PERM

PERM is the online system which allows employers to take the first step in sponsoring foreign nationals for legal permanent residency. In most cases, employers must demonstrate to Immigration that there are no U.S. workers for the job. This is done by obtaining a labor certification from the Dept. Of Labor.

In order to obtain a labor certification, employers must register with the PERM system and file the application. Although this is a complex system and one misstatement on the application results in denial of a case that takes years to reach decision, attorneys are not allowed to register on behalf of their employer clients.

Habeas

Foreign nationals who are improperly detained have several ways to obtain release. One of the oldest methods is by filing a writ of habeas corpus. This lawsuit, filed in court, basically challenges the authority of the enforcement agency to hold a foreign national in detention. Because this is a specialized aspect of immigration law, the family members or friends of the detained foreign national should absolutely discuss the matter with an experienced professional.