A Note from the Editors:

"Who are they (terrorists) to tell other people that, if they want to be safe they should not participate in the American way of life? I love this Country and I am prepared to die right here with all the Americans they vowed to kill. I have no intention of running into some corner and hide. I trust that millions of hard working immigrants in the US will continue to contribute to society in a significant manner and not be scared into going back to their country. This is the country that put bread on our table and we should be here for the long haul."

These inspiring words are written by "A Hard Working Immigrant" (the letter is published below). With a surge of anti-immigrant sentiment in America, it is more important than ever before that immigrants voice what they really are: hard working, law abiding and patriotic. Most immigrants are grateful for a chance given to them by America to improve their lives and eager to give back to the country which has given them so much.

Beside giving practical information on immigration and discussing policital issues affecting immigration, Immigrant's Weekly is a mouthpiece of the Immigrant Community in America. We welcome existing and to-be-immigrants to write their views on various issues to us. We understand the hesitation of many immigrants in writing to us, since English could be their second language. We edit letters (if needed) for clarity, but consider the ideas being put forward in these letters as more important.

Articles

DOJ Announces Plan To Implement Entry-exit Registration System For Foreign Nationals From Certain Countries
Parastou Hassouri writes "others have suggested that the proposal was meant to detract attention from the failures of the Federal Bureau of Investigations and the Central Intelligence Agency, both of which have recently been the focus of national attention, as reports in the press have suggested that both organizations received numerous tips about possible terrorist attacks before September 11."

LIFE Legalization Deadline Is June 4, 2003
INS issued a news release regarding its Final Rule for Adjustment of Status Under Legalization Provisions of the Life Act and said "INS is announcing a new filing deadline of June 4, 2003 to comply with the Congressional mandate of allowing a one-year filing period commencing with the publication of the final rule. This will provide ample time for eligible applicants to apply for benefits under the final regulations."

Uncle Sam Wants You: Immigrants And The War Against Terrorism
Gary Endelman writes that America is adopting a circle the wagons attitude to immigration in the light of the war against the terrorists, and that this is an incomplete strategy for success in the war, the missing component being a renewed commitment to increased immigration as the foundation for the economic strength which will be essential in winning the war. While supporting "all necessary safeguards, up to and including a temporary moratorium on immigration from countries that sponsor terrorism," he reminds us that "immigrants are front line soldiers in the fight that has enlisted us all."

INS Issues TPS Reminder
INS issued a reminder to "those eligible Hondurans and Nicaraguans to re-register immediately for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) to maintain TPS and employment authorization for the 12-month period beginning on July 5, 2002 and ending on July 5, 2003."

Should California Create Its Own INS?
Dan Walters, a columnist for the Sacramento Bee, writes that a California State Commission has recommended "that California create what it calls a 'Golden State Residency Program' that would offer a form of state-sanctioned status -- including driver's licenses -- to immigrants deemed worthy, regardless of their legal status" and asks "Should California create, in effect, its own immigration and naturalization service?"

Who Owns American Jobs - American Employers Or American Employees?
Siliconvalley.com reports that "The Justice Department is investigating whether Sun Microsystems has discriminated against U.S. citizens in favor of foreign workers here on temporary H-1B work visas."

The ABC’s Of Immigration - A, G, And Nato Visas For Foreign Government Representatives
Greg Siskind and Amy Ballentine write about A, G and Nato Visas.

Desperately Needed School Teachers Delayed By INS Security Checks
The Virginian Pilot reports that "security checks on immigrants are delaying the arrival of new Filipino teachers to the [Virginia Beach's] school system."

Arguments Against The Cultural Bridges Act of 2002
The National Review decries the Cultural Bridges Act of 2002, which is now before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

Immigration And The Department Of Homeland Security
National Immigration Forum comments on the subsuming of immigration functions under the proposed Department of Homeland Security.

How to Draw a Crowd in Flushing at 2:30
New York Times reports on the enthusiasm in the South Korean immigrant community in Queens, New York during the World Cup Soccer Quarterfinal match of South Korea vs. Spain.

How Do I Get Legally Admitted to the United States?
Read comprehensive answer to this question about Admission to the United States from INS.

ILW Highlights

Immigration Discussion Board

ILW.COM is happy to announce the relaunch of its discussion board. This is a very active immigrant community and good place to post your questions and comments.

Marie posted, " I wanted to say that I like this board a LOT better than the other one, especially the fact that the thread with new messages go to the top of the page! I think you guys at ILW did a great job choosing this one! :)"

Letters to Editors

To write to Editor, send email to weeklyeditor@ilw.com.

Dear Editor:

Thank you for the wonderful work you do by keeping us immigrants informed. I would like to touch briefly on the new restrictions on visitors coming to do the US, I think the new 30 day rule is doing more harm than good in terms of people overstaying in the states. If someone wants to come to the United States they only need to get through immigration check points at the airport or point of entry. So now a lot of people simply make up their minds not to go back to there home country.

I am here on an L-1A visa. I pay my taxes and create employment for American people. I must state that I love living in America and do everything in my power to ensure that I don’t break any law. As soon as my family and I started enjoying the Great Ambience and all that America has to offer, we had September 11th and the crazy people (terrorists) saying that all those who support and live in America will also pay.

Who are they (terrorists) to tell other people that, if they want to be safe they should not participate in the American way of life? I love this Country and I am prepared to die right here with all the Americans they vowed to kill. I have no intention of running into some corner and hide. I trust that millions of hard working immigrants in the US will continue to contribute to society in a significant manner and not be scared into going back to their country. This is the country that put bread on our table and we should be here for the long haul.

God bless you all,
A hard working immigrant

Dear Editor:

I cannot say your publication isn't trying to raise the level of conscienciousness for a better world, in which we should be living with love as an universal community. I appreciate your efforts in making people understand that love comes as it is.

I have many friends in US and many of them are poor. I also have a girlfriend over there; I fell in love with her and my heart is for her. I ask retorically: who gives MAN power to stop hearts from being in love and friendship worldwide?

Immigrant weekly indeed has earned a level of dignity and responsibility in treating seriously and unprejudicially numerous problems occuring due lack of understanding. Humans are born with certain fundamental rights and it's a shame that a bunch of people with power want to take these away. People that bring prosperity to America are kept in leash like dogs! It's a disgrace and shame that some of us are not reaching toward the noble goal : universal shaking of hands with each other.

Florin

Immigrant Life

A Man without a Home

Tell us about your experience as an Immigrant, and we would be happy to carry it in the Immigrant Life section of our website. Send your story to weeklyeditor@ilw.com

P. Ramirez writes in her story titled 'A Man without a Home', "......I have never visited my birth country nor do I have any recollection of ever living there. Now I find out that the U.S., the place I consider home, doesn't consider me to be a citizen even though I attended local public schools, have worked since the age of 15, have always paid taxes.........." (Cont'd).

This week's chat schedule

When Attorney Monday, July 1 9:00 pm Eastern Time Robert Perkins, Esq. Wednesday, July 3 9:00 pm Eastern Time Monique Kornfeld, Esq. Friday, July 5 9:00 pm Eastern Time No chat

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