Trump’s Immigration Policies: How Compliance Reviews Could Impact You

As President-elect Trump prepares for another term, immigration trends from his first presidency may resurface—potentially with reinforced measures. One area that could see heightened activity is the Administrative Site Visit and Verification Program, initiated by USCIS in 2009 to ensure compliance with visa petitions. During Trump’s previous term, unannounced site visits became a hallmark of immigration enforcement, and there’s every reason to believe they may return with added vigor.

What Are Administrative Site Visits?

These visits are part of compliance reviews conducted by officers in the Fraud Detection and National Security Directorate (FDNS). Immigration officers arrive unannounced to verify the information provided in visa petitions. This involves:

• Reviewing petitions and supporting documents.
• Researching public records and government databases.
• Interviewing petitioners (employers) and beneficiaries (visa applicants).

What Is the Purpose of a Compliance Review?

The primary goal of these reviews is to ensure that both the petitioner and beneficiary are adhering to the terms of the visa petition. Officers check for:

1. Consistency between the petition and actual business practices.
2. Compliance with job duties, wages, and other requirements stated in the petition.
3. Evidence of fraud or misrepresentation.

How to Prepare for Increased Compliance Scrutiny

With the potential for increased site visits under another Trump administration, companies and visa beneficiaries must remain vigilant and proactive. Here are actionable steps to safeguard your status:

1. Keep Your Information Updated: Notify USCIS immediately of any changes, such as a new business address, to avoid miscommunication that could trigger red flags.
2. Maintain Accurate Records: Ensure bookkeeping and payroll records are current and in compliance with regulations.
3. Prioritize Consistency: When renewing a visa, ensure your business plan and supporting documents align with the initial petition. Any changes must be thoroughly explained and backed by supporting evidence.
4. Establish and Align Your Online Presence: In the U.S., it is not realistic for an operating business to lack an online presence. Ensure your website, social media profiles, and any online listings are fully aligned with your business plan and actual business practices. Immigration officers may use your online presence as part of their initial research during compliance reviews. Any inconsistencies could raise red flags.
5. Avoid Oversights: Treat inconsistencies as potential liabilities. Even unintentional errors can be interpreted as fraud by USCIS.

Why This Matters

Under Trump’s presidency, immigration compliance became a focal point, with stricter scrutiny applied to visa holders and their employers. This trend could return, placing an even greater emphasis on maintaining proper documentation and compliance.

Trust Us to Help You Stay Prepared

Our tailored services can help visa beneficiaries and petitioners avoid pitfalls during compliance reviews:

• Bookkeeping Services: Designed to keep your financials in order and focused on profitability, ensuring you’re ready for site visits or renewals.
• Aligned Immigration Business Plans: When it’s time to renew your visa, we’ll create a business plan that mirrors your initial petition while providing clear, compelling explanations for any changes.

We can also refer you to trusted professionals who specialize in areas such as payroll and building an online presence, including immigration-focused websites and social media management. This ensures every aspect of your business aligns with compliance requirements.

Stay ahead of the curve. Contact us today to ensure your records and immigration business plans meet the highest standards and keep you on track for successful visa renewals.

The information provided in this blog is intended solely for informational purposes. While we strive to offer accurate and up-to-date content, it should not be considered legal advice. Immigration laws and regulations are subject to change, and individual circumstances can vary widely. For personalized guidance and legal advice regarding your specific immigration situation, we strongly recommend consulting with a qualified immigration attorney who can provide you with tailored assistance and ensure compliance with current laws and regulations.

Contact us today to get started.

Visa Business Plans is led by Marco Scanu, a certified coach from the University of Miami with a globally-based practice coaching Fortune 1000 company executives, entrepreneurs, as well as professionals in four different continents. Mr. Scanu advises clients on turnaround strategies and crisis management.

Mr. Scanu received a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration (Cum Laude) from the University of Florida and an MBA in Management from Bocconi University in Milan, Italy. Mr. Scanu was also a Visiting Scholar at Michigan State University under the prestigious H. Humphrey Fellowship (Fulbright program) with a focus on Entrepreneurship, Venture Capital, and high-growth enterprises.

At present, Mr. Scanu is the managing partner and CEO at Visa Business Plans, a Miami-based boutique consulting firm providing attorneys and investors with business planning services in the areas of U.S. and Canadian immigration, SBA loans, and others.

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