A Note from the Editors:

Inhumanity To Children Is Un-American

Critics of the current immigration system often point to the pervasive delays, overzealous interpretation of policy, a hostile attitude on the part of government functionaries, etc. as glaring examples of what needs to be fixed. While all the foregoing are important issues, something else cries out for fixing first. Inhuman treatment best describes the way our nation treats unaccompanied children in immigration detention, such treatment is an affront to all Americans. Children qua children are innocent because they cannot be guilty of violating our immigration laws. In addition, imprisoning growing minds and bodies is not of the same order as adults in immigration detention. If we cannot treat little kids in a gentle way, there is little hope that we can address today's problems in our immigration system. In fact, if we cannot be kind to the children in this unfortunate situation, we will not have a claim to the title American. For the Featured Article focusing on this critical issue, see here.

ILW Highlights

Healthcare Immigration And USCIS Service Centers

ILW.COM's current seminar offerings:

Doctors, Nurses And Other Health Professionals: Current Immigration Issues
The June 21st session will cover State Licensure issues as they apply to Physicians, Physical Therapists and others. The distinguished panelists include a speaker from the Federation of State Medical Boards. The deadline to sign up for this session is Friday, June 18th. For more info, including detailed curriculum, speaker bios, and registration information, see: http://www.ilw.com/seminars/april2004.shtm. (Fax version: http://www.ilw.com/seminars/april2004.pdf.)

Grant Me This Much: Obtaining Immigration Benefits From The USCIS Regional Service Centers
The June 24th session will cover cutting-edge issues in benefits processing. Panelists for this series include a number of USCIS representatives. The deadline to register is Wednesday, June 23rd. For more info, including detailed curriculum, speaker bios, and registration information, see: http://www.ilw.com/seminars/may2004.shtm. (Fax version: http://www.ilw.com/seminars/may2004.pdf.)

Articles

Biometrics Is Coming
Bernard P. Wolfsdorf and Tien-Li Loke Walsh write "The introduction of biometric identifiers is likely to wreak havoc on the existing consular processing system."

Visa Screen For Foreign Registered Nurses: Recent Developments
Zlata A. Dikaya, Esq. writes "Starting on July 27, 2004 foreign registered nurses in non-immigrant status will have to present a Visa Screen Certificate every time they cross the US border or extend their status."

USCIS Overview On Los Angeles I-90 Pilot Project
The USCIS released an overview and FAQs on the I-90 Pilot Program in the Los Angeles District Office. For the overview, see here. For the FAQs, see here.

USCIS Employer Bulletin Information On Alien Employment Authorization
The Office of Business Liaison of the USCIS released an employer information bulletin on the employment authorization of aliens.

Unaccompanied Immigrant And Refugee Children: Reforms For The Most Vulnerable Detainees
Christopher Nugent, Esq. writes "Over the last several years, the plight of more than 5,000 unaccompanied immigrant and refugee children in federal custody pending deportation proceedings has garnered significant attention from Congress, the legal community, the media, and the public."

Administration Supports Visa Waiver Program Deadline Extension
The Office of Management and Budget of the Executive Office of the President issued a Statement of Administration Policy supporting the passage of H.R. 4417, which would extend the deadlines for requiring that foreign countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) issue machine readable, tamper-resistant entry and exit documents.

DOS Releases Trafficking In Persons Report 2004
The Department of State released its Trafficking in Persons Report, the most comprehensive worldwide report on the efforts of governments to combat severe forms of trafficking in persons, including US immigration-related benefits available to eligible trafficking victims.

This week's chat schedule

ILW.COM announces that as of Feb 3rd, all chats will be held at 5:00 pm Eastern Time.

When	Attorney
Logon for chat Next Chat: Tue, Jun 22, 5:00 PM ET (New York Time) Questions will be accepted starting 15 minutes before the event.	Fariba Faiz, Esq.
Tue, June 29, 5:00 pm Eastern	Dustin W. Dyer, Esq.
Tue, July 6, 5:00 pm Eastern	Susan Han, Esq.
Tue, July 13, 5:00 pm Eastern	To Be Announced
Tue, July 20, 5:00 pm Eastern	To Be Announced
Tue, July 27, 5:00 pm Eastern	To Be Announced

Letters to Editors

To write to Editors, send emails to weeklyeditor@ilw.com.

None this week.