On Thursday July 17, 2014, Microsoft made an announcement that 18,000 will be slashed– most by December 2014 and all by June 2015. While this is a blow to the economy which will see about 1300 job cuts in Washington State. To the 18,000 employees, it is important for anyone with a work visa in the US to start making plans for post-lay-off.
In 2009 when the economy tanked and resulted is many lay-offs, I had written an article titled “The Importance of Maintaining Status When Laid Off”. I have added the link here.
Employment-based immigration law is very rigid and one cannot be in the US without employment, should that be the basis of stay in the US. Should one fall out of status for any reason, it will be hard to impossible to get back into status. So, any change of status must occur before the current status ends (in other words, before the last day of employment, if possible).
Whether you are in Seattle or any part of the United States, the federal immigration laws will apply and immigration status must be a priority consideration for anyone affected.
**Copyright 2014 by Watson Immigration Law. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.