The Los Angeles City Council has approved a measure barring city workers for traveling to Arizona on official business and also banning the city from contracting with Arizona businesses. Some contracts for key infrastructure items are not affected, but the LA Times estimates that the vote will cost Arizona upwards of $8 million per year. The biggest contracts not affected are those involving the airport and sea port. But the civilian panels overseeing them are considering canceling contracts worth $26 million.
On Monday, Boulder, Colorado will vote on a similar measure. San Jose votes next month.
Mixed news. Big advancements in Family 2A. Backlogs for Mexico and India in the employment categories are not improving.
Family 1st - Advancement of worldwide, China and India numbers by two months to 08 November 2004. Mexico advances one week to 22 October 1992. The Philippines moves up four and a half months to 15 March 1995.
Family 2A - Worldwide, India, China and the Philippines numbers advance thirteen months to 01 January 2008. Mexico jumps eighteen months to 01 December 2006.
Family 2B - Worldwide, India and China numbers advances four and a half months to 15 November 2002. Mexico is stalled at 15 June 1992. The Philippines advances more than months to 08 March 1999.
Family 3rd - Worldwide, India and China remains jumps two weeks to 22 June 2001. Mexico is stalled at 22 October 1992. The Philippines jumps about two months to 22 May 1992.
Family 4th - Worldwide numbers and Chinese and Indian F-4 cutoff dates advance fourteen weeks to 01 September 2000. Mexico remains stalled at 08 December 1995. The Philippines moves about four months to 01 April 1988.
Employment 1st - All categories remain current.
Employment 2nd - Worldwide, Mexico and the Philippines remain current. China advances two months to 22 November 2005. India is stalled at 1 February 2005.
Employment 3rd skilled/professional workers - Worldwide, China and Filipino numbers advance two months to 22 June 2003. India is stalled at 01 October 2001. Mexico is still unavailable.
Employment 3rd unskilled - All numbers remain stalled 1 June 2001 except Mexico which is unavailable.
I just wanted to let folks who are American Immigration Lawyers Association members know that I've decided to throw my hat in to the ring for a spot on the Board of Governors. I may write a lot about politics, but I'm not exactly a politician and have not sought a position with AILA in nearly 20 years.
I have served the organization in many ways - as an author, speaker, committee chair, advocate, etc. - just not in positions that require me to campaign. A number of people have asked me to run for a position over the years and for many personal reasons I've said no. But I do think this blog has offered me a window in to the world of immigration that is unique and I can offer a perspective to the board that others might not have. I also am interested in raising the profile of law practice management within AILA - in its book offerings, CLE programs, etc. - and my having written an American Bar Association book on the subject and having been the chair of the ABA's Law Practice Management book publishing program give me some practical experience in this area that I hope to apply.
I am not planning on campaigning further than simply providing my background information on AILA Infonet and posting the post you are now reading. But I did want to ask AILA readers to please vote in the election and please consider me. Thanks. And good luck to the other candidates (who are all excellent without exception). <end of politicking>.
