Immigration Updates:
Customer Identity Verification
Beginning September 9, 2013, USCIS will employ a new verification tool called Customer Identity Verification (CIV) in its field offices. Customers will now submit biometric data, specifically fingerprints and photographs, when appearing at USCIS offices for interviews or to receive evidence of an immigration benefit. The tool will be phased in between September 9 and October 21, 2013 to customers attending an interview or being issued evidence of an immigration benefit.
After a customer arrives at a field office, clears security, and is called to the counter, USCIS will electronically scan two fingerprints and take a picture to verify their identity. The process takes just a few minutes and applies only to customers who have an interview or receive evidence of an immigration benefit. People who go for InfoPass appointments or to accompany a customer will not undergo this process.
After a customer arrives at a field office, clears security, and is called to the counter, USCIS will electronically scan two fingerprints and take a picture to verify their identity. The process takes just a few minutes and applies only to customers who have an interview or receive evidence of an immigration benefit. People who go for InfoPass appointments or to accompany a customer will not undergo this process.
Most Important Immigration News
2015 Diversity Visa Program Opens October 1, 2013
DOS released its instructions for the 2015 Diversity Immigrant Visa Program, which include eligibility requirements, instructions for completing the electronic entry form, and FAQs. Applicants can register between noon (ET) on October 1, 2013 and noon (ET) on November 2, 2013.
DOS released its instructions for the 2015 Diversity Immigrant Visa Program, which include eligibility requirements, instructions for completing the electronic entry form, and FAQs. Applicants can register between noon (ET) on October 1, 2013 and noon (ET) on November 2, 2013.
CBP Begins Implementation of Form I-94 Automation
Today, April 30, 2013, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) started implementing the automated version of Form I-94, Arrival/Departure Record, at air and sea ports of entry and will by week’s end include Charlotte Douglas International Airport in North Carolina, Orlando International Airport in Florida, McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas, Chicago O’Hare International Airport, Miami International Airport and George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston. Implementation will continue across the nation through May 21, to include air and sea ports of entry that support international arrivals. For more information on the implementation schedule, please see CBP’s Travel Advisory.
Foreign travelers entering the United States at air or sea ports of entry will be able to access their electronic Form I-94 by visiting www.cbp.gov/I94. Upon inspection at the point of entry, CBP will give foreign travelers a tear sheet with instructions on how to look up their electronic Form I-94 on CBP’s website. From this website, they can print out their Form I-94 in paper format. Foreign travelers may need their Form I-94 when requesting certain USCIS benefits, or when applying for public benefits from other government agencies.
For more information click here.
Foreign travelers entering the United States at air or sea ports of entry will be able to access their electronic Form I-94 by visiting www.cbp.gov/I94. Upon inspection at the point of entry, CBP will give foreign travelers a tear sheet with instructions on how to look up their electronic Form I-94 on CBP’s website. From this website, they can print out their Form I-94 in paper format. Foreign travelers may need their Form I-94 when requesting certain USCIS benefits, or when applying for public benefits from other government agencies.
For more information click here.
Diversity Lottery DV-2014 Program will begin on Tuesday, October 2, 2012
Online registration for the DV-2014 Program will begin on Tuesday, October 2, 2012 at 12:00 noon, Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) (GMT-4), and conclude on Saturday, November 3, 2012 at 12:00 noon, Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) (GMT-4). After the entry period opens October 2, we recommend early entry, and we strongly encourage applicants not to wait until the last week of the registration period to enter. For more information, click here.
The first 29 applications for Deferred Action have been approved
WASHINGTON, Spokesman Peter Boogaard said that as of Friday, September 14, 2012, U.S. Immigration and Citizenship Services had received about 82,000 applications from illegal immigrants hoping to qualify for the administration's Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program. So far, the Obama administration has approved applications from 29 young illegal immigrants hoping to avoid deportation and get a work permit. Boogaard said another 1,600 applications are awaiting final review. The first approvals came well ahead of the department's own internal estimates that it could take four to six months for an application, including fingerprints and a background check, to be fully reviewed. For more information, click here.
California Bill Allows DREAMers to Obtain Driver's Licenses
California lawmakers approved a bill on Thursday to allow some young illegal immigrants who came to the United States as children to obtain driving licenses, in a move that could appeal to Hispanic voters in the heavily Democratic state. The bill, which ... To read more, click here.
California Senate OKs Anti Arizona bill that would blunt deportation efforts
The Assembly is expected to pass the measure, which would limit California officers' cooperation with federal immigration enforcement, particularly the Secure Communities program. More than 75000 people have been deported from California through Secure Communities since the program began here in 2009, according to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Of those, 19500 were convicted of misdemeanors... To read more click here.
BREAKING NEWS: Obama administration to stop deporting some young illegal immigrants!
Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano today (June 15, 2012) announced that effective immediately, certain young people who were brought to the United States as young children, do not present a risk to national security or public safety, and meet several key criteria will be considered for relief from removal from the country or from entering into removal proceedings. Those who demonstrate that they meet the criteria will be eligible to receive deferred action for a period of two years, subject to renewal, and will be eligible to apply for work authorization.
Individuals who demonstrate that they meet the following criteria will be eligible for an exercise of discretion, specifically deferred action, on a case by case basis:
If you think you qualify, give us a call to get you started!
For more information click here.
Individuals who demonstrate that they meet the following criteria will be eligible for an exercise of discretion, specifically deferred action, on a case by case basis:
- Came to the United States under the age of sixteen;
- Have continuously resided in the United States for a least five years preceding the date of this memorandum and are present in the United States on the date of this memorandum;
- Are currently in school, have graduated from high school, have obtained a general education development certificate, or are honorably discharged veterans of the Coast Guard or Armed Forces of the United States;
- Have not been convicted of a felony offense, a significant misdemeanor offense, multiple misdemeanor offenses, or otherwise pose a threat to national security or public safety;
- Are not above the age of thirty.
If you think you qualify, give us a call to get you started!
For more information click here.
USCIS Reaches Fiscal Year 2013 H-1B Cap
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced today (June 12, 2012) that it has received a sufficient number of H-1B petitions to reach the statutory cap of 65,000 for fiscal year (FY) 2013. Yesterday, June 11, 2012, was the final receipt date for new H-1B specialty occupation petitions requesting an employment start date in FY 2013.
USCIS will consider properly filed cases as received on the date that USCIS physically receives the petition; not the date that the petition was postmarked. USCIS will reject cap-subject petitions for new H-1B specialty occupation workers if they arrive after June 11, 2012 and seek an employment start date in FY 2013.
As of June 7, 2012, USCIS already received more than 20,000 H-1B petitions filed on behalf of persons exempt from the cap under the ‘advanced degree’ exemption. USCIS will continue to accept and process petitions that are otherwise exempt from the cap.
In addition, petitions filed on behalf of current H-1B workers who have been counted previously against the cap will not be counted toward the FY 2013 H-1B cap. As such, USCIS will continue to accept and process these petitions to:
USCIS will consider properly filed cases as received on the date that USCIS physically receives the petition; not the date that the petition was postmarked. USCIS will reject cap-subject petitions for new H-1B specialty occupation workers if they arrive after June 11, 2012 and seek an employment start date in FY 2013.
As of June 7, 2012, USCIS already received more than 20,000 H-1B petitions filed on behalf of persons exempt from the cap under the ‘advanced degree’ exemption. USCIS will continue to accept and process petitions that are otherwise exempt from the cap.
In addition, petitions filed on behalf of current H-1B workers who have been counted previously against the cap will not be counted toward the FY 2013 H-1B cap. As such, USCIS will continue to accept and process these petitions to:
- extend the amount of time a current H-1B worker may remain in the U.S.;
- change the terms of employment for current H-1B workers;
- allow current H-1B workers to change employers; and
- allow current H-1B workers to work concurrently in a second H-1B position.
USCIS Launches Online Immigration System - USCIS ELIS
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) today launched the first phase of its electronic immigration benefits system, known as USCIS ELIS. The system has been created to modernize the process for filing and adjudicating immigration benefits.
“Today marks a significant milestone in our agency’s history,” said USCIS Director Alejandro Mayorkas. “We have launched the foundation for the web-based future of our agency and our immigration benefits system. USCIS ELIS will transform how we interact with our customers and how we manage the 6-7 million applications we receive each year.”
This initial launch brings the agency closer to realizing the future of immigration services. Beginning today, individuals can establish a USCIS ELIS account and apply online to extend or change their nonimmigrant status for certain visa types. Eligible individuals include foreign citizens who travel to the United States temporarily to study, conduct business, receive medical treatment, or visit on vacation. USCIS ELIS will also enable USCIS officers to review and adjudicate online filings from multiple agency locations across the country.
Historically, USCIS customers have had to apply for most benefits by mail and USCIS employees then review paper files and ship documents between offices to complete their adjudication. Today’s launch signifies an important step forward and is the first of several releases. Future releases will add form types and functions to the system, gradually expanding to cover filing and adjudication for all USCIS immigration benefits.
This important transition for America’s immigration benefits system will take time and continued dedication to fully implement. Following this first release, USCIS anticipates making adjustments and improvements in response to user feedback. This process will enable USCIS to continually enhance the user experience for both customers and USCIS employees. It will also allow the agency to smooth the transition to electronic filing over time, mindful of those individuals without computer access and the agency’s commitment to serve our diverse customer base.
Benefits of using USCIS ELIS include filing applications and paying fees online, shorter processing times, and the ability to update user profiles, receive notices, and respond to requests electronically. The system also includes tools to combat fraud and identify national security concerns.
Mayorkas attributed today’s successful launch to the steadfast dedication of the USCIS workforce. “USCIS employees believe in the transformation of our agency from a paper-based to an online environment. It is through their vision, unwavering commitment, and hard work that we have reached this important milestone,” Mayorkas said.
“Today marks a significant milestone in our agency’s history,” said USCIS Director Alejandro Mayorkas. “We have launched the foundation for the web-based future of our agency and our immigration benefits system. USCIS ELIS will transform how we interact with our customers and how we manage the 6-7 million applications we receive each year.”
This initial launch brings the agency closer to realizing the future of immigration services. Beginning today, individuals can establish a USCIS ELIS account and apply online to extend or change their nonimmigrant status for certain visa types. Eligible individuals include foreign citizens who travel to the United States temporarily to study, conduct business, receive medical treatment, or visit on vacation. USCIS ELIS will also enable USCIS officers to review and adjudicate online filings from multiple agency locations across the country.
Historically, USCIS customers have had to apply for most benefits by mail and USCIS employees then review paper files and ship documents between offices to complete their adjudication. Today’s launch signifies an important step forward and is the first of several releases. Future releases will add form types and functions to the system, gradually expanding to cover filing and adjudication for all USCIS immigration benefits.
This important transition for America’s immigration benefits system will take time and continued dedication to fully implement. Following this first release, USCIS anticipates making adjustments and improvements in response to user feedback. This process will enable USCIS to continually enhance the user experience for both customers and USCIS employees. It will also allow the agency to smooth the transition to electronic filing over time, mindful of those individuals without computer access and the agency’s commitment to serve our diverse customer base.
Benefits of using USCIS ELIS include filing applications and paying fees online, shorter processing times, and the ability to update user profiles, receive notices, and respond to requests electronically. The system also includes tools to combat fraud and identify national security concerns.
Mayorkas attributed today’s successful launch to the steadfast dedication of the USCIS workforce. “USCIS employees believe in the transformation of our agency from a paper-based to an online environment. It is through their vision, unwavering commitment, and hard work that we have reached this important milestone,” Mayorkas said.
USCIS Warns: The Provisional Unlawful Presence Waiver is NOT in Effect
On March 30, 2012, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) posted a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) in the Federal Register outlining its plan to reduce the time U.S. citizens are separated from their immediate relatives (spouses, children, parents) while those family members are in the process of obtaining an immigrant visa to become lawful permanent residents of the United States.
Since the announcement, USCIS has become aware of public misperceptions about the rule-making process and when the provisional unlawful presence waiver process will take effect. To address these issues, USCIS advises:
The Provisional Unlawful Presence Waiver is NOT in effect. The provisional unlawful presence waiver will not be available to potential applicants until an effective date is specified in the final rule USCIS will publish later this year in the Federal Register. USCIS has published a notice of proposed rulemaking and will consider all comments received as part of that process before publishing a final rule.
Do not send an application requesting a provisional waiver at this time. USCIS will reject any application requesting a provisional waiver and return the application and any related fees to the applicant. USCIS cannot accept requests for a provisional waiver until the process change takes effect.
Beware of notarios, or other individuals who are not authorized to practice immigration law, who claim they can help you get a provisional waiver. These individuals also may ask you to pay them money upfront to file an application for a provisional waiver. Avoid such scams. Learn to protect yourself and your family against unauthorized practitioners and immigration scams by visitingwww.uscis.gov/avoidscams.
If you have been scheduled for your immigrant visa interview with the U.S. Department of State,attend the interview. The Department of State may cancel your immigrant visa registration if you fail to appear for your interview.
A detailed Web page addressing the proposed rule is currently posted to www.uscis.gov/provisionalwaiver.
Since the announcement, USCIS has become aware of public misperceptions about the rule-making process and when the provisional unlawful presence waiver process will take effect. To address these issues, USCIS advises:
The Provisional Unlawful Presence Waiver is NOT in effect. The provisional unlawful presence waiver will not be available to potential applicants until an effective date is specified in the final rule USCIS will publish later this year in the Federal Register. USCIS has published a notice of proposed rulemaking and will consider all comments received as part of that process before publishing a final rule.
Do not send an application requesting a provisional waiver at this time. USCIS will reject any application requesting a provisional waiver and return the application and any related fees to the applicant. USCIS cannot accept requests for a provisional waiver until the process change takes effect.
Beware of notarios, or other individuals who are not authorized to practice immigration law, who claim they can help you get a provisional waiver. These individuals also may ask you to pay them money upfront to file an application for a provisional waiver. Avoid such scams. Learn to protect yourself and your family against unauthorized practitioners and immigration scams by visitingwww.uscis.gov/avoidscams.
If you have been scheduled for your immigrant visa interview with the U.S. Department of State,attend the interview. The Department of State may cancel your immigrant visa registration if you fail to appear for your interview.
A detailed Web page addressing the proposed rule is currently posted to www.uscis.gov/provisionalwaiver.
EB-2 Visa Category for China Mainland and India will remain unavailable in 2012
Despite the retrogression of the China and India Employment Second preference cut-off date to August 15, 2007, demand for numbers by applicants with priority dates earlier than that date remained excessive. Such demand is primarily based on cases which had originally been filed with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for adjustment of status in the Employment Third preference category, and are now eligible to be upgraded to Employment Second preference status. The potential amount of such “upgrade” demand is not currently being reported, but it was evident that the continued availability of Employment Second preference numbers for countries other than China and India was being jeopardized. Therefore, it was necessary to make the China and India Employment Second preference category “Unavailable” in early April, and it will remain so for the remainder of FY-2012.
Numbers will once again be available for China and India Employment Second preference cases beginning October 1, 2012 under the FY-2013 annual numerical limitations. Every effort will be made to return the China and India Employment Second preference cut-off date to the May 1, 2010 date which had been reached in April 2012. Readers should be advised that it is impossible to accurately estimate how long that may take, but current indications are that it would definitely not occur before spring 2013.
USCIS has indicated that it will continue accepting China and India Employment Second preference I-485 filings during May, based on the originally announced May cut-off date.
Numbers will once again be available for China and India Employment Second preference cases beginning October 1, 2012 under the FY-2013 annual numerical limitations. Every effort will be made to return the China and India Employment Second preference cut-off date to the May 1, 2010 date which had been reached in April 2012. Readers should be advised that it is impossible to accurately estimate how long that may take, but current indications are that it would definitely not occur before spring 2013.
USCIS has indicated that it will continue accepting China and India Employment Second preference I-485 filings during May, based on the originally announced May cut-off date.
18-Month Designation of Syria for Temporary Protected Status
WASHINGTON— Due to the violent upheaval and deteriorating situation in the Syrian Arab Republic (Syria), U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced today that eligible Syrian nationals (and persons without nationality who last habitually resided in Syria) in the United States may apply for Temporary Protected Status (TPS).
- Click here for more info on this topic.
Visa Processing Fees to Change on April 13, 2012
On March 29, 2012, the Department of State published an interim final rule in the Federal Register to adjust visa processing fees. The fees for most nonimmigrant visa applications and Border Crossing Cards will increase, while all immigrant visa processing fees will decrease. The new fees are scheduled to go into effect on April 13, 2012. For more information, review the Press Release.
USCIS Proposes Process Change for Certain Waivers of Inadmissibility
WASHINGTON—U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) today posted a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) in the Federal Register that would reduce the time U.S. citizens are separated from their spouses, children, and parents (i.e. immediate relatives) who must obtain an immigrant visa abroad to become lawful permanent residents of the United States. This rule would allow certain immediate relatives of U.S. citizens to apply for a provisional waiver of the unlawful presence ground of inadmissibility while still in the United States if they can demonstrate that being separated from their U.S. citizen spouse or parent would cause that U.S. citizen relative extreme hardship. The proposed rule will not alter how USCIS determines eligibility for a waiver of inadmissibility or how an individual establishes extreme hardship.
- Click here for more info on this topic
Illegal Immigrants Will Not Have to leave the U.S. to file for Citizenship
On Jan. 6, 2012, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) posted a notice of intent in the Federal Register outlining its plan to reduce the time that U.S. citizens are separated from their spouses and children under certain circumstances while those family members go through the process of becoming legal immigrants to the United States. This change in law will allow EWI Immediate Relatives of U.S. Citizens to file and have I-601 Waiver Applications adjudicated in U.S. before they decide to interview overseas for immigration.
- Click here for more info on this topic
- Click here for the Notice of Intent
- Click here for other articles (Immigration Daily)
H-1B Visa Cap Count for 2012 has been reached
On November 22, 2011, USCIS received a sufficient number of petitions to reach the statutory cap for FY 2012. USCIS also received more than 20,000 H-1B petitions on behalf of persons exempt from the cap under the advanced degree exemption as of October 19, 2011. USCIS will reject cap-subject petitions for new H-1B specialty occupation workers seeking an employment start date in FY 2012 that are received after November 22, 2011. USCIS continues to accept cap-exempt petitions, DOD petitions and Chile/Singapore H-1B1 petitions requesting an employment start date in FY 2012.
- The filing period for H-1B petitions for Fiscal Year 2013 starts on Friday, March 30, 2012. If you plan on sponsoring an employee you should act promptly!
Visa Processing Fees to Change on April 13, 2012
- Effective April 13, 2012, the Department of State will adjust visa processing fees. The fees for most nonimmigrant visa applications and Border Crossing Cards will increase, while all immigrant visa processing fees will decrease.
- Although most categories of nonimmigrant visa processing fees will increase, the fee for E visas (treaty-traders and treaty-investors) and K visas (for fiancé(e)s of U.S. citizens) will decrease. For more info click here.
USCIS Announces Expansion of E-Verify Self Check
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) today announced that Self Check, a free online service of E-Verify that allows workers to check their own employment eligibility status, is now available in all 50 states, Washington, D.C., Guam, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and the Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands. Launched in March 2011 by Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano and USCIS Director Alejandro Mayorkas, today’s announcement delivers on the goal of expanding Self Check nationally within one year.
- Click here for more info on this topic
O-1 Visa for Individuals with Extraordinary Abilities - Updates
- USCIS launched a new version of the I-129 Form on November 23, 2010. Submitting the wrong version of the Form can result in unnecessary and expensive delays.
- On July 20, 2010, USCIS released a final policy memorandum discussing O-1 petitions and gaps in engagements on Itineraries. The memo advises that length of the gaps is immaterial and does not result in new events. Rather, the regulations speak in terms of tours and multiple appearances as meeting the "event" definition.
Latest Immigration News
General Immigration News - 2012
Judge: US-Born Children of Undocumented Parents Can Pay In-State Tuition
National Journal
U.S. District Judge K. Michael Moore concluded that the state's policy of categorizing American citizens as out-of-state residents because of their parents' immigration status violates the equal protection of the laws guaranteed under the 14th ...
California OKs driver's licenses for some undocumented immigrants
NBCNews.com - Sep 1, 2012
SACRAMENTO — California lawmakers have approved a bill to allow some young undocumented immigrants who came to the United States as children to obtain driving licenses, in a move that could appeal to Hispanic voters in the heavily Democratic state.
National Journal
U.S. District Judge K. Michael Moore concluded that the state's policy of categorizing American citizens as out-of-state residents because of their parents' immigration status violates the equal protection of the laws guaranteed under the 14th ...
California OKs driver's licenses for some undocumented immigrants
NBCNews.com - Sep 1, 2012
SACRAMENTO — California lawmakers have approved a bill to allow some young undocumented immigrants who came to the United States as children to obtain driving licenses, in a move that could appeal to Hispanic voters in the heavily Democratic state.
General Immigration News - July 2012
California Senate passes "anti-Arizona" immigration bill
Reuters
SACRAMENTO (Reuters) - The California Senate passed a bill on Thursday that seeks to shield illegalimmigrants from status checks by local police and challenges Republican-backed immigrationcrackdowns.
Without birth documentation in Mexico, illegal immigrants struggle to live ...
Washington Post
NEW YORK — She was born in Mexico and lives in the United States, but Laura Rocio Ordonez does not officially exist in any country.
Immigrant rights activists call for Alabama AG to clarify immigration law ...
Weld for Birmingham
In the wake of a U.S. Supreme Court decision on an Arizona anti-immigrant law, a group ofimmigrant and civil rights activists is calling for Alabama At...
A long American tradition - amnesty for immigrants
San Francisco Chronicle
they say the same about all proposals that would give undocumented immigrants a chance to remain in the United States. Congress recognized the cruelty and hardship of unnecessarily breaking up families - especially those with spouses and children who...
Reuters
SACRAMENTO (Reuters) - The California Senate passed a bill on Thursday that seeks to shield illegalimmigrants from status checks by local police and challenges Republican-backed immigrationcrackdowns.
Without birth documentation in Mexico, illegal immigrants struggle to live ...
Washington Post
NEW YORK — She was born in Mexico and lives in the United States, but Laura Rocio Ordonez does not officially exist in any country.
Immigrant rights activists call for Alabama AG to clarify immigration law ...
Weld for Birmingham
In the wake of a U.S. Supreme Court decision on an Arizona anti-immigrant law, a group ofimmigrant and civil rights activists is calling for Alabama At...
A long American tradition - amnesty for immigrants
San Francisco Chronicle
they say the same about all proposals that would give undocumented immigrants a chance to remain in the United States. Congress recognized the cruelty and hardship of unnecessarily breaking up families - especially those with spouses and children who...
General Immigration News - June 2012
102-Year-Old Filipino Man Becomes US Citizen
ABC News (blog)
Andy Holzman/Los Angeles Daily News/AP Photo) Like many young immigrants, Joaquin Arciago Guzman came to the United States looking for the American dream. In 1928, at age 18, he left the Philippines for the Salinas Valley in California to harvest ...
US 'genius' visas O-1s and EB-1s now the immigration solution of choice for ...
Economic Times
The so-called genius visas, which have largely escaped political controversy, are now theimmigration solution of choice for many entrepreneurs.
US Desperately Needs a Strategy to Attract the Right Skilled Immigrants
Fox and Hounds Daily
Crossposted on newgeography President Obama's recent “do it myself” immigration reform plan, predictably dissed by conservatives and nativists.
Mexico laments part of US immigration ruling
CBS News
Mexico laments part of US immigration ruling. ... MEXICO CITY — The Mexican government says it's disappointed that the U.S. Supreme Court upheld part of an ...
Immigration Ruling Leaves Issues Unresolved
New York Times
The Supreme Court suggested it was open to new challenges to the Arizonaimmigration law based on any adverse impacts on civil rights.
For immigrants, recent policy changes are personal
CNN
Obama's announcement and the Supreme Court's rejection of all but one provision of a law in Arizona have brought the immigration issue back into the spotlight.
Local police step up immigration enforcement
Fox News
State and local police across the country didn't need the U.S. Supreme Court ruling upholding Arizona's show me your papers immigration law to begin turning ...
ABC News (blog)
Andy Holzman/Los Angeles Daily News/AP Photo) Like many young immigrants, Joaquin Arciago Guzman came to the United States looking for the American dream. In 1928, at age 18, he left the Philippines for the Salinas Valley in California to harvest ...
US 'genius' visas O-1s and EB-1s now the immigration solution of choice for ...
Economic Times
The so-called genius visas, which have largely escaped political controversy, are now theimmigration solution of choice for many entrepreneurs.
US Desperately Needs a Strategy to Attract the Right Skilled Immigrants
Fox and Hounds Daily
Crossposted on newgeography President Obama's recent “do it myself” immigration reform plan, predictably dissed by conservatives and nativists.
Mexico laments part of US immigration ruling
CBS News
Mexico laments part of US immigration ruling. ... MEXICO CITY — The Mexican government says it's disappointed that the U.S. Supreme Court upheld part of an ...
Immigration Ruling Leaves Issues Unresolved
New York Times
The Supreme Court suggested it was open to new challenges to the Arizonaimmigration law based on any adverse impacts on civil rights.
For immigrants, recent policy changes are personal
CNN
Obama's announcement and the Supreme Court's rejection of all but one provision of a law in Arizona have brought the immigration issue back into the spotlight.
Local police step up immigration enforcement
Fox News
State and local police across the country didn't need the U.S. Supreme Court ruling upholding Arizona's show me your papers immigration law to begin turning ...
General Immigration News - May 2012
Inconvenient facts about immigration
Jacksonville Daily News
A new report confirms what the Mexican government announced one year ago: net immigration from that country to the United States essentially has dropped to zero. The Pew Hispanic Center released a report last week stating that for the first time since ...
The Rise of Legal Immigration From Mexico
The Atlantic
By Shannon K. O'Neil A decade ago, 10 percent of migrants from Mexico to the US did so legally. Now, it's 50 percent. A naturalization ceremony for new US citizens in Boston. / Reuters A recent Pew Hispanic Center report highlights the rather steep ...
Infosys Briefed B-1 Visa Holders on How to Deceive US Immigration Officials
IT Business Edge (blog)
... in which Infosys briefs B-1 visa holders on how to deceive US immigration officials: Back in Bangalore they have an elaborate immigration department – obviously they have a lot of people traveling, the majority of whom travel to the United States.
Jacksonville Daily News
A new report confirms what the Mexican government announced one year ago: net immigration from that country to the United States essentially has dropped to zero. The Pew Hispanic Center released a report last week stating that for the first time since ...
The Rise of Legal Immigration From Mexico
The Atlantic
By Shannon K. O'Neil A decade ago, 10 percent of migrants from Mexico to the US did so legally. Now, it's 50 percent. A naturalization ceremony for new US citizens in Boston. / Reuters A recent Pew Hispanic Center report highlights the rather steep ...
Infosys Briefed B-1 Visa Holders on How to Deceive US Immigration Officials
IT Business Edge (blog)
... in which Infosys briefs B-1 visa holders on how to deceive US immigration officials: Back in Bangalore they have an elaborate immigration department – obviously they have a lot of people traveling, the majority of whom travel to the United States.
General Immigration News - April 2012
India and US in diplomatic spat after Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan detained ...
New York Daily News
The detention of Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan by immigration officials in New York has led to a diplomatic row between India and the United States. Shah Rukh Khan may be one of the most famous men in the world, but he was clearly unknown to officials ...
India challenges US immigration rules at WTO
Reuters
NEW DELHI, April 10 (Reuters) - India has launched a complaint at the World Trade Organisation over the cost of US work visas, which it says are too high and discriminate against a group of Indian IT firms, in the latest sign of prickly trade ties ...
Syrians in the US Are Given Protected Immigration Status
New York Times
Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano on Friday granted temporary immigration status to Syrians in the United States, sparing them from having to return home, in a new sign that Washington believes security conditions in Syria are going from bad ...
2.4 lakh illegal Indian immigrants living in US
IndiaPost.com
WASHINGTON: An estimated 240000 Indian immigrants are among 11.5 million foreigners living illegally in the United States without proper immigration documents, according to latest official figures. The flow of Indians coming clandestinely to the US has ...
Sen. Menendez calls for immigration reform following allegations of detainee ...
NJ.com
By Jason Grant/The Star-Ledger Joe Epstein/For The Star-Ledger US Sen. Robert Menendez (D-NJ) is pictured in this December 2011 Star-Ledger file photo. On Friday, Menendez called for immigration reform in a combative speech at a conference on the...
US can detect fake PH immigration arrival-departure stamps
Inquirer.net
She then decided to return to the US to reunite with her son. Vivian was worried that her lengthy stay would affect her green card status. So she approached a man who was introduced to her as having “connections” to Philippine immigration officials.
New York Daily News
The detention of Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan by immigration officials in New York has led to a diplomatic row between India and the United States. Shah Rukh Khan may be one of the most famous men in the world, but he was clearly unknown to officials ...
India challenges US immigration rules at WTO
Reuters
NEW DELHI, April 10 (Reuters) - India has launched a complaint at the World Trade Organisation over the cost of US work visas, which it says are too high and discriminate against a group of Indian IT firms, in the latest sign of prickly trade ties ...
Syrians in the US Are Given Protected Immigration Status
New York Times
Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano on Friday granted temporary immigration status to Syrians in the United States, sparing them from having to return home, in a new sign that Washington believes security conditions in Syria are going from bad ...
2.4 lakh illegal Indian immigrants living in US
IndiaPost.com
WASHINGTON: An estimated 240000 Indian immigrants are among 11.5 million foreigners living illegally in the United States without proper immigration documents, according to latest official figures. The flow of Indians coming clandestinely to the US has ...
Sen. Menendez calls for immigration reform following allegations of detainee ...
NJ.com
By Jason Grant/The Star-Ledger Joe Epstein/For The Star-Ledger US Sen. Robert Menendez (D-NJ) is pictured in this December 2011 Star-Ledger file photo. On Friday, Menendez called for immigration reform in a combative speech at a conference on the...
US can detect fake PH immigration arrival-departure stamps
Inquirer.net
She then decided to return to the US to reunite with her son. Vivian was worried that her lengthy stay would affect her green card status. So she approached a man who was introduced to her as having “connections” to Philippine immigration officials.
General Immigration News - March 2012
Young immigrants' legal status threatened by parents' choices
Los Angeles Times
Jiovanna has been barred from the United States because of a 1996 immigration law. Jiovanna Campbell was 9 when her uncle killed himself. Beyond her parents, he was the only ...
US unveils reform-minded immigration facility in Texas
USA TODAY
Although the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility has heavy security, with doors that lock electronically and windows made of reinforced glass, officials insist this isn't a prison. Guards don't carry handcuffs, there's no wall around the ...
California City Accused of "Profiting" from Undocumented Immigrants
Fox News
The ACLU report says that the traffic roadblocks have become immigration roadblocks, something that has been aggravated by an unusual cooperation between the Escondido police and US Immigration and Customs Enforcement, which has agents waiting a short ...
DHS finalizing plan to track who leaves the US and when
Washington Post
WASHINGTON — The Department of Homeland Security is finalizing its plan for a biometric data system to track when immigrants leave the United States and will present it to Congress within “weeks,” a top department official told a House Homeland ...
Separated couple awaits immigration law change
Huffington Post
Many assume an illegal immigrant married to a US citizen easily qualifies for a "green card" or legalUS residency. But Ana, an immigrant from El Salvador who is a US citizen, and Agustin, a Mexican who lived illegally in the United States for decades, ...
For Latinos, Immigration More Personal than Political, Poll Says
Fox News
Indeed, for many Latinos, immigration is personal. Nearly half of these US citizens take offense at the term “illegal immigrant,” some seven percent are neutral on the phrase. More than half of the respondents say they feel US immigration policy is too ...
Los Angeles Times
Jiovanna has been barred from the United States because of a 1996 immigration law. Jiovanna Campbell was 9 when her uncle killed himself. Beyond her parents, he was the only ...
US unveils reform-minded immigration facility in Texas
USA TODAY
Although the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility has heavy security, with doors that lock electronically and windows made of reinforced glass, officials insist this isn't a prison. Guards don't carry handcuffs, there's no wall around the ...
California City Accused of "Profiting" from Undocumented Immigrants
Fox News
The ACLU report says that the traffic roadblocks have become immigration roadblocks, something that has been aggravated by an unusual cooperation between the Escondido police and US Immigration and Customs Enforcement, which has agents waiting a short ...
DHS finalizing plan to track who leaves the US and when
Washington Post
WASHINGTON — The Department of Homeland Security is finalizing its plan for a biometric data system to track when immigrants leave the United States and will present it to Congress within “weeks,” a top department official told a House Homeland ...
Separated couple awaits immigration law change
Huffington Post
Many assume an illegal immigrant married to a US citizen easily qualifies for a "green card" or legalUS residency. But Ana, an immigrant from El Salvador who is a US citizen, and Agustin, a Mexican who lived illegally in the United States for decades, ...
For Latinos, Immigration More Personal than Political, Poll Says
Fox News
Indeed, for many Latinos, immigration is personal. Nearly half of these US citizens take offense at the term “illegal immigrant,” some seven percent are neutral on the phrase. More than half of the respondents say they feel US immigration policy is too ...
General Immigration News - February 2012
US to Deport Mexican Immigrants to Home States Instead of Border
Fox News
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers pat down undocumented immigrants from El Salvador before boarding them onto a deportation flight on December 8, 2010 in Mesa, Arizona. (Photo by John Moore/Getty Images) The US government says it will...
The Administration Acts to Ease the Path for Some Highly Skilled Immigrants
Law Firm Newswire (press release)
Dallas, TX (Law Firm Newswire) February 28, 2012 – The United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) recently announced several new proposals to improve US immigration processing for high skilled immigrant workers, each of which do not ...
'Rotting Crops' Show Need for Immigration Changes, Vilsack Says
Bloomberg
Changes in immigration laws are needed to ensure adequate levels of farm labor and prevent crops from “rotting” in fields, US Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said. “The sad reality is that crops will be raised in this country this year that may not ...
Immigration chief seeks to reassure Silicon Valley
Casper Star-Tribune Online
The Obama administration's top immigration official said Wednesday he wants to keep more foreign-born high-tech entrepreneurs in the US But to make that happen, he said he needs those entrepreneurs to turn their creativity to immigration itself.
Immigrant coalition heads to capital
Yale Daily News
By Michelle Hackman, James Lu Over 70 New Haven workers and immigrants' rights advocates travelled to Hartford Wednesday to protest the federal deportation program that launched in Connecticut that day. As the controversial US Immigration and Customs ...
Noncitizen veterans protest possible deportation to Mexico
Los Angeles Times
Two brothers who served in Vietnam demonstrate at the US-Mexico border over a more stringent immigration policy that ensnared them because of misdemeanor criminal convictions more than 10 years ago. Valente Valenzuela, a noncitizen Vietnam veteran
Utah Immigration Laws Must Be Blocked, US Tell Judge
BusinessWeek
17 (Bloomberg) -- A Utah law requiring police to verify the immigration status of people arrested on felony charges violates the US Constitution and must be blocked, lawyers for the federal government said. That measure was included in a package of ...
ICE agent shot boss during performance discussion
Chicago Tribune
Related Officers gather in the lobby of the Federal Building after US Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers were shot in the building in Long Beach, Calif. Officers gather in the lobby of the Federal Building after US Immigration and Customs ...
US Immigration hosts forum encouraging Chinese immigrants to apply for citizenship
Workpermit.com
This week San Francisco will host the first-ever national US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Chinese-language public engagement forum where US immigration officials will answer questions about the US naturalization process.
New hope for immigration reform
Sacramento Bee
But one of the most insidious effects has been the backlash of immigration policies that have deprived the innovation economy of fine minds from other countries. It's been especially foolish to stop encouraging foreign students graduating from US ...
Judges demand prosecutors' plans in immigration cases
TucsonSentinel.com
The order from a three-judge panel of the 9th US Circuit Court of Appeals cites 2011 memos fromImmigration and Customs Enforcement that spell out when and how the agency may exercise “prosecutorial discretion” in immigration enforcement cases.
Are the Courts Fed Up With America's Badly Broken Immigration Laws?
Huffington Post (blog)
Each case considered by Ninth Circuit concerned an immigrant who had been in the US for a long time, had strong family ties, and had no criminal record. Unfortunately, such sympathetic factors are usually meaningless to the immigration law which ...
Immigration, deportation -- and no right to return?
Los Angeles Times
The Justice Department says that deported immigrants who win their cases on appeal can return to the US But it appears that's not true. Rigo Barboza, an undocumented student, protested President Obama's immigration policies outside the Fig & Olive ...
Deportations splitting families, US-born kids
Bradenton Herald
When Ibarra walked into the courthouse lobby to deal with a traffic fine, he was arrested by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials and deported to Mexico City, the hometown he hadn't seen in 10 years...
New Research Finds Soaring Denial Rates for High Skill Professionals
Forbes
Analysis of new data obtained from US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) reveals the agency has dramatically increased denials of L-1 and H-1B petitions over the past four years, harming the competitiveness of US employers and encouraging ...
US Starts Chinese Forums to Move More Immigrants to Citizenship
New America Media
San Francisco will host the first-ever national Chinese-language public engagement forum, Feb. 16, where federal immigration officials will answer questions in Mandarin and Cantonese about the U.S. naturalization process, aimed at encouraging more Chinese immigrants to become U.S. citizens.
US faces tough fight in cash-smuggling crackdown
Utica Observer Dispatch
Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Homeland Security Investigation (HSI) report a rising number of cash seizures and arrests in the past half-dozen years as criminals, sidestepping scrutiny from banks over electronic transfers, resort to using cash to conceal proceeds from drug trafficking as they move the money south to crime rings in Mexico and elsewhere.
Report urges alternative to mass deportation of illegal immigrants
Sierra Vista Herald
By Jonathon Shacat BISBEE — A special report issued earlier this month by the Immigration Policy Center called “Discrediting 'Self Deportation' as Immigration Policy” argues that forcing all illegal immigrants to leave the United States would make ...
Clark County employers weigh pros, cons of E-Verify
The Columbian
In increasing numbers, Clark County employers in the public and private sector are embracing E-Verify to eliminate doubts about their workforces' eligibility to work in the United States. But in the context of this country's heated immigration debate, ...
Fox News
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers pat down undocumented immigrants from El Salvador before boarding them onto a deportation flight on December 8, 2010 in Mesa, Arizona. (Photo by John Moore/Getty Images) The US government says it will...
The Administration Acts to Ease the Path for Some Highly Skilled Immigrants
Law Firm Newswire (press release)
Dallas, TX (Law Firm Newswire) February 28, 2012 – The United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) recently announced several new proposals to improve US immigration processing for high skilled immigrant workers, each of which do not ...
'Rotting Crops' Show Need for Immigration Changes, Vilsack Says
Bloomberg
Changes in immigration laws are needed to ensure adequate levels of farm labor and prevent crops from “rotting” in fields, US Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said. “The sad reality is that crops will be raised in this country this year that may not ...
Immigration chief seeks to reassure Silicon Valley
Casper Star-Tribune Online
The Obama administration's top immigration official said Wednesday he wants to keep more foreign-born high-tech entrepreneurs in the US But to make that happen, he said he needs those entrepreneurs to turn their creativity to immigration itself.
Immigrant coalition heads to capital
Yale Daily News
By Michelle Hackman, James Lu Over 70 New Haven workers and immigrants' rights advocates travelled to Hartford Wednesday to protest the federal deportation program that launched in Connecticut that day. As the controversial US Immigration and Customs ...
Noncitizen veterans protest possible deportation to Mexico
Los Angeles Times
Two brothers who served in Vietnam demonstrate at the US-Mexico border over a more stringent immigration policy that ensnared them because of misdemeanor criminal convictions more than 10 years ago. Valente Valenzuela, a noncitizen Vietnam veteran
Utah Immigration Laws Must Be Blocked, US Tell Judge
BusinessWeek
17 (Bloomberg) -- A Utah law requiring police to verify the immigration status of people arrested on felony charges violates the US Constitution and must be blocked, lawyers for the federal government said. That measure was included in a package of ...
ICE agent shot boss during performance discussion
Chicago Tribune
Related Officers gather in the lobby of the Federal Building after US Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers were shot in the building in Long Beach, Calif. Officers gather in the lobby of the Federal Building after US Immigration and Customs ...
US Immigration hosts forum encouraging Chinese immigrants to apply for citizenship
Workpermit.com
This week San Francisco will host the first-ever national US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Chinese-language public engagement forum where US immigration officials will answer questions about the US naturalization process.
New hope for immigration reform
Sacramento Bee
But one of the most insidious effects has been the backlash of immigration policies that have deprived the innovation economy of fine minds from other countries. It's been especially foolish to stop encouraging foreign students graduating from US ...
Judges demand prosecutors' plans in immigration cases
TucsonSentinel.com
The order from a three-judge panel of the 9th US Circuit Court of Appeals cites 2011 memos fromImmigration and Customs Enforcement that spell out when and how the agency may exercise “prosecutorial discretion” in immigration enforcement cases.
Are the Courts Fed Up With America's Badly Broken Immigration Laws?
Huffington Post (blog)
Each case considered by Ninth Circuit concerned an immigrant who had been in the US for a long time, had strong family ties, and had no criminal record. Unfortunately, such sympathetic factors are usually meaningless to the immigration law which ...
Immigration, deportation -- and no right to return?
Los Angeles Times
The Justice Department says that deported immigrants who win their cases on appeal can return to the US But it appears that's not true. Rigo Barboza, an undocumented student, protested President Obama's immigration policies outside the Fig & Olive ...
Deportations splitting families, US-born kids
Bradenton Herald
When Ibarra walked into the courthouse lobby to deal with a traffic fine, he was arrested by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials and deported to Mexico City, the hometown he hadn't seen in 10 years...
New Research Finds Soaring Denial Rates for High Skill Professionals
Forbes
Analysis of new data obtained from US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) reveals the agency has dramatically increased denials of L-1 and H-1B petitions over the past four years, harming the competitiveness of US employers and encouraging ...
US Starts Chinese Forums to Move More Immigrants to Citizenship
New America Media
San Francisco will host the first-ever national Chinese-language public engagement forum, Feb. 16, where federal immigration officials will answer questions in Mandarin and Cantonese about the U.S. naturalization process, aimed at encouraging more Chinese immigrants to become U.S. citizens.
US faces tough fight in cash-smuggling crackdown
Utica Observer Dispatch
Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Homeland Security Investigation (HSI) report a rising number of cash seizures and arrests in the past half-dozen years as criminals, sidestepping scrutiny from banks over electronic transfers, resort to using cash to conceal proceeds from drug trafficking as they move the money south to crime rings in Mexico and elsewhere.
Report urges alternative to mass deportation of illegal immigrants
Sierra Vista Herald
By Jonathon Shacat BISBEE — A special report issued earlier this month by the Immigration Policy Center called “Discrediting 'Self Deportation' as Immigration Policy” argues that forcing all illegal immigrants to leave the United States would make ...
Clark County employers weigh pros, cons of E-Verify
The Columbian
In increasing numbers, Clark County employers in the public and private sector are embracing E-Verify to eliminate doubts about their workforces' eligibility to work in the United States. But in the context of this country's heated immigration debate, ...
General Immigration News - January 2012
Dutchment Grounded. Multiple citizenship is on the rise. But some states continue to deter it
The Economist
A new law proposed by the Dutch government aims not only to limit dual nationality among immigrants (in 2011 around 20,000 people gained Dutch nationality through naturalisation) but also to make it easier for the authorities to strip members of the 850,000-plus Dutch diaspora of their nationality, should they secure a second citizenship abroad.
The Economist
A new law proposed by the Dutch government aims not only to limit dual nationality among immigrants (in 2011 around 20,000 people gained Dutch nationality through naturalisation) but also to make it easier for the authorities to strip members of the 850,000-plus Dutch diaspora of their nationality, should they secure a second citizenship abroad.
