• A Note from the Editors: House Passes Limited Extension of 245(i)
• The ABCs of Immigration - Naturalization by Greg Siskind and Amy Ballentine
• Avoiding Deportation by Carl Shusterman
• US Benefits From Foreign-Born from AILF
• How Permanent Residents May Naturalize by Cyrus D. Mehta
• INS Second Quarter Statistical Report
• ILW Highlight: Find a Lawyer

A Note from the Editors:

By a vote of 336 yeas to 43 nays the House passed H.R. 1885 which provides for a limited extension of 245(i). In the debate leading up to the vote, Rep. Jackson-Lee enumerated six reasons for a one year extension of 245(i) instead of the 120 days provided for by H.R. 1885: 1) Four months is not enough time because other recent changes in immigration laws have made additional work for immigration lawyers and the INS, 2) a four month extension creates a greater risk of mistakes as people rush to complete forms, 3) short deadlines benefit scam artists as people are desperate to find help before the deadline, 4) a four month extension will cost the government more money as INS struggles to handle the increased workload instead of being able to spread it over a year, 5) the requirement that the familial or employment relationship existed before April 30, 2001, will require the INS to issue new regulations, and 6) the LIFE act requirement of physical presence in the US on December 21, 2000, will ensure that the extension will not act as a magnet for people to enter the US illegally.

Arguing in favor of the bill, Rep. Sensenbrenner described the 4-month provision as a compromise attacked by both those who want to make 245(i) permanent and those who oppose any extension. He cited the INS as the reason for the extension labeling them, "probably more dysfunctional or nonfunctional than any of the other agencies of the Federal government. But," he noted, "they did get their act together...2 1/2 to 3 months after the time established by law," and issued regulations. Remarking that is it human nature for people to wait for the last minute to file applications, he declared, "that the word should go out today from this House of Representatives that if this legislation passes, do not wait until the last day to file an application." ILW.COM is proud to help get the word out, but until the legislation is also passed by the Senate and signed into law by the President, it has no effect. When that happens, we will let you know.

The ABCs of Immigration - Naturalization
Greg Siskind and Amy Ballentine write about the requirements for naturalization.

Avoiding Deportation
Carl Shusterman explains seven types of relief possible for aliens found to be deportable or removable.

US Benefits From Foreign-Born
The American Immigration Law Foundation writes that immigrants represent less of the total United States population now than they did a hundred years ago. Regardless, they continue to make significant contributions to the economy and revitalize metropolitan areas.

How Permanent Residents May Naturalize
Cyrus D. Mehta writes about basic residency requirements for naturalization some of the difficulties permanent residents may encounter if they have spent considerable periods of time outside the US.

INS Second Quarter Statistical Report
The INS has issued its Statistical Report the the second quarter of FY2001 ending April 30, 2001. The report covers Inspections, Southwest Border Apprehensions, Immigration Benefits, Naturalization Benefits, Removals, Investigations and Asylum.