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The documents below are available to the public so that they can gain a better understanding of the legal challenges facing them, and why an experienced attorney is so important for success.

On the page below you can find links to documents, reports, publications and discussions provided by Sayer Regan & Thayer LLP.

The documents below are available to the public so that they can gain a better understanding of the legal challenges facing them, and why an experienced attorney is so important for success.

Immigration

Learn How To Choose The Right Lawyer For Your EB-1 Petition
An EB-1 worker of extraordinary ability is a “priority worker’ who has extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business or athletics. The worker’s achievements must be publicly recognized and has resulted in a period of sustained national or international acclaim. A further requirement is that the worker’s entry into the United States must substantially benefit the U.S. in the future.
Learn How A New Rule Allows U.S. Employers To Recruit Highly Desirable F-1 Students
United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced a new rule for F-1 students that hopefully will eliminate the F-1/H-1B “Cap Gap”. The cap is the congressionally-mandated limit on the number of individuals who may be granted H-1B status during each fiscal year. The “Cap-Gap” occurs when an F-1 student’s status and work authorization expire in the current fiscal year before they can start their approved H-1B employment in the next fiscal year beginning on October 1.
Learn what the United States Supreme Court Decided About Deportation Consequences of criminal convictions.
In a recent case the United States Supreme Court decided that attorneys representing noncitizens in criminal cases must advise their noncitizen clients about the risk of deportation if they accept a “guilty plea”. The Court seemingly recognized that the Immigration and Nationality Act in some cases imposes mandatory deportation from the United States for the noncitizen criminal defendant.
Family Based Immigrants Information
In general, a person who wishes to immigrate to the United States must have a petition approved by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) before applying for an immigrant visa. For family based visas, the petition is filed either by a U.S. citizen or U.S. lawful permanent resident relative.
Limited Family-Based Immigrants
These types of immigrant classifications involve specific, more distant, family relationships with a U.S. citizen and some specified relationships with a Lawful Permanent Resident. Under immigration law, there are fiscal year numerical limitations on family preference immigrants as explained below.
What Does the National Visa Center Do?
After a Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) office in the United States approves the petition, it sends the petition to the National Visa Center (NVC). When an applicant's priority meets the most recent Qualifying Date, the NVC will contact the applicant and petitioner with instructions for submitting the appropriate processing fees. After the appropriate processing fees are paid, the NVC will again contact the applicant and petitioner to request that the necessary immigrant visa documentation be submitted to the NVC. Learn more about National Visa Center visa case processing.
Read More About How To Become A U.S. Citizen. [PDF]
Pathway to U.S. Citizenship - Unraveling the Gordian Knot!
Use this chart to help determine if you can become a Naturalized United States citizen [PDF]
A Guide to Naturalization
Learn how a U.S. Citizen can petiton for his/her parents to be come Lawful permanent Residents of the United States
Learn how a U.S. Citizen can petiton for his/her parents to be come Lawful permanent Residents of the United States
Learn why the H-2B visa program is vital to America’s small businesses and thus to America’s economic recovery.
The H-2B visa program is vital to America’s small businesses and thus to America’s economic recovery. The H-2B program is capped at 66,000 visas per year and equally split between the winter and summer seasons. This is the same arbitrary number set by Congress 20 years ago, in 1990. Small business owners rely on the H-2B program because it is the only way they can legally hire workers for temporary and seasonal positions when they cannot find Americans to hire.
Learn About Employment Based Preference Categories
The Immigration and Nationality Act provides a yearly minimum of 140,000 employment-based immigrant visas which are divided into five preference categories. They may require a labor certification from the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), and the filing of a petition with United States Citizenship and Immigration Services in the Department of Homeland Security (USCIS).
OBTAINING A P-1 ATHLETIC VISA
If you are an outstanding, internationally recognized athlete, and you wish to ply your trade in the United States, then the P-1 Visa may be just what you need.
OBTAINING A GREEN CARD THROUGH MARRIAGE TO A UNITED STATES CITIZEN
One of the most common ways for immigrants to seek permanent legal residence status in the United States is to marry a United States citizen. By law, your United States citizen spouse is entitled to file a petition for you as an “Immediate Relative”, otherwise known as the I-130 petition.
FORM I-9 EMPLOYMENT ELIGIBILITY VERIFICATION
In July of 2009, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), at the direction of the Department of Homeland Security, began randomly auditing businesses for compliance with the Form I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification.
Eligibility For A Green Card As A “PREFERENCE RELATIVE”
One way for immigrants to seek permanent legal residence status in the United States is to have a relative in the United States file a petition on their behalf. You may qualify for a Green Card through your relative if you fall into one of the following categories:
Eligibility For A Green Card As An “IMMEDIATE RELATIVE”
One of the most common ways for immigrants to seek permanent legal residence status in the United States is to have an “Immediate Relative” in the United States file a petition on their behalf. The petition is appropriately named the “Petition for Immediate Relative”. The “closer” your relationship is with your family member, the greater the chance that you will be able to obtain a Green Card.
Why The Federal No-Match Rule May Hurt Innocent Immigrants
Employers have received a reprieve from the federal “no match” rule that would have punished businesses for hiring illegal workers, but the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) served notice last week that it’s refusing to give up on the controversial measure.
Newport may be scrambling for summer help
Sayer Regan Thayer & Flanagan in Newport, referred to “an alphabet soup of visas” — the H visas, the J-1 visa, the F-1 visa, the L-1, the O-1, the P-1, the Q, the R, the S, the T, the U.
Non-Immigrant Visas
There are a myriad of non-immigrant visas that permit people to come to the United States for a temporary period of time, be it to study, work or participate in an exchange program.
About Our Immigration Group
At Sayer Regan Thayer & Flanagan, our attorneys, paralegals and professional staff work as a team to provide practical, innovative and effective solutions to all your legal needs. We will aggressively represent your interests as if they were our own. Sayer Regan Thayer & Flanagan was founded on tradition, built with integrity and consistently delivers superior results.
Immigrant Visas For Permanent Employment
Many non-immigrant temporary workers become so essential to the daily operations of a business that they are asked to stay permanently. Regardless of whether the worker is an executive, manager, professional, skilled worker or non-skilled worker, a proven employee is a business asset to be protected and retained. It is not uncommon for companies to seek permanent residency on behalf of their foreign workers.
Business Immigration
We are experienced at helping specific industries meet their immigration goals. Computer and technology companies will assign IT professionals to divisions throughout the United States. One of our areas of concentration is the immigration of qualified healthcare workers. The rules governing this visa category are complex yet we manage the process through a series of evaluations that will balance the foreign investor's corporate structure requirements with U.S tax concerns and immigration considerations.
Family Immigration
Applying for immigration benefits based on a family relationship is no longer a simple process. It requires a committed strategy and an understanding of priority dates that affect decisions on when, where and how to file.
Consular Processing
We work closely with our clients to ensure smooth and efficient visa processing at various United States embassies and consulates around the world. We are familiar with the consular process, including interview guidelines, evidence requirements, background checks and waiver procedures.
U.S. Citizenship
Most U.S. permanent residents (Green Card holders) are eligible to apply for U.S. citizenship after 3 to 5 years of acquiring permanent resident status. We evaluate citizenship eligibility by reviewing and addressing any possible background issues, and we prepare and process the U.S. Naturalization Application packet. We also advise on English, United States history and civics tests.
Employer Compliance
Immigration laws make it illegal to hire foreign nationals who are not authorized to work in the United States yet employment laws protect workers from being discriminated against based on their race, color, age, sex, national origin and religious affiliation. Penalties may be imposed against employers for either violation: knowingly hiring and continuing to employ an unauthorized worker or an employer with a proven track of discrimination.
Areas of Immigration Law Expertise

DUI & Breathalyzer Refusal

A New Bill To Revamp Rhode Island Expungements
In a reverse of course, the Rhode Island Attorney General is now in favor of expunging the criminal records of defendants who have entered into a deferred sentence agreement after 5 years. This is slightly surprising (and a tad bit ironic) because it was the same Attorney General who opposed this just a few years ago. The new bill would restore the practice that had been occurring in Rhode Island courts before the Supreme Court's decision in State v. Briggs.
Did You Know? Facts About DUIs.
DUI and Breathalyser Refusal charges can get your driver's license suspended.
Driving Under the Influence in Rhode Island
An overview of Rhode Island's Driving Under the Influence laws.
Learn About Standardized Field Sobriety Tests.
Drivers in Rhode Island stopped for suspicion of driving under the influence (DUI) should not take the Standardized Field Sobriety Tests at the police officer's request because doing so provides the probable cause for the arrest.
Penalties For Refusing A Chemical Test in Rhode Island
In Rhode Island every licensed driver has given his/her consent to submit to a chemical test at the request of a police officer if the officer reasonably suspects the driver of operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. This is known as Rhode Island’s implied consent law.
DUI Alcohol Impairment Chart
The following Alcohol Impairment Chart, adopted in the California Driver’s Handbook, provides an approximation of an anticipated Blood Alcohol Concentration based upon the amount of alcohol consumed. This chart is not and does not claim to be 100% accurate because people absorb and eliminate alcohol at varying rates.
What to Do If The Police Stop You For DUI [PDF]
If you are stopped by the police for suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol (DUI), you need to know your rights. In this article, attorney Michael Robinson explains why you should never perform field sobriety tests.

Personal Injury

An Overview of Rhode Island's Seat Belt Laws
An overview of Rhode Island's seat belt and child safety seat laws.
An Overview of Rhode Island's Dog Bite Liability Statute
The Rhode Island Dog bite statute imposes strict liability on any owner whose dog injures a person outside of its "enclosure." If the dog strikes again, the owner's liability is doubled and the dog must be put down.
What Damages Are Available in a Wrongful Death Suit?
In a Rhode Island personal injury action resulting in death, there are many varieties of damages available. The estate in a wrongful death suit may recover for pain and suffering, medical expenses, and lost income. The decedent's spouse may also recover for loss of consortium.
Tips for Raising Safe Teen Drivers
Teens are the most dangerous and most costly drivers on the road. Here are some tips to follow in order to ensure that your son or daughter is safe when on our highways.

Divorce & Family Law

10 Things To Do Before You Contact A Divorce Lawyer [PDF]

Estate Planning

Are There Advantages to Developing An Exit Plan To leave Your Business? Absolutely. Learn What They Are!
By clicking on this link you will learn whay it is critical for all business owners to have an "Exit Plan".

Real Estate & Property Law

WHAT REALTORS MUST KNOW ABOUT HOME INSPECTION LAWS IN RHODE ISLAND
The RI General Assembly passed the “Rhode Island Home Inspector Licensing Law” in 2000. RIGL 5-20.65-1, et seq. The law requires that all home inspectors be licensed and maintain $250,000.00 of liability insurance. It also required them to pass the National Home Inspector Examination and abide by a standard of practice and code of ethics.
Short Sales In A Nutshell
A Short Sale is when the property is sold for less than the amount the owner owes to his bank. Short Sales are generally pursued when an owner has to sell the home due to their personal situation.
Everything you always wanted to know . . . and more about Rhode Island Landlord/Tenant Law
By clicking on this link you will instantly find everything you could want to know about Rhode Island Landlord/Tenant Law.
Purchasing at a Foreclosure Sale
One of the results of a bad economy is an increase in mortgage foreclosures. While most people find out about foreclosure sales by reading the newspaper’s classified ads, others call lenders directly to inquire about potential upcoming sales. At foreclosure, property often sells for less than fair market value due in part to potential unknown title and structural problems.
Inspect Before Inspections
Out-of-State Landlord Registration Requirements
Radon Alert
Should Time Be of the Essence?

Human Resources & Employment Law

Form I-9 E-Verify Compliance Audit
At Sayer Regan & Thayer, LLP, our Human Resource and Employment Law department has developed the Sayer Regan & Thayer Form I-9 E-Verify Compliance Audit. This Form I-9 E-Verify Compliance Audit removes the anxiety associated with an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (“ICE”) audit. It is a systematic, multi phase approach that brings peace of mind to any business that uses it.

Sayer, Regan & Thayer, LLP Charitable Activities

Sayer Regan & Thayer, LLP joins "Rebuilding Together" to rennovate a home.
sayer Regan & Thayer, LLP - Charitable Activities - Giving Back To The Community

General

Unlimited Family-Based Immigrants - Immediate Relatives
These types of immigrant visas are based on a close family relationship with a U.S. citizen, including spouses, children, and parents. Additionally, a U.S. citizen can sponsor a child adopted or to be adopted from abroad, if that child meets the definition of orphan as provided for in immigration law. Family members of United States citizens (not Legal Permanent Residents) can file Immediate Relative Petitions.
Questions and Answers About E-Verify from the United States Citizenship & Immigration Service
On March 17, Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Janet Napolitano joined U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Director Alejandro Mayorkas to announce a trio of initiatives to strengthen the efficiency and accuracy of the E-Verify system.
Did You Know? Facts About Divorce.

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