Practice Areas

Immigration

Our commitment to provide a comprehensive package of legal services designed specifically for today's business environment extends to immigration matters.

We have the experience and expertise to handle virtually any immigration related matter, offering a full range of specialized services tailored to businesses including:

Hiring and retention of foreign-born professionals, executives and technical personnel
Workforce verification and compliance issues
Employer self-audits
Government inspections
Overseas placements
Obtaining short term work and/or residence benefits for families and individuals
Obtaining long-term residence and/or citizenship for individuals and families
Intervention and negotiation with the Immigration Service, Department of State, Social Security Administration, Immigration Service Ports of Entry and overseas consulates to obtain benefits or solve problems
Obtaining Green Cards, through business or family, via both standard and expedited tracks
Obtaining student visas and temporary visitor visas for individuals and families

News

May 12 2017
Thank You!
Thank to all those that attended our Michigan Townships Association Reception on Tuesday, April 11 at Troppo in Lansing.
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May 12 2017
FOIA Update - The Question Returns: By What Date Must a FOIA Request be Fulfilled?
By: Michael J. Huff
In a previous edition of this publication, we highlighted the Michigan Court of Appeals 2016 Opinion in the case of Cramer v. Oakley, where the Court held that a public body’s duty to “grant” and “fulfill” a FOIA request were distinct concepts. Under that Opinion, municipalities were only required to respond to a FOIA request within the statutorily prescribed five (5) business days, but could “fulfill” the request (i.e., actually provide the records) at a later date as long as there was no inordinate delay. This is no longer the law! On April 5, 2017, the Supreme Court vacated the decision rendered by the Court of Appeals in Cramer v Oakley. The repercussions of the Supreme Court’s Order are that municipalities can no longer rely on the concept that granting and fulfilling a FOIA request are distinct or separate from one another.
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May 12 2017
Local Government and Family Law Issues
By: Sarah C. Alden
Family law is not typically at the top of the list of issues concerning municipalities. Rarely—if ever—are divorce, custody, or child support mentioned when considering a text amendment to a zoning ordinance! Nevertheless, certain matters within the arena of family law might crop up within your municipality from time to time, particularly concerning current or former municipal employees who participate in a retirement or pension plan and may be going through a divorce.
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May 4 2017
Randy Velzen Featured in Grand Rapids Legal News’ Duly Noted Section
On April 26, 2017, the Grand Rapids Legal News featured Randy Velzen in its Duly Noted section.
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