FAMED IMMIGRATION ATTORNEY MICHAEL WILDES DISCUSSES IMMIGRATION PROBLEMS FACING POP STAR JUSTIN BIEBER

Former Federal Prosecutor and Immigration Lawyer Michael Wildes Esq discusses Justin Bieber's O-1 Visa and Bieber's U.S. Immigration and Customs matters on ET after the talented entertainer was stopped at the airport recently.

Justin Bieber is one of many foreign nationals who come enter the United States on a temporary work visa each year. As a teen heart throb and icon in the music industry, Bieber applied for and was granted an O-1 visa.  The O-1 visa is awarded to an individual who possesses extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics, or who has a demonstrated record of extraordinary achievement in the motion picture or television industry and has been recognized nationally or internationally for those achievements.  

Despite the fact that he is a talented entertainer, Bieber was stopped and questioned by U.S. Customs officials for more than 4 hours when he tried to enter the U.S. through LAX airport. Michael explained that when Bieber’s passport was swiped, “up popped his pending legal cases”, including a DUI in Miami as well as assault in Canada.  Bieber can expect that “he will be stopped and detained each and every time he tries to enter the U.S. until these matters are cleared up.”

For more than five decades, the firm of Wildes & Weinberg has concentrated its practice in all aspects of U.S. immigration and nationality law, servicing the immigration needs of prominent American and International firms, banks, industrial, financial and manufacturing concerns and law firms in connection with the personnel needs of their foreign national employees.  In addition, the firm has a distinguished clientele and has done substantial immigration work for investors, scientists, physicians, bankers, performing artists, directors, writers, models, actors/actresses, athletes, fine artists, art dealers, curators, and literary agents.

Source: http://www.wildeslaw.com/index.php/news-events/in-the-news/1185

Wildes & Weinberg Hosts WhyHunger Auction Winner

Wildes & Weinberg, P.C. Senior Partner Leon Wildes and Managing Partner Michael Wildes enjoy lunch with Raymond Passero, winner of The Immigration Package that was auctioned off at the WhyHunger event in January, 2014.

WhyHunger (www.whyhunger.org) is a non-profit organization working to end hunger and poverty by connecting people to nutritious, affordable food and by supporting grassroots solutions that inspire self-reliance and community empowerment.  

On both a domestic and international level, the number of people experiencing food insecurity, meaning that they go without food and/ or need to rely from time to time on emergency sources, or that face hunger on a daily basis as a result of living at or below the poverty line is increasing exponentially. Research shows that people who do not consume the minimum amount of calories needed for sound health and growth also experience higher levels of chronic illness, anxiety, and depression.

This past January, Raymond Passero was the lucky winner of the Immigration Package which included a one-hour consultation with Leon and Michael Wildes Esq, who is also a Board Member of WhyHunger, as well as an iconic photo of John Lennon after he was granted permission to stay in New York. The photo was signed by Leon who successfully represented former Beatle John Lennon and his wife Yoko Ono, in their widely publicized deportation proceedings, the circumstances of which have inspired several films, documentaries, and a multitude of written works.  The photograph was taken by acclaimed photographer Bob Gruen, also a client of Wildes & Weinberg.

This donation item is just another example of the firm’s commitment to community service and social action.

Source: http://www.wildeslaw.com/index.php/news-events/events-and-outreach/1190

Michael Wildes Secures 0-1 Visa Extension for Soccer Icon Pelé

Wildes & Weinberg Continues to be the Premier Choice for Immigration Needs

NEW YORK, NY— April  24, 2014

 

Wildes & Weinberg is pleased to announce that Managing Partner Michael Wildes Esq has secured an O-1 visa extension for Edson Arantes Do Nascimento, better known to millions as soccer icon Pelé.  This extension follows the O-1 visa which was successfully obtained for Pele in 2011 on behalf of the New York Cosmos and will allow Pele to continue to fill his role as the Cosmo’s Consultant and Honorary President. As an “Alien of Extraordinary Ability,” Pele will be employed in a professional capacity directly related to his area of expertise and sustained international acclaim in the field of athletics.  U.S. immigration regulations require that certain athletes who desire to work or play for a professional sports team for an extended period of time obtain O or P visas.

During his magnificent playing career, Pelé led Brazil to three FIFA World Cup championships, scored over 1,200 goals, and helped catapult the sport of soccer and the New York Cosmos to new heights in the United States, where Pelé and the Cosmos drew record crowds and boosted the sport’s popularity.  Often called “The King of Football,” Pelé played for the New York Cosmos until his retirement in 1977. Since retiring as a player he has won several lifetime achievement awards, worked with numerous charities, and served as a United Nations Goodwill Ambassador.

With Pele’s help, in 2011, the Cosmos re-established a team in Major League Soccer, acquired a home field at James M. Shuart Stadium, formerly known as Hofstra Stadium, in Hempstead, New York, and have continued to create partnerships abroad with soccer institutions of worldwide renown. 

 

June 4, 2013, Wildes & Weinberg, P.C., Managing Partner, Michael Wildes and Pele, Brazilian Soccer Icon, witnessed the relaunch of the New York Cosmos as they signed a jersey sponsorship with Emirates Airlines

“I was thrilled to be able to deliver the news to Pele that Wildes & Weinberg, successfully obtained an approval of his O-1 visa extension, for the New YorkCosmos,” says Michael Wildes Esq, who has travelled the globe with Pelé and team ownership as the Cosmos unveiled their plans to revitalize the legendary soccer team. “Throughout his career he has served both the United States and the world by elevating the sport of soccer.  He truly was an incredible player and a global ambassador of the beautiful game to millions.  I am excited for him that he is able to continue with this next chapter of his life.”


Michael Wildes accompanied New York Cosmos Honorary Chairman Pele as he travelled globally to promote the newly formed New York Cosmos, LLC

Though often difficult to obtain for many athletes, the attainment of an O-1 visa extension for Pelé represents yet another success for Michael Wildes .  He and his firm have served as immigration counsel to an esteemed roster of renowned clientele in professional sports including Greg Norman, Virginia Wade, Billy Smith, and Al Arbour, all in their efforts to pursue careers in the United States.  Michael Wildes also assisted in securing U.S. citizenship for former professional basketball player Kwame James, who subdued the would-be “shoebomber” Richard Reid on a trans-Atlantic flight.

Founded in 1960, Wildes & Weinberg P.C. is the premier law firm in the United States concentrating exclusively on the immigration and nationality field.  The firm grew out of the practice of the father of Michael Wildes, Leon Wildes, Esq., a distinguished immigration practitioner in New York City who represented former Beatle John Lennon and his artist wife Yoko Ono  in deportation proceedings. Its original clientele consisted of individuals, rather than corporations, who had been placed in deportation or exclusion proceedings or were otherwise in jeopardy.  The practice expanded steadily as word of its outstanding achievements in individual cases spread in the international community attracting clients from around the world.  Today the firm continues this illustrious tradition with a staff over 40 individuals, all experts in the field of U.S. immigration and nationality law, in its New York City, Englewood, New Jersey, and Miami, Florida offices.  Other notable clients of the firm include song-writer Chris Braide, Joe Cocker, Johnny Rotten, Paloma Picasso, the 2013, 2011, 2010, 2009 and 2008 Miss Universes, supermodel Giselle Bundchen and Sarah Brightman, the world’s bestselling female classical artist of the twenty-first century. The firm is known for its prompt and efficient service.  Despite its steady growth over the past 54 years, the hallmark of the law practice remains the individualized attention to its clients' needs.

Source: http://www.wildeslaw.com/index.php/news-events/in-the-news/1184-michael-wildes-secures-0-1-visa-extension-for-soccer-icon-pele

CELEBRITY CHEF JEAN GEORGES APPROVED FOR CITIZENSHIP WITH THE HELP OF IMMIGRATION ATTORNEY MICHAEL WILDES

Wildes and Weinberg is proud to announce that it has attained US Citizenship for long time client and celebrity chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten. The firm has represented the famed Chef since 1991.

"Wildes and Weinberg have been representing me since 1991 when I first had a H1-B visa through getting my green card.  Now I am grateful for attaining my US citizenship through their good offices.  I will soon be sworn," said Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten  "Special thank you to Michael Wildes Esq and Steven Weinberg for knowing the "special ingredients" of this beautiful country, and to helping to make my dream of being a United States citizen come true.  There is no better Immigration Law Firm in the United States!"

Though Jean-Georges Vongerichten is one of the world’s most famous chefs, his skills extend far beyond the kitchen. A savvy businessman and restaurateur, Jean-Georges is responsible for the operation and success of a constellation of three and four star restaurants worldwide.

"This is what makes our jobs worthwhile.  We are able to work with our clients through the pathway to being a citizen of our great nation.  It’s exciting to be part of their journey, we help them achieve their American dream.  I will never get tired of seeing the looks on the faces of our clients when they receive word of their status. For many it truly is a dream come true," concluded Michael Wildes, Managing Partner of Wildes and Weinberg.

Source: http://www.wildeslaw.com/index.php/news-events/in-the-news/1166-celebrity-chef-jean-georges-approved-for-citizenship-with-the-help-of-immigration-attorney-michael-wildes

Michael Wildes Attends AILA Conference in Miami

Wildes & Weinberg, P.C. Managing Partner Michael Wildes chats with former tenant and friend, Angelo Paparelli, noted author and partner in the Business Immigration Practice Group of Seyfarth Shaw LLP, during the 35th Annual Immigration Law Update in Miami.
The American Immigration Lawyers Association – South Florida Chapter, sponsored the 35th Annual Immigration Law Update – South Beach on February 6 -7, 2014.  The event was held at the Treetop Ballroom of Jungle Island.


In the Spring of 2013, Wildes & Weinberg announced the expansion of its immigration law offices by the establishment of a Miami office relegated to the exclusive practice of Federal U.S. Immigration and Nationality Law.  The office is located at 20900 NE 30th Avenue, 7th Floor, Aventura, FL 33180 (305)-728-2443.
                                      
Founded in 1960, Wildes & Weinberg concentrates exclusively in federal immigration and nationality law.  The firm grew out of the practice of Leon Wildes, Esq., a distinguished immigration practitioner in New York City.  Its original clientele consisted of individuals, rather than corporations, who had been placed in deportation or exclusion proceedings or were otherwise in jeopardy.  The practice expanded steadily as word of its outstanding achievements in individual cases spread in the international community (including the firm’s representation of former Beatle John Lennon in deportation proceedings), attracting clients from around the world.  Today the firm consists of thirteen attorneys, all experts in the field of U.S. immigration and nationality law, with more than two dozen staff members handling the work of a distinguished and ever-growing clientele.  The firm is known for its prompt and efficient service.  Despite its steady growth over the past 50 years, the hallmark of the law practice remains the individualized attention to its clients' needs.

South Florida has become a truly international, cosmopolitan destination and the population of immigrants throughout Florida is rapidly growing in terms of numbers, economic ability and political influence.  While we have represented numerous clients in Florida over the past 50 years, we are creating a permanent, presence in Miami for the exclusive practice of federal U.S. immigration law in order to make ourselves more readily available to our current clients and this important demographic group.

The expansion of the firm’s Miami offices comes at a time when the complexities of U.S. immigration are growing in a climate of confusion and upheaval, with increased government enforcement action taking place nationwide and the potential of comprehensive immigration reform in the air.  The offices on Madison Avenue in New York City and on Palisade Avenue in Englewood, New Jersey will  remain fully staffed with bilingual attorneys and paralegals capable of handling the needs of institutional and corporate clients, as well as all individual and family-based immigration matters.  The firm’s services run the full gamut of federal immigration practice, including employment and investment-based immigration, work permits, permanent residence for qualified individuals, family-based immigration, asylum applications, all temporary and permanent-type visas, immigration compliance/employer sanctions (Form I-9 Audits) and U.S. citizenship.

Source: http://www.wildeslaw.com/index.php/news-events/events-and-outreach/1163

Immigration Lawyer Michael Wildes on Justin Bieber: O Visa

Wildes & Weinberg P.C. Managing Partner comments on Justin Bieber’s actions relating to accusations of egg-throwing, drag racing, possession of marijuana, assault, and under-age drinking.

Just a few miles from MetLife Stadium, home to Super Bowl 2014, Justin Bieber spent several hours on the tarmac at Teterboro Airport after it was reported that perhaps the Canadian pop musician, actor, and singer-songwriter brought more then just his band with him when he entered the United States. When Bieber’s private jet landed in the airport last week, it was alleged that the aircraft contained marijuana. After several hours, and a search that turned up empty handed, Bieber was allowed to enter the U.S. on his temporary work visa.

Bieber is one of many foreign nationals who come enter the United States on a temporary work visa each year. As a teen heart throb and icon in the music industry, Bieber applied for and was granted an O-1 visa. The O-1 visa is awarded to an individual who possesses extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics, or who has a demonstrated record of extraordinary achievement in the motion picture or television industry and has been recognized nationally or internationally for those achievements.

Despite the fact that he is a talented entertainer, Bieber’s can be ordered deportable if he is convicted of crimes involving moral turpitude. This young superstar’s current trajectory is one that may cause him to end up disappointing millions of fans. Michael Wildes told CBS news that at this time, “Bieber should limit his travel and lay low”.

For more then 5 decades, the firm of Wildes & Weinberg, has concentrated its practice in all aspects of U.S. immigration and nationality law, servicing the immigration needs of prominent American and International firms, banks, industrial, financial and manufacturing concerns and law firms in connection with the personnel needs of their foreign national employees. In addition, the firm has a distinguished clientele and has done substantial immigration work for investors, scientists, physicians, bankers, performing artists, directors, writers, models, actors/actresses, athletes, fine artists, art dealers, curators, and literary agents.

Source: http://www.wildeslaw.com/index.php/news-events/in-the-news/1162-michael-wildes-comments-on-justin-bieber-and-his-o-visa-on-cbs-news

Leon and Michael Wildes participate in NYU International Student Interview Program

Senior Partner Leon Wildes and his son, Managing Partner Michael Wildes were panel participants at the 28th Annual International Student Interview Program hosted by New York University School of Law.

As a service to the community, the attorneys of Wildes & Weinberg have been lecturing extensively on U.S. law to universities, corporations, non-profit and social organizations, other law firms, immigration municipalities, and to the public at large. 

The January 23, 2014 International Student Interview Program featured a workshop by Mr. Leon Wildes, (who holds a J.D. and LL.M from NYU School of Law) entitled "Visa Status & Employment in the United States".  Specifically, Mr. Wildes discussed the paperwork necessary for employment in the U.S. as well as issues regarding permission to work. The presentation was followed by a Question & Answer session. Also on the panel with Mr. Wildes was David Austell, Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs/Director for the Office of Global Services. Serving as moderator was Irene Dorzback, Assistant Dean, New York University School of Law.

If you are interested in arranging a lecture for your organization, please contact Michael Wildes at michael@wildeslaw.com.

Source: http://www.wildeslaw.com/index.php/news-events/events-and-outreach/1158