Broadcasters and Florida immigration

Federal immigration law provides for special visas to be granted to certain classes of professionals who wish to work in the United States. Known as EB-4 visas, this type of access to the country are generally held for religious and medical workers, broadcasters and members of the Armed Forces. However, other classifications may be eligible for this type of visa as well.

To qualify for an EB-4 immigration visa, the prospective visa holder’s intended employer is typically required to file for this visa on the employee’s behalf using Form 1-360, Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant. Under certain circumstances, the visa candidate may self-apply and include one’s spouse and any children under 21 who are not married.

“Broadcaster” under immigration law is defined as anyone who edits, produces, reports, anchors or translates news programs, such as Radio Free Europe or Radio Free Asia. The broadcaster must work for the United States Broadcasting Board of Governors or one of its grantees, and may not work in a pure support or technical capacity. To obtain an EB-4 visa, the candidate must state what experience and training qualifies him or her for such a position as well as the full title and job description of the posting for which the candidate is applying or has been hired.

In employment immigration cases, the attorney may begin by reviewing the candidate’s experience and the essential functions of the job for which the candidate is applying to help convey necessary technical knowledge and experience to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. The attorney may also assist with requests for permanent residency and assist companies and individuals in assuring compliance with all facets of federal immigration regulations as well as state labor statutes.