This year's March Visa Bulletin reveals advancements in the Final Action Dates of all employment-based categories except EB-3 India. Notably, the Final Action Date for EB-2 China advanced by five months from March 1, 2012 to August 1, 2012, and EB-3 China from October 1, 2012 to June 1, 2013. While only slight advancements are seen in the Final Action Dates of all family-sponsored categories except F1 Philippines, and F2B and F4 Mexico, which remained stagnant, USCIS information on family-sponsored cases that in March, family-sponsored applicants may use the Dates for Filing chart, rather than the Final Action Dates chart, to determine when to file an adjustment of status application.

Kathryn talked to the number one Oil & Gas podcast about immigration law. If you are an Oil & Gas professional currently working and trying to get into the US, or if you are concerned about layoffs and your immigration status, or perhaps you are a graduating student with questions about immigration, this is the podcast for you! ‪

Yesterday, Buzzfeed reported on Pope Francis's message about the U.S.-Mexico border and immigration. This is Pope Francis's first visit to Mexico. He reportedly told President Enrique Peña Nieto that "Every time we look to the path of privilege or the benefit of a few at the cost of the good of all, sooner or later society becomes a fertile ground for corruption, drug trafficking, the exclusion of different cultures, violence.”

Kathryn N. Karam made a presentation to student athletes at the University of the Incarnate Word about O-1 and P-1 visas for athletes, including requirements for these visas, individual versus team petitions, and petitions for Essential Support Personnel.