

Asylum Explained
April 2022 | Zoom Recording
How can the U.S. immigration system assist those impacted by humanitarian crises? Learn about legal protections such as Asylum and Temporary Protected Status (TPS) to help people relocate to the United States. (Note: The presenter referenced the end the Title 42 exclusions but mistakenly said Title 44.) Presented by Taiyyeba Safri Skomra, a partner at SGG Immigration. A specialist in immigration and nationality law and the daughter of immigrants, Ms. Skomra is passionate about women's rights and migrants' rights.
Relief for Refugees
April 2022 | Zoom Recording
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) works in more than 40 countries and over 20 U.S. cities to help people affected by humanitarian crises to survive, recover, and rebuild their lives. They help to restore health, safety, education, economic well being and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. This presentation will provide an overview of the key issues in current U.S. refugee policy and the implications for those seeking relief in the form or permanent or temporary residence in the United States. Presented by Carly Boos, IRC Community Relations Manager.
International Travel: Exiting and Entering the United States
October 2021 | Session Slides and Zoom Recording
Ilana Smith, Director, International Offices
A review of in-person visa interview waivers and the end of the international travel bans that prohibit direct travel into the United States from 33 countries.
International Students and Scholars: Tools for Connection and Success
October 2021 | Program not recorded
Avi Leibovici, LCSW and Karla Hernandez, DSW, Staff and Faculty Consultation Center (SFCC)
International scholars faced significant challenges during the pandemic and continue to encounter unexpected obstacles and seek effective ways to cope. This facilitated discussion helps us develop strategies to overcome difficulties and to build healthy connections.
Behind the Consular Curtain
November 2020 | Zoom Recording | Presentation Slides
Attorney Avi Friedman, Wolfsdorf Rosenthal, LLP
Insight into the processes behind visa decisions, with a focus on the international students and scholars (postdocs, faculty, staff). Learn about current issues at the Department of State, including administrative processing, denials, and revocations, and how to overcome these issues.
U.S. Nonresident Taxes: Q&A with a Tax Expert
November 2020 | Zoom Recording Part 1 | Zoom Recording Part 2
Gary Engler, CPA, Gary R. Engler and Company
General overview and filing guidance on nonresident taxes, the U.S. CARES Act stimulus payments, and answers questions.
Decoding Immigration: H-1B and LCA Interim Final Rules
October 2020 | Zoom Recording
Ilana Smith, Director, Caltech International Offices
On October 6, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Department of Labor (DOL) announced major changes to the rules governing the H-1B program. The H-1B allows U.S. employers to temporarily hire non-U.S. citizens in specialty occupations and is commonly used by employers to hire international students transitioning from OPT or STEM OPT. This is an overview of the rule changes and implications for international student and scholars seeking to apply for H-1B.
Decoding Immigration: Proposed Rules and Duration of Status (D/S)
September 2020 | Zoom Recording
Ilana Smith, Director, Caltech International Offices.
Immigration rulemaking and the proposed rule, Establishing a Fixed Time Period of Admission and an Extension of Stay Procedure for Nonimmigrant Academic Students, Exchange Visitors, and Representatives of Foreign Information Media. Several of the proposed changes to the structure of F and J status will have a significant impact on how students and exchange visitors maintain their nonimmigrant status.
Decoding Immigration: Temporary Final Rules, Regulations & Rigamaroles
July 2020 | Presentation Slides
Ilana Smith, Director, Caltech International Offices
The process of immigration rulemaking, federal regulations, and agency guidance.