Notice Regarding International Judges for U.S. Events

ASCA recently reviewed the practice of international judges taking part in U.S.-based ASCA competitions, given the stricter enforcement of U.S. immigration laws now underway. While ASCA does not have the resources or expertise to give advice on particular situations, we do want to alert judges and affiliates to some potential issues to investigate.

International judges and local affiliates will want to check with an immigration attorney of their own choosing before undertaking any arrangement that involves an international judge providing services in the U.S. in reliance on a B-1 business or B-2 visitor visa, versus some separate authorization to do work in the U.S.

While in the past U.S. immigration officials might not have bothered to worry about an international visitor using a B-1/B-2 to perform a couple of days of judging for a relatively small amount plus travel reimbursement, times have changed. It is possible the arrangement now might be considered a serious violation of immigration law. As well, one possible reading of related rules could be that an international judge may not perform personal services at a U.S.-based dog competition even though solely reimbursed for travel expenses.

We do not understand these concerns to apply to situations such as: (1) an international judge has a green card or other separate authorization to work in the U.S.; (2) an ASCA member from another country wishes to compete at a U.S.-based ASCA event where the prize is other than for money; or (3) an ASCA member from another country simply wants to be present for a U.S.-based event.

This notice is not intended to provide legal advice, instead to alert you to serious issues that may in the past not have been a concern. We want all our members and judges to have the best experience possible and not to accidentally do something a federal agency currently considers worthy of its enforcement activities. Again, if you have questions, contact an immigration attorney of your own choosing.

Thank you for reviewing these significant matters.

Sincerely,

Board of Directors

Australian Shepherd Club of America