On July 15, LebNet hosted a well-attended and highly impactful webinar on navigating U.S. immigration challenges, featuring seasoned immigration attorney Haitham Ballout. With a background in engineering and extensive experience supporting immigrants from the Middle East, Haitham provided clear, actionable insights for professionals dealing with complex immigration pathways.
The off-the-record session, moderated by LebNet Board Member and Bay Area Community Leader Jibran Jahshan, fostered a safe environment for open discussion and anonymous Q&A, a feature attendees greatly appreciated. One participant shared, “The conversation was super timely.” Another expressed, “Big thanks for organizing the session this afternoon,” while a new community member noted, “I've recently become a member and look forward to being part of this ecosystem.”
Key takeaways from the session included:
- Entry into the U.S. is never guaranteed, even with a valid visa.
- Border officers may review social media, private messages, and inspect electronic devices without a warrant and at will.
- Social or family connections and/or participation in certain events can impact decisions made by consulates and USCIS.
- Representation by an attorney is not allowed at U.S. borders or airports.
- Additional scrutiny is conducted before granting permanent residency (adjustment of status).
- Criminal acts, or even accusations, can lead to visa revocation.
- Failure to disclose material facts on immigration or consulate applications can cause denials or revocation of benefits or visas.
Haitham illustrated these challenges through real-life cases and offered practical strategies to help minimize risks.
We extend our sincere appreciation to Haitham Ballout for generously sharing his time and expertise, to our community members for their thoughtful engagement, and to Jibran Jahshan for his support in organizing and moderating the session.
This webinar exemplifies LebNet’s ongoing commitment to supporting its members by providing timely, relevant guidance and cultivating a strong professional network.
For more events and resources, visit www.lebnet.us.
