My Discovery of Immigration Law

Change is Good

2011-06-09T08:39:00.004-05:00

As of today, "My Discovery of Immigration Law" will be shutting down.

That being said, "Immigration for Lunch" and other articles of mine will now be appearing here. In teaming up with other bloggers, I feel that we can provide a variety of content on a more consistent basis and actually accomplish what I set out to do with this blog in the first place: actively contribute to the dialogue concerning immigration in the United States and beyond.

Thanks for everyone who took an interest in this project. I hope you continue with what's next...

Immigration for Lunch

2011-04-11T12:41:00.002-05:00

Here's a look at the mid-day news:

Keeping track of the arrest rates of undocumented immigrants is apparently hindered by a lack of jail transparency

Do you want to learn more about immigration issues in South Carolina?

Activists deliver petition to Georgia's governor urging him to block the immigration bill

More courage from a DREAMER on immigration

Life after deportation

The Justice Department must answer Governor Jan Brewer's lawsuit over immigration enforcement by Thursday

Can states push DC on immigration?

Why can't Washington see that current laws punish companies wanting to hire skilled foreign labor?

Activists see the Utah Compact as a national model

Immigration for Lunch

2011-04-08T12:42:00.002-05:00

Today's news:

Indiana's House speaker has questioned immigration crackdowns

President Obama's policy on immigration is starting to irk some Hispanics

The U.S. should enact immigration reform now

Will state attorneys general support limiting "Secured Communities?"

AILA denounces resumed deportations to Haiti as life-threatening

Agricultural leaders urge Georgia not to adopt costly immigration measures

How to fix the massive crisis in the immigration courts

The Feds admit that ICE agents improperly targeted individuals in Detroit

Immigration for Lunch

2011-04-06T13:55:00.002-05:00

Taking a look at today's new:

Bradenton demonstrators rally against Florida's immigration law...

...protests in Georgia too...

...while the Alabama House has passed an Arizona-style bill of its own

Tea Partiers continue to attack birthright citizenship

The Border Patrol has disputed the claims of an Arizona Sheriff that agents are being ordered not to arrest migrants as they come into the United States

Ten cases in which defendants were accused of improperly practicing immigration law have reached settlement

A Kansas City IJ has granted asylum to a couple from Zimbabwe and South Africa in what was a hotly contested case

Some DREAM students facing nightmare scenarios

ICE speaks on resuming the removal of Haitian nationals

Immigration for Lunch

2011-04-05T12:29:00.002-05:00

Here's a mid-day helping of immigration news:

Florida's proposed immigration bill sparks heated debate in the state Senate

In-state tuition is a key issue in Oklahoma's legislation over immigration

Even as the saga continues in Utah, Alabama now takes center stage over the role of the states in enforcing immigration laws, with opponents claiming the cost of enacting anti-immigrant legislation is too high...

...is California next?

A 95 year old Washington man finally has his citizenship confirmed

The correlation between immigration and depression

Representative Gutierrez to take a 20 city immigration tour

In Baltimore, Catholic clergy urge passage of the DREAM Act

Immigration for Lunch

2011-03-29T12:38:00.003-05:00

Here's a look at your mid-day news:

President Obama talks immigration at a town hall meeting

The Georgia House guts the state's immigration bill

Another look at the Utah path to immigration reform

GOP activists are still pushing for the law's repeal

Barriers block many skilled immigrants from working in the U.S.

A look at the immigration debate of 100 years ago

Documents reveal pressure to comply with programs to deport immigrants

Southern lawmakers seem to be turning their attention to immigration

A growing Hispanic population helps rural communities thrive

Reports indicate that at least 5 babies have died since Nebraska denied undocumented mothers prenatal care

Duluth human rights activists push against anti-immigration bill

Illinois activists, sheriff blast Secured Communities

Federal inaction on immigration is letting the issue fester

Immigration for Lunch

2011-03-28T12:02:00.002-05:00

Here's a look at your mid-day news:

Groups target states' immigration bills

A sick Kenyan boy and his family get an immigration reprieve

Many Hispanics in Indiana fear an immigration bill targeting undocumented immigrants

It appears that Arizona's immigration law has cost the state millions

Is the tide turning on anti-immigrant legislation?

Does big business dictate immigration policy?

A Georgia House panel has taken up the state's immigration bill

Immigration for Lunch

2011-03-23T12:29:00.002-05:00

Here's your mid-day news:

An Arizona middle school's substitute teacher has found himself in the middle of the immigration debate
Fox News reports that the immigration debate has opened a new front: the Internet. Of course, if you're reading this post, you already knew that
On his Latin American tour, President Obama vows more Salvadoran aid & immigration reform...again...
...calls for an "economic cure" as well
An ICE attorney gets 18 years for exploiting aliens
Is the Utah guest-worker program a non-starter?
An Oklahoma immigration bill is described as "too weak"
Kansas advances an immigration crackdown
A woman at the center of a Missouri immigration ring has been sentenced
More information on the four year old U.S. citizen who was recently deported to Guatemala

Immigration for Lunch

2011-03-22T12:45:00.003-05:00

Take a look at today's news mid-day:

"Self-Verify?" ICE plans to allow workers to check their immigration status online
Activity around the immigration issue appears to have taken a silent turn towards reason
In Michigan, supporters like the odds of an immigration bill being passed
Secured Communities is going state-wide in North Carolina amidst controversy
A Rhode Island immigration bill would have businesses check immigration status
Despite recent success, many feel Arizona remains immigration's ground zero
A fatal car crash stirs more debate over immigration enforcement in Virginia

Which Way Home?

2011-03-21T12:25:00.002-05:00

Thanks to a friend, last night I checked out the documentary, "Which Way Home?" The flick, directed by Rebecca Cammissa, provides a heart-wrenching glimpse at the travails of child migrants as they make the trek from Central America to the United States.

Ms. Cammissa received a Fulbright grant to shoot the film, and followed several children from Honduras, Guatemala, El Salvador and Mexico as they hitched rides on trains and discussed their motivations for making what for most was a more than 1,300 mile journey.

While few who work with immigrants will be overly surprised by anything encountered in this piece, I felt that Ms. Cammisa did an excellent job of putting a human touch on a story that so many in this country try to dehumanize. I highly recommend this documentary to anyone interested in immigration from either side of the political spectrum. It was a good watch.

The documentary was also nominated for an academy award in 2010.

Immigration for Lunch

2011-03-21T12:07:00.002-05:00

After a two month hiatus, here's a look at your mid-day immigration news:

Utah looks to be bucking the conservative trend on immigration…and surprises with a practical (and unique) approach to immigration at the state level...called the national leader on immigration reform
Should Kansas follow Utah's example?
It looks like a handful of Georgia immigration bills are still viable
Neo Nazi & Socialists clash over immigration
Can we get a mature approach to immigration?
Changes to birthright citizenship would have widespread impact
Arizona Senate hailed for halting anti-immigrant bills
An immigration reform bill hits Connecticut

Thumbs Up Utah!

2011-03-20T23:17:00.003-05:00

The state of Utah surprised several observers this week by passing what many are calling a "practical" approach to undocumented immigration.

Among the reforms passed by the Utah legislature is a provision allowing undocumented immigrants to obtain legal residency through a two-year guest worker program if a background check confirms that they have not been convicted of any serious crimes.

Applicants who entered the United States without inspection would have to be a $2,500.00 fine before becoming eligible for Utah residency.

Of course, the Obama administration will still have to give its okay before the law can take full effect. If permission is obtained, individuals earning residency through Utah's program would not necessarily be considered legal residents in other states.

In addition to the above provision, Utah is also setting new standards which state police officers must follow before asking individuals about their immigration status. While before, police could ask questions one's immigration status for even the most minor of violations, now officers may only question someone after the commission of a felony or serious crime.

This law is interesting. One of the obvious problems is that immigration is still a federal issue and legal challenges by opponents may certainly rely on that concept. In addition, Utah's approach does nothing to change the fact that state immigration laws may very well create a nation-wide patchwork causing confusion.

I for one do not think that states need to get involved with immigration issues. Immigration at it's core is a federal issue. That being said, it's nice to see an open-minded approach with regards to immigration.

The best thing about what has happened in Utah is that a bunch of different groups, with widely varying opinions on immigration sat down together and said, "let's talk about this civilly and come up with an approach that pays dividends to our state." That kind of willingness to compromise is sorely lacking not just in the immigration debate, but U.S. politics in general.

Immigration is a complicated problem that is going to require a measured, open-minded approach to resolve. Cooperation from a variety of groups and individuals will be needed to make comprehensive immigration reform a reality. No matter what happens, events in Utah were some of the first signs of such cooperation to be seen in a long time. Kudos to Utah.

Sorry for the delay!

2011-03-19T23:52:00.003-05:00

A million apologies to my one reader (two if I count myself)! I know I just kind of dropped off the radar for a while there. Adjusting to an entirely new schedule and lifestyle had taken its toll and I just needed to take a little time off to get adjusted.

For several months now, I've been trying to link to the most important news stories each day from around the United States by my "Immigration for Lunch" posts. The post is called "Immigration for Lunch," because I literally post it on my lunch break.

Each of the news articles I link to concern the legal, social, political and cultural ramifications of immigration in the United States. I have a lot of fun organizing these posts and hope someone besides myself finds them to be informative. I plan on resuming these posts this week.

As for anything else this blog has in store for the future, the honest to goodness truth is that I haven't quite figured that out yet. I plan to still have a lot to "discover" about immigration law for years to come and I'll probably just continue to discuss and link to relevant immigration law information of the day and then see where that takes things.

I look forward to getting started again and hope that the information is found to be useful. As always, feel free to join in the discussion as well as letting me know how things can be improved. It's good to be back!

Stop Removals to Haiti

2011-03-09T15:03:00.001-06:00

The following is a letter from Becky Sharpless of the University of Miami School of Law:

Dear colleagues and friends,

I am writing on behalf of the University of Miami School of Law's Human Rights and Immigration Clinics, the Florida Immigrant Advocacy Center, the Center for Constitutional Rights, Alternative Chance, Loyola Law Clinic & Center for Social Justice, who collectively filed a petition on Jan. 6, 2011 with the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights to stop the deportations of Haitians from the U.S.

On Monday, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) announced on its website that it would “like your input on its proposed Policy for Resumed Removals to Haiti. This is not a final policy and is disseminated solely to collect feedback.” ICE has given people until this Friday, March 11 to email them all comments.

We object to the decision to deport Haitians. ICE’s policy has already led to one death and the deportation of 27 Haitians into a humanitarian crisis. We also object to this incredibly short and non-transparent comment process that is occurring after the policy has already been implemented and after much harm has already been done.

Please take the following steps by this Friday:

1) Review the policy here http://www.ice.gov/news/library/policies/

2) Sign on to the collective sign-on letter at the end of this email by emailing your name or organization’s name to Ashley Matthews, ashmatthews12@yahoo.com.

3) Email ICE your personal comments or a separate letter from your organization at haitipolicycomments@dhs.gov. We have provided talking points below.

Attached please find a new factsheet by University of Miami Immigration and Human Rights Clinics, the Center for Constitutional Rights, Florida Immigration Advocacy Center and Alternative Chance that details what the 27 Haitian detainees experienced once they arrived in Haiti. No one else should be subjected to this horrific experience. Thanks for taking action now.

TALKING POINTS
· NO ONE should be deported to Haiti at this time. The conditions that deportees will face already caused a death and could amount to a death sentence for other deportees.
Haitian deportees are subjected to horrific detention conditions once they arrive in Haiti. Cholera is widely present in Haitian police station holding facilities and lack of functioning toilets, crowded conditions and other factors make contracting cholera more likely. These conditions led to the tragic death of Wildrick Guerrier, who was deported by the US on January 20.

Conditions in Haiti are dire; 1.5 million Haitians remain homeless and living in tents or under tarps in and around Port au Prince. Lack of food, water, and other necessities is an ongoing crisis throughout Haiti. The cholera epidemic has infected more than 231,000 people and claimed approximately 4,500 lives, so far. No one should be deported into these conditions.

Deportations to Haiti violate international human rights standards such as the right to life, the right to family integrity and the right to fair and due process. See our petition to the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) http://ccrjustice.org/ourcases/current-cases/iachr-haitian-removals, and IACHR's decision http://www.cidh.oas.org/Comunicados/English/2011/6-11eng.htm.

ICE’s characterization that the deportees are “the worst of the worst” is dishonest. Some of the deportees are convicted of minor drug offenses or misdemeanors; others did not even receive jail time in the US. ICE’s claim that it needed to resume deportations because it could no longer legally hold these men and women in detention is also misleading. Most of those currently facing deportation were Haitians who had served their time years ago and were living law abiding lives in their communities as legal residents in the US and who were suddenly and unexpectedly rounded up before the holidays in December.

ICE has rounded up many Haitians who had served their time years ago and were living as legal residents in the US.

Many of those awaiting deportation have family members, including dependent children, who are US citizens in the US. Many deportees lack family or any loved ones in Haiti. Some of those already deported have stated that they fear for their survival.

SIGN-ON LETTER TEXT— To add your name, please email Ashley Matthews, ashmatthews12@yahoo.com
March 9, 2011
Secretary Janet NapolitanoDepartment of Homeland SecurityU.S. Department of Homeland SecurityWashington, DC 20528
Re: Comments on ICE’s Proposed Policy for Resumed Removals to Haiti

Dear Secretary Napolitano:
We write to comment on the Policy for Resumed Removals to Haiti posted on the website of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on March 7, 2011. Our comments address serious concerns with both the substance of the decision to resume deportations to Haiti as well as the lack of transparency surrounding this decision. As we underscore below, the United States’ decision to resume deportations to Haiti at this time has already resulted in grave human rights violations. We strongly urge our country to stop deportations, respect its human rights obligations, and discard this senseless removal policy.

The January 12, 2010 massive earthquake in Port-au-Prince, Haiti left nearly 300,000 Haitians dead and over 1.2 million more displaced and homeless. These people and countless others in Haiti lack basic sanitation, adequate food, potable water, lighting, and basic security. One year after the earthquake, the serious humanitarian crisis in Haiti not only persists but has worsened due to the cholera epidemic, political violence, and social unrest. The situation is particularly bad in Haitian detention centers, where deportees are routinely jailed and where cholera has already claimed at least 48 lives.

Notwithstanding the epic humanitarian crisis in Haiti, ICE has begun to deport people back to Haiti. On January 20, 2011, the first plane was sent back to Haiti with tragic results. Wildrick Guerrier, a 34-year-old man deported on the first plane, died shortly after being detained in a Haitian jail and being exposed to crowded and unsanitary conditions. He, along with the 26 other deportees, was detained in life-threatening conditions upon arrival in Haiti pursuant to the Haitian government’s longstanding policy of detaining deportees from the U.S. for indefinite periods of time in unsanitary and abusive conditions in which they are deprived of food, water, medical care, and medicine. This policy is well-known to the United States, having been the subject of numerous State Department reports and congressional hearings.

The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) has already signaled its serious concern with the U.S. decision to resume deportations. On February 4, 2011, the IACHR granted a request filed and supported by many of the undersigned organizations for precautionary measures, and urged the U.S. government to cease deportations to Haiti immediately for persons with serious illnesses or U.S. family ties. The IACHR specifically requested that the U.S. not deport the five named petitioners, until: 1) Haiti is able to guarantee that detention conditions and access to medical care for persons in custody comply with applicable minimum standards, and 2) the U.S. is able to put procedures in place to decide upon and review the deportation of the five beneficiaries and adequately take into account their right to family life and their family ties in the U.S. The Commission has granted the petitioners a working meeting with the U.S. government on March 26 at the headquarters of the Organization of American States in Washington, D.C., to further address this serious matter.

Deportations to Haiti Are Unsafe and Inhumane
Deportations to Haiti must stop because they pose an unacceptable risk of death and disease and violate our country’s human rights obligations. It is ironic that on December 9, 2010, the same day ICE lifted its ban on deportations, the U.S. State Department issued a travel warning discouraging any nonessential travel to Haiti on account of the situation of “continued high crime, the cholera outbreak, frequent disturbances in Port-au-Prince and in provincial cities, and limited police protection and access to medical care.”

In the past month, a fact-finding mission to Haiti, during which 10 of the 27 deportees were interviewed, confirms that the inhumane treatment of deportees to Haiti that was common practice before the earthquake has continued, and in fact, worsened since the earthquake.[1] The deportees described a horrific deportation process, culminating in the detention of 17 individuals within a small (approximately 3x15 feet) Haitian jail holding cell. Deportees described the squalid jail as unbearable, and vividly recalled dirt, feces, vomit and trash-layered floors, blood-stained walls, and an infestation of mosquitoes. They were traumatized by witnessing severe abuse of other inmates by the police officers, including an officer clubbing an individual with the butt a rifle for a prolonged period of time, including in the eye, to the point that the individual vomited and defecated on himself. Deportees described how their pleas for help and medical assistance fell on deaf ears, and were sometimes met with cavalier comments by police guards such as “you are here to suffer/die.” Moreover, when representatives of the Red Cross and Alternative Chance, a local assistance organization for deportees, visited the facility, the police seized the supplies they wished to distribute and failed to pass flyers on cholera prevention along to deportees.

Deportees suffered in these conditions nearly two weeks. These unsafe and inhumane conditions were coupled with a complete lack of access to clean water, food, hygiene products or medical care –despite the risk of cholera and other diseases.[2] Deportees were entirely dependent on family members to bring them food, water, and hygienic items.[3] At least five deportees fell seriously ill, and one, Wildrick Guerrier, died two days after being released.

Medical doctors have condemned the deportations to Haiti. Dr. Arthur M. Fournier, Professor and Vice Chairman Family Medicine and Community Health and Associate Dean for Community Health Affairs at the University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, has warned that deporting people to Haiti at this time “constitutes, in my opinion, cruel and inhuman treatment of the deportees . . . expos[ing] [them] to serious and life-threatening conditions in the jail cells and holding facilities.”[4]

DHS Should Rescind this Policy and Permit a Transparent Process

DHS’s decision to commence deportations to Haiti has been clouded in secrecy. This policy was not publicly announced until this past Monday, March 7, 2011. It was communicated verbally in December 2010 only to a small group of organizations. The first plane to Haiti departed on January 20, 2011 with no public announcement and no notice to the deportees or their families. Only on Monday, more than three months after the policy was first mentioned off the record and more than two months after deportations began, did DHS issue a public policy statement. In light of this timeline, and the life-and-death consequences of this policy, permitting only four days for public comment suggests that DHS is not pursuing this process in good faith.

The lack of transparency is also apparent from the inconsistencies in official statements regarding the Haiti policy. The March 7 policy statement alleges ICE to be working “in coordination with the Department of State and the Government of Haiti, to resume removals in as safe, humane, and minimally disruptive a manner as possible.”[5] By the United States own admission, however, this is not the case.[6] In a recent response to the Inter-American Commission, the Department of State stated: “The United States has not received assurances from the Haitian Government regarding the medical care or provisions that the proposed beneficiaries will be able to obtain upon their return (emphasis added).”[7]

Last week, when advocates raised concerns during a conference call/meeting with civil society advocates and the U.S. State Department concerning the UN Universal Periodic Review (UPR) process, the State Department representative simply responded: “we are in communication with the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights about this matter.” But when pressed about whether the United States would communicate with civil society and the Haitian-American community, officials responded without explanation: “we’ll share information with the community in due course.” The lack of transparency is distressing and underscores the importance of a cessation of deportations until an open dialogue is possible.

ICE Can Stop Inhumane Deportations and Keep the Public Safe

ICE can both honor our nation’s human rights obligations by ceasing deportations and keep the public safe. It is simply untrue that ICE must choose between these objectives. Many of the people facing deportation had been leading law-abiding lives in their communities as lawful permanent residents before they were unexpectedly rounded up and detained. Moreover, ICE has robust supervision and electronic monitoring programs that it routinely uses to monitor noncitizens with criminal backgrounds who cannot be deported—including people from Cuba and other countries to which deportation is not possible and people who are stateless.

The Haiti deportation policy is expansive, despite ICE’s suggestion to the contrary. The policy appears to apply to any Haitian who is not eligible for temporary protected status—a remedy denied anyone who has more than two-misdemeanor record. Under ICE’s policy, a person with three (3) driving-related criminal infractions, such as driving without a license, faces deportation to Haiti.

ICE’s description of the people they are deporting to Haiti is inaccurate and misleading. The Haitian men and women slated for deportation have already served any criminal sentences imposed on them. Many had been living in the community and complying with ICE supervision orders, and none has had a day in court to determine whether he or she would pose any current danger to society. Representatives of organizations signing onto this letter recently traveled to three remote jails in Louisiana to meet with some of the detainees held for deportation. Far from being limited to “violent felons,” the people slated for deportation include people with only nonviolent misdemeanor records and nonviolent drug offenses. Many have family members, including young children, who are United States citizens and who rely on them for support.

In any event, ICE’s focus on criminal records is a distraction from the real issue. Consistent with our nation’s human rights obligations, no person—regardless of his or her crime—should be sent back to Haiti in light of the existing life-threatening conditions.

Requested Action

Because deporting anyone to Haiti under current circumstances is inhumane and life-threatening, the undersigned hereby request that DHS:

1. Immediately halt all deportations to Haiti.

2. Based upon humanitarian factors, grant deferred action and/or stays of removal to all Haitians with final orders of removal.

3. Meet with representatives of the undersigned organizations to discuss the March 7, 2011 policy.

4. Immediately halt roundups and detention of Haitian nationals in the United States and release those currently in custody.

5. Extend the comment period for at least one month and simultaneously suspend deportations to permit a true review process.

6. Publicly release information about the basis for the newly announced DHS policy, and explain what assessment was conducted of the circumstances in Haiti prior to the change in policy.

Sincerely,

Sunita Patel
William Quigley
Pamela Spees
Center for Constitutional Rights

Caroline Bettinger-LópezHuman Rights ClinicUniversity of Miami School of LawRebecca Sharpless
Farrin Anello
Immigration ClinicUniversity of Miami School of Law

Michelle Karshan
Alternative Chance

Hiroko Kusuda
Loyola Law Clinic & Center for Social Justice

[additional sign-ons]

Becky Sharpless
Assistant Professor of Clinical Education
Director, Immigration Clinic
University of Miami School of Law
1311 Miller Drive, E257
Coral Gables, FL 33146
(305) 284-3576, office
(305) 284-6092, clinic office
(305) 284-6093, fax
rsharpless@law.miami.edu

[1] Interviews by Caroline Bettinger-Lopez and Marleine Bastien with Haitian deportees, Haiti Fact-Finding Mission (Feb. 12, 2011).
[2] Office of the U.S. Foreign Disaster Assistance, U.S. Agency for Int’l Dev., Fact Sheet #20, Fiscal Year (FY) 2011 (Feb. 18, 2011) (stating that the cholera epidemic has infected more than 231,000 people and claimed approximately 4,500 lives).
[3] Supra note 1 (family donations of food, water and hygiene products were often seized by Haitian police officials).
[4] Decl. of Dr. Arthur Michael Fournier, M.D., in support of Petitioner’s Request for Precautionary Measures to the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights. H.R., No. MC-5-11, ¶ 33 (Jan. 5, 2011).
[5] Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, ICE draft policy, March 7, 2011.
[6] U.S. State Department, United States Permanent Representative Organization of American States, Department of State, Response of the United States regarding a request for information by the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights relating to Certain Haitian Nationals. And other similarly situated Haitian nationals subject to immediate deportation by the USA (February 18, 2011).
[7] Id.

Immigration for Lunch

2011-02-02T12:03:00.002-06:00

Here's a look at today's immigration news mid-day:

The state of the current law - a bloody mess?
A feast of I-9 compliance
USCIS updates the H-2B cap count
Is the DREAM Act to be revived?
Undocumented immigration in the United States has stabilized
This while the number of undocumented immigrants in South Carolina has fallen dramatically
Study finds a jump in immigration prosecutions
An immigration detainee has died while in ICE custody at an Orange County, California jail
Georgia immigration bill a job killer
A Virginia immigration bill has moved out of the House Subcommittee

Immigration for Lunch

2011-02-01T11:52:00.002-06:00

Here's a look at the day's news mid-day:

U.S. justifies radio tags, says visa fraud is very serious
Georgia immigration bills to push employers...
...but are lawmakers really serious?
Immigration reform critics are scoring points, says Napolitano
An 89-year old Michigan man is ordered deported
Tri-Valley University blames a staffer of Indian origin for current woes over immigration fraud
New Mexico's governor calls for Arizona-style immigration reform
It's time to accept the truth: "illegal immigrants" are here to stay
Anti-immigrant bills advancing in the Virginia House
Phony U.S. agency charged immigrants fees for no services, says the FTC

News from the Weekend

2011-01-31T21:36:00.002-06:00

Here's a look at the past weekend's immigration news:

El Paso leaders speak out against a proposed immigration bill
A petition has been filed by the victims of Tri Valley University
The Midwest needs immigrants
LAPD chief is not anticipating an Arizona-style immigration law for Los Angeles...
...but the same can't be said in other places...
...like Indiana...
...or Utah...
...or South Dakota...
...or Kentucky...
Thanks; now get out! A former immigration informant is facing removal
68 individuals arrested in Sheriff Arpaio's latest sweep
Florida's business lobby lines up against proposed immigration law
Has an immigration reform window opened?
Apparently, San Francisco's immigration court is a beacon for asylum seekers
Check out Newsweek's profile on Kris Kobach
Return our government to the Constitution (except for the parts we don't agree with)! The hypocrisy of the anti-birthright citizenship movement
Indiana pondering "English only" bill
Human trafficking hard to prove, even harder to stop

Immigration for Lunch - 1/25/2011

2011-01-25T12:15:00.002-06:00

Here's a peek at the mid-day happenings in the world of immigration:

Is President Obama the deporter and job-killer in chief?
ICE's new Employment Compliance Center to target the largest companies in the U.S.
Texas "sanctuary city" bills vague on policing
13 arrested in an immigration bust along I-10
Hundreds of Indian students may soon be removed from the U.S.
Legislators set to unveil an immigration control bill in South Dakota
The same goes for Indiana
Religious leaders in Utah maintain immigration is a federal issue
How to make immigration reform relevant during an economic crisis
Texas stiffs kids, not due to immigration, but due to a lack of will
Advocates predict the President's speech tonight will barely touch immigration
Cities urged to study the costs of illegal immigration laws
North Carolina woman accused of keeping an undocumented immigrant as a slave
The Department of State speaks on L visas and the meaning of "specialized knowledge"
A potentially landmark decision on the meaning of "social group" issued in San Antonio

Immigration for Lunch

2011-01-24T12:28:00.002-06:00

Here's a look at the mid-day news:

An immigration rally is planned for Salt Lake City
Bracing for the Republican planned immigration overhaul
Abuse victims may face removal if found in San Francisco's ICE database
A planned Nebraska immigration rally has been rescheduled for Wednesday
The U.S. has removed the first Haitians since last year's earthquake
A border fence that never was
A viral video raises questions about the border fence
The Congressional crackdown on immigration
Southern Poverty Law Center's report on immigration focuses on Kris Kobach
A Border Patrol free speech lawsuit has been filed
USCIS TPS memo
Alert for those in the 9th circuit about advising immigrants of the potential consequences of expungements

Immigration News from the Weekend

2011-01-23T21:30:00.002-06:00

Here's a look at an eventful weekend of immigration news:

The fight over immigration is seeing a shift to the states
The limits of immigration enforcement
University of Wyoming students protest the state's proposed immigration law
Immigration law could be heading to Idaho
Colorado launches an immigration debate
A Washington community is outraged over a recent immigration raid
Activists push immigration reform as a boost to social security
Does immigration reform have a marketing problem?
A cross-border march to highlight migrant deaths and push for immigration reform
The GOP immigration stance carries a big risk for 2012
Immigration on Utah's upcoming legislative agenda, causing opposing groups to debate the issue in the run up to the legislative session
Detainees complain about a New Mexico immigrant detention facility
Georgia lawmakers introduce tougher immigration measures
A bad fence and bad laws
ICE launches ECIC
USCIS announces citizenship and integration grant opportunities

Immigration News from the Weekend

2011-01-17T21:02:00.002-06:00

Here's a look at the weekend's developments:

In possibly biggest news, the Obama Administration has put an end to the high tech border fence
USCIS issues employment-based I-485 inventory pending at service centers
DHS issues notice on nationals eligible for H-2A and H-2B nonimmigrant workers program
GOP Hispanic conference highlights deep denial on immigration
Immigration bills will stir passion, but little else
Florida immigration reform is not going Arizona style
Wisconsin says Dane County has a say in who the jail reports to ICE
Indiana Senator wants an Arizona-style immigration law
Florida legislator wears his passport to work to protest a proposed Arizona-style immigration law
Cuban doctors defecting to the U.S. under a little known immigration program, the Cuban Medical Professional Parole Immigration Program
Man accused of war crimes in Bosnia has been removed from the U.S.
How the horse industry could suffer under Kentucky’s proposed immigration law
Republicans divided on how to handle immigration

Immigration for Lunch

2011-01-14T12:14:00.002-06:00

Here's a look at the mid-day news, today, January 14, 2011:

The California GOP's immigration problem
New York agencies get checks from immigration probe
A Mississippi Senate committee is refining the state's proposed immigration law
Chicago aldermen urge a moratorium on "cruel deportations"
El Paso Sheriff fears anti-immigration push
A recent report criticizes immigration enforcement
Estimates indicate a Kentucky immigration bill would cost the state $40 million per year
Mesa, AZ asked to adopt the "Utah Compact"
Immigrant convictions are upheld
Secure Communities comes to Wisconsin
Legal challenge could bring down Nashville's 287(g) program
IJ's recusal in Denver could increase backlog

International Immigration News

2011-01-14T12:05:00.003-06:00

Here's a look at the immigration-related news going on outside the United States:

Speculation abounds that Indian industrialist may leave the country ahead of bribery charges
The Dominican Republic is set to begin its first major crackdown on undocumented immigration from Haiti since last year’s earthquake
Australian immigration department to regulate and control immigration
Eight have been arrested for helping a man sneak into Canada in disguise
In the Philippines, foreign arrivals rose last year despite travel advisories
A Montreal man has been charged for participating in an alleged $500K immigration scheme
The Australian immigration minister dismisses detention concern
Three Bulgarians have been abducted in Darfur
Somaliland sentences a German citizen to four years in prison on porn charges
Canada has arrested a South Dakota fugitive 16 years after he went on the run
The official death toll in Mexico’s drug war nears 35,000
Chilean miner fulfills dream with visit to Graceland
Italy appears to have put the brakes on an Afghan human trafficking ring

Immigration for Lunch

2011-01-13T12:09:00.002-06:00

Here's a look at your mid-day news:

How Reagan's farewell message resonates today
Immigration employment compliance and the healthcare industry
DHS issues Notice of Waiver for All Burma Students Democratic Front...
...for India Sikh students too
Cuba calls immigration talks with the United States "fruitful"
Is automation the key to repairing the immigration system?
Proposed Mississippi immigration law sparks debate
A California representative is appointed as head of the immigration subcommittee
States: Don't waste time on immigration
Hundreds are expected to protest the Nebraska immigration bill
After arriving full of hope, many Haitians are finding only despair in the U.S.
Republicans can't afford to ignore immigration
A preview of what's to come

The C Visa

2011-01-13T12:05:00.001-06:00

Admittedly, the C Visa may not be the most interesting visa to read about or research. Even so, this visa is an important piece of the U.S. immigration puzzle for many in need of coming to these shores.

What the C Visa Does

A foreign national who, for whatever reason, needs to travel through the United States while en route to a foreign destination, will need to look into obtaining a C visa. In other words, if you are just passing through, the C visa is what you probably need. Of course, this may not be the case if you are from a Visa Waiver Program participant country. As may seem obvious, Visa Waiver Program participants are eligible to cross the United States without a transit visa. The same may also be true if you are a citizen of Bermuda, Canada, or Mexico.

Common Situations Requiring a Transit Visa

There are many situations in which the transit visa would be the preferred option. The most obvious is when a foreigner embarks on a journey outside of the U.S., with the intent of traveling to a destination other than the U.S., but over the course of the journey, transit through U.S. territory is necessary.

One such instance may include passengers on a cruise ship. For example, say a British national boards a cruise ship in Bermuda with the ultimate goal of arriving in Aruba. However, during the course of that journey, the cruise ship is scheduled to make a stop in Miami. In that case, the British national may need a C Transit Visa.

Another instance might include crewman traveling to the U.S. as a passenger to join a ship or aircraft. Also, foreign travelers traveling in immediate and continuous transit through the U.S. to or from the United Nations Headquarters in New York need to obtain a C-2 Transit Visa, a diplomatic transit visa.

Qualifying for a Transit Visa

In order to qualify for a transit visa, you’re going to have to show a few things: (1) intent to pass in immediate and continuous transit through the United States; (2) possession of a common carrier ticket or other evidence of transportation to your destination outside of the United States; (3) sufficient funds to carry out the purpose of the transit journey; and (4) permission to enter another country upon departure from the United States.

Required documentation will be a Form DS-160, a valid passport, one 2x2 photograph and evidence of sufficient funds to travel and of a residence abroad. In most cases, an interview at the United States consulate located in your country will be necessary.

Immigration for Lunch

2011-01-12T12:52:00.002-06:00

Here's a look at the mid-day news:

Is AILA in need of a new direction?
Is President Obama to blame for the DREAM Act's failure?
Representative Issa's bill would add 55,000 green cards to the U.S.
Farm lobbying group cautions states on immigration
Americans continue to wait for President Obama to address immigration reform
Immigration enforcement comes with a high cost
Immigration judges and stress on the bench
Lessons from our immigrant past
Cuba and the U.S. meet on immigration
Border Patrol agent arrested for harboring a twice deported illegal immigrant - his father
Virginia to consider banning undocumented students from its colleges
Conservatives for Immigration Reform redefines Republican values

Fool Me Once, Shame On You; Fool Me Fifty Times…

2011-01-12T12:46:00.002-06:00

Shortly after the DREAM Act failed to pass the Senate, President Obama met with members of the Hispanic Caucus promising that he would renew his push for comprehensive immigration reform in 2011 despite the long odds in a Congress controlled by the GOP. Sound familiar? It should.

President Obama has made this promise before. In fact, he’s made it many times before. He promised in the run up to the 2008 election that a comprehensive immigration reform bill would be a top priority in his first year. Did that happen? Of course not. Instead, he insisted on spending all of his political capital on healthcare and government bailouts. He reiterated that promise in 2009, stating that immigration reform would be in the works by the end of the year. Still nothing happened.

And who could forget the promises made in this last election year, 2010? The president and various Democratic candidates, specifically Harry Reid, promised to push the DREAM Act through in the lame duck session. Instead they focused on budget measures, shelving the DREAM until the very end, when passage was all but impossible.

Are we seeing a pattern here? Democrats have been promising immigration reform consistently over the last several years, imploring reform advocates to be patient, to keep voting Democratic and that the long-awaited reform lies just around the corner. Still, they’ve failed to do anything of substance.

Actually, that’s a lie. The Democratic-led government has been very active on the immigration front recently. In fact, removals are up to record levels this year, “border security” has increased, and the “Secured Communities” is spreading across the nation.

Not exactly the comprehensive immigration reform I had in mind back in 2008, you?

The fact of the matter is, I think it is time to start asking whether Democrats ever intend to pass comprehensive immigration reform, or are they just promising to do so to keep Hispanic supporters voting in their favor.

Unfortunately, we may not find out any time soon. The GOP will control the House for at least the next two years, and if the Obama administration continues its successful run, it may win a lot more than the House in the next round of elections. At least we know where much of the GOP stands on the issue of immigration. Maybe we really should go to the Libertarians if we want someone who will actually address the issue in a practical, common sense way.

Given all of these broken promises, what other options are out there?

Maybe instead of making empty promises, the DNC should consider giving hard evidence that comprehensive immigration reform is actually in the works. Maybe instead of just saying things and expecting me to fall in line because I view this issue as important, they should give me a reason.

Forgive me, Mr. President, if I choose skepticism this time.

Working with Immigration Attorneys

2011-01-11T20:38:00.000-06:00

Don’t Expect Them to Lie for You

We all have things in our past we’d prefer the rest of the world didn’t know. I can’t think of anyone I know who doesn’t get annoyed when a bunch of bureaucrats start digging in their lives asking for information that doesn’t even seem relevant to the benefits being sought.

Still, like I wrote in a recent post, it’s always better to just get it over with and be truthful. Recently I wrote encouraging clients to tell the truth to their attorneys, but today I want to state a reminder that attorneys themselves shouldn’t lie either.

The fact of the matter is, a certain percentage of individuals seeking immigration benefits have done things in their past that may disqualify them from the benefits they seek. It can be very tempting to fill out a form and leave that information out, especially if the actions of the client are such that it would be inconceivable for the government to ever know.

Even so, if you disclose to an immigration attorney that you have three wives, two of which are outside the United States, or that you’ve entered and reentered the country illegally on multiple occasions, don’t be surprised if your attorney tells you that he or she can’t fill out any forms for you without disclosing that information if it is asked for.

You see, despite popular media’s portrayal of attorneys as professional liars, we do have ethics we’re expected to abide. Furthermore, most of those forms we fill out for clients require us to be truthful at the risk of severe consequences. Finally, as I have alluded to before, I would never bet on the government not knowing something in immigration law; they almost always seem to.

So if your immigration attorney refuses to not disclose some information on an immigration form, don’t get offended or take your money to a notario. Your attorney’s probably doing the right thing.

Immigration for Lunch

2011-01-11T08:25:00.002-06:00

Here's a look at today's news mid-day:

Congress still needs to focus on immigration reform
Prospects for healthcare-related immigration in 2011
USCIS publishes a memo on the approval of petitions and applications after the death of a qualifying relative
Battle looms over immigration and citizenship
What will immigration reform advocates learn from the DREAM's defeat?
Human trafficking suspect arrested while gambling
Arizona immigration law protesters fight fines, say deputies targeted them
How close to Arizona will Florida's possible immigration law be?
Ex-police officers to stand trial in Pennsylvania immigrant's death

Immigration News from the Weekend

2011-01-10T20:52:00.003-06:00

Here's a look at what happened over the weekend:

In a surprise move, the GOP denies immigration hardliner Steve King’s bid to become chair of the immigration subcommittee of the House Judiciary Committee
Birthright battles that miss the mark
An immigration town hall meeting in Palm City draws heated debate
Nebraska governor promises a new immigration proposal will not lead to racial profiling
Is an Arizona-style immigration law on the horizon in South Carolina?
Arizona AG declares a Latino studies program illegal, allowing similar programs for African-Americans, American-Indians and Asian-Americans to stand; calling the program “brainwashing”
Organizations gather to oppose Kentucky immigration bill
Lawmaker doesn’t see Utah’s legislature finding consensus on immigration
North Carolina couple faces an immigration nightmare trying to do things, “the right way”
Arizona creates new website highlighting the environmental impact of illegal immigration

Immigration for Lunch

2011-01-10T12:03:00.002-06:00

Here's a look at the mid-day news:

A caravan to Austin, TX protests immigration bills
Florida state representative drafts an Arizona-style immigration law
Florida lawmakers set for hearing on immigration
In fighting immigration, GOP lawmakers flaunt the rule of law
Is undocumented immigration really just a radical attempt at nation building? One blogger says so
The new speaker of the Tennessee House wants to broaden local enforcement of immigration laws
We are all anchor babies
Eliminating birthright citizenship would effect everyone

Immigration for Lunch

2011-01-06T12:30:00.002-06:00

Here's a look at today's news:

Is the DREAM Act really about race?
H-1B exhaustion target: February 7, 2011
How FAIR got it right
14 states are coordinating a birthright citizenship attack
Did its immigration law cost Arizona a seat in Congress?
Judge orders the U.S. to supply mentally handicapped immigrants with lawyers
Texas sheriffs are split on immigration checks
The 11th Circuit on "conviction."
The 9th Circuit on corroboration, burden of proof, Real ID

Introduction to the Visa Waiver Program

2011-01-06T12:27:00.001-06:00

The Visa Waiver Program

Last time, I bloviated on and on about the B visa and how important it is for the tourism industry in the United States. While I stand by what I wrote, another visa-related program that is just as important is the Visa Waiver Program.

It Is What it Sounds Like it Is

That’s right folks, surprisingly enough the Visa Waiver Program is just that; a program that lets foreign nationals come to the United States without a visa. Specifically, travelers coming to the United States for less than 90 days from qualified countries may be eligible under the program to enter the United States without a visa.

Qualifying for the Program

There are a number of things that a potential applicant for the Visa Waiver Program must do before being able to travel to the United States under the program. Hearkening back to last week, you might be wondering if it really is easier to travel here under the program than it would be to just get a visa.

To come in under the program, you must: (1) have received an authorization to travel through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization, which requires a fee of $14.00; (2) present a valid passport valid for six months past your expected stay in the country; (3) show that the purpose of your stay is for tourism or business and for 90 days or less; (4) demonstrate you are traveling on an approved carrier if traveling by air or sea; (5) demonstrate intent to remain in the United States for 90 days or less; and (6) demonstrate sufficient funds to support yourself while in the United States.

The Department of State has also prepared a nifty little reference guide.

Only Qualifying Countries

Of course, in addition to the above requirements, you must also be from a country participating in the Visa Waiver Program. The participant countries have met numerous qualifications relating to security and data sharing. They area also required to meet high standards in anti-terrorism, law enforcement, border control and document security.

Of course, they must also allow the same privileges to U.S. citizens.

The thirty-six countries participating in the program are: Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.

Once in the United States…

Take a look around. Enjoy the sites. Do whatever it is you came here to do. In addition, why not take a quick look at Canada and Mexico? Seriously, if you want to take a look at bordering countries, program participants are generally readmitted to the United States for the balance of their original admission period.

The Department of State also has a website dedicated to the Visa Waiver Program that is far more exhaustive in its explanation of the program than this post. It is highly recommended, if you are considering coming to the United States under the program, that you take a look.

Immigration for Lunch

2011-01-05T12:21:00.002-06:00

Here's a look at what's going on in the world of immigration today:

Birthright citizenship looms as the next big immigration battle
California assemblyman proposes immigration legislation
The anti-immigration group, Center for Immigration Studies indicates a willingness to compromise on the DREAM Act
The Department of State has announced a redesigned birth abroad certificate
Do the numbers show immigration enforcement to be working?
Rekindling the American DREAM
Kentucky Republicans file immigration bill as promised…
…opponents say it goes further than the Arizona version
The immigration debate returns to the Oklahoma capitol
And don't forget about Georgia
McCain indicates his willingness to support an immigration overhaul bill
Rhode Island governor Chafee rescinds immigration order
Fox's inside look into the new Congress' immigration agenda
A look at various state immigration measures in 2011

Advice for Working with Your Immigration Attorney: Tell the Truth!

2011-01-04T22:04:00.001-06:00

Once, while meeting with a man for the first time to discuss a potential immigration case, he disclosed some information to me that would have made his matter very difficult to bring to a successful conclusion. We talked about this for a while, and as the potential impact of what he disclosed to me dawned on him, I could see his eyes get wider, his eyebrows raise, and his mouth drop. After a few seconds, he said, “I really wish I hadn’t told you that!” True, his disclosure of a less than ideal tidbit of information made my job more difficult, but the fact of the matter is I was grateful to him for doing so at the beginning.

Your Attorney Does Not Possess ESP

Without a doubt, every good immigration attorney should put his or her clients through a detailed intake process in order to determine all possible issues at the earliest stage of the representation as possible. Even so, in my experience things always fall through the cracks. Certainly, no attorney is perfect, and neither is any system they may create to evaluate prospective clients. Even if there is an attorney out there with a perfect intake system, the attorney-client relationship is just that; a relationship!

The fact of the matter is, I could come up with the most detailed intake questionnaire in the history of the world, but if you do not want to disclose the necessary information to me, then there is nothing I can do to get it out of you.

Not that I think everyone out there is dishonest. Much of what I have seen with clients over time seems to have more to do with fear. Fear of what, I don’t know; possibly that they might be judged by their attorney, that revealing the information will make their matter impossible to resolve, that loved ones may find out about past indiscretions, etc. This is very understandable. Truth be told, I’m not the biggest fan of spilling very personal information to complete strangers either. In fact, I don’t know very few who are.

Still, in my own experience, it is always better to be completely honest from the very beginning. The reason? To put it bluntly, it’s because I have found that the truth almost always comes out in the end. Think about it…

In any immigration process, you’re going to have not only your own attorney, but multiple federal employees from possibly various different federal agencies, with access to any and all files federal, state and local governments have compiled about you, digging into your background trying to find anything and everything they can that can be used to disqualify you from the benefits you seek. The truth of the matter is that your attorney is the only friend you have in this process. With all those people working against you, chances are they are going to find whatever it is you are trying to hide from them.

It’s Like Ripping Off A Band-Aid

This might be an overused cliché, but it is applicable here. If you just tell your attorney everything you think might affect your matter negatively then it is all out in the open from the very beginning. Imagine the shock to your attorney if he or she thinks everything is going well and then, BAM, the government shuts down your petition because it turns out you were married to three women at the same time.

If you tell your attorney everything from the beginning, he or she will be able to work with you based on the information you provided to get you the most benefits possible. In addition, your relationship with your attorney will be based on a firm foundation of open disclosure, making each party more approachable and confident in the direction things are heading. Perhaps most importantly, you are going to save yourself money if you make a full disclosure to start. If you have absolutely no opportunity for relief and your attorney is able to establish that at your first consultation, then you will have saved yourself thousands of dollars in government and attorney fees.

As for my story, even though some potentially detrimental information was shared during the first meeting, my client and I were able to use that information as a starting point for a more open attorney-client relationship. With that information, I was better able to advise my client of realistic opportunities and pitfalls in his matter. In the end, everything was okay.

Sure, some individuals really do have information in their past that make it virtually impossible for them to obtain any immigration benefits in the United States. Still, by disclosing this information from the beginning, you’re going to make it much more possible for your attorney to identify your exact status before the law as well as any options you do or do not have. At least then you’ll know.

Immigration for Lunch

2011-01-04T12:47:00.002-06:00

Here's a look at today's news:

Arizona's new attorney general prepared to defend the state's immigration law
Panel of experts to discuss immigration issues in Louisville, Kentucky
A tunnel was discovered in Nogales, Mexico
Tennessee jails and immigration
States preparing to address birthright citizenship...
...as many as 14 may be prepared to target the issue
Florida legislator preparing an Arizona style immigration bill
Senator Menendez continues seeking support for immigration reform
Immigration debate begins to heat up in Kentucky
Colorado governor expected to sign "Secured Communities" into law
Requiem for a DREAM
Immigration reform needed now more than ever
A window into the soul of the immigration debate
The numbers don't add up
Threats to the rights of immigrants to grow worse in 2011

Immigration for Lunch

2011-01-03T12:29:00.002-06:00

After a very long break for the Holidays, we're back with a look at the news as of mid-day.

The simmering immigration battle looks to have hit a boiling point
Killing the DREAM
Immigration is on the agenda for the Georgia General Assembly...
...in Kentucky...
...and several other states too
Maryland is set to weigh its own DREAM tuition act
Arizona style immigration reform leaves South Carolina law enforcement with questions
Japan teaches the U.S. a lesson in immigration policy
New immigration laws in Tennessee to take effect this week
Might states follow Arizona on immigration?
Governor Paterson & federal officials reach an agreement on "Secured Communities"
Immigration impasse ahead
Activists beg the U.S. to allow faster entry for Haitians
Haven't heard this before: President Obama vows immigration push
Do immigrants receive more tax money than they give?

Immigration for Lunch

2010-12-20T12:17:00.003-06:00

Here's a look at the news mid-day:

Students look to 2012 after the DREAM fails
Whitman paid a high price for Latino distrust of the GOP
Utah immigration foe sees no racism in proposed law
Worries rise amongst Haitians in the U.S. as the government plans to resume removals
In Cincinnati, mass is held for a Guatemalan teen fighting an immigration battle
Loja-Lema v. Holder
Angelo to Obama: Do the right thing!
A letter from immigration jail
Massachusetts joins the "Secured Communities" program
The DREAM Act's defeat marks a tilt towards enforcement
Feel safer now that the DREAM was crushed?

Immigration News from the Weekend & The Death of a DREAM

2010-12-20T12:03:00.003-06:00

Here's a look at what happened over a very eventful weekend in the world of immigration:

Judge dismisses lawsuit seeking to overturn law allowing in-state tuition for undocumented college students in Nebraska
No more diversions; fix immigration!
Hazleton, PA to petition the Supreme Court on immigration issues
The census shows the immigrant population is still growing in Atlanta
Utah immigration bill is alleged to have ties to extremist groups

The Death of a DREAM

Has the GOP blocked the DREAM again, or have the Dems just proved themselves useless?
Opponents of immigration claim victory with the defeat of the DREAM Act
Defeat of the DREAM Act shows flaws in White House strategy
The DREAM vote leaves President Obama’s policy in disarray
The DREAM’s failure derails the Democratic immigration agenda
Immigration activists disappointed after the Senate blocks the DREAM
The Senate kills the DREAM

A Sampling of Immigration News from Around the World

2010-12-19T21:11:00.002-06:00

Here's a snapshot of what's been going on in the world of immigration:

Mogadishu’s first tourist puzzles immigration officials
The Czech Republic is submitting asylum seekers to a “gay test”
Immigration guards in the Philippines sacked after detainees escape
Australian immigration delays leave many frustrated
Governments across the globe are struggling with immigration
Does the U.S. have the world’s biggest immigration problem?
Immigration’s newest flashpoint
Deadline approaching for Zimbabweans in South Africa
The deaths of 27 asylum seekers highlights Australia's immigration problem
The UK Deputy Prime Minister promise that child detentions will stop
Canadian immigration officer accused of taking bribes

The B Visa

2010-12-16T12:49:00.002-06:00

While two weeks ago I discussed a visa with limited applicability, this week I want to take a look at a visa with wide applicability; the B visa. The B visa is available for business visitors as well as those coming to the United States for pleasure, tourism, or medical treatment. While not all visitors coming to the United States actually need a B visa (we’ll talk about the visa waiver program next week), the B visa is still of tremendous importance.

Foreign Tourism & Business in the United States

Many living here may not think of the United States as a tourist hub, but we’re actually one of the world leaders in tourism. This may be even more so with the devaluation of the dollar over much of the last decade, making it cheaper for many foreign visitors to finance a trip.

In fact, in 1998, some 45 million people visited the United States. In 2000, those visitors spent more than $75 Billion (with a “b”) to help boost the U.S. economy. Last year, those totals went up to 55 million visitors and $120.3 billion in spending. Tourism to the United States accounts for 2.7% of our GDP, provides 8.21 million jobs and provides over $1.25 Trillion (with a “T”) in sales. Furthermore, the United States dominates world traveler spending with a share of 10.6%. Don’t believe me? Look here.

Of all the visitors coming to the United States, Canada and Mexico send the most. While several of those ranking in the top ten of countries sending their nationals to the United States for a visit participate in the Visa Waiver Program, several, including Mexico, Canada and Brazil do not. Even more importantly, of the top ten countries whose nationals spend the most in the United States, five: Canada, Mexico, Brazil, China and India do not participate in the Visa Waiver Program. With that perspective, it should be plain to see that the B visa plays an important role in bringing Billions of dollars into the U.S. economy.

Background of the B Visa

With all of that in mind, the B visa is a nonimmigrant visa for available for persons desiring to enter the United States temporarily for business, pleasure, medical treatment, or some combination of all three. The visa allows an individual to travel to a port of entry to the United States and ask permission to enter. It is important to note that having a B visa does not necessarily guarantee that someone will be allowed to enter the U.S. The I-94 document you receive if allowed to enter will be what controls how long you get to stay in the United States and will be what informs inquiring officials whether or not you are actually authorized to be here.

The B-1 Visa

B visas are broken down into two basic categories, the B-1 and…wait for it…the B-2. The B-1 is specifically reserved for business visitors. So if the purpose of your visit to the United States is to consult with business associates, attend a professional convention, to settle an estate, negotiate a contract, or any of the other myriad of things you might consider business, and you are only going to be in the U.S. for a temporary amount of time to conduct that business, then the B-1 visa is the visa for you.

B-2 Visas

If, on the other hand, you want to come to the United States for pleasure, tourism, or to receive medical treatment, the B-2 visa is what you need. The B-2 visa also allows you to engage in course study if the course is less than 18 hours per week and your primary reason for visiting the United States is tourism.

Qualifying for a B Visa

Now, it is not quite as simple as asking for one to get a B visa. You still have to meet certain requirements. Whether you meet the requirements is left completely and totally to the discretion of the consular officer at the embassy or consulate where you apply.

For starters, every applicant for a B visa will be presumed to actually be intending to immigrate to the United States. In other words, the government will be looking at you suspiciously from the beginning. As the applicant, you have the burden of proving that you : (1) only intend to visit for business, pleasure, or medical treatment; (2) plan on remaining for a limited amount of time only; (3) have compelling social and economic ties outside of the United States; and (4) have a residence outside the United States.

If you want to apply for a B-visa, you should generally do so at the U.S. embassy or consulate with jurisdiction over the country in which you currently reside. Technically you can apply at any U.S. consulate, but it will be much quicker if you live in Egypt and you apply at the U.S. consulate in Egypt as opposed to the consulate in India.

Furthermore, you should plan on applying far in advance of the date you intend to travel to the United States. Calling it like it is, it is always difficult to predict just how long the government is going to take to look at something.

Of course, the best part of the whole application process is the interview. Prior to approving any B visa, all applicants between the ages of 14 and 79 must make an appointment for and attend an interview with their local consulate officer. In addition to asking you a whole bunch of questions you do not know the answer to but for some reason they find to be of the utmost importance, a digital scan of your fingerprints will also be taken. Fun times!

Once the application process is over and your visa is approved, congratulations! You now have permission to ask for permission to enter the United States.

Other Important Notes

The Department of State website contains a very detailed description of all of the documentation you will need to apply for a B visa. The highlights include a Form DS-160, a valid passport for travel to the United States and a 2x2 paragraph.

You also really do not want to commit any fraud in obtaining a B visa, as it could result in a permanent bar to obtaining a visa.

Fees are currently $140.00

Immigration for Lunch

2010-12-16T12:36:00.003-06:00

Here's some mid-day highlights:

A timeline of the criminalization of immigration
Another challenge to the Arizona immigration law dismissed
Immigration crackdown at Chipotle
The Baltimore immigration court is considered to be amongst the best, but flaws remain
Three indicted on charges of immigration fraud in Pennsylvania
Census data shows immigrants are carving a path to the suburbs
A Catholic DREAM?
Faith leaders join Jericho march around the Senate in support of the DREAM Act
DREAM supporters target the 10 “most wanted” in the Senate
On border security, it looks like we’re chasing the minnows when we should be fishing for marlin
Some good advice for Democrats on immigration
Florida Congressman claims that the DREAM means lower tuition for undocumented immigrants
The United Farm Workers lobby for the DREAM Act

Immigration for Dinner

2010-12-15T21:27:00.002-06:00

Here's a look at some news that may be of some interest today:

Two high profile Utah lawmakers debate immigration strategy
Adoptees shouldn't have to face removal
Nevada Secretary of State delves into the immigration debate
Islamic singer sentenced in false statements case
Arizona-style immigration law should do wonders for Tennessee tourism
Lamar Smith calls on President Obama to take illegal immigration "seriously"
DREAM Act may come back to haunt the GOP
Dunkin' Donuts manager pleads guilty to employing undocumented workers
Marine's widow immigration bill passes Congress

Immigration for Dinner

2010-12-14T22:02:00.002-06:00

Here's a sampling of the day's news:

The DREAM Act affects more than Hispanics
With the DREAM Act shelved, immigrants begin looking to 2012
The DREAM Act is a conservative act
The key questions as the DREAM Act debate begins to heat up
Nineteen have been arrested in a Tampa immigration sting
Statistics can’t tell the immigration story
South Carolina jail administrator defends 287(g)
Calls for Governor Patterson to suspend “Secured Communities” in New York

Immigration for Lunch

2010-12-13T21:18:00.002-06:00

Ok, so its more of a dinner...a late dinner. Even so, here's some news that may be of interest today:

Border Security, immigration reform continue to vex the United States
The DREAM’s demise is a sign that immigration reform remains far off
The DREAM Act’s evolving outline may be causing confusion
Salma Hayek discloses her immigration woes to Spanish magazine
Former U.S. ambassador to Mexico talks immigration
Hispanics hope to sway GOP
Congress just keeps passing the immigration buck

Immigration News from the Weekend

2010-12-13T06:20:00.002-06:00

Somos Republicans hopes to help shape the immigration debate
Georgia Republicans seek meeting with ICE chief
Conservatives need to untwist themselves on immigration
Some unlicensed drivers risk more than a fine
The Senate stands for injustice
Spanish lessons for the GOP
Senate Democrats shift strategy on the DREAM Act
After helping a South Carolina immigrant, Senator Graham sees know problem with his current immigration stance
A slim majority of Americans support the DREAM
Where inaction on immigration reform has gotten us
Supreme Court hears challenge to 2007 Arizona immigration law
Bloomberg talks immigration with business titans
IJ orders the removal of a 38 year old woman adopted by U.S. parents when she was 5 months old
Racial profiling by 287(g) state police officers leads to temporary relief from an absolutely unassailable removal order
Senator Kay Hutchison plans to vote “no” on the DREAM Act based on a false proposition
ICE officials ordered to turn over documents
Immigration on the agenda for Kentucky Republicans
USCIS initiative to combat the unauthorized practice of immigration law
ACLU of Texas sues on behalf of immigrant detainee who died while in solitary confinement
The Border Patrol resumes its controversial busing plan
Attorney for the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) concealed a memo with evidence of unlawful restrictions on media access
Judge dismisses part of challenge to Arizona’s immigration law
The possible DREAM?
Chipotle fires a large number of staff after immigration audit
Shelving the DREAM is a nightmare
Horror stories from an immigrant detention center in West Texas
New immigration detention facility in rural Texas

Immigration for Lunch

2010-12-07T12:06:00.002-06:00

The mid-day news is thus:

9th Circuit: Persons in removal proceedings have a right to their A files
Does the founder of WikiLeaks qualify for political asylum?
CRS report on the Visa Waiver Program
McCain dismisses DREAM supporter
NY governor David Paterson pardons 6 immigrants facing removal
Citizen soldier seeks humanitarian visa for his wife
How the DREAM Act transcends politics
It's not amnesty!
Arizona's overreach
U.S. population could top 313 million in the 2010 census
DHS using discretion to deport, rather than assist, the foreign born
Will the Supreme Court act on immigration even if Congress does not?
New film: Americans on Hold
Jeb Bush bashes Arizona's SB 1070
Fiscal year 2011 refugee admissions numbers

Immigration for Lunch

2010-12-06T12:24:00.002-06:00

Here's a look at the mid-day news:

Immigrant students giving blood to show citizenship
Evidence shows ICE used unusual methods to help break the removal record in 2010
Improving the DREAM
DREAM Act may be the last chance of any immigration reform until 2012
Is a short goodnight expected for the DREAM Act...or...
...could the DREAM reduce the deficit?
Either way, the vote is set for this week!
Anti-deportation effort would shield immigrants from violence in Mexico
CA Republicans split on anti-immigrant measure
Deporting a resident of 50 years

Immigration News from the Weekend

2010-12-06T05:35:00.002-06:00

Here's a look at what's happened since the close of business on Friday:

Maryland county seeks to curb immigration
Entravision partners with Reform Immigration for America to inform local communities about the DREAM Act
Take a look at the immigrant stock's share of U.S. population growth from 1970 - 2004
The Congressional Research Service has released a report on the authority of state and local police to enforce federal immigration laws
Mayorkas memo on response to recommendation regarding the processing of waivers of inadmissibility
Jeb Bush on tough immigration laws: "My children could be picked up just because of the way they look."
The New York Times on the Utah Compact
Some know too well what's at stake with the DREAM Act debate
Immigrants with mental disabilities in removal proceedings
Yet another U.S. citizen illegally detained by ICE
The Senate approves a bill granting residency to the widow of a U.S. Marine

Immigration News from Thanksgiving Break

2010-11-30T05:52:00.003-06:00

I'm a day late, but better late than never. Here's a look at what was happening while I was putting on weight:

Arizona officials are disputing reports that SB 1070 boycotts caused serious financial harm
Immigration judge weighing a Mexican police officer’s bid for asylum
Immigration remains high despite economic woes
Dispelling DREAM Act myths
Governor-elect Scott remains silent on the future of a Florida immigration bill
Immigration cases continue to face long delays
Must Wall Street stand behind the DREAM Act to guarantee passage?
Arizona-like law would be wrong for Wisconsin
A man caught in a 2007 Maryland immigration sting sues ICE
The immigration debate is taking on a new tone in South Carolina
Nevada lawmakers propose legislation on immigration
Is amnesty political “fool’s gold?”
South Dakota lawmakers focus on immigration despite the state’s distance from border friction

Immigration for Lunch

2010-11-29T12:09:00.002-06:00

Here's a look at the mid-day news:

Congress makes one last push for the DREAM Act...
...the vote could come as early as this week
Fairfax County, VA sheriff to chat online about immigration
A planned “Capitol Summit” may lead to Colorado immigration plan
Alexandria, LA is now home to a new immigration center
The U.S. government seizes 70+ domains, but the sites live on
Population, Immigration and the Drying of the American Southwest
Keeping the President to his word

Immigration for Lunch

2010-11-23T12:08:00.002-06:00

Here's a look at your mid-day news for November 23, 2010:

Reversals by immigration officials are sowing mistrust
How employment preference cutoff dates are determined
Immigration is up while crime is down in California
Hunger strikes, arrests, and lobbying to push the DREAM forward
Senate Democrats adjust scope of immigration legislation
What message does the DREAM Act send?
Targeting the boss in immigration enforcement
U.S. immigration courts throw out a third of all removal cases
Nativist backlash looks to delay the DREAM Act
Protesters in Brooklyn rally in support of the DREAM Act
Googling up H-1Bs?
H-2Bs critical for many businesses
USCIS introduces first ever fee waiver form
USCIS publishes fact sheet on the fee schedule going into effect today
French professors are finding life in the U.S. to be irresistible
The real descendants of the Mayflower
Traffic stop profiling leads to deportation
Senators express concern that the Department of State is not enforcing the collection of H-1B/L-1 border security fees
Steve King lays out his plan to destroy birthright citizenship
Qatar has the lowest rejection rate for U.S. tourist visas

New USCIS Fee Schedule Starts Today!

2010-11-23T09:33:00.002-06:00

Happy Thanksgiving week! The Holidays are now in full swing, and as USCIS’ present to you, its customer, the agency would like to raise fees. Not excited? Well, tough. USCIS does what it wants when it wants because it’s USCIS and it can.

Any and all applications postmarked or otherwise filed today and beyond must include the new fee, or else they will be rejected.

Immigration for Lunch

2010-11-22T12:03:00.002-06:00

Here's the immigration news as of my lunch break, enjoy!

Groups raise money for Sheriff Arpaio’s PR battle
Employ immigrants, cut the deficit
Law-breaking and misconduct in the Atlanta immigration courts
From Castro foe to U.S. citizen
What undocumented immigration really costs us
Immigration may ding GOP in 2012 election
Alexandria, VA immigration center grand opening set for Tuesday, November 23rd
South Oklahoma City is a hotbed for the state’s immigration foes..
...amongst them are some lawmakers pushing for tougher immigration laws
Arizona's SB 1070 stirring controversy in Fresno

Reminder: Immigration Fees Increasing Tomorrow!

2010-11-22T06:25:00.001-06:00

Just by way of reminder, the new fee schedule for USCIS goes into effect on this Tuesday, November 23, 2010; that's tomorrow! Any and all applications postmarked or otherwise filed on or after Tuesday must include the new fee, or else they will be rejected.

The only fee not changing due to the new fee schedule is that necessary to file the N-400, “Application for Naturalization.” This fee is $595 today and will remain so on November 23rd.

That being said, there is a catch! The biometric fees that are associated with so many applications, including the N-400, go up from $80 to $85. So even though the N-400 fee itself does not go up, if you submit the typical $675 money order ($595 + $80 biometric fee) you will be $5.00 short.

HWOA Sponsors Citizenship Clinic in Springdale

2010-11-22T06:21:00.000-06:00

This last Saturday, the Hispanic Women’s Organization of Arkansas (HWOA) sponsored a free citizenship clinic. The clinic began at 10:00, and was scheduled to go until 11:30, but ran much longer due to a great turnout. At the clinic, applicants were screened, and if qualifying, were guided by area immigration attorneys and professionals in filling out their N-400, “Application for Naturalization.”

In addition to the above referenced activities, the occasion was a great opportunity for members of the HWOA, immigration attorneys, interpreters, volunteers, immigrants and others associated with the immigrant community in Northwest Arkansas to mingle and get to know one another. Several questions were answered and issues resolved.

The event ended with a visit from an officer of the Fort Smith USCIS office who gave a presentation on the citizenship application process including a mock citizenship interview.

It was a great opportunity to get out in the community and perform some service. I really enjoyed myself, and wish good luck to all those who completed their naturalization applications.

Immigration News from the Weekend

2010-11-22T06:09:00.002-06:00

Here's a look at what happened over the weekend:

Service center processing time reports from the Texas, Vermont, California & Nebraska service centers
ICE has announced that two women have been charged with impersonating federal officers
The BIA finds that Colorado’s child endangerment is a child abuse crime
CNN’s Navarrette opines, “Give immigrant kids a path to college”
The U.S. education chief urges passage of the DREAM Act
USCIS has released a summary of the quarterly stakeholder meeting
Senator Feinstein introduces bill stopping Bay area students removal
Policies have created a difficult path to legal immigration
Can the new Congress create fair immigration laws?
Undocumented and unafraid
Mexican police arrest suspect in the Juarez consulate shootings

Immigration for Lunch

2010-11-19T12:38:00.002-06:00

Here's a look at your mid-day news:

Proposed immigration law a threat to Texas competitiveness
Several groups to protest a Georgia immigrant detention center
Connecticut state leaders call for in-state tuition for immigrant children
California woman sentenced to more than three years for human trafficking
Military leaders say the DREAM Act would benefit recruitment

Immigration News from Around the World

2010-11-19T12:20:00.002-06:00

Here's a subtle little reminder that immigration is a world-wide phenomenon:

Defying trends in most of the developed world, Canada remains intent on luring immigrants
Australian population boom “inescapable;” immigration the main cause
Israel was expected to approve the immigration of 8,000 Ethiopian Falashmura…
…and the expectations turned out to be correct
Six Indians arrested in the UK by immigration officials
French officials say seven have died in a fire in a housing unit for foreign workers
Norway’s voice for caution on immigration
In Australia, seven asylum seekers were injured in a brawl…
…and they may face charges as a result
In the UK, some argue that a blanket immigration cap is deeply flawed, as are all one-size-fits-all policies
Four immigrants who lived atop a crane for two weeks to protest Italy’s immigration laws have come down
The Australian Green Party continues calls for an immigration overhaul
France’s Sarkozy eyes immigration
Australian man sues Mexico for four month detention

A Basic Introduction to the A Visa

2010-11-18T21:56:00.001-06:00

THE A VISA

As discussed in the introduction to visa categories, citizens of foreign countries wanting to enter the United States generally must obtain a visa. Visas are generally going to be classified as immigrant or nonimmigrant visas. The type of visa is defined by immigration law and relates specifically to the purpose behind the entry into the United States.

The first visa up for discussion, the A visa, is a visa for which very few qualify. In a nutshell, to qualify for an A visa, you must either be a foreign diplomat, married to one, or employed by one. More specifically, you must be traveling to the United States on behalf of your national government to engage solely in official activities for that government.

Qualifying for an A visa

Who determines whether or not you are going to be engaging in such activities? Why, the Department of State of course! Their goal is principally to ensure that you are actually a foreign diplomat coming to the U.S. to perform official government service, and not just for tourism or personal business. Therefore, it is a two part test. You must be (1) a foreign diplomat and (2) in the U.S. to engage solely in official activities for your national government. If you really are a foreign diplomat, but you only want to come to the U.S. to try some world famous Kansas City Barbecue; sorry, you’re just plain out of luck. Of course, if you’re in Kansas City on official government business, nothing is going to stop you from sampling that Barbecue. Trust me, it’s good!

Another important thing to note about the A visa is that you generally have to apply for it before coming to the U.S. In other words, in your home country! Say you’re from Greece, which qualifies under the visa waiver program for qualifying citizens to travel to the U.S. without a visa, and you come to the U.S. under that program to sample some barbecue in Kansas City. While here, you realize that as a diplomat of the Greek government, you have some very important (and official) activity to perform on behalf of the Greek government. In that case, you probably cannot apply for an A visa from Kansas City. Instead, you would likely have to either return to Greece and apply from there, or it might also be possible to fill out a specialized form while in the U.S.

Likewise, if you are in Greece and need to come to the U.S. to perform some official business, you have to apply for an A visa. You cannot come to the U.S. under the visa waiver program and then try to conduct official Greek business while here.

As stated above, you must also be representing your national government. If you’re from Spain and you work as an official of Castilla La Mancha who has been assigned to travel to Alabama and work out a deal to create more ties between La Mancha and Alabama, you do not qualify for an A visa. Instead, a B visa is required for officials and representatives of provincial and territorial governments.

Obtaining an A visa

Before getting your hands on an A visa, you are most likely going to have to participate in an interview at the local U.S. consulate. Prior to the interview, you will of course have to apply for the A visa. The application process can be done entirely on-line by filling out the form DS-160. In addition to the DS-160, you will also need a diplomatic note, which is written confirmation from your national government that you are indeed a diplomat coming to the U.S. to conduct official government business, a valid passport and a photo. If not applying online, you can submit your application to the United States consulate or embassy in your country.

The Various A visas

There are three types of A visas: A-1, A-2 and A-3. A-1 visas are for the principal visa holder, in other words, the foreign diplomat. A-2 visas are for the immediate relatives of the foreign diplomat. In the context of the A visas, “immediate relative” means your spouse or unmarried sons and daughters of any age. It could also include someone who will be residing in the household of the A-1 visa holder, is not a resident of any other household and is recognized as an immediate family member by the sending government. This could potentially include domestic partners of the A-1 holder.

A-3 visas are set aside for the personal employees, attendants, domestic workers, or servants of A-1 and A-2 visa holders. To qualify for an A-3 visa, Proof that the applicant will receive a fair wage, sufficient to financially support himself and comparable to that being offered in the area of employment in the U.S. is required. Also, a consular interview will be necessary. A valid employment contract between the A-3 applicant and their employer is also required. A-3 visa holders are recommended to maintain possession of both their passport and employment contract at all times while in the United States and should note that U.S. labor laws will apply during their time in the U.S.

All A visas are valid until their assigned expiration date.

Conclusion

While only a limited number of individuals will ever qualify for an A visa due to its being reserved for foreign diplomats and their entourage, understanding the A visa is key to understanding visas in general. Like all visas, the A visa is related to the specific purpose for which its holder is coming into the United States. Furthermore, there are certain eligibility requirements and applicants must undergo a thorough application process.

Next up are B visas, commonly known as tourist visas.

Immigration for (a very late) Lunch

2010-11-18T21:25:00.002-06:00

Since I was busy during my lunch break today, here's the end of the day news in a nutshell:

Immigration rally at the Utah state capitol turns ugly
San Francisco is suing an area immigration law firm
Steven Seagal and other celebrities join Sheriff Arpaio's "immigration posse" in Maricopa County
Boycotts over Arizona's SB 1070 have cost the state millions...
...said to really be hurting the convention business
Do Democrats owe passing the DREAM Act to Latinos?
Birthright citizenship to be a target of the House GOP majority
Senator Reid vows DREAM Act vote in the lame duck
Whose jobs are immigrants stealing?
Expired detainer habeas victory in Louisiana
Long Island's economy is absorbing immigrants with many gains; few negative impacts

Immigration for Lunch

2010-11-17T12:05:00.002-06:00

Here's a look at today's news mid-day:

Who enforces immigration laws in San Francisco?
A University of Virginia immigration study is set to be released…
...and the results are…
How Arizona’s SB 1070 is straining U.S. relations with Latin America
Massachusetts governor vows to push for in-state tuition for the children of undocumented aliens
Anti-immigrant representatives in Utah to hold forum in response to the Utah Compact
Nolan Rappaport’s ideas on more ways to move forward on immigration
The Department of State has announced an increase in the enrollment of international students in the U.S.
The ACLU has filed a suit against ICE for harassing U.S. citizens
The end of FOIA approacheth?
President Obama and key Democrats met over the DREAM Act yesterday
Is the U.S. in denial about immigration?
President Obama to push for DREAM Act in lame duck session
House passes bill to ease immigration for military couple
Anti-immigration laws have now been filed in Texas

Immigration for Lunch

2010-11-16T12:17:00.002-06:00

Here's a look at the mid-day news:

China is the top country for students coming to the United States
Greg Siskind’s rundown of the December 2010 H-1B visa bulletin
DREAM activists becoming more aggressive on immigration reform
The California Supreme Court clears the way for some undocumented aliens to pay in-state tuition at universities and colleges
More analysis of this important news
The annual report of immigrant visa applicants in the family-sponsored and employment based preferences registered at the NVC has been released
Immigration enforcement is turning on companies
Take a look at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ official statement of its support of the Utah Compact
Does that mean that the sponsor of Arizona’s SB 1070 is a bad Mormon?
Angelo Paparelli’s new article, “Rethinking Immigration: A View from the Audience”

Tips for Working with your Immigration Attorney

2010-11-16T12:09:00.001-06:00

Bring Your File

The process of dealing with immigration issues that arise in the lives of many in this country can be beyond long and arduous. Whether you’re fighting removal, applying for adjustment of status, or petitioning for family members or a foreign employee, the process is not fun or easy, and to say it doesn’t make any sense would have to be one of the understatements of the century. As I am fond of saying, the U.S. immigration system seems to be based on everything but reality.

Sure, USCIS tries to make things accessible by posting all of the forms you need on their website and even allowing online filing for certain things, but when it comes right down to it, those forms might as well be written in Navajo, and the law behind them, well, let’s just leave that discussion for another time.

With all of these issues, it’s no wonder that many clients I see have had more than one immigration attorney. It isn’t because all of their other attorneys were bad. Most of the immigration attorneys I know and work with are really good and epitomize what it means to be a professional. That being said, the bureaucratic delays and red tape cutting necessary to get an issue resolved can lead to a lot of frustration, leading to the distrust on the part of some clients in their attorneys.

Whatever the reason, many clients I meet with who have had more than one attorney are without one of the most important pieces of material they could ever possess…their files!

As the actual applicant, respondent, petitioner, etc., you have a right to your file. In fact, I would recommend that you keep a file at home of all letters sent to the government, forms or motions filed, meetings with your attorney and anything else concerning you matter.

In the event you have to switch immigration attorneys, this information is invaluable to your new attorney and will greatly aid in the avoidance of any delays that will arise because your new attorney has to get up to speed with what’s going on in your case.

This is simply because if you come into my office wanting me to represent you in the middle of proceedings and you know nothing about what’s going on in your case. I’m not going to know what’s going on in your case either. Therefore, I’m going to have to take the extra time to research your case, perhaps filing FOIA requests (which can take months) to completely inform myself of what I need to know to effectively represent you.

That being said, even if you never change attorneys, keeping your own file is of extreme importance, and I highly recommend it. Doing so will keep you better informed about your case and make your meetings with your attorney much more productive and beneficial as far as your understanding of what in the world is going on in the immigration process.

Most attorneys would be more than happy to make copies of all the paperwork involved in your case for you to keep at home. Trust me; it’s worth it to them. If your attorneys have issues keeping up with it, remind them. After all, this is your case and you’re going to be the one who has to live with the consequences. Doesn’t it just make sense to know what’s going on?

Immigration for Lunch

2010-11-15T12:14:00.002-06:00

Here's a look at what's going in mid-day:

Is it time to ditch the Latino-centric view of immigration in the United States?
There is no sanctuary from ICE’s grip for the innocent
Immigration reform in the new congress remains bleak
Virginia’s General Assembly to take up immigration reforms
Alienating Latinos
Apparently, few business are using E-verify
ABC evaluates the chances of passing the DREAM Act in the lame duck session
Sheriff Joe raids another Maricopa County business
Elise Foley on the Utah Compact
Advocates press for immigration bill while the Hispanic vote is debated

News from the Weekend

2010-11-15T07:59:00.002-06:00

Here's a look at what happened over the weekend in the world of immigration:

More info on the “Utah Compact”...
...and in reality, doesn’t it just make sense?
ICE making arrests in Northern Michigan
The immigration issue has a new name: “hot potato” for lawmakers
Governor Bill Richardson thinks immigration reform’s chances have improved with the new Congress
On the other hand, others think the recent GOP takeover will lead to Arizona copycat laws across the nation
President Bush says he tried to pass comprehensive immigration reform; says the failure of immigration reform to pass is the reflection of “larger concerns about the direction of our politics”
Presidential pardons and immigration
Is ICE intentionally transferring immigrants away from their legal representation?
Hispanic GOP group warns against appointing King to leadership position of immigration subcommittee
Pelosi renews commitment to push for DREAM Act in the upcoming lame duck session
A new video explains the Tea Party’s position on immigration
Lending their credibility to the debate, Neo-Nazis took time to protest immigration and critics of Arizona’s SB 1070 in Phoenix on Saturday

Notice to TPS registrants from El Salvador, Honduras & Nicaragua

2010-11-13T21:52:00.002-06:00

USCIS has issued a notice to all successful TPS re-registrants from El Salvador, Honduras and Nicaragua concerning Employment Authorization Documents (EAD). According to USCIS, new EADs may not be issued until November. As we are in November now, hopefully they will be coming to you soon.

While waiting for a new EAD, the existing EAD can be used as proof of employment authorization.

Immigration for Lunch

2010-11-12T04:16:00.002-06:00

While the post is up a tad early, here's some news for the middle of your day:

For the Guatemalan ambassador, Missouri case shows the flaws in the U.S. immigration policy
Distrust of police is growing as more counties are forced into Secured Communities
There is growing concern over immigration enforcement in New York jails
In Utah, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and other civic and religious leaders urge new immigration policy
Food for thought: Could Wisconsin, and not Texas, be the next Arizona?
Deportations drop in the Pacific Northwest for the second straight year

This Week in International Immigration

2010-11-12T04:08:00.002-06:00

Because the United States isn’t the only country in the world dealing with immigration-related issues, here’s a look at interesting stories from around the world:

In Australia, Liberal MPs have backed a push by their Green counterparts and the immigration minister to examine the plight of as many as 700 children in immigration detention
Germany’s Chancellor Merkel enters the immigration fray, calling multiculturalism a “total failure”
An afternoon in Paris as an illegal immigrant
Actor Randy Quaid was due for an immigration hearing in Canada…and then it was postponed
Speech on UK immigration
New South African immigration laws could cause humanitarian “catastrophe”
Take a peek at the International Migration Outlook
U.N. urges lower barriers to immigration

Immigration for Lunch

2010-11-11T12:46:00.002-06:00

Here's a look at the world of immigration at your (or near) your lunchtime:

Representative Steve King plans a drastic immigration measure
New report indicates putting local law enforcement on the front lines of immigration enforcement is distracting immigration agencies from their actual objectives
So does that mean the Obama Administration has lost the ability to fully control immigration enforcement?
In a related story, Fox News has issued a report on America’s top ten “toughest” immigration sheriffs
The Supreme Court is reviewing an immigration law that favors children of U.S. mothers over U.S. fathers
Will the GOP compromise on immigration?
Is there a silver lining for immigration following the recent elections?
USCIS updates H-1B cap for 2011
H-2B cap too
An adopted boy has found himself at the center of an immigration dispute
DHS has published an analysis of smuggling costs along the Southwest border
TracImmigration publishes a report claiming that ICE is seeking to remove the wrong people

A Basic Introduction to U.S. Visa Categories

2010-11-11T12:40:00.001-06:00

The U.S. visa categories can be difficult for some to understand. Quite frankly, there is a lot about U.S. immigration law that is difficult for even experienced observers to understand. As this is a blog about discovering immigration law, and my target audience does not include the .0000000000000000000001% of people who might actually understand everything there is to know about the issue, we’re going to keep this content at an introductory level.
To start, the United States government has developed a system of visa categories where each category of visa gives its holder different rights and privileges. Fans of Alphabet Soup should have a leg up on understanding this system, because it seems it must have been the lunch of choice for the guy who made the system up.
Before getting into a discussion about what each individual visa does, it is important to note that most all visas can basically be organized into two groups, (1) NONIMMIGRANT VISAS and (2) IMMIGRANT VISAS. As one might infer from the name, all immigrant visas are for those intending come to and reside permanently in the United States. Likewise, all nonimmigrant visas are for those interested in coming into the United States for a limited time only, such as tourists.
As always, it is beyond strongly recommended that before attempting to obtain any type of U.S. visa you contact a qualified immigration attorney. Not doing so can result in delays, or in some cases denial of the application.

Nonimmigrant Visas

The nonimmigrant group of visas is easily the broader of the two groups, and covers virtually every reason why an individual might want to come to the United States, yet not reside here permanently. This family of visas includes visas issued for tourism, study, long-term business, short-term business, medical treatment, exchange students, performing artists and much more.
Nonimmigrant visas are divided into nineteen main categories and one special purpose category for NATO personnel. These categories are A, “career diplomats;” B, “temporary visitors for business & pleasure;” C, “aliens in transit;” D, “crewmembers;” E, “treaty traders & investors;” F, “students;” G, “international organization representatives;” H, “temporary workers;” I, “foreign media representatives;” M, “students in non-academic institutions;” N “parents and children of special immigrants;” O, “aliens with extraordinary abilities;” P, “entertainers;” Q, “cultural exchange program participants;” R, “religious workers;” and TN, “NAFTA professionals.”
The Visa Waiver Program also bears mentioning when discussing nonimmigrant visas. Under the program, nationals of various countries (36 as of 2010) are allowed to travel to the United States for tourism or business for stays of 90 days or less without having to obtain a visa. Countries included in the Visa Waiver Program are countries considered by the United States government as developed. An up to date list can be viewed here.

Immigrant Visas

Immigrant visas are handled a little differently than their ABC counterparts. Immigrants can be classified as either those already living in the U.S., or those living abroad. Things can get somewhat complicated when undocumented immigrants in the U.S. apply for immigrant visas, and that is not the subject of this post. With that in mind, to summarize things simply, individuals applying outside the U.S. apply for a visa at a consular post of the Department of State. Once a visa is approved, the individual can enter the U.S. and eventually become a legal permanent resident.
As for those already in the U.S., they must file an application for adjustment of status, and at the same time, work authorization. New legal immigrants are granted authorization to work and should receive their alien registration cards (green cards) soon thereafter.
One might further divide immigrant visas into two categories. First we have “visas not subject to numerical limitation,” which can be granted to the immediate relatives of qualified petitioners such as U.S. citizens. For purposes of these visas, “immediate relatives” means children, parents and spouses. Second are “visas subject to numerical limitation.” These visas may be granted to persons qualifying for family sponsored, employment sponsored, or diversity immigrant visas. Competent immigration attorneys can help those interested in these visas to determine if they qualify or not. Understanding the U.S. visa categories can be very frustrating at even the best of times. That being said, even a basic understanding can help one avoid the various pitfalls and complications that so often arise. Consulting an immigration attorney helps, but it never hurts to have a little bit of knowledge about the process beforehand. I always love it when a client comes in and it is obvious they have done their homework. Doing so can help ensure you are getting the best legal representation available and that you application is proceeding as it .

Immigration for Lunch

2010-11-10T12:08:00.002-06:00

Here's a look at what's going on in the world of immigration today:

Elise Foley reports that ICE confirms Secured Communities is mandatory
Greg Siskind postulates that the H-1B cap will be exhausted by February 21, 2011
Steven King writes great horror novels, but Steve King is just plain scary!
Protesters block Iowa immigrant detention facility
Proposed Texas immigration law would resemble Arizona's hard line approach
Two more immigrants die while in ICE custody

USCIS Announces Year End Naturalization Numbers for the Armed Forces

2010-11-09T12:40:00.003-06:00

USCIS has announced today that in this fiscal year, 11,146 members of the armed forces have been naturalized. If true, that is the highest number of naturalized veterans since 1955. Naturalization ceremonies were held here in the United States as well as in 22 foreign countries.

Since 2001, around 65,000 servicemen and women have been naturalized.

Immigration for Lunch

2010-11-09T12:27:00.002-06:00

Here's a look at the news mid-day:

First set of legislative bills in Texas state house hit hard at immigration
But the real question is, will Governor sign or veto?
The New Jersey Human Relations Council to discuss immigration at upcoming conference
Tardiness costs man in Michigan a shot at asylum
9th Circuit on access to A-file

News from the Weekend

2010-11-08T19:39:00.002-06:00

Here's a look at what happened over the weekend:

The Missouri Attorney General’s office has joined the lineup of states asking the Supreme Court to uphold Arizona’s controversial 2007 immigration law punishing employers.
Controversy surrounds USCIS’ desire to place a detention center in suburban Iowa.
Arlington County, Virginia told it cannot drop out of the Secured Communities program.
DREAM Act rally brings North Carolina community together to rally for immigrant rights.
Let’s make immigration work for Minnesota!
Republican resurgence likely to derail immigration reform

Immigration for Lunch

2010-11-05T12:45:00.003-05:00

TGIF:

Tamar Jacoby, of CNN, says that immigration reform is still do-able. Here’s how
Shikha Dalmia claims immigrant bashing has gone ethnic
Greg Siskind discusses his takeaways from election 2010
Is the BIA “passing the buck” with regards to publishing decisions on immigration law?
U.S.-Mexico border women to hold hunger strike in Washington D.C.
Charles Kuck on “eviscerating the 14th Amendment”
The Nebraska Supreme court will not weigh in on a controversial state immigration measure

Immigration for Dinner

2010-11-04T18:47:00.002-05:00

Here's a look at the news from today:

Philip Wolgin ponders five reasonable reforms that can be pursued despite the changes in Congress
As Utah mulls immigration laws, some Mormons struggle to stake out a position
Students and activists rally against SB 1070 in Los Angeles
An adoption case in Missouri is attracting the attention of immigration advocacy groups
Tough stances on immigration didn't help everyone's campaign
Are Republicans really going to shove immigration reform for enforcement?

TPS Extended for Somalia

2010-11-03T13:22:00.002-05:00

USCIS has announced that TPS will be extended for all eligible nationals of Somalia for a period of 18 months. The extension takes effect at the end of the current period ending on March 17, 2011, and will run until September 17, 2012.

The decision to extend was determined after review indicated that conditions prompting the original designation of Somalia in 2001 persist and the return of individuals with TPS to Somalia would pose a serious threat to their personal safety.

All those eligible must reapply.

Immigration (& politics) for Lunch

2010-11-03T12:11:00.003-05:00

Here's at today's news following a very big election day:

Several anti-immigrant candidates lose on election day...
...but that doesn't stop Governor Brewer in Arizona.
Exploitation should be illegal, not immigration.
The UN warns that immigrants are facing the worst form of racial abuse.
Kris Kobach, the author of Arizona's SB 1070, won political office in Kansas yesterday.
Does comprehensive immigration reform really hinge on yesterday's electoral results? President Obama says so.
What do yesterday's results really mean for immigration? Well, in short, House immigration policy is now in the hands of the GOP.

Immigration for...Dinner?

2010-11-02T21:29:00.002-05:00

Since I was too busy today to post during lunch...

Jason Dzubow asks, “Do immigration lawyers suck?”
Who are the judges deciding the fate of Arizona SB 1070?
New report on undocumented students and DREAM
Looks like TPS is set to be extended for Somalia
Border security is stirring voters in Texas
Call to police may lead to removal of domestic violence victim
New requirements for passport applicants with Puerto Rican birth certificates
The San Francisco Chronicle reports the 9th Circuit signaled some backing of the Arizona immigration law
Was the motive behind Arizona’s immigration law profit?
On Election Day, more claims of voter fraud by illegal immigrants
The Arizona Republic reports that 9th Circuit judges seemed split over SB 1070 in oral arguments yesterday

Immigration for Lunch

2010-11-01T12:26:00.002-05:00

Here's a look at the news mid-day:

Keeping in the spirit their “non-racist” message, Tea Party activists tell U.S. lawmakers to “Go back to Mexico!”
The Department of Labor is extending the period of time to comment on H-2B rulemaking.
Senator Reid promises DREAM Act vote in lame duck session.
Hispanic voters rally to polls in Florida, spurred by anti-immigrant stances.
Supporters and opponents continue to weigh in on the effects of Oklahoma’s controversial 2007 immigration law.
Warnings abound in the enforcement of immigration job rules.
CNN International takes a look at the GOP’s immigration problem.
Catch the oral arguments in the 9th Circuit over Arizona’s SB 1070 live on C-Span.

News from the Weekend

2010-11-01T07:59:00.002-05:00

Here's a look at happened in the world of immigration this weekend:

USCIS has launched a new Spanish language engagement series.
USCIS has redesigned the naturalization certificate.
ICE raid of Nashville area apartment complex is denounced by rights groups.
Activists continue to decry the “Secured Communities” program.
The New York Times’ Tyler Cowen explores how immigrants create more jobs.
9th Circuit Court of Appeals to review Arizona’s appeal of the ruling blocking parts of its controversial immigration law from going into effect on Monday.

Libertarian Party's View of Immigration

2010-10-30T14:03:00.002-05:00

Sick and tired of the major parties' rants on "illegal immigration?" Disgusted by the use of an issue affecting the daily lives of millions of people as nothing more than a political tool for firing up the party bases? Looking for an alternative?

Why not take a look at the Libertarian party's stance on the issue?

USCIS Reminds All that New Fees Go into effect November 23, 2010

2010-10-29T22:51:00.002-05:00

The day before my birthday now takes on greater meaning for those filing immigration petitions. On October 26, USCIS issued a reminder that its new fee schedule goes into effect on November 23, 2010.

What this means, is that in less than a month, all applications or petitions postmarked or filed after this date must include the new fee or they will be rejected.

As was reported earlier USCIS has been generating less revenue than projected for the last two years, prompting the agency to increase fees. The new increases are at an average of 10% per petition, but do not include citizenship petitions.

The increase in the fees for Form I-129, important for H-1B seekers, have barely increased, from $320 today to $325 come Thanksgiving week. On the other hand, forms such as the I-140 ($475-580), I-90 ($290-$365) and I-694 ($545-$755) have increased substantially.

Interestingly, the costs of filing a form I-539 have fallen by $10, from $300 - $290.

To see the full list of costs after November 23, check out the USCIS announcement.

USCIS Naturalizes 15 Sailors in the Philippines

2010-10-29T22:34:00.002-05:00

I like to report on stories like this every once in a while. There's so much negativity in the immigration debate today, that even if one might take the cynical view that stories like this are merely propaganda, it still feels good to talk about it.

On October 13 & 14, 2010, United States Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS) held naturalization ceremonies on two separate U.S. naval ships. The setting seems to have been picturesque, the ceremonies held at sunset on the decks of the ships.

The now naturalized sailors hail from nine different countries: the Philippines, the United Kingdom, China, Ethiopia, Guyana, Haiti, Japan, Jamaica, Mexico and Nicaragua. USCIS boasts that this ceremony "demonstrates the diversity of the Navy."

Immigration for Lunch

2010-10-18T11:09:00.002-05:00

Here's a look at the mid-day news:

A birthright citizenship victory has been won in South Texas.
Angelo Paparelli gets biblical in his blog about the “immigration log in our eyes.”
Some immigrants are finding that voting can come at a cost.
Here’s another look at the argument for an entrepreneur visa.
The Houston Chronicle reports that in the Houston immigration court, cases are being tossed out by the hundreds.
Immigration reform in the U.S. is caught in a political quagmire with no end in sight.
“Secured Communities” continues to grow.

Immigration News from the Weekend

2010-10-18T11:02:00.002-05:00

Here's a look at updates from the weekend:

Lawsuit brought to end local immigration enforcement, and it’s the first known to concern 287(g).
Progress Illinois asks, “What’s next for immigration reform?”
Out-of-staters are helping fuel the fight in Arizona.
USCIS has updated the H-2B cap count.
Here’s a look at a new State Department publication on refugees.
California Watch asks whether immigration could reduce crime.
USCIS has opened a new office in Holtsville, New York.

Immigration for Lunch

2010-10-15T12:57:00.002-05:00

The news mid-day:

Here's a look at the November Visa Bulletin.
The Immigration Policy Center has released its new report, "The New American Electorate: The Growing Political Power of Immigrants and their Children."
An interesting look at a Canadian tourist's experience with immigration officials.
Looks like the government might be using Facebook to detect fraud and fake marriages.
Utah lawmakers question how Arizona-style immigration law would fit in with existing state laws.

Immigration for Lunch

2010-10-14T12:24:00.002-05:00

Here's what's happening today:

The wrongful deportation of a mentally ill U.S. citizen results in a lawsuit.
Gregory Rodriguez of the Dallas Morning News says we’re all hypocrites on illegal immigration.
U.S. Senate candidates in California spar over immigration.
Lawsuit over Arizona’s controversial immigration law set to proceed after District Judge’s ruling.
A new study indicates that immigration helps and off-shoring doesn’t hurt.
The H-2B regulation mailbox is temporarily suspended.
Phoenix immigration raid results in 14 arrests.

Immigration for Lunch

2010-10-13T12:04:00.003-05:00

Here's the news as of mid-day:

Immigration enforcement looks to be coming to a city near you.
Cnnmoney.com takes a look at the connection between immigration and the housing glut.
Board of regents in Georgia looking at a proposal to limit the enrollment of undocumented students at universities and colleges.
C-Span gets the okay to broadcast an appellate hearing involving Arizona's immigration law.

Immigration for Lunch

2010-10-12T12:08:00.002-05:00

Here's a look at today's news:

Elise Foley reports that some immigrants are fleeing Arizona.
A 101 year-old woman is taking the citizenship oath in Brownsville, TX.
“The Dog Whisperer” talks immigration in his recent visit to D.C.
Many immigrants starting to draft “deportation wills.”
How about a visa for job creators?
A federal judge has rejected Governor Brewer’s challenge to Arizona immigration lawsuit.

Immigration for Lunch

2010-10-11T11:59:00.002-05:00

Here's a look at the mid-day news, and quite frankly, its not much:

The immigration issue could be what sways key races in Florida.
Lou Dobbs avoids the immigration issue while speaking at a tea party convention.

News from the Weekend

2010-10-11T07:25:00.002-05:00

Here's a look at this weekend's news:

The San Diego Union Tribune reports immigration audits are increasing against employers.
Immigrants appear to be staying away from Louisiana.
Despite recent image problems, Arizona declared by some to be a haven for refugees.
The November Visa Bulletin is now out.
Localities warned again about their inability to opt out of the “Secured Communities” program.
Immigration advocacy is going local.

Immigration for Lunch

2010-10-08T11:56:00.002-05:00

Here's a look at today's news:

USCIS has implemented H-1B and L-1 fee increases.
Elise Foley discusses enforcement vs. reform in immigration.
"The Nation" rips Lou Dobbs for what it calls hypocrisy on illegal immigration.
New poll in Texas shows Texans want tough border security, but also a path to citizenship.

USCIS to Hold Open Houses

2010-10-06T19:04:00.004-05:00

United States Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced open houses at its offices nationwide and open to the general public. Those interested will be able to interact with office personnel and learn more about the agency's programs.

Attendees will also be able to tour the entire office and view mock naturalization interviews.

To see a list of open houses, see here.

Immigration for Lunch

2010-10-06T12:09:00.002-05:00

Today's immigration is as follows:

Another step towards comprehensive immigration reform.
Protests against ICE's "Secured Communities" program end in arrest for some.
A look at Senator Hatch's "non-solution" to the immigration debate.
The Supreme Court will be reviewing a 2007 Arizona immigration law.
Reports indicate that a record number of immigrants died while crossing the Arizona border in 2010.
The 3rd Circuit has struck down anti-immigrant housing and employment ordinances.
Under a special parole program, released Cuban prisoners in Spain are coming to the United States.
New 9th Circuit opinion on "crime of violence."
DHS has released a new report on the handling of unaccompanied alien children.

Immigration for Lunch

2010-10-05T12:18:00.002-05:00

Here's a look at what's going on mid-day

Here are some more details and allegations about ICE’s refusal to release records on immigration enforcement.
Washington hearings seem only to have reinforced immigration divisiveness.
Texas hasn’t adopted Arizona’s approach to immigration for a reason, says Kevin Richert of the Idaho Statesman.
ColorLines asks the question, “Can cities choose their own immigration policies?”
Harvard panelists offer a roundup on AZ's new immigration law
Mexico and 10 other Latin American countries are seeking a voice in the appeal concerning Arizona's immigration law.
U.S. immigration policies are failing to meet the needs of immigrants and Americans, says the USA Today.
The Washington Post is expressing more concern that the Secured Communities program might lead to racial profiling.
The Daily Record calls recent the immigration bill proposed in Congress "Good legislation, bad timing."
Counterpunch.com alleges President Obama has reneged on a key agreement with immigration advocates.

Immigration for Lunch

2010-10-04T12:58:00.002-05:00

Here's your lunch-time links:

Immigration one of the topics discussed at a recent Minnesota gubernatorial debate.
Here's a look at an opinion on how to reconstruct Meg Whitman's immigration stance.
Nebraska's governor predicts Arizona-like immigration laws in every state.
Immigration expert says Whitman's ex-maid safe from deportation, for now
Ice declares that key data it holds is "unavailable."

News from the Weekend

2010-10-04T12:34:00.005-05:00

Here's a look at what happened over the weekend:

Elise Foley breaks down the recent immigration legislation from Senator Robert Menendez.
Despite uncertainty expressed by many (including myself) Senator Menendez remains hopeful about the prospects of his new immigration bill.
The “Governator” vetoes bill that would provide in-state tuition rates to undocumented aliens in California.
USCIS has held the first military naturalization ceremony in Afghanistan at Kandahar Airfield.
Clowns interrupt anti-immigration protest in Rhode Island.
Cathleen Decker, of the Los Angeles Times, takes a look at the jumbled views of Californians on immigration.
The fight to keep the DREAM alive continues.
Here’s a very interesting Time magazine interview with Isabel Wilkerson on Black America’s immigration story.
It appears that immigration is set to be an issue on this term’s Supreme Court docket.
The New York Times chronicles the rising anti-immigrant sentiment in Nebraska.
The 3rd Circuit has issued an opinion interpreting “continuous residence” for purposes of TPS.

Clowns Make their Voices Heard in Immigration Debate

2010-10-01T21:42:00.009-05:00

During a rally in support of a controversial immigration law in Rhode Island, the small assembly got a surprise of Barnum & Bailey proportions.

Even if the endless debate produces nothing, at least we'll have been entertained.