Here we are, ready to kick off the fiscal year 2027 (“FY2027”) H-1B cap. US Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) announced the initial registration period for the FY2027 H-1B cap will begin at 12 Noon Eastern on March 4, 2026, and run through 12 Noon Eastern on March 19, 2026. During this registration period, prospective petitioners and representatives will be able to submit their H-1B registrations using online accounts and pay the required fee of $215 for each registration submitted on behalf of individual beneficiaries. The Service is maintaining its beneficiary-centric selection process launched for FY2025.
Read moreCheers, George!
Love and Unity at Half Time
This past weekend, in the middle of the year’s biggest game, we were entranced by the half time show by Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, known professionally as Bad Bunny. Fresh off his historic Grammy win the weekend prior, the artist brought together his Puerto Rican heritage, impeccable storytelling, and dynamic visuals to create a stunning performance we will not soon forget. Infusing every second of the show with Puerto Rican culture and messages of unity and love triumphing over hate, the performance inspired us through recognizing the complex network of identities and backgrounds that make up our country. Closing out the set with the title track of his most recent album Debí Tirar Más Fotos, Bad Bunny recited the names of the many countries that make up the Americas urging us to reconsider the borders that divide us and to see them instead as threads connecting us to a larger, shared whole.
video credits: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/2U96VNSDMJw
We are Humans, Not Aliens
Flatiron NoMad Glows Pink and “Mr. Pink” by Philippe Katerine
Amidst the ongoing cold snap here in New York, this week offered a much-needed reset through joy, color, and creativity. To embrace this optimism, we visited Flatiron NoMad Glows Pink, a neighborhood-wide celebration designed to lift spirits during the darkest stretch of the season. Central to the festivities is “Mr. Pink,” an installation featuring ten larger-than-life sculptures of Mr. Pink, a figure that embodies Mignonisme, or Cuteism, created by French artist Philippe Katerine. From narrow spaces between buildings to rooftops and courtyards, the sculptures are scattered across the neighborhood, delighting passersby. At first glance, the figures radiate playfulness and whimsy, filling the streets with bold color and a sense of lighthearted surprise. But look a little closer, and Mr. Pink reveals something deeper. A visible scar on his chest symbolizes the wounds we all carry, while his expressions, ranging from inquisitive to ecstatic to quietly melancholic capture the full spectrum of human emotion. Together, the sculptures celebrate vulnerability, resilience, and the beauty of everyday life. We hope you’re able to visit this vibrant, free public installation before it closes on February 28, and until then, stay warm and keep seeking color wherever you can.
Raise Our Voices
Trading Petitions for Pottery
Given the stresses of the immigration field these days, we thought we would try some pottery throwing as a way to clear our minds and relax our spirits. Through a crash course at Zerimar Clay, we were introduced to the fundamentals of ceramics and learned how to shape the stunning agate clay to our will. Under the guidance of our skilled instructor (thanks Michael!), we created our own pieces ranging from bowls to chalices, all special in their own way. Although some of us found shaping clay more intense than preparing an O-1 petition, we all left with our hands a little smoother and unique pieces we will treasure. Maybe next time we will try something a little more relaxing like paintball!
Strength in Unity
State Department Suspends Immigrant Visa Processing for 75 Countries
On January 14, 2025, the US Department of State (“DOS”) announced its intention to pause the processing of immigrant visas indefinitely for nationals of seventy-five countries, including Brazil, Iran, Russia, Pakistan, and Somalia. The suspension is set to take effect on January 21, 2026, and applies only to immigrant visas, which are used by individuals seeking lawful permanent residence (commonly known as Green Cards) through family sponsorship, employment, or other pathways. The suspension does not apply to nonimmigrant visas, including tourist visas or temporary work visas. DOS also specified that nationals of affected countries may still apply for and interview for immigrant visas, but no visas will be issued during the pause. Furthermore, dual nationals using a passport from an unaffected country are exempt, and no previously issued immigrant visas have been revoked. The administration has not indicated how long this temporary pause will be in effect.
Read more“Nurturing Tree” by Judith Modrak
Tucked away in a quiet corner of Stuyvesant Square stands “Nurturing Tree,” a 2025 installation by New York City–based artist Judith Modrak. Known for her bright sculptures inspired by the social and natural sciences, Modrak brings a sense of wonder and reflection to this striking piece. Its vibrant purple, and almost alien, outstretched arms echo the form of the beloved mother elm tree that anchored the community for more than three centuries. The sculpture rises directly from the elm’s remaining stump, which now serves as its pedestal, a powerful reminder that beauty and meaning can emerge from spaces shaped by loss. Commissioned by the Stuyvesant Park Neighborhood Association, “Nurturing Tree” encourages viewers to consider how kindness can be cultivated wherever we plant it. Brightly colored seed pods scattered across the sculpture symbolize small acts of care and compassion, each one carrying the potential to take root and spread far beyond the park itself.