James G. Aldrich leads the Firm's Immigration Team in the Labor and Employment Department at Dykema. He has significant international business and immigration experience including advising on the immigration-related aspects of investment opportunities in the U.S., corporate formation and the employment of foreign nationals in the United States. He develops long-term plans to coordinate the business goals of clients with available immigration benefits, and assists clients in the preparation of visa petitions and supporting documentation.

He has been recognized for his experience in handling the complex issues related to business immigration, consular processing, admissibility and immigration security issues. In addition to his reputation for excellence in the field of immigration and nationality law, he has also advocated for reforming our immigration system, improving border security and procedures, consular processing and admission procedures for foreign nationals. His practice primarily focuses on business and family-based immigration, consular processing, employer sanctions/worksite enforcement, immigration audits, security checks, waivers, admissibility, investors and regional centers, and citizenship and naturalization. His clients include major global manufacturing and energy companies, nursing home operators, landscaping companies, automotive suppliers, chemical and technology firms, ski resorts, dental service providers, construction companies, real estate and finance firms, hospitality and hospitality service companies, agricultural businesses, educational institutions, food service franchisees, investors and entrepreneurs, performing artists, families, and individuals.

Bar Admissions

Michigan

Education
University of Detroit, J.D. Michigan State University, B.A.

Professional Associations
State Bar of Michigan, Member
American Immigration Lawyers Association, Member

Seminars/ Presentation
11/2009 Addressed Chinese Business and Government Groups in Shanghai, Wuxi, Suzhou, Chongqing and Guiyang regarding immigration benefits through investing in the United States
12/2008 Addressed Chinese Business and Government Groups in Shanghai, Guiyang and Guangzhou regarding immigration benefits through investing in the United States
9/2007 "The ICE Man Cometh and How to be Ready for Him" - Presenter and "Immigration Law and Impending Legislation" (co-presenter), BNP Media's "Best of Success" Conference, Phoenix, Arizona
7/2007 Addressed Chineses Business and Government Groups in Shanghai, Guiyang, Ashun and Zunyi regarding visas available through investing in the United States


Professional Activities and Experience
Dickinson Wright, PLLC,

• USCIS to Suspend Biometrics Requirement for Certain I-539 Applicants

  By James Aldrich |May 2021

• USCIS to Suspend Biometrics Requirement for Certain I-539 Applicants

  By James Aldrich |May 2021

• CDC to Require Negative COVID Tests for All International Air Passengers

  By James Aldrich |January 2021

Additional Articles"ICE Steps Up Aggressive Employer Audit Campaign," Mich igan Business Law Journal (Summer 2010)
"ICE Begins Aggressive Employer Audit Campaign," Law Notes (Fall 2009)
"Q-1 Cultural Exchange Visa: An Alternative to the H-2B?," Lodging Magazine (July 2008)
"Paying an Employee Who Does Not Have a Social Security Number," Roofing Contractor Magazine (October 2007)
"Responding to a 'No-Match' Letter from the Social Security Administration," Roofing Contractor Magazine (June 2007)
"Editor," Illinois ICLE Immigration Law Book (2006)
"Visas for Foreign Registered Nurses Now Available," Michigan Medical Law Reporter (Fall 2005)

Cannabis Law Blog

Dykema

The cannabis industry presents unprecedented opportunities for businesses and entrepreneurs. Yet, entities looking to engage in this emerging industry face daunting levels of legal complexity and uncertainty. Moreover, state and local governments are constantly tasked with regulating an ever-evolving industry. Dykema's Cannabis Law Blog discusses important cannabis-related legal developments, reviews the practical implications of those developments, and provides valuable insight for anyone...

Insurance Coverage Notes and Developments

Dykema

Insurance Coverage Notes and Developments provides legal insight on topics of special interest to insurance industry professionals. Covering a wide range of industries, Dykema's Insurance Coverage Notes and Developments blog provides brief but substantive alerts, including updates and analysis on significant developments and trends in the insurance industry.

Labor & Employment Law Blog

Dykema

In the rapidly evolving field of labor and employment law, we know that employers need to stay informed about changes in the law, and how these changes impact day-to-day business operations. Dykema's Labor & Employment Law Blog (www.laboremployment-lawblog.com) discusses important labor and employment-related legal developments, reviews practical implications, and provides valuable insight for employers of all types.

The Firewall

Dykema

The Firewall keeps you up to date on the hottest legal topics in the ever-changing world of data security and privacy. As information security becomes a critical facet of all businesses and industries and the target of many regulators, it is important to stay apprised of new legal developments. The Firewall provides insightful legal analysis of the emerging issues in data privacy and cybersecurity law to help businesses stay ahead of the curve.