Resources

Client Alerts, News Articles, Blog Posts, & Multimedia

Everything you need to know about BMD and the industry.

Articles + White Papers

The Pipeline Nobody Saw Coming: The New Tool for State and County Prosecutors to Trigger Federal Deportation

June 9, 2026Recent investigations into fraudulent educational credentials have created a new pathway for state and local prosecutors to pursue admissions-related fraud under state law. While states cannot enforce immigration laws or initiate deportation proceedings, felony fraud convictions can trigger significant federal immigration consequences, including removal proceedings, detention, and, in some cases, denaturalization.Articles + White Papers

What the New USCIS Policy Means for H-1B Holders and Other Visa Professionals

June 2, 2026USCIS Policy Memorandum PM-602-0199 changes how adjustment of status applications are evaluated for H-1B holders and other employment-based visa professionals. The policy gives immigration officers broader discretion to deny green card applications, even for applicants with otherwise clean records. This article explains the policy shift, the increased risks tied to status violations, fraud enforcement, social media screening, and limited judicial review, along with practical guidance for foreign professionals navigating the employment-based immigration process.Articles + White Papers

New USCIS Green Card Policy: Critical Risks for Hospitals, Health Systems, and Nonprofit Research Institutions

June 1, 2026USCIS Policy Memorandum PM-602-0199 introduces heightened discretionary review for adjustment of status applications, creating significant risks for hospitals, health systems, academic medical centers, and nonprofit research institutions that rely on foreign-born physicians and scientists. This article examines the policy’s impact on the Conrad 30 physician pipeline, National Interest Waiver cases, and healthcare workforce stability in underserved communities.Articles + White Papers

What Employers Need to Know About the New USCIS Green Card Policy

May 27, 2026USCIS Policy Memorandum PM-602-0199 introduces heightened discretionary scrutiny for adjustment of status applications, creating new uncertainty for employers that sponsor foreign national workers. This article explains the legal framework behind the policy, the workforce and operational risks businesses may face, and the practical steps employers should consider to prepare for increased scrutiny in employment-based green card cases.Articles + White Papers

Denaturalization and Immigration Consequences in Federal Healthcare and Benefits Fraud Cases

May 8, 2026This article explains how federal healthcare and benefits fraud investigations can lead to serious criminal charges and immigration consequences for naturalized U.S. citizens, including possible denaturalization and removal. It outlines common fraud-related federal offenses, how they may be classified as aggravated felonies or crimes involving moral turpitude, and how those classifications impact immigration status. The article also details the denaturalization process, disclosure requirements on immigration forms, and the potential downstream effects on family members and long-term immigration eligibility.Client Alert

DOT Non-Domiciled CDL Rule

March 11, 2026A new rule from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) will significantly narrow eligibility for non-domiciled Commercial Driver’s Licenses (CDLs) beginning March 16, 2026. The rule limits eligibility to holders of H-2A, H-2B, and E-2 visas and eliminates Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) as qualifying proof of work authorization. As a result, many lawfully present and work-authorized immigrants, including refugees, asylees, DACA recipients, and Temporary Protected Status holders, will no longer be able to obtain or renew a non-domiciled CDL. The change is expected to affect roughly 194,000 drivers nationwide and has prompted multiple legal challenges, including a pending emergency stay request before the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit.Client Alert

Your Golden Chance for H-1B Lottery Registration - March 2026

February 16, 2026USCIS H-1B registration opens March 4–19, 2026. U.S.-based employees on valid nonimmigrant status are exempt from the $100,000 fee for change of status petitions. The new weighted lottery favors higher-skilled and higher-paid employees, improving odds for advanced degree holders and Wage Level 3 or 4 workers.Client Alert

Invisible Algorithms: The Hidden Role of Artificial Intelligence in USCIS Immigration Processing

February 10, 2026The Department of Homeland Security has confirmed that artificial intelligence and machine learning tools are now integrated into numerous operational functions within U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). These tools are described as mechanisms to improve efficiency, reduce backlogs, and assist officers in managing an unprecedented volume of applications. DHS emphasizes that human adjudicators retain decision-making authority and that AI systems do not independently grant or deny immigration benefits. Find out how AI affects the U.S. immigration process.Client Alert

USCIS Policy Change Impacting Work Authorization: Advisory for Employers and Human Resources

December 8, 2025USCIS has issued a policy memorandum pausing immigration benefit processing for individuals from 19 high-risk countries and requiring a re-review of certain previously approved cases. This change may affect work authorization, employment verification, and workforce stability. Employers and HR teams should review impacted employees and update compliance procedures.Client Alert

DHS Ends All Employment Authorization Auto-Extensions

October 29, 2025Effective October 30, 2025, DHS ends all automatic work authorization renewals. The 540-day extension applies only to renewals filed before this date, and there is no grace period for expired EADs filed on or after October 30. Employers must audit EADs, train staff, ensure I-9 compliance, and plan for work authorization gaps. Penalties for noncompliance can be severe.Client Alert

New $100,000 Fee on H-1B Petitions – Legal Immigration

September 23, 2025President Trump issued an Executive Order (EO) imposing a $100,000 payment to accompany any new H-1B visa petitions submitted after 12:01 a.m. eastern time on September 21, 2025 and will remain in place for 12 months (unless extended).Client Alert

Implications of Supreme Court Stay for Business Operations in Noem v. Vasquez Perdomo

September 16, 2025On September 8, 2025, the U.S. Supreme Court temporarily reinstated immigration officers’ authority to conduct brief stops based on factors such as location, work type, language, or appearance. This stay in Noem v. Vasquez Perdomo allows enforcement actions to resume in California pending appeal. Employers in industries like construction, agriculture, landscaping, and day labor should prepare for increased worksite disruptions and review compliance protocols.Client Alert

USCIS Policy Updates: Implications for Business Immigration

August 20, 2025In August 2025, USCIS issued three key policy updates enhancing vetting, good moral character (GMC) evaluations, and scrutiny of "anti-American" conduct in immigration adjudications. These policy memos will impact employers sponsoring foreign workers, including H-1B, L-1, EB visas, adjustments, and naturalization.Client Alert

Introducing HB 281: Enforcement of Federal Immigration Laws in Ohio Hospitals

July 1, 2025House Bill 281, introduced on May 20, 2025, would require Ohio hospitals to allow law enforcement, including federal immigration agents, to enter facilities and enforce immigration laws. The bill mandates that hospitals comply with information requests and adopt formal policies, raising significant concerns about patient privacy and access to care for immigrant communities.Client Alert

Understanding Reasonable Fear vs. Credible Fear Interviews: A Critical Guide for Immigrants Facing Removal

May 23, 2025In his latest article, Immigration Attorney and former Immigration Judge Rob Ratliff offers a clear breakdown of Reasonable Fear vs. Credible Fear Interviews—key procedures for noncitizens seeking protection from persecution or torture. Citing Judge Brian Murphy’s recent ruling on unlawful deportations to South Sudan, Ratliff connects these critical legal standards to current judicial developments. Read the full article at www.removal-defense.com.Client Alert

Immigration Orders and Their Economic Impact on Small Business: Insights from Attorney and Former Immigration Judge Rob Ratliff

January 30, 2025President Trump's recent executive orders, targeting immigration policies, could significantly impact small businesses in Ohio, particularly those owned by undocumented immigrants. With stricter visa vetting, halted refugee admissions, and potential deportations, these businesses face uncertainty, workforce disruption, and closures. Ohio's immigrant-owned businesses, especially in food services and transportation, contribute billions to the state economy, and any disruption could result in economic ripple effects.News Article

Immigration Attorney Talks Crisis in Ukraine (published by Community Legal Aid, 4/6/22)

April 7, 2022Duriya Dhinojwala interview with Community Legal AidBlog Post

Crain's Cleveland Recognizes Duriya Dhinojwala as a 2020 Woman of Note

June 29, 2020Duriya (DD) Dhinojwala's heart, drive and dedication are just a few of the commendable qualities that make her a Woman of Note. Learn more about DD's background and path to success here.News Article

Journey of an International Attorney in Columbus

April 22, 2019Journey of an International Attorney in ColumbusBlog Post

Employment Based First Preference (EB1)

October 30, 2018BMD has a team of experienced immigration attorneys with a collective knowledge of over fifty years to assist and guide U.S. banks, companies, individuals, universities, colleges, hospitals and institutions obtain the appropriate work visa or employment based permanent residency.Client Alert

EFFECTIVE April 3, 2017: USCIS Will Temporarily Suspend Premium Processing for All H-1B Petitions

March 1, 2017Starting April 3, 2017, USCIS will temporarily suspend premium processing for all H-1B petitions. This suspension may last up to 6 months. While H-1B premium processing is suspended, petitioners will not be able to file Form I-907, Request for Premium Processing Service for a Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker which requests the H-1B nonimmigrant classification.