Michael Dixon Email & Phone Number

MINI is an independent brand of the BMW Group. In the United States, MINI USA operates as a business unit of BMW of North America, LLC, located in Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey and includes the marketing and sales organizations for the MINI brand. The MINI USA sales organization is represented in the U.S. through a network of 122 MINI passenger car dealers in 39 states. MINI began selling vehicles in the U.S. in 2002 with the introduction of the MINI Cooper. Since then, the MINI Brand in the U.S. has grown to encompass a model range of several unique vehicles.

West Chester, Pennsylvania, United States

Advised international students, scholars, faculty, administrators, and staff regarding federal immigration and employment regulations. In total, the Office of the Vice Provost for Global Initiatives serves approximately 8,000 foreign nationals; 5,000 of which are international students.Performed case analysis, prepared and filed Prevailing Wage Determination Requests and Labor Condition Applications with the U.S. Department of Labor, and I-129s with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, including any follow-up, tracking, and responding to time-sensitive audits and requests for (additional) evidence. In addition to H-1Bs, processed and filed applications with USCIS and/or DOL for E-3s and TNs. Advised and provided information and guidance to Penn departments (including the University of Pennsylvania Health System) on regulations and policies related to nonimmigrant status (F-1, J-1, H-1B, TN, E-3, O-1, B-1/B-2, etc.). Administered F and J programs as Designated School Official (DSO) and Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO). Also represented the University in applications/communications with federal, state, and local agencies, including Department of Homeland Security, Department of Labor, Department of State, PennDOT, Social Security Administration, etc. Analyzed, created, developed, implemented, and evaluated services, workshops, and programming for international students, scholars, employees, and hiring/hosting departments.

Gained a solid foundation in the lifecycle of nonimmigrant and immigrant visa processing, which allowed me to be well-versed with current U.S. immigration laws and USCIS and DOL procedures. Worked closely with attorneys in preparation of a wide variety of employment-based nonimmigrant and immigrant visa petitions and applications. In addition to the visa categories Advised on at the University of Pennsylvania (F-1, J-1, H-1B, TN, E-3, O-1, B-1/B-2, etc.), Obtained a working knowledge of the following visa categories at Klasko: Employment and Marriage- based immigrant visa petitions, and Adjustment of Status petitions (including Employment Authorization and Advance Parole). Independently handled a large-volume caseload and communicated directly with corporate clients. On a daily basis, submitted written and telephonic inquiries to government agencies, as well as maintained and organized detailed case files in both electronic and hard copies.

Advised and facilitated compliance with U.S. immigration regulations.Ensured all immigration procedures completed were maintained at the highest level of integrity.Served as a liaison with U.S. government agencies, foreign embassies, sponsors and educational foundations that supported international students and scholars.Conducted orientations and other special programming that helped international students and scholars integrate into and adjust to the academic, cultural, and social life at WCU.Contributed to the internationalization of WCU by providing opportunities for growth through cross-cultural interactions.

The Legislative Fellowship Program, created in 1982 by the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, through the Bipartisan Management Committee (BMC), combined education, work experience and insight into the people, issues and politics of the legislative process.Weekly workshops with key thinkers, planners and decision-makers provided an in-depth look at the legislature, its history, structure and activities.Speakers included Members of the House and Senate; key legislative staff from House leadership, committees, Legislative Service Agencies, and the Governor’s Office; as well as prominent lobbyists.Placement was either in a Leadership office or in the office of a Committee Chairman.Fellows were required to develop and defend an original piece of legislation on a topic of their choice.

Master'S, Public Administration

B.A., Political Science - International Relations

Activities and Societies: Friars' Society - Community Service Organisation, Student Government - Finance Senator, Resident Assistant.