US & International Immigration Consultancy

Publications & Conferences

Conferences


Conferences

Speaker, Panelist, or Moderator at the following Conferences, Seminars, and Lectures.


FEBRUARY 28, 2024

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

12th Annual American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) Asia-Pacific Chapter (APAC) Conference

Panel Speaker: “Is your client eligible for a waiver of inadmissibility for fraud, crimes, unlawful presence or other grounds of inadmissibility?”
Navigating the intricacies of immigration law can be a daunting task, especially when dealing with issues of inadmissibility. This panel delves deep into this complex landscape, offering comprehensive insights and actionable guidance.

  • Navigating Waivers: When do they kick in?

  • Unlocking the Process: How to apply for a waiver

  • Clocking the wait: Current processing times for waivers

  • Denied! What’s next after a waiver rejection?


November 18, 2021

“Live” Virtual Conference from London, UK

Global Immigration Virtual Conference, International Bar Association (IBA) (Virtually Geolocated)

“Protectionism and Immigration in the Post Pandemic Global Economy”: “Protectionism – are immigration policies becoming more protectionist in the post-pandemic economic recovery?”


May 11-12, 2021

“Live” Virtual Conference from Sydney, Australia
(Virtually Geolocated)

American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) Asia-Pacific Chapter (APAC) 2021 Annual Conference

Panel Speaker: “NO PERSON IS AN ISLAND: COVID AND VISA-RELATED TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS”
As the world emerges from the global pandemic, visa issuance policies and procedures may vary based on evolving public health and other considerations. This panel will review policies and travel restrictions currently in place that impact travel and immigration.

  • What Borders Are Open? What Borders Are Closed?

  • Testing and Quarantine Requirements

  • Third Country National Applications

  • Client Budgetary and Work Schedule Considerations


American Immigration Lawyers Association Global Migration Forum 2020 Virtual Annual Global Immigration Forum

Panel Speaker: “The Battle-Scarred Starship Global Immigration: Emerging From the Pandemic Lockdown” with discussion on interruptions and obstacles of immigration including:

  • How Global Migration Came to a Standstill

  • National Economic Emergency Measures and Their Effect on Global Mobility

  • Pandemic’s Effect on Global Mobility under Existing Trade Relationships, Including Brexit

  • How and When the Easing of Restrictions Will Stimulate Global Mobility

Dec 2, 2020


American Immigration Lawyers Association Bangkok District Chapter 2020 8th Annual Consular Processing Conference

Panel Speaker: “APAC Consular Tips from the ‘Boots on the Ground’ (Part II)”

Discussions on hot topics and latest trends in consular adjudication of various types of nonimmigrant and immigration visas

FEB 20, 2020

Taipei, Taiwan


OCT 30 - Nov 1, 2019

London, UK

9th Biennial Global Immigration Conference, International Bar Association (IBA)

“Loss of citizenship: involuntary and voluntary”, A conference presented by the IBA Immigration and Nationality Law Committee.

Session covered discussions about the ever increasing international concern with both involuntary as well as voluntary loss of citizenship as well as increasing access to dual nationality as an attractive option for many individuals, the increasing concern with birth right citizenship and “accidental citizenship”; how individual countries have recently adopted, or are considering adopting policies to legally cancel citizenship status from those convicted of terrorism and the requirement for an alternative citizenship for those who lose their citizenship by the actions of a government, with discussions in some details about the Shamina Begum case due to its obvious impact on many of these issues


FEB 28 - MAR 1, 2019

Bangkok, Thailand

American Immigration Lawyers Association Bangkok District Chapter APAC Conference

  • Hot topics and latest trends in consular adjudication

  • Nonimmigrant and Immigrant Visas: Eligibility and Admissibility Issues

  • The ins and outs of criminal inadmissibility and waiver practice in consular processing

  • How can they do it? Permanent residents living overseas

  • Practice management in today’s high-stress world

  • Nonimmigrant visa (NIV) employment-based visa issues

  • General nonimmigrant visa, immigrant visa and American citizen services issues

  • Locking down the details: Application of the CSPA (Child Status Protection Act) family and employment situations

  • Agencies running amok: practice management in the age of bad decisions, unwieldy RFEs, and unprecedented denials

  • Ethics Panels: You did what?


May 9 - 11, 2018

Hong Kong

American Immigration Lawyers Association Bangkok District Chapter (AILA BDC – APAC) 6th Annual Consular Processing Conference "Renunciation of Citizenship Considerations and Strategies"

  • Renunciation - pros and cons

  • Renunciation procedures and process

  • Tax planning implications and planning before and after renunciation

  • After renouncing - later U.S. immigration issues?

  • The rare world of forced expatriation


November 15 - 17, 2017

London, UK

8th Biennial Global Immigration Conference, International Bar Association (IBA)

A conference presented by the IBA Immigration and Nationality Law Committee and in association with American Immigration Lawyers Association and the Immigration Law Practitioners’ Association

"Dual citizenship – renunciation and expatriation"

Session covered discussions about global clients’ acquisition and loss of citizenship as key tools for them to optimize their economic and personal welfare, although national security issues can also be involved leading to loss of citizenship. This session also examined the reasons, means and mechanisms for acquisition of citizenship and the issues causing voluntary and involuntary loss of citizenship

"South Asia, Asia Pacific, Central and South America"

Session covers current hot topics and trends in immigration law and practice in these diverse regions of the world


November 6 - 7, 2017

Hong Kong

Investment Immigration Summit East Asia

Panel: Evaluating the effectiveness of the US EB-5 Program for Chinese Investors – Is it really working for them?

  • How is the backlog of applications being dealt with, especially those from China?

  • How is the Trump administration viewing the EB-5 program?

  • Changes/Proposed changes to EB-5 and their implications for investments

  • How does EB-5 stand up against other international investment programs?


June 6 - 8, 2016

Geneva, Switzerland

The Investment Migration Forum – Advancing Investor Immigration and Citizenship"Consequences of Giving Up U.S. Citizenship"

  • The impact of expatriation on taxation

  • The new exit tax rules

  • Who is a "covered expatriate"?


November 18 - 20, 2015

London, UK

7th Biennial Global Immigration Conference, International Bar Association (IBA)

A conference presented by the IBA Immigration and Nationality Law Committee, supported by the IBA European Regional Forum and in association with American Immigration Lawyers Association and Immigration Law Practitioners’ Association

"Global Immigration in a Shrinking but Troubled World""Citizenship – A fundamental right or a commodity to be bought and sold?"Session covered the reasons, means and mechanisms for acquisition of citizenship in different jurisdictions to optimize economic and personal welfare for clients leading increasingly multinational lives, issues causing voluntary and involuntary loss of citizenship as well as the immigration and tax consequences of renouncing U.S. citizenship


November 17 - 18, 2015

London, UK

American Immigration Lawyers Rome District Chapter – European, Middle East, and Africa (AILA RDC-EMEA) 2015 London Fall Conference"Tax – mock consultation"

  • Case scenario: HNWI

  • Case scenario: small business expanding into U.S. – employer and employee perspectives

  • Case scenario: UK company (production) – sending employees to U.S. for short term assignment

  • Case scenario: Considerations for Intra-company transferees


November 11-12, 2014

Hong Kong

Investment Immigration Summit"Understanding the ever-changing drivers of HNWI migration and the implications for their advisors"

  • Tracking the development of the investor immigration industry and the reasons behind growth in the industry

  • The evolving Chinese HNWI, as they become more savvy, how are their motivations, criteria and drivers changing

  • How could today's investor immigration programmes be further improved and adapted to these ever changing needs?

  • Government monitoring and compliance: Hindrance or security?

"Quota retrogression: Implications for Chinese HNWIs and the future of the EB-5 programmme"

  • Predicting the changes in USA/s evolving investor immigration programme

  • Impacts of the increasing requirements for RFEs, and focus on investments, how are processing times changing?

  • What are the latest success rates for Chinese applying for an EB-5 Visa, how can advisers maximize the success rates?

  • Delaying or giving up US citizenship? The reality


March 14-15, 2014

Sydney, Australia

The 2014 CPD Immigration Law Conference"Immigrant Entrepreneurs (The Pathway to Economic Citizenship) - A Global Perspective"Conference sponsored by the Law Council Australia – International Law Section


November 20 - 22, 2013

London, UK

6th Biennial Global Immigration Conference, International Bar Association (IBA)"Entrepreneur/investor programmes and economic citizenship options for entrepreneurs and high net worth individuals"A conference presented by the IBA Immigration and Nationality Law Committee and supported by the IBA European Regional Forum, in association with American Immigration Lawyers Association and Immigration Law Practitioners Association.


November 11 - 12, 2013

Hong Kong

Investment Immigration Summit"USA's EB-5 Investor Scheme: Regional Centre vs. Individual Investments"

  • Processing time: Reality and solutions

  • What other immigration options should be considered: Is the green card really the best option?

  • Source of funds, how has USCIS changed their rules and guidance on this and how is it changing?

"Migrating overseas: What does the Chinese HNWI need to know about global taxation and expatriation?"

  • Guidelines for taxation considerations for emigrating HNWIs

  • Preparation is key: Future tax mitigation, now

  • What about giving up citizenship? Easier said than done?

  • What are the legal tax consequences and how does the process work?

  • What provisions exist to give up residency in various jurisdictions?


October 31 – November, 2013

Macau

UIA (Union Internationale des Avocates) International Association of Lawyers

57th Congress "Global Trends on Citizenship and Nationality" Spoke on Acquisition of Chinese nationality in the Hong Kong Special Administration Region of the People's Republic of China and Expatriation under U.S. Law


5th Biennial Global Immigration Conference, International Bar Association (IBA)

A conference presented by the IBA Immigration and Nationality Law Committee and supported by the IBA European Regional Forum, in association with American Immigration Lawyers Association and Immigration Law Practitioners Association."Hong Kong Resident Visas for Entrepreneurs and Investors"Entrepreneurs and investors: How are the world economies competing to attract entrepreneurs and investors to their jurisdictions? Accelerated rights to citizenship or permanent residence? Expert panels will discuss these fast changing issues.

September 22 - 23, 2011

London, UK


June 15 - 18, 2011

San Diego, California, USA

American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) 2011 Annual Conference on Immigration Law"Outbound Immigration – Part II: Asia Pacific"Panel discussion on non U.S. immigration issues for U.S. immigration lawyers who deal with (either directly or indirectly) outbound immigration to the Asia-Pacific region.

  • Local Regulations Applicable to Business Visitors, Trainers of Local Staff, Expatriates

  • Important Issues to Consider

  • Business visitors

  • What are the Main Employment Options?

  • Any Special Exceptions?

  • Timing Considerations

  • Visa Compliance and work permits

  • Resources – How can I keep up with changes?


December 9, 2010

Hong Kong

"Everything You Need to Know About Expatriation from the United States" Program sponsored by the American Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong. Hosted by the Tax Committee and the Law Committee

Panel discussion on what "expatriation" means for an American citizen, including the tax and legal consequences, the pros and cons, how the process works, and the timing and initiation until approval and receipt of the Certificate of Loss of Nationality from the State Department, and the process of applying for a visa to permit access to the U.S. after expatriation.

Other panelists included a tax partner from PricewaterhouseCoopers, as well as the Chief of the Passports and American Citizens Services Unit of the U.S. Consulate General in Hong Kong.


November 19 - 20, 2009

London, UK

4th Biennial Global Immigration Conference, International Bar Association"Entrepreneurs and investors: An Overview of key business and investor categories in a number of major jurisdictions."A conference presented by the Immigration and Nationality Law Committee of the International Bar Association (IBA) and supported by the IBA European Regional Forum


June 3 - 6, 2009

Las Vegas, Nevada, USA

American Immigration Lawyers Association 2009 Annual Conference on Immigration Law"No Limit Global Immigration: How Different Countries Approach Business Visitors"

  • New Developments in the U.K. and Other Key Destination Countries

  • Temporary work Visas From Around the World

  • General Barriers Your Client May Run Into

  • Hot Topics in Global Immigration Law

  • Partnering Up: Involving Local Counsel


November 15 - 16, 2007

London, UK

3rd Biennial Global Immigration Conference, International Bar Association

A conference presented by the Immigration & Nationality Law Committee of the International Bar Association's Legal Practice Division and with the support of the International Bar Association's European Forum"Entrepreneurs, investors, establishing overseas offices"Session covering key business and investor categories as well as the establishment of overseas offices.


October 14 - 19, 2007

Singapore

International Bar Association 2007 Annual Conference

Program sponsored by the Immigration and Nationality Law Committee, Human Resources Section and Legal Practice Division of the International Bar Association"Immigration and Work Options in the Asia Pacific Region"In addition to a multi-jurisdictional panel of lawyers, other panelists included the Deputy Secretary of the Ministry of Manpower of Singapore, the Director of Policy for the Singapore Immigration & Checkpoints Authority, as well as the Assistant Director, Visas and Policies, Hong Kong SAR Immigration Department.


June 13 - 16, 2007

Orlando, Florida, USA

American Immigration Lawyers Association 2007 Annual Conference on Immigration Law"Outbound Immigration - Not Just for Jet Settlers Anymore"

  • Is this Something That You Should/Could Handle?

  • How Overseas Immigration Can Affect U.S. Immigration Status

  • Common Issue to Consider in India, China and European Countries

  • Keeping Family Members Together

  • Foreign Immigration - Resources & Tools


August 3 - 8, 2006

Honolulu, Hawaii, USA

American Bar Association Annual Meeting"Strategic Options Impacting International Assignments: Immigration Law Mechanisms facilitating International Business assignments between the United States and Asia-Pacific Region"Program sponsored by the ABA Section of International Law and the ABA Commission on Immigration


November 12 - 15, 2005

Salzburg, Austria

Business Immigration and Cross-border Employment"Comparative Investment Visa Categories to the United States and to Hong Kong"Conference sponsored by the Center for International Legal Studies


November 10 - 11, 2005

London, UK

Global Immigration Conference, The Law Society, London, England"Business People: Entrepreneurs and Investors"Sponsored by the International Bar Association in cooperation with the American Immigration Lawyers Association and the Immigration Law Practitioners' Association


September 30 - October 2, 2004

New York, USA

2004 Global Immigration Summit "Thinking Beyond Borders"

Sponsored by American Immigration Lawyers Association in cooperation with International Bar Association ▪ Immigration Law Practitioners' Association"Investor"

  • Permanent and Temporary Immigration Benefits

  • Types of Eligible Investment Vehicles

  • Minimum Thresholds of Investment

"Trends in Asia Pacific/Africa"

  • Guestworkers or Immigrants

  • Changes in Immigration Policies

  • Intra-regional Immigration Issues


June 18 - 22, 2003

New Orleans, Louisiana, USA

American Immigration Lawyers Association 2003 Annual Conference on Immigration Law"Around the World in 2 Hours – Outbound Immigration Options"


September 26 - 28, 2002

New York, USA

2002 Global Immigration Summit " Building Powerful Professional Networks Across Borders"

Sponsored by American Immigration Lawyers Association in cooperation with International Bar Association, Immigration Law Practitioners' Association and American Foreign Lawyers Association"Fast, Faster, Fastest – Which Work Visas are Quickest?"

"Coming And Going – How to Avoid or Cure Border Crossing Problems"

"Around the World in 80 Minutes – The State of the Immigration World – The Present and the Future"


June 12 - 16, 2002

San Francisco, California, USA

American Immigration Lawyers Association 2002 Annual Conference on Immigration Law"Japanese Immigration, Hong Kong, Taiwan and People's Republic of China's Contributions"


June 20 - 24, 2001

Boston, Massachusetts, USA

American Immigration Lawyers Association 2001 Annual Conference on Immigration Law"Global Transfers and Processing Issues"

  • Entry Rules to International Destinations

  • Visa Processing Issues

  • Filing Issues


June 10 - 13, 1999

Seattle, Washington, USA

American Immigration Lawyers Association 1999 Annual Conference on Immigration Law"Practice Roundtable: Consular Practice"Presented with, among others, the following State Department officials: the Managing Director, Visa Services; the Director, Legislation, Regulations and Advisory Assistance and the Chief of the Advisory Opinions Division.


June 20 - 23, 1996

Phoenix, Arizona, USA

American Immigration Lawyers Association 1996 Annual Conference on Immigration Law"Around the World in 80 Minutes: Comparative International Worker Issues"

  • Discussion of visa options for temporary workers outside the U.S.

  • Tax, employment law problems and other pitfalls

  • Covering Europe, Latin America and Pacific Rim


June 17 - 20, 1993

Toronto, Canada

American Immigration Lawyers Association 1993 Annual Conference on Immigration Law"Practice Roundtable : Consular Processing"Other panelists included the following State Department Officials: the Acting Assistant Secretary of State for Consular Affairs; Consul General, U.S. Consulate, Ciudad Juarez, Mexico; Chief, Consular Section, U.S. Consulate, Toronto, Canada.

  • Discussion on Exclusion issues

  • Observations regarding TIVPC

  • Problems from the consular officers' point of view


May 31, 1993

Hong Kong

Business, Economic Development & Tourism Conference"What to Look for When Investing From an Immigration Lawyer's Prospective"Sponsored by the State of Hawaii Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism


January 12, 1993

Honolulu, Hawaii, USA

Business, Economic Development & Tourism Conference"Foreign Investment in Hawaii : Why It's Good for Us and How We can Attract It"Sponsored by State of Hawaii Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism; Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii; Chinese Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii; Pacific Business News


June 11 - 14, 1992

New Orleans, Louisiana, USA

American Immigration Lawyers Association 1992 Annual Conference on Immigration Law"Consular Processing"With following State Department Officials: Acting Assistant Secretary of State for Consular Affairs, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Visa Services; Consul General, U.S. Consulate, Ciudad Juarez, Mexico; Chief, Consular Section, U.S. Consulate General, Toronto, Canada.

  • Impact of the TIVPC

  • Consular officer Views on Common Problems

  • Exclusion Issues


April 11, 1992

Hong Kong

"U.S. Immigration Symposium"with Chief, Consular Section, U.S. Consulate General, Hong Kong and U.S. Immigration & Naturalization Service Officer-in-Charge, Hong KongSponsored by the Sing Tao Daily with the assistance of Sing Tao Overseas Investment Consultants Limited


May 26, 1991

Hong Kong

Sing Tao Group Panel discussion

Sponsors : Hong Kong Chinese Bank, Lippo Asia Limited, Bank Julius Baer"U.S. Immigration Act of 1990 : Alternatives for Businessmen"Presented with U.S. Immigration & Naturalization Service Officer-in-Charge, Hong Kong and Chief, Consular Section, U.S. Consulate General, Hong Kong.


May 10 - 11, 1991

Los Angeles, California, USA

University of Southern California Law Center"1991 Immigration Law Institute"Co-sponsored by Immigration Law Section, Los Angeles County Bar Association and Southern California Chapter, American Immigration Lawyers Association


February 2, 1990

Kailua Kona, Hawaii, USA

American Immigration Lawyers Association Midyear Continuing Legal Education Seminar"New Waves for Foreign Investors in the 1990's – Hong Kong 1997 and 1992 European Common Market"


April 26 & September 29, 1988

Hong Kong

International Research conference"The Brain Drain – How to Turn the Emigration Exodus to Your Advantage"Presented by the Institute for International Research. Endorsed by the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce and the British Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong


September 23, 1988

Hong Kong

Business Forum, Tower Club"Implications of the Kennedy/Simpson Bill in relation to Immigration to the United States"


June 15 - 19, 1988

San Diego, California, USA

American Immigration Lawyers Association 1988 Annual Conference on Immigration Law (42nd Anniversary Symposium)"Advanced Consular Processing: Where to go when the Consul says No"


May 20, 1988

Hong Kong

Lions Club of Hong Kong South, Lions Club of Hong Kong West, Lions Club of Hong Kong Harbour"Business Visas to the U.S. and the Acquisition of Lawful Permanent Residence"


May 11, 1988

Hong Kong

Rotary Club of Kwai Chung"The Ins and outs of Emigrating to the U.S., Canada and Australia"


January 12, 1988

Taiwan

Rotary Club of Taipei Yangming"Business Related Visas for People Doing Business in the United States"


November 26, 1987

Hong Kong

Rotary Club of Kowloon Northwest"The U.S. Immigration Selection System and Recent Developments of Interest to People in Hong Kong"


November 10 - 11, 1987

Taiwan

Conference"Invest in Illinois U.S.A. Conference"Sponsored by the State Government of Illinois, International Trade Association of the Republic of China and the China Productivity Center conference


December 21, 1986

San Francisco, California, USA

Chinese Progressive Association"Chinese Progressive Association Workshop on the New Immigration Law – An Analysis and Discussion of the Simpson-Radino Immigration Law"


November 1 & 22, 1986

San Francisco, California, USA

"Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986"Sponsored by United Savings Bank


December 7, 1985

Palo Alto, California, USA

Professional legal conference"Labor Certification – The Ins and Outs of Employee Immigrant Visas"Sponsored by the Immigrant Legal Resource Center, Stanford University School of Law Immigration Clinic


November 23, 1985

San Francisco, California, USA

Seminar"Paralegal Immigration Skills Training Seminar"Sponsored by the San Francisco Lawyers' Committee for Urban Affairs and the Immigrant and Refugee Rights Project


August, 1985

Los Angeles, California, USA

California Continuing Legal Education seminar"Immigration Law, CEB's 31st Annual Summer Program"Presented at the UCLA campus by the University of California Schools of Law, Hastings College of the Law and California Continuing Education of the Bar


March 17, 1985

Oakland, California, USA

"Immigration Law : Family Reunion"Sponsored by the Asian Immigrant Women's Project, Oakland Chinese Community Council, Asian Law Caucus, and the International Institute of the East Bay


November, 1984

Taipei, Taiwan

Professional legal conference at the National Taiwan Normal University"The U.S. Immigration Selection System and the Simpson-Mazzoli Bill"


March 29 - 30, 1984

San Francisco, California, USA

Professional legal conference"Immigration Visas for Business Investors, Owners and Employees"Sponsored by the Immigration Law Clinic of Golden Gate University


November 22, 1983

San Jose, California, USA

"A Basic Overview of U.S. Immigration Law"Sponsored by the Calvin Presbyterian Church


March, 1983

San Francisco, California, USA

Professional legal conference"Avoiding Deportation: Stateside Criteria Processing, Voluntary Departure, Suspension of Deportation, 212(c) Waivers, Deferred Actions and Private Bills"Sponsored by the Bar Association of San Francisco and the Northern California Chapter of the American Immigration Lawyers Association


March 11, 1983

San Francisco, California, USA

"What Every Foreign Student Should Know about U.S. Immigration Law"Sponsored by San Francisco State University


November 27, 1982

Hong Kong

Seminar "U.S. Immigration and Real Estate Investment Seminar"Presented by the International Society for Professional Education