Letter from North Carolina AG’s Office on Eligibility of Undocumented Students for Community College may shed some light on this controversial issue. Should students that lived in this country illegally for years be eligible for community college admissions?
Read the Letter from the AG here Download file
In recent weeks I heard two horrible stories from European clients about their experience entering the US. One a fairly know author from France was kept in secondary inspection for 14 hours, before finally letting him enter the US. The officers never explained why he was detained and never offer an Apology.
Another person entering from Germany to join his co workers on a US vacation, was humiliated by port of entry officers, accused of being a potential unauthorized worker and was sent back home with shame. He is now angry and outraged at our government and immigration system.
Here is a funny YOU-TUBE video to reflect on the above…
Long overdue but the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Michael Chertoff signed on April 18, 2008 a Visa Waiver Program (VWP) agreement with Korean Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Yu Myung-hwan. The security enhancements outlined in the agreement puts Korea on the path toward visa-free travel to the U.S., and potential designation as a VWP member as early as later this year. Members of Visa Waiver countries do not require a visa to enter the US and can stay up to 90 days as visitors.
Clients have been waiting patiently for the visa Bulletin to be out this month. Excellent news in many categories. The U.S. Department of State (DOS) has issued the May 2008 Visa Bulletin. It contains continued good news for some EB2 applicants from India and China. It also reflects significant forward movement in the EB3 worldwide category.
The EB1 category remains current for all countries of chargeability. EB2 categories for worldwide, Mexico, and the Philippines remain current. The cutoff dates for India and China moved forward by a month, with a new cutoff date of January 1, 2004 established for both countries of chargeability.
The EB3 worldwide category cutoff date moved forward by eight months to March 1, 2006. India’s cutoff date moved slightly to November 1, 2001. China also inched forward to March 22, 2003. Mexico and the Philippines jumped forward more significantly to July 1, 2002 and March 1, 2006, respectively. Fourth and Fifth all current.
Here is an interesting discussion on what is illegal immigration by the Pinky Show
How many times have I been getting complaints from clients about ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) agents harassing and violating rights of clients. There was this one client “under investigation” by ICE agents pretending to be a couple looking for a lost dog, asking him questions, only later to use without context in denying his adjustment case. Or the 3AM visit to a clients home, breaking and destroying personal property.
The average person/immigrant is terrified dealing with these agents. But read about this incident, Immigration Attorney, had an encounter with ICE agents at his private home that has led to his filing a complaint with DHS. Fortunately, the lawyer knows his rights, of course he does. Read the link from the ImmigrationProf Blog Here
A few days ago, USCIS issued an Update announcing revised filing instructions for Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative. As many of you may know, Form I-130 is the most common form to be used when filing a relative petition. Unlike immediate relative (Parents and Spouses) petitions that are normally files with the Chicago Benefits Center, all other relative categories (brother/sisters, children of USC’s over 21, spouses of US residents, etc), used to be filed with one of the 4 service centers (California, Texas,Vermont, and Nebraska).
Effective immediately, all petitioners filing stand-alone Form I-130s must file their petitions with the Chicago Lockbox instead of a USCIS Service Center.
Under the new rules, all stand alone I-130 petitions must be filed at the following address and only at this address:
I have been dealing with USCIS offices in all 50 states, but the one in Fresno has always been one of my favorites. We process many adoptions cases and family petitions at that office, and I often fly over there to represent local clients. Don Riding (The Chief) staff are always on the ball and very helpful. I wasn’t surprised to read about his unusual service to sick and elderly clients that can not come to the Citizenship ceremony:
When Freydoon Alexandrous, who grew up in Iran and lives in Turlock, heard his citizenship request had been approved, he no longer had the strength to attend the naturalization ceremony in Fresno. Heart and orthopedic problems and a recent fall made the 85-mile trek to the Citizenship and Immigration Services office in Fresno impossible.
So Don Riding, CIS field office director, came to him.
Arizona Law Mandating E-Verify went into effect on January 1, 2008 and is the nation’s toughest workplace enforcement law. It is aimed at punishing employers who knowingly hire illegal immigrants. Many other states are watching Arizona’s example and considering similar legislation.
The AZ District Court Dismisses Challenge to Employment Verification Law by industry leaders and activist groups. This ruling is a negative sign as to what will happen in other States trying to enforce immigration law locally.
I was featured on a special edition of the Rick Amato Show on Monday from 8pm-11pm immediately following the President’s State Of The Union speech. Scheduled guests included Congressman Bob Filner and Brian Bilbray. The president discussed the economy and Immigration in the speech. Listen to my commentary after the speech in the podcast below, (skip the first 15 minutes to listen to my discussion)
Click here to listen
Visa Lawyer Blog