 and was replaced by the agency: USCIS. Additionally, due to I-151 Card Holder's ages, they have either been receiving SSI and Medicaid for many years, or will be starting very soon. For example, if an I-151 Green Card holder received their I-151 Card in 1970 at the age of 10, they would be turning 65 in 2025. According to SSA: Form I-151 is not a valid immigration document. The card lacks security features and presents more opportunities for alteration and fraud than the immigration documents currently being issued. From 1992 through 1996, the former Immigration and Naturalization Service conducted a “Green Card Replacement” project to replace the I-151 cards in circulation. Although the card is not a valid immigration document, the person may still retain lawful permanent status. (Source: https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0200303400) I-151 Card Holders are recommended, depending on their given situation, to either apply for an I-90 Green Card renewal or apply for US Citizenship with the N-400. The I-551 Green Card that didn't expire: The I-551 Green Card is the "current version" of the Lawful Permanent Resident Card. However, there is a lot of confusion on whether the cards with “no expiration date” are still valid. Some government agencies may refer to this un-expiring I-551 as the: ORIGINAL I-551 Whereas, the expiring I-551 may be reviewed to as the: REVISED I-551 The I-551 Green Cards issued between: 1977 and August 1989 have no expiration date, but ARE STILL a valid and acceptable Green Card. However, not every US Agency will acknowledge the old version of the I-551 Green Card since it lacks an expiration date, and a way for the agency to confirm current legal immigration status from when the card was issued in 1977 to 1989. For the DMV, the unexpiring I-551 Green Card may or may not be accepted. A lot has to deal with name changes over the years and whether the file is accessible in current government systems. For SSA, the old or original I-551 is generally accepted as identity is normally compared against a lifelong history of SSA Contributions in Prior Payroll and tax filings. Original I-551 Card Holders are recommended, depending on their given situation, to either apply for an I-90 Green Card renewal or apply for US Citizenship with the N-400 as to avoid issues that may arise in the next few decades (unknown how laws might change). What do I do if I need a new I-551 Green Card ASAP? By filing for either I-90 or N-400, USCIS may issue a "temporary I-551 proof" that can be in the form of the passport, a sticker on the card, or a stamp in an I-94 Card. This temporary proof is called an ADIT Stamp and can be acquired at a local USCIS Office in an INFOPASS Appointment. (More information can be seen here: https://www.fickeymartinezlaw.com/need-a-temporary-green-card-information-on-the-adit-stamp) The following is the SSA policy on ADIT Stamps: When the alien does not have a machine readable immigrant visa (see RM 10211.025C.2 ), DHS places a temporary I-551 stamp in the foreign passport as evidence of immigration status when the alien is admitted to the U.S. as an LAPR for the alien to use until the permanent I-551, Permanent Resident Card, is received. The stamp may be placed in the alien’s foreign passport or on a Form I-94, Arrival/Departure record, when the alien does not have a passport. When an alien previously admitted to the U.S. applies for a replacement I-551 or adjusts to LAPR status, DHS places a temporary I-551 stamp in the foreign passport. When the alien does not have a foreign passport, DHS places the temporary I-551 stamp, a photo of the alien, and DHS seal on Form I-94. Each stamp is uniquely numbered with a five-digit identifier which can be found below the “Valid Until” line. Also, the officer writes the “A” number on the stamp. See the ACM Alert No. 2006A-31 New DHS/USCIS ADIT Stamp under the “I-94” document number and “I-551” document number for more information on the design and fluorescent security features. (Source: https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0200303440#b1)

319(e) Naturalization: Overseas Naturalization Option for Active-duty Military Spouses and Children

By Franchesco Fickey Martinez • May 14, 2025
The Blog Post will hopefully provide better guidance out there that may be nearly a decade old. The 319e Naturalization Option is available for: Green Card Holding Spouses; Whose spouse is an “Active Duty” Member of the U.S. Armed Forces (Not a Veteran or Independent Contractor); Who Currently Live Abroad on official Military Orders; and […] The post 319(e) Naturalization: Overseas Naturalization Option for Active-duty Military Spouses and Children appeared first on Fickey Martinez Law Firm.

INA 319(b) Naturalization Option: Spouses of U.S. Citizens Employed or Stationed Abroad

By Franchesco Fickey Martinez • May 14, 2025
[Ler Post em Português] Under INA 319(b), Spouses of U.S. Citizens who are Employed or Stationed Abroad can be provided a new option for Naturalization. Normally, Spouses must hold their Green Card for a minimum of three years before being eligible to Naturalize through Marriage. Under INA 319(b), Spouses otherwise eligible for the 3-year Naturalization, […] The post INA 319(b) Naturalization Option: Spouses of U.S. Citizens Employed or Stationed Abroad appeared first on Fickey Martinez Law Firm.

US Citizen's Guide to Immigrating an Italian Spouse or Fiance

By Franchesco Fickey Martinez • May 14, 2025
This guide is for the US Citizen that is trying to fully understand the US immigration consular process. You may have met an Italian online (possibly through EuroCupid/InternationalCupid) or after being stationed with the US Military abroad at: Aviano AFB Camp Darby Army Base Caserma Ederle Army Base Sigonella Navy Base Gaeta Navy Base La Maddalena Navy Base Naples Navy Base If you have an Italian Spouse or Fiance, this Guide will cover the most common topics and questions. First, what are the two Immigrant Visa Options: The CR-1/IR-1 Spousal (Immigrant) Visa, and The K-1 Fiance (Immigrant) Visa Second, how to get married in Italy? The US Embassy gives the following guidance for marrying in Italy: https://it.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/marriage/ However, a Virtual Marriage in Utah may also be a viable possibility. Meaning, the US Citizen and the Italian Citizen can be in different countries OR both can be in Italy, and the marriage ceremony can be held virtually in the state of Utah. More information can be seen here: https://www.utahcounty.gov/dept/clerk/marriage/marriagelicense.html Here are some common topics before we dive in to the process:

Does your Philippine Spouse qualify to join the US Workforce?

By Franchesco Fickey Martinez • May 13, 2025
Many will talk about bring a Philippine Spouse to the US in many different ways: As a K1 Fiance As a CR1 Spouse As an IR1 Spouse As a K3 Spouse As an Immigrant Visa Holder The inherent issue with the Immigrant Visa process, is the processing time. However, what if there was a way to bring your spouse to the US quicker? What if they could be in the US in a matter of weeks or months? Shouldn't every option be considered? This Article will cover the alternative employment options that a Filipina/Filipino Fiance or Spouse could consider to "arriving" to the US quicker. The rule of Employment Visas, when you have a Fiance or Spouse in the US: Two requirements must be stressed: First, employment visas require employment to occur. You cannot come on an employment visa tomorrow, marry the day after, and then pursue a Green Card. That could be classed as visa fraud or circumventing immigration law. If you apply for the employment visa, you must work. Second, the employment should really be job history/education level appropriate. The employment can be used "in conjunction" with an immigrant visa process abroad in Manila. Additionally, there are very slim exceptions that may allow a Foreign Spouse to immigrate within the US through Adjustment of Status, versus Consular Processing. Possible Employment Visa Options based on some industry norms: Teaching/Education: J1 Cultural Exchange Teacher: A popular visa for teachers, where the interview process is facilitated through a J1 Sponsor, and a visa is acquired relatively quickly at the US Embassy in Manila. A list of J1 Sponsors can be seen here: https://j1visa.state.gov/participants/how-to-apply/sponsor-search/ The biggest consequence for the J1 Visa is the 2-year home residency requirement that restricts other employment visas such as H-1B until EITHER you've returned home to the Philippines for 2 years or you've acquired a J1 Waiver. R1 Religious/Private School Teacher: Requires a religious private school, such as a catholic school, to sponsor. More information on a Catholic School (Philippines is predominately Catholic) teaching position can be seen here: https://www.fickeymartinezlaw.com/deeper-dive-r-1-catholic-teacher-positions-how-to-locate-possible-religious-education-employment F1 Student utilizing OPT for Teaching Experience: A student visa holder may be able to acquire the ability to work (aka Employment authorization Card or Optional Practical Training) for 1 to 3 years (depending on whether education was STEM or Non-STEM). This teaching experience is very beneficial for acquiring a H-1B teaching position after the OPT Period. H-1B for Teachers: The most versatile teaching visa option, as many schools tend to have a relationship with a University or College to qualify for Cap-Exempt H-1B Status. More information on how to start can be seen here: https://www.fickeymartinezlaw.com/philippine-teacher-how-to-find-an-h-1b-position-in-the-united-states Healthcare/Medical Fields: H-1B for Medical Professionals and Nurses: Ideally, you should look for Hospitals/Clinics that have sponsored in the past. If they've done it in the past, they may be willing to sponsor again in the future. An unofficial (non-government website) list can be seen here: https://h1bgrader.com/job-titles/nurse-n60ezl4m0z/lca/2025 (You can limit the list by Specific Medical Position, by Year, and also by State) J-1 for Medical Professionals and Nurses: J-1 positions are also available, but the biggest consequence for the J1 Visa is the 2-year home residency requirement that restricts other employment visas such as H-1B until EITHER you've returned home to the Philippines for 2 years or you've acquired a J1 Waiver. Uneducated H-2B Professions: The Department of labor provides the following search bar to assist in locating possible H2b employment: https://seasonaljobs.dol.gov/jobs The common jobs (not an exhaustive list) are: Food Service & Hospitality: Line Cooks Servers Bartenders Housekeepers Front Desk Staff Dishwashers Construction & Labor: Construction Laborer Roofer Asphalt Worker Concrete Laborer Landscaper and Groundskeeper Amusement and Recreation Attendants Amusement Park Worker (very seasonal) Theme Park Worker (very seasonal) Meat, Poultry, and Fish Cutters and Trimmers: Chicken Processing Plant Worker Turkey Processing Plant Worker Pork Processing Plant Worker Crab Cannery Worker If someone has experience in the past with poultry, a chicken processing plant may be ideal. If they've worked in a factory, a cannery may be ideal. If the spouse has construction experience, construction may be ideal. The fact of the matter, there a numerous industries that are in need of employees. If a Foreign Fiance or Spouse can fill that employment position, why not consider the possibility. Disclaimer: This Blog is made available by the lawyer or law firm publisher for educational purposes only as well as to give you general information and a general understanding of the law, not to provide specific legal advice. By using this blog site you understand that there is no attorney-client relationship between you and the Blog/Web Site publisher. The Blog should not be used as a substitute for competent legal advice from a licensed professional attorney in your state.

Philippine Teacher: How to Find an H-1B Position in the United States

By Franchesco Fickey Martinez • May 12, 2025
This article will cover the topic of "How to find an H-1B Position?" The Teacher could be in the Philippines at this time, or could be in the US under an alternative teaching visa: J-1 Cultural Exchange Teacher R-1 Religious/Private School Teacher F-1 Student utilizing OPT for Teaching Experience First, lets cover the three visa categories that can bring a teacher to the US: J1 Cultural Exchange Teacher: A popular visa for teachers, where the interview process is facilitated through a J1 Sponsor, and a visa is acquired relatively quickly at the US Embassy in Manila. A list of J1 Sponsors can be seen here: https://j1visa.state.gov/participants/how-to-apply/sponsor-search/ The biggest consequence for the J1 Visa is the 2-year home residency requirement that restricts other employment visas such as H-1B until EITHER you've returned home to the Philippines for 2 years or you've acquired a J1 Waiver. R1 Religious/Private School Teacher: Requires a religious private school, such as a catholic school, to sponsor. More information on a Catholic School (Philippines is predominately Catholic) teaching position can be seen here: https://www.fickeymartinezlaw.com/deeper-dive-r-1-catholic-teacher-positions-how-to-locate-possible-religious-education-employment F1 Student utilizing OPT for Teaching Experience: A student visa holder may be able to acquire the ability to work (aka Employment authorization Card or Optional Practical Training) for 1 to 3 years (depending on whether education was STEM or Non-STEM). This teaching experience is very beneficial for acquiring a H-1B teaching position after the OPT Period. Second, What are some tasks every Philippine Teacher should Consider? Credential Education: Our clients have had positive experiences working with World Education Services , International Education Evaluations , and Education Credential Evaluators . However, the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) provides a list of qualifying companies: https://www.naces.org/members . A helpful note, USCIS requires applicants to provide evidence of all degrees, certifications, or licenses received, including specifically: (1) Transcripts, (2) Diplomas, (3) Degrees, and (4) Certificates. Study for the TOEFL: Study for the Test of English as a Foreign Language. Recommend reviewing a free study guide or practice tests. Study for the PRAXIS: The Praxis exam tests the knowledge and skills needed to teach in a specific subject area and grade level. The testing requirements may vary on the state you plan to teach in as well as the grade level or subject area you are seeking to teach. Lastly, how can a Philippine Teacher locate an H-1B Position? Ideally, you should look for Schools that have sponsored in the past. If they've done it in the past, they may be willing to sponsor again in the future. An unofficial (non-government website) list can be seen here: https://h1bgrader.com/job-titles/teacher-g101183607/lca/2025 (You can limit the list by Specific Teaching Position, by Year, and also by State) This should be the starting point of Philippine Teachers planning to acquire an H-1B Teaching Position in the United States.
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