US Immigration Regulations

The United States is popularly nicknamed the 'land of opportunity' by those seeking a better life. Unfortunately, it can be difficult for these immigrants to navigate the complex web of immigration regulations that govern entry, residence, and citizenship in the United States. There are various regulations governing US immigration. Additionally, there are implications for those seeking to enter or stay in the US, whether temporarily or permanently.

While the United States has a complex immigration system with regulations that are constantly changing, the system is designed to protect the nation’s security and economic interests. The regulations allow individuals to legally enter the country. It can, however, be difficult for people to keep up with the latest laws and requirements. Since the US immigration system is complex and ever-changing, it is important for anyone considering visiting the US to understand all regulations and laws related to immigration. Failing to do so could have serious consequences, including fines, deportation, and criminal prosecution.

US immigrants often face obstacles in their pursuit of the American Dream. From language and cultural barriers to legal restrictions, US immigrants must overcome various challenges in order to find success. The difficulties faced by US immigrants can be physical and psychological. This creates a difficult road for those seeking to start life in the United States. You can learn some most common obstacles that US immigrants face, as well as the strategies they can use to overcome them. You can learn about the current regulations, as well as the potential changes that could be made in the future. Additionally, you can learn how these regulations impact immigrants and their families- whether directly or indirectly.

Individuals wishing to enter the US must determine their immigration status and the type of visa most appropriate for their situation. One of the most important immigration regulations is the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965. The regulation created the current structure of immigration rules and regulations. The act established the basis for today's US immigration system, including the visa system, the family-based immigration system, and the diversity visa program. The act also removed the national origins quota system, which had previously determined who could enter the country.

Under this act, the US government can deny admission to anyone deemed to be a threat to national security, public safety or who is likely to become a public charge. In addition, the US government can deny visas to people who may be found to be inadmissible for other reasons. The reasons include a lack of proper documentation or a discovery that one has a criminal history. The US government also reserves the authority to adjust the status of a person who is already in the US. This is known as "the adjustment of status.” It is available to individuals who meet certain criteria, like those applying for permanent residence, asylum seekers, and specified family members of US citizens.

There are several types of US immigration visas, and these include Nonimmigrant visas: Nonimmigrant visas are temporary visas for visitors, students, and temporary workers. Immigrant visas: Immigrant visas are permanent visas for those seeking to become legal residents or those wishing to gain citizenship. Refugee and asylum visas: Asylum visas are usually granted to those fleeing persecution in their home countries. In order to apply for such visas, individuals must meet specific eligibility criteria. This includes proof of financial stability and a criminal background check. In addition, applicants must prove they have a valid passport and provide documentation proving they are not a security risk.

Once the application is submitted, the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will determine if the applicant is eligible for a visa. If approved, the applicant will receive a visa that allows them to remain in the US for a certain period of time. Individuals who are granted a visa must abide by all applicable laws and regulations while in the US This includes paying taxes and refraining from activities such as working without a permit or voting illegally. Other immigration regulations, such as those governing the naturalization process and deportation proceedings, also govern the process of becoming a US citizen and leaving the country. The US government can deport individuals for various reasons, such as criminal activities, immigration violations, and having a criminal record.

Undoubtedly, US immigration regulations can be complex; it is vital for those seeking to enter or stay in the US to understand the regulations and their implications. If you'd like to become a US citizen or are facing deportation, it is important to consult with an experienced immigration lawyer to ensure you understand your rights and options.

Fiji Airways rated Five Star Airline

Fiji Airways rated Five Star Airline

Fiji Airways, Fiji's National Carrier has been rated a Five Star Major Airline 2023 in the Official Airline Ratings™ by its passengers.  

For the 2023 Awards, nearly one million flights were rated by passengers across more than 600 airlines from around the world using a five-star scale. The APEX Official Airline Ratings™ were independently certified by a professional external auditing company.

Fiji Airways Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Mr Andre Viljoen is in Calfornia, USA to receive the award on behalf of the airline.

"We at Fiji Airways have worked very hard to elevate the airline to a level where it has been recognized as an APEX Five Star Major Airline. This is no easy feat for a carrier our size, based out of a remote location in the South Pacific."

"This rating by APEX is a win for the whole of Fiji. While battling the challenges brought on by the pandemic, the National Carrier showed resilience and managed to become a Five Star Rated Airline. We are now counted among the best 'Major Airlines' in the world, thanks to the GRIT and TENACITY of our team."

Fiji Airways success in resuming services in a COVID safe manner, the quick ramp up and record number of visitor arrivals contributed to our rating as a Five Star Airline.

Where many airlines of a similar size are struggling, the National Carrier has managed to stay afloat, successfully navigated the pandemic, and is now soaring to newer heights in terms of bookings and revenue earnings.

Additionally, Mr Viljoen has also been invited to deliver a keynote address on Fiji Airways Journey from SURVIVING to THRIVING.

There will also be a panel discussion on Maximising Customer Service, where Fiji Airways will share how it has placed quality service delivery at the core of the airline's functions and operations.

The APEX Official Airline Ratings™ were created based on neutral, third-party passenger feedback and insights gathered through APEX's partnership with TripIt® from Concur®, the world's highest-rated travel-organizing app.

Founded in 1951, Fiji Airways Group comprises of Fiji Airways, Fiji's National Airline and its subsidiaries: Fiji Link, its domestic and regional carrier, Pacific Call Comm Ltd, and a 38.75% stake in the Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa on Denarau Island, Nadi. From its hubs at Nadi and Suva International Airports, Fiji Airways and Fiji Link serve 108 destinations in over 15 countries (including code-share). Destinations include Fiji, Australia, New Zealand, the US, Canada, the UK, Hong Kong (SAR China), Singapore, India, Japan, China, Samoa, Tonga, Tuvalu, Kiribati, Vanuatu and Solomon Islands. The Fiji Airways Group brings in 64 percent of all visitors who fly to Fiji, employs over 1000 employees, and earns revenues of over FJD$1 billion (USD $460m) pre-COVID. Fiji Airways rebranded from Air Pacific in June 2013.

Marriott Bonvoy Inspires With Winter Hotel Openings

Marriott Bonvoy Inspires With Winter Hotel Openings

Marriott International's extraordinary portfolio of 30 hotel brands, award-winning loyalty program, and endless experiences – emboldens travelers to follow their passions across the globe as 2022 comes to a close. With incredible winter openings around the world, Marriott Bonvoy's portfolio takes guests to some of the world's most profound culinary destinations, to experience relaxing peace and quiet before the holidays, and to check off lingering bucket list items with stays near some of the world's most popular attractions.

For Millennials and Gen Z globe trotters, local delicacies are a significant driver of travel motivation, with 65% of travelers selecting destinations based on the local culinary experiences according to DestinationAnalysis.com.

In the city that never sleeps, the recently opened Moxy Lower East Side is an eclectic, stylish hotel in the neighborhood that defines New York cool. Inspired by the entertainment venues that populated the area in centuries past, Moxy Lower East Side features five drinking and dining establishments for the foodie looking for fabulous bites with a lively social scene. Out in the Hiruzen-Kogen Highlands of Japan amidst idyllic scenes of grazing Jersey cattle, the Fairfield by Marriott Okayama Hiruzen Highland invites guests for a gastronomic winter getaway. Local delicacies include Hiruzen's famed dairy products and locally grown buckwheat noodles, all of which can be experienced at the hotel's dining outlets.

As the winter weather begins to take hold, travelers are interested in embarking on a relaxing vacation in advance of the peak holiday season, with 82.5% of people considering quiet/peaceful locations relaxing according to DestinationAnalysis.com.

Located on three miles of secluded beach, The Westin Puntacana Resort & Club is a vast tropical wellness escape with 15,000 acres of lush paradise. With two championship golf courses, extensive water activities, world-class restaurants, and reinvigorating spa, the hotel's recent renovation emphasizes rest and well-being. Bringing mindfulness to South Korea's popular holiday island by the end of this year, JW Marriott Jeju Resort & Spa features ocean views, indoor /outdoor pools, as well as hot springs with a Korean-style sauna. The resort mimics the island's natural and serene indigenous culture and seamlessly incorporates programming for guests to recenter themselves. Over on Japan's Awaji Island, Fairfield Hyogo Minami Awaji is a seamless roadside refuge for nature lovers looking to take in the fresh air. The popular destination is home to Awaichi, a scenic route that circles the entire island known for its picturesque cycling route and outdoor activities.

Winter travelers looking to pack in a last-minute trip before the new year are less likely to compromise on the location of their hotels, with 53% of U.S. travelers planning to stay close to popular attractions according to DestinationAnalysis.com.

Located on the iconic Palm Jumeirah, the Marriott Resort Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, offers an enriching beach escape with the brand's iconic hospitality, serving as the gateway for both leisure-seekers and dynamic business travelers to explore the booming destination. The soon-to-open resort offers 10 restaurants, a kids club, guestrooms with private balconies, a beachside pool, and access to watersports at the West Beach promenade. Another stay in the district of Dubai Investment Park and close to many of the city's key attractions is the new Delta Hotels by Marriott, Dubai Investment Park, focusing on the details that truly matter. The brand's 100th hotel delivers streamlined service for guests, and instinctively designed rooms with views of the green courtyard or the surrounding city. Everything shines a little brighter at the chic Le Méridien New York, Fifth Avenue, in a prime New York City location on the city's most famous street. With an abundance of attractions and neighborhoods nearby, including the Empire State Building, the NoMad District, and the Flatiron Building, guests staying at the soon-to-open hotel will be within proximity to all the city has to offer. In Japan, Fairfield Hyogo Kannabe located in the Kannabe Highlands is a famous region for trekking, paragliding, skiing grassy slopes in summer, and touring the waterfalls in autumn. Opening this winter, the hotel offers a stress-free stay for a bounty of cuisines, never-ending sights, and popular activities.

Marriott Bonvoy's portfolio continues to grow with exciting new openings around the world, energizing vacationers to begin planning their 2023 travel. With a pipeline full of incredible openings, multiple brands are expected to offer unforgettable guest experiences in two dynamic cities in the western United States, in particular.

Slated to open early into the new year, the Moxy Downtown Los Angeles and AC Hotel by Marriott Downtown Los Angeles offer guests two unique brands under one roof. The fusion of these two brands allows guests to take advantage of extra amenities, 13 food & beverage outlets, playful shared social spaces, and furiously fast and free Wi-Fi. Reflecting the bold, adventurous spirit of California, Moxy Downtown Los Angeles is a haven for modern nomads in Los Angeles' creative epicenter. The 380-room hotel channels the neighborhood's forward-thinking energy and multicultural heritage, providing fun-hunting travelers with experiences around every corner. At the AC Hotel Downtown Los Angeles, guests will find a sanctuary providing discerning travelers the freedom and versatility they crave amid the dynamic streets of Downtown LA. Blending the AC brand's modern European heritage with Downtown LA's artistic soul, the 347 ethereal guest rooms provide a streamlined, serene place to live, work, create, and recharge.

Nestled just steps away from the city's most renowned entertainment, Le Méridien Salt Lake City Downtown and Element Salt Lake City Downtown will offer two distinct brands at one address. Sharing a state-of-the-art rooftop fitness center and outdoor pool, guests can take advantage of the shared amenities and culinary experiences. At Le Méridien Salt Lake City Downtown, travelers can marvel at the sophisticated guest rooms featuring the brand's mid-century modern design aesthetic, along with contemporary amenities, spa-like bathrooms, and gorgeous city views. Meanwhile, Element Salt Lake City Downtown is the new eco-conscious hotel perfect for travelers looking to maintain the balance of daily routine on the road. The spacious guestrooms are ideal for longer stays, featuring fully equipped kitchens, spa-like bathrooms, and beautiful city views.

Marriott Bonvoy members can earn points for stays at hotels and resorts across Marriott Bonvoy's portfolio of more than 30 extraordinary brands, including all-inclusive resorts and premium home rentals, as well as through everyday purchases with co-branded credit cards. Members can redeem their points for experiences including future stays, Marriott Bonvoy Moments®, or through partners for luxurious products from Marriott Bonvoy Boutiques®.

Marriott Bonvoy®, Marriott International's award-winning travel program and marketplace, gives members access to transformative, eye-opening experiences around the corner and across the globe. Marriott Bonvoy's portfolio of 30 extraordinary brands offers renowned hospitality in the most memorable destinations in the world. Members can earn points for stays at hotels and resorts, including all-inclusive resorts and premium home rentals, as well as through everyday purchases with co-branded credit cards. Members can redeem their points for experiences including future stays, Marriott Bonvoy Moments™, or through partners for luxurious products from Marriott Bonvoy Boutiques®. With the Marriott Bonvoy app, members enjoy a level of personalization and contactless experience that allows them to travel with peace of mind.

Best Places To Buy A Vacation Rental In 2023

Best Places To Buy A Vacation Rental In 2023

Evolve, the fastest-growing vacation rental hospitality company in North America with more than 25,000 properties in 750 markets, has unveiled its list of the 12 Best Places To Buy A Vacation Rental In 2023. From well-known vacation destinations in the Smoky Mountains to a Pacific Northwest up-and-comer, the list provides valuable insight into where owners can maximize profits in the upcoming year, even in the face of economic headwinds.

"Getting away on vacation to waterfront or mountain retreats overwhelmingly continues to be a priority for travelers, so naturally vacation rentals are still enjoying a significant uptick in demand compared to pre-pandemic levels," said Louis Olds, Director of Real Estate Services at Evolve. "Our list reflects these highly sought after vacation destinations which ultimately maximize the earning potential for investors."

Evolve's 12 Best Places To Buy A Vacation Rental In 2023 include:

Wisconsin Dells, WI: An easy getaway for Midwesterners, the Wisconsin Dells (AKA "the waterpark capital of the world") boasts scenic river bluffs, hikes, boat cruises, live entertainment and, of course, countless water slides and rides. Median rental revenue: $42,438.

Lead, SD: From the presidential portraits of Mount Rushmore to the deep blue lakes and otherworldly caves of the Black Hills, Lead gives visitors a fun mix of natural and manmade wonder. Median rental revenue: $43,283.

Gatlinburg, TN: The gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers epic whitewater rafting and spectacular fall foliage, plus storied holiday traditions and plenty of attractions in town. Median rental revenue: $39,715.

Windham, NY: With a historic downtown, stellar skiing, wine bars, and art galleries, it's easy to see why Windham is nicknamed the "gem of the Catskills," providing New Yorkers and other East Coast travelers a sophisticated, close-to-home escape. Median rental revenue: $38,325.

Savannah, GA: With historic squares draped with Spanish moss, a thriving food scene with locally caught seafood dishes and treasure-filled antique shops, Savannah epitomizes classic southern charm. Median rental revenue: $35,693.

Bryson City, NC: A peaceful retreat bordering the Great Smoky Mountains, Bryson City delivers outdoor adventure and relaxation in equal measure, beckoning solo travelers, couples, and nature-loving families looking for some calm. Median rental revenue: $27,616.

The Poconos, PA: Freshwater lakes, waterfalls, forests, and ski slopes — the Poconos are one of those magical places that truly has something for everyone, with fun things to do in every season. Median rental revenue: $26,048.

Branson, MO: From paddleboarding on Table Rock Lake to exploring the foothills of the Ozarks aboard the Branson Scenic Railway (and catching a live dinner show in between), Branson is a family-friendly destination with a community of loyal visitors. Median rental revenue: $19,710.

Granbury, TX: In the heart of the Lone Star State, Granbury is a much-loved and laid-back escape for families. A historic town square, hiking and biking trails, and water fun on Lake Granbury bring outdoor adventurers and urbanites to the area year-round. Median rental revenue: $28,305.

Ruidoso, NM: Snuggled in the Sierra Blanca mountain range, Ruidoso fully embodies New Mexico's state motto as a "Land of Enchantment" with a storybook-worthy locale that mixes stunning natural landscapes with charming boutiques and artful architecture. Median rental revenue: $19,015.

Dover, VT: A mountain town with classic New England charm, Dover offers a year-round destination for outdoors lovers, honeymooners, and active families. Median rental revenue: $25,317.

Cle Elum, WA: Located in the heart of the Cascades, just an hour from Seattle, Cle Elum is an outdoor adventure haven, with hundreds of miles of trails fit for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. Median rental revenue: $36,788.

In addition to the Best Places to Buy List, Evolve also released their 2023 Best Places to Buy lists for Lake Houses, Beach Houses and Cabin Vacation Rentals.

Evolve selected these 12 destinations based on a combination of proprietary and public data. The three main metrics taken into account were:

Vacation rental performance metrics across the U.S. to learn where bookings lead to higher median revenue. Zillow's 2022 median home value to identify listing price. Estimated yearly expenses to run a vacation rental (approximately 30% of total revenue) to help calculate cap rate

Evolve is reimagining the vacation rental experience with our modern approach to hospitality and property management. We help guests rest easy with vetted homes, bookings that give back, and all the support they need for a great stay. We also make vacation rental stress-free for owners, partnering with them to book more and keep more of what they earn thanks to our industry-low 10% management fee.