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by pnxblaw

Welcome

to the Pacific Northwest Cross Border Law Blog (“PNXBLB”).  The goal of this blog is to serve as a practice resource for other attorneys, so you won’t see any advertising masquerading as thoughtful content.  Daily updates are unlikely because producing useful posts will take some time.  If we are achieving our goal, however, then there should… Read More

by pnxblaw

You just became a Canadian citizen – now get your U.S. immigration benefits!

Upon obtaining citizenship, immigrants to Canada also become eligible for certain U.S. immigration benefits. Canadian citizens enjoy visa-free travel to the U.S. in most categories, additional opportunities for U.S. employment, and streamlined procedures for seeking U.S. immigration benefits. Visa free visitor travel to the U.S. (B-1/B-2) Canadian citizens do not need a visa, or a… Read More

by pnxblaw

Vital Support for Critical Infrastructure Sectors – New Guidance for National Interest Exceptions

In the first week of March 2021 the Department of State updated its requirements for granting a National Interest Exception to people who had been in the Schengen Area, United Kingdom, or Ireland within 14 days prior to entering the U.S. (see also Presidential Proclamation 10143). Previous guidance stated that technical experts and specialists, senior-level… Read More

by pnxblaw

Don’t drop the Canadian trailer off in the U.S. and then have the Canadian driver pick it up for delivery in the U.S.

Canadian truck drivers can take a load from Canada and drop it off in the U.S. Canadian truck drivers can also pick up a load in the U.S. and bring it back to Canada. Currently, they are exempt from many of the restrictions on crossing the border in both countries. Canadian drivers cannot, however, is… Read More

by pnxblaw

Immigration risks of California’s expedited cannabis licensing program

Cross-posted at lexcannabis.net On February 9, 2021 I received an e-mail from the California Bureau of Cannabis Control. According to this e-mail, refugees and asylum seekers “who apply for licensure by the Bureau of Cannabis Control may seek an expedited licensure process.” In an apparent attempt to help, the State of California may be unwittingly… Read More

by pnxblaw

The proceeds of an unsecured loan are “cash” for EB-5 purposes, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that the investor’s capital was lawfully obtained or placed at risk

Foreign nationals may obtain a green card if they invest the required amount of capital in a new commercial enterprise that will create ten full-time permanent jobs for U.S. citizens or permanent residents (INA § 203(b)(5); 8 USC § 1153(b)(5)). To “invest” means to “contribute capital” (in exchange for equity rather than a promise for… Read More

by pnxblaw

What Canadians Can Do in the U.S. Right Now

All of the benefits available to Canadians under U.S. immigration law remain in place, however, the procedures for requesting these benefits have changed. While the new procedures may be more burdensome, some Canadians may find that the benefits of coming to the U.S. continue to offset any additional burden. With careful planning Canadians can continue… Read More

by pnxblaw

New US Travel Restrictions

On January 12, 2021 the Center for Disease Control issued a new order restricting air travel to the United States. Beginning on January 26, 2021, all passengers on flights entering the United States must present a negative COVID test prior to boarding their flight. The test must be conducted within 3 days prior to departure.… Read More

by pnxblaw

Client account of the naturalization ceremony during 2020 pandemic

As of mid-September 2020 naturalization interviews and ceremonies were proceeding at the USCIS field office in Seattle with social distancing and COVID-19 protocols in place. Unlike previous accounts of the final step of the naturalization process, this naturalization interview and ceremony followed a different procedures to mitigate the risk of COVID-19 transmission. Like so many… Read More