Articles
Co-Ownership of Property for Unmarried Couples in Wisconsin; How to Avoid Legal Disputes
Co-ownership of property, particularly a home, is more common than ever due to
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In response to both the COVID-19 pandemic and an effort to modernize the process of signing legal documents
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Corporate Transparency Act Means New Reporting Requirements for Certain Businesses
The Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) is a Federal Law intended to
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Immigration Process Changes Likely Ahead Later this Summer for Certain Married Couples and Dreamers
On June 18, 2024, the Biden-Harris Administration announced a new
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Residential Property Assessment Increases: What You Should Know
Beginning in the spring of every year, many residential property owners in Wisconsin are
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Financial Considerations in Wisconsin Divorces
Divorce in Wisconsin reveals a wide range of financial situations to consider
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Understanding Legal Issues Surrounding CBD and Industrial Hemp in Wisconsin
The recent legalization of industrial hemp containing less than 0.3%
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Understanding the Basics of an OWI/DUI in Wisconsin
Drunk driving laws in Wisconsin do not just include alcohol. This article relays basic information about OWI/DUI offenses in Wisconsin, how the
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Legal Considerations in Getting Ready for Wisconsin's 2023 New LLC Law
Wisconsin's new Limited Liability Company (LLC) law, which completely
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Form I-9 Flexibilities Extended
On October 11, 2022, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced
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Employment Law: Review Your Anti-Harassment Policies Before a Court Reviews It For You
A Milwaukee-area employer learned the hard way that its policy prohibiting sexual harassment was
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COVID Vaccine Required for I-693 Immigration Medical Exams
Effective October 1, 2021, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) will require
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The Basics of Estate Planning in Wisconsin
The thought of estate planning can be overwhelming for couples and individuals
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Understanding Immigration Law and Lawful Immigration Status in the United States
Immigration law is the legal process of allowing individuals, who are not citizens, to come to the United States
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Estate Planning for Parents with Minor Children in Wisconsin
A common misconception about estate planning is that it is primarily for
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Paycheck Protection Program Loans and the December 2020 Stimulus; Should Your Business Apply?
The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) was created back in March 2020 through the CARES Act to provide forgivable loans to
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Court Orders Full Reinstatement of DACA Program
On December 4, 2020, a District Court ordered the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to fully reinstate the
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In Wisconsin, many people include end-of-life directives within the terms of their healthcare power of attorney document
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Update on U.S. Passport Operations During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Effective September 28, 2020, the United States Department of State's (DOS) Passport Agency has resumed routine passport services
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Preparing for Divorce in Wisconsin
The thought of getting a divorce can seem overwhelming. There is a lot to consider: the logistics of co-parenting minor children
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In a 6-to-3 ruling on Monday June 15, 2020, the United States Supreme Court determined that Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964
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On June 5, 2020, the U.S federal government enacted the Payroll Protection Program Flexibility Act (PPPFA) to amend the existing
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Hiring Employees During and After the COVID -19 Pandemic in Wisconsin
As employers return to more normal business operations, they may find that they need to hire additional employees
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Americans with Disabilities Act Amid COVID-19; New Issues to Consider for Wisconsin Employers
The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in layoffs and furloughs of millions of employees, including at record levels in Wisconsin alone
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Wisconsin Small Businesses and the PPP Loan Forgiveness Application
On May 15, 2020, the Small Business Administration (SBA) released the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Loan Forgiveness Application
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The Wisconsin Supreme Court Invalidates Safer at Home Order
On May 13, 2020, the Wisconsin Supreme Court invalidated Emergency Order 28 (Wisconsin's "Safer at Home" Order
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In light of recent guidance from the Department of the Treasury, many Wisconsin business owners who received a Paycheck Protection Program
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USCIS Issues New Form I-9, Required by Employers, Effective May 1, 2020
On January 31, 2020, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) published a new Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification that all
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Additional Restrictions Lifted by Evers Administration in Emergency Order #36
As part of the Badger Bounce Back Plan, Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers has allowed more businesses to open with restrictions
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Co-Parenting During COVID-19 in Wisconsin; Special Accommodations in Family Courts
The COVID-19 pandemic has made co-parenting incredibly challenging for many families. When efforts to compromise fail
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Paycheck Protection Program Update; Audits and Tax Deductions for Wages
Recently, the Treasury Department and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) made some announcements affecting Paycheck Protection Program
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On April 27, 2020, Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers released Emergency Order #34 "Interim Order to Turn the Dial
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On April 22 2020, President Trump signed an executive order titled, "Proclamation Suspending Entry of Immigrants Who
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Remote Notarization and Remote Ink-Signed Notarization in Wisconsin During COVID-19
In March of 2020, Wisconsin enacted into law Remote Online Notarization (RON) to be effective May 1, 2020
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Wisconsin's "Safer at Home" Order Extended
On April 16, 2020, Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers extended the "Safer at Home" Order through May 26, 2020, at 8:00 a.m.
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Extensions and Changes of Status for Nonimmigrants During the COVID-19 Pandemic
On April 13, 2020, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) made an announcement impacting immigration services as it relates
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Estate Planning Considerations in Wisconsin During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Reviewing your estate plan regularly is a good idea to ensure it still meets your wishes. You will want to make sure it addresses changes such as marriages
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The COVID-19 pandemic and Governor Evers' "Safer at Home" Order has presented a number of issues for divorced couples
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Business Interruption Insurance Coverage for Wisconsin Businesses During COVID-19
Business interruption insurance typically covers lost profits that a business suffers after a disaster
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On March 27, 2020, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act was signed into law. Although the CARES Act has
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Environmental Legal Issues; Wisconsin DNR and EPA Compliance During a Pandemic
Under Governor Evers' "Safer at Home" Order, the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is currently prioritizing imminent threats and complaints pertaining to public health
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U.S. Passport Operations During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Effective March 20, 2020, the United States Department of State's (DOS) Passport Agency began offering in-person service at
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The CARES Act is a government relief bill passed on March 27, 2020, to help individuals, families, and businesses during the economic struggles from the COVID-19 pandemic
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Under the CARES Act, the IRS will be making non-taxable "economic impact payments" in the coming months to
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Wisconsin Businesses and SBA Forgivable Loans During the COVID-19 Pandemic
The Small Business Administration (SBA) recently released guidance on the new Paycheck Protection Program (PPP)
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The Small Business Administration (SBA) is providing two major loan programs for small businesses to borrow money during the COVID-19 pandemic
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U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) COVID-19 Updates Through April 1, 2020
On April 1, 2020, the temporary USCIS suspension (dated March 18, 2020) of all routine face-to-face services with applicants at all offices, including interviews
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Wisconsin's Temporary Ban on Evictions and Foreclosures Due to COVID-19
On March 27, 2020, Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers issued a "Temporary Ban on Evictions and Foreclosures."
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COVID-19 and Immigration Updates; USCIS Process Changes and More
On March 30, 2020, United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced it will reuse previously submitted biometrics in order to process
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Financial Assistance for Wisconsin Businesses During COVID-19; SBA Loans and WEDC Grants
With unprecedented uncertainty surrounding the economy due to COVID-19, the U.S. and Wisconsin governments are taking action to help support small businesses
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Given the worldwide COVID-19 (the novel Coronavirus) pandemic, many businesses are looking to their agreements for situations that may excuse or permit a delay in performance of
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Can Your Business Continue to Operate Under Wisconsin's "Safer at Home" Order?
On March 24, 2020, Governor Tony Evers released the Wisconsin "Safer at Home" Order. The Order creates exemptions that allow
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Remote working is a common precaution implemented by employers and employees due to the COVID-19 outbreak
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Immigration Updates Relating to COVID-19
Immigration processes in the United States have been altered dramatically due to the COVID-19 pandemic
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Answers to Your Questions About Wisconsin's Safer at Home Order
The Wisconsin "Safer at Home" Order, issued by Governor Tony Evers, began on Wednesday, March 25, 2020, at 8:00 a.m., and is in effect until 8:00 a.m. on April 24, 2020
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Employee Travel Consent Letters During "Safer at Home" Orders in Wisconsin
As many states and local governments issue "shelter in place" orders and restrictions affecting non-essential travel, many "essential businesses" and
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A Timeline on Coronavirus Legislation through March 22, 2020: What Wisconsin Employers Need to Know
As the situation relating to COVID-19 continues to rapidly evolve, it is important that employers be aware of legislation that will likely affect your
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Families First Coronavirus Response Act: A Guide for Wisconsin Employers
On March 18, 2020, President Trump signed into law the Families First Coronavirus Response Act. The law covers all companies with up to 500 employees
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How can Wisconsin employers prepare for a coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak or other pandemics?
While many employers have plans for continuity of operations during natural disasters, the worldwide spreading of the coronavirus causing COVID-19
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Estate Planning in Wisconsin for Married Couples With No Children
Estate planning laws in Wisconsin are simple for married couples with no children. Without a will (called intestate), when one spouse passes away, the whole estate goes to the surviving spouse
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Divorce with Minor Children in Wisconsin: What Parents Need to Know
If you are a parent of minor children in Wisconsin and are going through a divorce, it's important to realize the legal implications of your decisions throughout the divorce process
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The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act ("the Act"), passed at the end of 2017, made changes to the tax rates of various businesses, including
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On April 19, 2019, the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issued policy guidance clarifying that non-citizens, including lawful permanent residents (green card holders)
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10 Legal Considerations Before Starting a Home-Based Business in Wisconsin
Starting a home-based business can be cost-effective, convenient, and rewarding for entrepreneurs who plan appropriately
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The Handling of Digital Property in Estate Planning in Wisconsin
Digital property consists of online accounts that are protected by a password and/or PIN (Personal Identification Number). Some accounts
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Crowdfunding: What is it, and is it right for my business?
Many entrepreneurs have heard of crowdfunding, but may not know if or how they could benefit from it as a funding option
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Asylum Applicants May Now Check Status Online
On January 29, 2019, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that individuals who have a pending
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Opportunity Zone Investments in Wisconsin: Tax Incentives and Rules for Investors
The Opportunity Zones Program, created by the federal Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, is intended to promote private long-term investment in distressed
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Under a 2018 Wisconsin family law revision, if a parent with any placement time with a minor child plans to move 100 miles or more away with a child
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USCIS Makes Changes to Form I-693, Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record
Effective November 1, 2018, United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is revising policy guidance for the
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Estate Planning for Second Marriages in Wisconsin With Children From Prior Relationships
Although second marriages are more common than ever, developing an estate plan can be challenging for many couples
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2018 Wisconsin Child Support Changes (DCF 150 Rule Revisions)
Divorcing couples in Wisconsin should be aware of recent changes to Wisconsin Child Support Guidelines developed by the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families
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Mediation Now Easier for Divorcing Couples
Wisconsin couples who choose mediation for their divorce might find the process to be simpler and less costly thanks to a law that passed in 2017
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As a family business grows and is passed on to children and grandchildren, concerns arise as to the next generation's and their spouse's rights to own and control the business
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Buy-Sell Agreements - A Necessity for Business Owners
A well-advised business owner diligently plans and scrutinizes almost every key aspect when starting their business
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Tax Reform and the Change to IRS Code Section 1031 Like-Kind Exchanges (Starker Exchanges)
The passing of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act ushered in a number of changes in our tax law. One significant tax repeal is under Internal Revenue Code Section 1031
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What is the Latest On Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)?
DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) is a policy that was initially implemented in August 2012, by then Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano to
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USCIS Publishes Guidelines for DACA Renewals
On January 13, 2018, the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) published new guidelines for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) in accordance with the preliminary injunction entered on January 8, 2018
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On January 9, 2018, U.S. District Judge William Alsup for the Northern District of California ruled that the federal government should partially maintain the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program until lawsuits filed against the Trump Administration for ending DACA are resolved
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U.S. Department of Homeland Security Ends Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for El Salvador
On January 8, 2018, the Secretary of Homeland Security, Kirstjen M. Nielsen, announced the termination of the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) designation for beneficiaries from El Salvador
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Tax Matters Partner is No More - Partnership Level Liability is the New Rule
Through enactment of recent legislation, the IRS has streamlined the partnership audit and collection process. The new rules apply to an entity electing to be treated as a partnership for income tax purposes (i.e., LLC). Partnership Representative (PR) replaces Tax Matters Partner (TMP)
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Tax Reform: What You Need to Know
Tax Reform is here, and most individuals and business owners are wondering the impact on their personal and business taxes
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Update for Paying Immigration Bonds at the ICE Milwaukee
As the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) Liaison to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Milwaukee, Attorney Glorily A. López receives updates directly from ICE officials
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Year-End Tax Tips for 2017: Part II
The following information contains general 2017 year-end tax considerations, of which some or all may not apply to your specific personal or business tax situation. Due to pending tax reform legislation, some of the opportunities listed may not be available while others could arise
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Who Gets the House? Real Estate Matters in a Divorce
Divorce presents a wide range of financial issues to discuss. Division of property can be complicated, including determining what to do with one of the common assets from a marriage -- the family home
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Year-End Tax Tips for 2017: Part I
In an effort to improve your tax situation for 2017, there are a number of tax-savings steps to consider
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Rescission of DACA and Next Steps for DACA Recipients
The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program is being rescinded by the administration of President Donald J. Trump, as announced by U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions on September 5, 2017
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Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals – Policy, Eligibility and Current Trends
Attorney Glorily A. López presented on the topic of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) to TEMPO members and their guests at Madison Club on August 8, 2017
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The RAISE Act: U.S. Senate to Consider New Legislation on Immigration Reform
On August 2, 2017, Senators Tom Cotton (R-AR) and David Perdue (R-GA) were joined by President Donald J. Trump to announce a bill intended to overhaul the current U.S. immigration system
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Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) Updates
On July 20, 2017, lawmakers announced the Dream Act of 2017, a bipartisan bill that would provide young people brought to this country as children and who grew up in the
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USCIS Returns Unselected Fiscal Year 2018 H-1B Cap-Subject Petitions
On July 19, 2017, USCIS announced that it has returned all fiscal year 2018 H-1B cap-subject petitions that were not selected in the USCIS computer-generated random selection process.
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Employers: Latest Form I-9 Published on July 17, 2017
USCIS released the latest Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, on July 17, 2017.
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Know Your Rights: If ICE Visits Your Home
Know Your Rights: If ICE Stops You in Public
Know Your Rights: If ICE Comes to Your Work Place (Employee)
"Buy American, Hire American": New Executive Order from President Trump
On April 18, 2017, President Donald J. Trump signed a new Executive Order: "Buy American and Hire American."
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Coming Soon from USCIS: Redesigned Green Cards and Employment Authorization Documents
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that it will begin issuing a redesigned version of the Permanent Resident Card ("Green Card") as well as the Employment Authorization Document ("EAD Card") as early as May 1, 2017.
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Temporary Protected Status Reminder
The Temporary Protected Status (TPS) designations for nationals of Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone will terminate effective May 21, 2017.
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Temporary Suspension of Premium Processing For All H-1B Petitions
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has temporarily suspended premium processing for all H-1B petitions, effective April 3, 2017.
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Fiscal Year 2018 (FY2018) Cap-Subject H-1B Update
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) received approximately 199,000 H-1B petitions during the initial filing period for cap-subject petitions for FY2018, between April 3-7, 2017.
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Know Your Rights, article by ACLU
See here for information from the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), as it pertains to being pulled over by the police, immigration agents or the FBI in the United States.
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President Trump Signs First Executive Orders on Immigration
On Wednesday, January 25, 2017, President Donald J. Trump signed two executive orders relating to immigration
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Update to the Department of Labor's Overtime Rule
The new Overtime Rule, which was to be in effect beginning December 1 , 2016, has been blocked
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USCIS Updates Form I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification
On November 14, 2016, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) released an updated version of the Form I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification
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Immigration Impact of the 2016 Election Results
The surprising and historical results of the November 8, 2016, general elections have left the immigrant community and immigration law practitioners with more questions than answers.
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New Department of Labor "overtime rule" - What employers need to know
The long expected changes by the Department of Labor (DOL) with regard to the "overtime rule" will take effect on January 1, 2020
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Department of Homeland Security Increases Filing Fees, Effective December 23, 2016
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published a Final Rule in the Federal Register on Monday, October 24, 2016 (81 FR 73292, 10/24/16), confirming that U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) filing fees will be increasing across the board before the end of the year
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IRS Accepting Applications for Renewal of ITINs
On October 1, 2016, the IRS began accepting applications for renewal of Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers (ITINs)
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Update on Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)
Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals ("DACA") is a form of executive action on immigration, first announced by President Obama on June 15, 2012.
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The Supreme Court of the United States issued a decision on June 23, 2016, in United States v. Texas.
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Responsibilities of a Healthcare Agent in Wisconsin
"Undisclosed Claims and Courses of Action", American Bankruptcy Trustee Journal, Spring 2016
USCIS Reaches Fiscal Year 2017 Cap for H-1B Petitions
PATH Act Places Additional Restrictions on Claims for Certain Credits
New Requirements for Issuance of Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers (ITINs)
Wendel Featured in Wisconsin Law Journal
Immigration Law: DHS Publishes Final Rule for STEM Students and Cap-Gap Relief
Be Aware of IRS-Related Phone Scams
Tax Law
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The Clean Power Plan (CPP) Update : U.S. Supreme Court Grants a Stay, Putting CPP on Hold
Environmental Law:
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Marital Property Agreements – What You Should Know About Prenuptial and Postnuptial Agreements
Family Law/Divorce, Estate Planning:
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The Estate Planner newsletter, May-Jun 2014
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USCIS Publishes Final Rule on Provisional Unlawful Presence Waivers
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Why Hire An Immigration Lawyer?
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Patents: Patent Talk for New Inventors, Legal Matters, August 2008
Legal considerations including entity formation, zoning concerns, permits and licenses and taxes related to home-based businesses.
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Potential deductions for retired individuals who are living in assisted living facilities such as a community-based residential facility (CBRF), adult family home (AFH), or residential care apartment complex (RCAC).
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Creditors' Rights:
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Real Estate Law: Questions to Ask When Buying a Home
Real Estate Law:
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Family Law: Legal Issues to Consider When Getting Married
Family Law:
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Shopping Online - What You Should Know
Consumer Law:
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Employment Law: Privacy Rights in the Workplace
Employment Law:
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