Stuart Anderson

A team of Manchester business leaders are limbering up to take on a side of sporting legends and celebrities in a cricket match next week.

A new book, "Regime Change," reveals Stephen Miller's extensive control over the Trump administration's immigration policies. Miller implemented measures like the "Muslim ban" and Covid-era visa restrictions in the Trump's first term. In the second term, he has overseen the administration's mass deportation policies, including setting ICE arrest quotas and encouraging the bypassing of due process. He also has restricted legal immigration and reduced the labor supply, which economists project will limit U.S. economic growth and increase federal debt. The book notes that Donald Trump is aware of Miller's views on immigration.

Laid-off H-1B visa holders in the U.S. face growing challenges from immigration officials when seeking new employment. The 60-day grace period to find a new sponsor is often insufficient, prompting many to file B-2 "bridge" applications to extend their stay. However, USCIS adjudicators are increasingly issuing Requests for Evidence and Notices of Intent to Deny these applications. Immigration attorneys contend USCIS is misinterpreting the law by implying that seeking employment is impermissible under B-2 status, which legally only prohibits performing labor. The current environment makes navigating the system difficult for those wishing to stay.

Stuart Anderson looks forward to the NI Chamber ‘Stormont Runaround’ charity 5k race on August 21

A new study reveals immigrants boost U.S. innovation and economic growth, particularly by settling in urban innovation hubs. This research refutes arguments by figures like Stephen Miller, who advocate for reduced immigration. Examining 1880-1920, the study found immigrant inflows led to an 8.2% higher GDP per capita by 1940, demonstrating their crucial role. Immigrants contribute through increased workforce size, skilled labor and spatial concentration in innovative areas. Modern data show immigrants founded or cofounded 59% of U.S. billion-dollar companies, with a high concentration in Silicon Valley. Historically, restrictive policies like the 1924 Immigration Act harmed the economy and innovation, a lesson reinforced by immigrants' scientific achievements and Nobel Prize contributions.

Immigrants arriving at Ellis Island, May 27, 1920. A recent study breaks new ground on the benefits of immigration to innovation by focusing on where immigrants decide to live and work.

The Private Wealth & Philanthropy team at Laytons ETL has been named “Private Client Team of the Year: London” at the 2026 Modern Law Private Client Awards.

MSCA Legacy Limited, in partnership with the Chartered Accountants' Livery Charity (CALC), has announced its latest round of nine awards for students at Greater Manchester's three key universities.

A White House report has defended the 1882 Chinese Exclusion Act, pushing back against its characterization by a Smithsonian Institution exhibit that the law was racially motivated. The report, part of a broader effort to influence historical narratives, criticizes the Smithsonian Institution for its interpretations of the act and other historical events. The defense of the Chinese Exclusion Act comes despite extensive historical evidence detailing the widespread anti-Chinese sentiment and violence that underpinned the legislation. The administration's actions, including attempts to pressure the Smithsonian, suggest a sensitivity to criticisms of restrictive immigration policies.

The City of London commercial law firm Laytons ETL has appointed Alec Cameron as its new Head of Intellectual Property Disputes, cementing the firm's reputation in the field as clients increasingly grapple with IP disputes.