Editor's Comments

On Monday Attorney General Ashcroft presented the Mobilization Against Terrorism Act to Congress. According to a press release from his office, "[t]he purpose of the legislation is to provide the President and the Department of Justice with the tools and resources necessary to disrupt, weaken, thwart, and eliminate the infrastructure of terrorist organizations, to prevent or thwart terrorist attacks, and to punish perpetrators of terrorist acts." The immigration provisions of both the September 18 version and September 19 version of the bill contain clauses which mandate that aliens certified as terrorists be detained indefinitely with judicial review limited to review of only a final order of removal in the District Court for the District of Columbia. Many facts remain to be uncovered and disclosed, but nothing revealed to date suggests that if the INS had the power to detain people indefinitely the events of September 11 would have been any different. Indeed, it seems that some of the suspected perpetrators were being sought, but were not in custody at all. With respect to immigration, instead of a power which can be applied arbitrarily to detain people indefinitely the tools that seem to be needed are improved techniques, training and diligence in developing evidence which can be presented in administrative or judicial hearings, while respecting the basic rights which are the foundation of the American way of life.

ILW.COM Focus

We Are Overwhelmed!

ILW.COM has been swamped with sign-ups to the seminar this Friday on the Immigration Implications of the 9/11 tragedy. We will try our best to accommodate every one. This seminar is being offered at cost. Any monies remaining after expenses are paid will be donated to an immigration related non-profit organization. To sign up, please click here.

We also offer a for-profit seminar series on H-1B issues presented by Angelo Paparelli and Stephen Yale-Loehr. For more info on this series, please click here.

Tip of the Day

Discussion Board

ILW.COM provides a platform for the exchange of information among many groups - attorneys, employers, policy makers, advocates and immigrants. ILW.COM's discussion board allows you to broadcast your message to the masses. Before the growth of the world wide web discussion boards were one of the major uses of the internet because they build a sense of community. For attorneys the discussion board is a way for you to get your name before the public and demonstrate your knowledge. For employers it allows you to make your needs and concerns known. For policy makers and advocates it is a forum where you can be heard. For immigrants it is a place where you can find others who understand the fears that accompany such a fundamental decision as where to live your life and the frustrations of dealing with the government to make your dream come true. Share your knowledge, share your views, share your story on the discussion board.

ILW.COM Featured Article of the Day

Immigration Developments in the Aftermath of the WTC Disaster
Cyrus D. Mehta writes about the the effects of the World Trade Center disaster on immigration - both favorable and unfavorable.

Immigration News

Sen. Kennedy Cosponsors Extension of Biometric BCC
Sen. Kennedy has been added as a cosponsor to S. 1400 a bill to extend the deadline for aliens to present a border crossing card that contains a biometric identifier matching the appropriate biometric characteristic of the alien.

AG on Mobilization Against Terrorism Act
In a press release on proposed legislation that seeks to combat terrorist activity Attorney General Ashcroft described the immigration provisions as "protect[ing] the integrity of the United States borders without sacrificing the ability to welcome law-abiding visitors and legal immigrants."

Immigration in the Press

Changes Called Likely in Policy on Immigration
According to the New York Times [registration required] as the nation takes a closer look at who crosses its borders and why, immigration policy could change in subtle but lasting ways, analysts say.

ILW.COM Chats and Discussions of the Day

Chat with Barry Lieber
Barry Lieber will answers questions on all aspects of immigration law on Wednesday, September 26, 2001, at 9:00 p.m. Eastern (New York) time. Questions will be accepted beginning 15 minutes before the start of the chat.

This Day in Immigration

From September 26, 2000

"Designation of a Foreign Terrorist Organization Pursuant to Section 219 of the Immigration and Nationality Act, the Secretary of State has designated "The Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan" as a foreign terrorist organization effective September 25, 2000."

Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor:

Thanks for the outstanding article by Gary Endelman, If They Come for Me in the Morning." It is a timely warning that we and our leaders all need to pay attention to.

Sincerely,
Carl R. Baldwin

Classifieds

For information on advertising in the classifieds please click here.

HELP WANTED: CORPORATE IMMIGRATION PARALEGALS
Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, is the largest law firm in the country practicing exclusively in the area of immigration and nationality law. In order to meet the demands of our growing business, the firm is actively recruiting for experienced paralegals in its ATLANTA, NEW YORK, NEW JERSEY,and CHICAGO offices. The ideal candidate has business immigration experience or a human resources background dealing with immigration issues. Must have excellent verbal and written communication skills and be able to perform multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment. The firm offers superior salaries and exceptional growth opportunities. Please submit cover letter and resume to Anne-Rose van den Bossche, Esq., Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen, & Loewy, 515 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10022 or fax 212-750-1121 or avandenbossche@fragomen.com

IMMIGRATION TELECONFERENCE
Angelo Paparelli and Steve Yale-Loehr will conduct a teleconference and e-mail listserv series titled On the Cutting Edge: H-1B Practice and Strategy with Angelo Paparelli and Steve Yale-Loehr. The final teleconferences will take place Wednesday October 3, 2001, at 1:00-2:30 p.m. Eastern (New York) time. It is open to attorneys, employers, HR professionals and anyone else interested in the H-1B process and strategy. For more information or to register click here.

IMMIGRATION LAW SEMINAR
Saturday, October 13, 2001, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Ramada Inn, Fairfield, NJ. A panel of experienced immigration lawyers and paralegals will explain how the administrative system operates and present the information you need to handle basic immigration matters. You’ll also hear directly from several agency representatives about the procedures you need to follow when dealing with these agencies. For details click here.

CLE CONFERENCE
American Immigration Lawyers Association, Central Florida Chapter (AILA-CFC) will be holding its 15th Annual Advanced-Level Immigration Law Seminar on October 26-27 at the Renaissance Orlando Resort, Orlando, Florida.  Discounted hotel rates are available from the resort.  Point of contact for information/registration is Steve Zawacki, immigration@abanet.org or 407/831-6644.