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News & Insights
Explore the latest firm updates, industry recognition, speaking engagements, media appearances, and professional milestones from Williams Global Law as we continue to lead conversations in immigration and global business



EB-5 at a Crossroads: Higher Filing Fees and the 2027 Investment Threshold
Two consequential dates are approaching for EB-5 investors: new USCIS filing fees on November 30, 2026, and statutory investment adjustments on January 1, 2027. Here is what to consider before filing.
What Employers Need to Know: H-1B Scrutiny, the 60-Day Grace Period Proposal and the H-2B Cap
Three developments this fall affect employers that sponsor foreign workers: closer review of H-1B petitions, a proposal to end the 60-day grace period, and an H-2B cap that has already been reached for the first half of fiscal year 2027. New Trump orders put H-1B employers under greater scrutiny KEY TAKEAWAY Expect closer review of your layoff history when you sponsor H-1B workers. The $100,000 payment remains unenforceable for now while litigation continues. The administra


The Changing USCIS Landscape: Three Developments That Demand Attention
A closer look at USCIS denials without RFEs, revised immigration fees and stricter filing deadlines—and what applicants, investors and employers should consider.


Travelers and Visa Applicants: Advance Parole Risks and Expanded Social Media Screening
Two recent changes make preparation essential before any international trip or visa interview: a court decision that removes an important protection for advance parole travelers, and an expansion of social media screening to more visa categories. Travel on advance parole may now trigger immigration bars KEY TAKEAWAY Advance parole no longer protects travelers with past unlawful presence from the 3- and 10-year bars. Speak with counsel before any international trip. On Augus


The Families Behind Every Case: Two Notes of Thanks From Our Clients
At Williams Global Law, we measure our work by the people we serve. This month, two clients took the time to send us notes of thanks, without being asked. We share them with gratitude. After a Notice of Intent to Deny “We wanted to take a moment to sincerely thank you for the tremendous effort, clarity, and dedication you have brought to our case, especially under such tight timelines and challenging circumstances. We truly appreciate how thoughtfully and thoroughly you a


Direct EB-5 or regional center? Founder Simone Williams joins Open Atlas expert panel to unpack the key differences
KEY TAKEAWAY Both paths lead to the same green card, but they ask very different things of the investor: how hands-on you want to be, how jobs are counted, and where your due diligence should focus. On October 17, 2026, Simone Williams, Founder & Managing Partner of Williams Global Law, was an invited guest on a one-hour expert panel at an EB-5 workshop hosted by Open Atlas, a community of more than 10,000 high-skilled immigrants building careers and companies in the United


Williams Global Law Launches New Website to Better Serve Businesses and Families Seeking Access to U.S. Immigration and Business Legal Services Worldwide
New digital platform provides streamlined access to legal services, educational resources, and online consultations for clients navigating U.S. immigration and cross-border business WASHINGTON, July 23, 2026 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Williams Global Law (WGL), a leading U.S. immigration and business law firm, headquartered in Washington D.C., serving clients worldwide, announced today the launch of its new website, www.WilliamsGlobalLaw.com. The redesigned website reflects the fi


Proud Moment for Williams Global Law Simone Williams-Arrington Nominated as a Top 25 EB-5 Attorney in the U.S.
We are proud to share that Simone Williams-Arrington, Founder and Managing Attorney of Williams Global Law, has been nominated for EB-5 Investors Magazine’s Top 25 EB-5 Attorneys in the United States. This nomination reflects Simone’s longstanding commitment to excellence in investment immigration law and her dedication to helping investors, entrepreneurs, Regional Centers, and businesses successfully navigate the U.S. immigration system. We are grateful for the trust our c


Awarded Burj Global Power 100
Simeone Williams was the recipient of the Burj Medal of Honor and recognized among the Burj Global Power 100 for distinguished leadership in international law, immigration, and global business advisory. The recognition highlights Simone Williams's work advising international investors, entrepreneurs, and companies on U.S. market entry, cross-border strategy, and global mobility."'s easy.


Simone Williams-Arrington Takes the Stage at the 16th Annual IIUSA EB-5 Industry Forum
Williams Global Law is proud to announce that our Founder and Managing Partner, Simone Williams, was among the distinguished voices invited to speak at the 2026 IIUSA EB-5 Industry Forum in Washington, D.C., which ran from April 29 - May 1, 2026. Held at the Hyatt Regency Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., the annual IIUSA Industry Forum brought together key stakeholders, policy leaders, and industry experts to discuss the future of the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program. Thi


Simone Williams-Arrington Featured as a Leading Voice at SelectUSA 2026
Our Founder and Managing Partner, Simone Williams was featured as a leading voice during a panel discussion at the SelectUSA Investment Summit 2026, which took place on May 3, 2026. The Summit brought together global investors, business leaders, and economic development organizations to explore opportunities and strategies for successful U.S. market entry. Guiding Global Investors Toward U.S. Expansion At the panel discussion entitled “Strategic Visa Planning for Successf


DOL Releases Long-Anticipated Prevailing Wage Proposed Rule
The U.S. Department of Labor released a long-anticipated proposed rule on March 27, 2026, that could significantly reshape prevailing wage requirements across key employment-based immigration programs, including H-1B, H-1B1, E-3, and PERM labor certifications. Titled “Improving Wage Protections for the Temporary and Permanent Employment of Certain Foreign Nationals in the United States,” the proposal seeks to revise how prevailing wages are calculated for both Labor Conditio


Temporary Increase in H-2B Nonimmigrant Visas for FY 2026
USCIS has announced that the statutory cap for H-2B temporary non-agricultural worker visas for the second half of Fiscal Year 2026 has been reached. March 10, 2026 was confirmed as the final receipt date for petitions subject to the cap and USCIS will reject H-2B petitions received after March 10 that request a start date on or after April 1, 2026 and before October 1, 2026, unless the petition is exempt from the H-2B cap. Availability remains for supplemental H-2B visa nu


Legislative Proposal Seeks to Codify OPT Program for International Students
A bipartisan bill titled the “Keep Innovators in America Act” (H.R. 8013) has been introduced in Congress with the aim of formally codifying the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program into statute. The proposal reflects growing recognition of the economic contributions made by international graduates and the need for predictable post-study work authorization frameworks. If enacted, the legislation could provide greater stability for students navigating career transitio


Expansion of U.S. Visitor Visa Bond Program to 15 Additional Countries
The U.S. Department of State has expanded its visa bond pilot program, adding additional countries whose nationals may be required to post a $15,000 bond when applying for B-1/B-2 visitor visas, effective April 2, 2026. The countries newly included in the program are Angola, Burundi, Cabo Verde, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Djibouti, Eritrea, The Gambia, Liberia, Mauritania, Sierra Leone, South Sudan, and Togo . The initiative is intended to reduce visa overstay rates an


U.S. Reduces Citizenship Renunciation Fee Significantly
In a notable regulatory shift, the U.S. government has reduced the fee for renouncing U.S. citizenship from $2,350 to $450 , reversing a significant fee increase implemented in 2015. Officials indicated that the change responds to public concerns regarding accessibility and aims to make the renunciation process more administratively proportionate. Despite the fee reduction, renouncing citizenship remains a formal legal process requiring an in-person consular appointment, ex


April 2026 Visa Bulletin Shows Strong Movement in Family-Based Green Cards
The U.S. Department of State’s April 2026 Visa Bulletin reflects notable forward movement in several family-based immigration categories. The F-1 category (adult children of U.S. citizens) advanced significantly, by approximately six months across most countries, while the F-2B and F-3 categories also showed steady progress. Perhaps the most impactful update was the return of the F-2A category to “current” worldwide, benefiting spouses and minor children of lawful permanent r


STAY CONNECTED TO OUR MEDIA PLATFORMS
Williams Global Law is proud to host Pathways and Passports , our official podcast series where our Founder & Managing Partner, Simone Williams talks all things immigration for educational purposes. This platform delivers strategic conversations on U.S. immigration, global mobility, cross-border investment, and international business expansion, designed for foreign nationals, investors, founders, and international enterprises navigating the U.S. market. Each episode offe


SIMONE WILLIAMS TO SPEAK ON EB-5 STRATEGIES FOR AFRICAN INVESTORS ON APRIL 8 (Webinar)
Simone Williams will speak at an upcoming webinar on April 8, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. (EST), together with Cheikh “Moussa” Ndiaye, Vice President of Business Development and Head of EMEA at U.S. Immigration Fund. The discussion will focus on EB-5 investment strategies for African investors navigating travel restrictions, source-of-funds considerations, and evolving U.S. immigration policies. The session aims to provide practical guidance for nationals from restricted or high-sc


SIMONE WILLIAMS HOSTS WEBINAR ON U.S. RESIDENCY PATHWAYS FOR CANADIAN INVESTORS
On March 12, our Founder and Managing Partner, Simone Williams hosted a timely and successful webinar titled “From Snowbird to Strategic Resident: U.S. Residency Pathways for Canadian Investors.” The session featured a distinguished panel including Josh Benoliel (Realtor, Pink Miami), Andrew Wall (Registered Representative, Dynaxe Capital), and Alex Loveless (Co-Founder, EB5 Rural Alliance). Together, they explored practical strategies for Canadians seeking long-term U.S.
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