Hi [FORMATTED_FIRST_NAME GOES HERE],

Happy Wednesday. ✨

Soundarya here, founder of unshackled.club & co-founder of greencard.inc. :)

Exciting update: We're hosting an end-of-the-year, free party in the Bay Area to bring the immigrant community together. If you're free on December 28th, come join us! While I won't be there unfortunately (since I'm in India), you'll get to meet 50+ others along with my co-founder and EB-1A recipient, RK. Light refreshments will be served. Spots are limited.

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Also, how are you celebrating the end of another year? Hit reply and let me know =)

This week's TL;DR

• ​​​Visa bulletin for Jan 2025 is here... and there is a little change.
• ​Donald Trump says he'll end birthright citizenship... can he even do it?
• ​[Free Webinar: Dec 14th, 12 PM EST] EB-1A for tech engineers.

📌 UNfold: Breaking news

​Trump’s plan to end birthright citizenship: what it means & is it even possible?​

Trump says he wants to end birthright citizenship, which grants U.S. citizenship to anyone born in the country. He believes it’s being misused by illegal immigration and “birth tourism.” However, this right is protected by the 14th Amendment, making it extremely difficult to change. Critics say the move could spark serious legal battles and social issues.

​January 2025 visa bulletin: little movement, EB-1A could speed things up​

Jan 2025 visa bulletin is here... but there's little change. EB1 remains stuck at February 2022 for Indian nationals, and EB2 and EB3 are still far behind, with little movement expected. However, with the FY 2025 visa limit slightly higher than before, we could see some progress in EB1 later in the year. If you're in EB2 or EB3, it might be worth considering an EB1A move to speed things up!

​Recent O*NET updates could affect PERM & H-1B filings​

The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) has recently updated the O*NET database, which classifies occupations based on the required education and experience levels. These updates may affect PERM and H-1B applications, especially for jobs that have been downgraded to a lower "Job Zone." Such changes could lead to increased scrutiny from authorities, higher prevailing wage requirements, or the need for additional documentation, like a "business necessity" justification for specific roles.

🎁 UNlock: Relevant resources

​[In-person event] Bay area community meet up​

Join us for a fun and engaging end-of-year party in the Bay Area on December 28th, where you'll connect with 50+ members of the immigrant community. Meet my co-founder and EB-1A recipient, RK, while enjoying light refreshments and great conversation. This is the perfect opportunity to network, share experiences, and build valuable connections. Spots are limited, so be sure to RSVP today!

​[Free webinar: ​Dec 14th, 12 PM EST​] EB1 for Engineers (Critical Tech Edition)​​

In this webinar, you will learn how to turn an EB-1 rejection into approval, even with a PhD, patents, and experience in a critical industry like semiconductors. The session will cover effective strategies to overcome challenges, take control of your case, and demonstrate exceptional value to secure EB-1 approval. This is an opportunity for anyone navigating the EB-1 process to gain insights and tips to strengthen your case.

​[Podcast] Breaking down EB-2 NIW adjudication​

In this episode, Webber Immigration breaks down key insights and strategies for navigating the complex EB-2 NIW process. If you're considering applying for this green card route, this is a must-listen. Don't miss out on expert tips to help you understand how adjudicators evaluate these cases!

💫 UNcover: Latest trends

• ​H-1B controversy arises as IT giants are prioritizing Indian workers over U.S. employees.
• ​Hacked corporate data reveals H-1B workers are paid less than U.S. employees.
• ​Recent immigration changes could help retain more scientists in the U.S.

🪄 UNveil: This week’s partner

​Want to securely move & store your stuff? Check out Clutter. A startup based in the Bay Area, they help you with all of your packing, moving, and storage needs at a price that's affordable. I used Clutter to pack and store my stuff as I am leaving the country for a few months. The process was as simple & easy as it could've been, with excellent customer support. Use the code TXXRFJ to get $100 off when you sign up!​

👉 Wanna put yourself in front of 22,500+ high-skilled immigrants? Just hit reply to start a conversation.

⚖️ Finally, looking to consult with a lawyer?

Finding a trusted, vetted lawyer is hard. We've done the hard work by curating a list of 5 top attorneys we recommend consulting with. Whether you're looking for an EB-1A profile evaluation or to set up your business as a student, this is for you. Book a consultation today!​

Until next week, stay awesome.

Yours truly,

Soundarya 💚

💡 None of the information shared in this newsletter is meant to be legal advice. If you're looking for legal advice, speak to a lawyer or visit the Unshackled lawyer directory with vetted lawyer recommendations.

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