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Editor's Comments
Thank You, Public Affairs
We would like to thank the various government officials from the many different government agencies who do a stellar job in disseminating information to the public concerning immigration issues. The importance of accurate and well-distributed information is particularly acute in the immigration field, where unfounded rumors and hysteria are unfortunately all too common. As just one recent example, fear was recently rampant among the immigrant community in Texas based on rumors of random government raids at employer sites. These rumors were quickly quelled through press releases and public meetings. The public affairs offices and others in the goverment involved with the excellent information dissemination effort provide an invaluable service to the citizenry, including immigration attorneys who are often hard-pressed to handle rumors without such timely and effective government help. Immigration-related government websites are outstanding examples of public service for other government agencies to emulate. The USCIS.gov site is particularly noteworthy in the wealth of timely information that it makes available to the public. Immigration Daily could not exist in its current form without the hard work and efforts of the many information distributing government officials at the USCIS, ICE, CBP, DOS, DOL, DHS, etc. Thank you.
ILW.COM Focus
Expanded Curriculum For "Grant Me This Much: Obtaining Immigration Benefits From The USCIS Regional Service Centers"
Over a year has passed since Congress interred legacy INS and gave birth to
USCIS. Enough time has now elapsed to assess this new bureau, evaluate its
practices, and get a sense of whether the agency has transcended the pangs
of birth.
The consensus among immigration lawyers is decidedly morose. Old-timers
bemoan the days when attorney fees were high and denials few. New
practitioners wonder if they can survive the rising tide of delays,
rejections, higher filing fees and mounting client disappointment.
Well, Immigration Lawyers, stop crying in your latte! Take positive
action, sign up for an ILW.COM three-part teleconference that will help you
achieve winning ways with the USCIS Service Centers. Hear leading
immigration lawyers offer specific and tangible strategies that can inject
success into your immigration practice. Jump-start your attitude, sharpen
your skills and refine your approach to immigration lawyering. Sign up
today!
FIRST Phone Session on May 27:
- Do You Know your Service Center? - Mastering Regional Variations in
Service-Center Policies and Practices
- Up a Crick with a Paddle: Maneuvering Safely through the Shoals of
Cryptic Statutes, Unpublished Regulations, Policy Memos and Informal Agency
Letters
- Gross (Error) Me Out - "You Said I Could Work Here, So Why Did You
Renege"?
- E-Filing Update: More Digital Forms on the Way - But When Will They Be
User-Friendly?
- Premium Processing - How to get the Most out of Concierge Service
- Expedited Adjudication - When You Need It Quick But They Won't Take
Your $1,000
- Sole Jurisdiction/Centralized Filing - What's Left of the Good Old
Days?
- Do You Read Me? - Finding the Gold in Service Center Processing
Guidelines and USCIS Websites.
- Getting Nourished with Special Ks: Family-Based K-1 and K-3
Nonimmigrant Success Strategies
SECOND Phone Session on June 24:
- Getting to Yes: Strategies that Spawn Service-Center Success.
- Dodging the Bullet: Ways to avoid the RFE, the NO, the NOID and the
NOIR
- Shake it Like a Polaroid Picture: Creative Uses of Graphic Evidence
- Surf's Up: Web-Trolling for Approval Notices
- What's Your Specialty? - Solutions for Evolving Occupations, Education
Mismatches and Workers without Sheepskins
- Keep on Survivin’: Strategies to Help Battered Spouses and Children
- Succeeding at Successorship: Service Center Compliance Strategies for
Corporate Makeovers
- Oops I'm Late! - Establishing Extraordinary Circumstances and Reasons
for Forgiveness
THIRD Phone Session on July 8:
- When Merely Good is Not Enough: Proven Ways to Establish
Extraordinary, Exceptional, Outstanding, and National-Interest Eligibility
- Portable or Unsupportable? - New Case-Saving Strategies for Mobile
Workers
- Penny for Your Thoughts: Demonstrating Ability to Pay at All the Right
Times
- Take this Job and Love It: Work Permit Options for Dependents
- I Feel the Earth Move under My Feet: Winning Motions at the RSCs
- Hi Ho, Hi Ho, Its off to the AAO your Competitors Go!
- How can Headquarters Help? - When it's Time to Go up the Chain
- Getting by with a Little Help from Your Friends: Working with the USCIS
Ombudsman, Congressional Liaison and the Media.
The deadline to register is Tuesday, May 25th. 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.)
Featured Article
Citizen V. Non-Citizen: Differential Rights And Treatment
Cyrus D. Mehta writes "The undermining of the rights of non-citizens ultimately tends to also erode the rights of citizens."
Keep on top of the latest in immigration law! Attend ILW.COM seminars! You can attend ILW.COM phone seminars from the convenience of your office! For more info on the seminars currently available, please click here: http://www.ilw.com/seminars/
Immigration Law News
9th Circuit Addresses Strained Government Argument Concerning "Mental Illness" And "National Security" In Connection To Zadvydas
In Thai v. Ashcroft, No. 03-35626 (9th Cir. May 3, 2004), the court said that the Supreme Court's construction of 8 USC 1231(a)(6) did not authorize the continued and potentially indefinite detention of an alien based on a determination that the alien's mental illness made him specially dangerous to the community. The court also said that the danger of criminal conduct by an alien was not automatically a matter of "national security" as that term was used in Zadvydas.
Arizona Border Control Initiative Receives $10 Million
The Kansas City Star reports "Whether federal authorities can continue to thwart [illegal border crossers] will be among the bigger challenges for the sweeping Arizona Border Control Initiative, which is converging staff, helicopters and $4 million worth of unmanned aerial vehicles on the nation's busiest smuggling corridor."
Attorney listings on ILW.COM are searched 200,000 times/year! Each attorney listed is searched an average of once each day! Just one new client will pay for the entire year's fee! Click here for more info: http://www.ilw.com/membership/
Classifieds
Immigration Law Conferences
CGFNS hosts a special educational initiative in your community - New U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
Visa Regulations for Foreign Health Care Workers. As part of a major change in federal policy affecting hiring of foreign
health care workers in the US, the DHS has issued new Section 343 rules requiring foreign health care
workers who are seeking temporary or permanent occupational visas or Trade NAFTA status to obtain a special visa certification in order to deliver patient care and provide health care services in this country. The Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS)/International Commission on Healthcare Professions (ICHP) are sponsoring a special
educational program in your community about the new DHS rules. This timely educational initiative is designed to provide you with important information about the new rules and facilitate the process for foreign
health care workers to obtain a visa certificate through the CGFNS/ICHP
specially designed Visascreen program. The new federal DHS rules apply to:
Registered nurses and licensed practical (vocational) nurses, audiologists, physical therapists, medical technicians, occupational therapists, medical laboratory technologists, speech-language pathologists, physician assistants. To register, go to http://www.cgfns.org/cgfns/newsandevents/specialevents.html.
Help Wanted: Immigration Attorney
We're looking for our next immigration lawyer. We only want someone who is willing to be an entrepreneur and make a bet
on their career. Does this interest you? If so, please email cmusillo@hammondlawfirm.com. Hammond Law Group, LLC with nine attorneys and 25 staff members is one of the ten largest full-scale business immigration law firms in the US. The firm is headquartered in Cincinnati with satellite offices in San Francisco and Seattle. Our client base is wide ranging from Fortune 100 companies to progressive start-ups. Our clients represent a cross range of industries and include those from: information technology, hospitals and other healthcare institutions, financial services, private and public universities, pharmaceutical and scientific research institutions, manufacturing, engineering, telecommunications, restaurants, and re-location.
J-1 Training Visa Sponsor
Discover the ease and flexibility of the J-1 training visa with Aiesec
United States. At Aiesec, we provide an unparalleled commitment to
customer service, offering 24 to 48 hour turnaround on approved J-1
training visa applications, free consultation on potential training
programs and a wealth of information about J-1 training visa regulations.
We also offer logistical and cultural reception services in several
locations across the country. Our J-1 training visa can be used for
individuals to participate in training programs in the following fields:
Information Media and Communications, Education, Social Sciences, Library
Science, Counseling and Social Services, Management, Business, Commerce
and Finance, The Sciences, Engineering, Architecture, Mathematics and
Industrial Occupations, Public Administration and Law. You can learn more
about Aiesec and the J-1 training visa at http://evp.aiesecus.org or by
calling Jim Kelly at (212) 757-3774 ext.222.
Help Wanted: Immigration Attorney
The Law Offices of Bernard P. Wolfsdorf seek to hire an associate attorney with 1-2 years experience in immigration for its
Pacific Palisades, CA office. Ideal candidates should have experience with all aspects of business immigration. Responsibilities include: preparation of all types of immigrant visa petitions, labor certifications (RIR and traditional), adjustment of status and consular processing applications, and preparation of all types of nonimmigrant visa petitions (particularly Hs, Ls, TNs, and Os). Will manage caseloads with large degree of independence, communicate with and maintain client status reports, prepare bills, and serve as a team resource. Applicants should submit resume + cover letter to T.L. Loke Walsh: fax (310) 573-5093; or
email tloke@wolfsdorf.com.
Help Wanted: Experienced Immigration Attorney
Reeves & Associates (R&A), one of the largest, oldest and most successful
full service immigration law firms in California seeks an Immigration Attorney
with 3+ years experience in business immigration for its Pasadena, CA office. R&A offers a career position in a fast-paced environment for the ideal candidate. Candidates must have experience with immigrant visa
petitions, Labor Certifications (RIR & Traditional), EB 1 & 5s, E-1 & 2s,
Hs, Ls & O/Ps. He/she should be detail oriented, highly organized, have
people and case management skills, have excellent writing and
communication skills and be able to multi-task and manage a challenging
and varied workload. R&A has an experienced support staff, state of the
art technology and unsurpassed growth and learning potential. R&A offers
an excellent salary & benefits package. All applications confidential.
Send writing sample, resume and salary history to HR Dept. at
immigration@rreeves.com or fax to (626) 795-4999. Incomplete submissions
will not be considered.
Case Management Technology
If you're looking to grow your immigration business, efficiency is critical. Developed by veteran immigration attorneys, VisaPrep helps attorneys handle more cases and increase profitability with technology successfully used for immigration matters since 1997. Our easy-to-use, secure online solution helps you streamline immigration processing. With VisaPrep, non-legal functions are performed automatically to save time and reduce filing errors. Clients can check the status of their case online and you can easily monitor their cases online. And with our exclusive VisaPrep Response Wizard(tm), you'll be able to answer most client questions quicker than ever before. With VisaPrep, you get simple pricing, free training and unlimited support. Many immigration technology vendors make promises - VisaPrep delivers. Call 866-VISAPREP (866-847-2773) or e-mail us at sales@visaprep.com to see a demonstration.
Help Wanted: Paralegal/Legal Assistant
14-person midtown-based NYC immigration law firm seeks paralegal with 2+ yrs of experience with business immigration
applications. Experience with other types of petitions - family, natz, etc is a plus. Ideal candidate has BA degree, is detail oriented, organized, conscientious and available to work OT on an as needed basis. Candidate must also possess excellent writing, communication & case management skills. Competitive compensation package offered. Email resume & cover letter to Marcia N. Needleman, Esq. at: Mneedleman@levittandneedleman.com.
Help Wanted: Experienced Immigration Attorney
Small quality immigration firm based in lower Manhattan seeks qualified immigration attorney with two-four (2-4) years experience, for key position. Candidates should be familiar with family-based immigration and have experience representing clients at adjustment of status, 751 and naturalization interviews. Good research skills required. Experience with employment based immigration, H/L visas helpful. Seeking a conscientious, well-organized person who can work independently in this
busy, rewarding environment. Position involves heavy client contact. Please forward resume + cover letter in confidence to: SOirich@Hotmail.com.
Immigration Law Conference
The Center for Migration Studies, in association with the Fordham School of
Law will present the 27th Annual National Legal Conference on Immigration
and Refugee Policy – "Navigating Through the Immigration Labyrinth in
Post-9/11 America" on May 25-26, 2004 in New York City. The conference will
consist of presentations + Q&A sessions on a wide-range of immigration
topics. Immigration professionals, government officials, HR professionals,
and non-profit reps should not miss the chance to hear noted experts in the
field speak. Speakers will include Stephen Fischel, Fujie Ohata, Michael
Aytes, Lynden Melmed, Harry Sheinfeld, Frank Sharry, Fran Berger, Naomi
Schorr, Lory Rosenberg, Thomas Mosely, Lucas Guttentag, Cyrus Mehta, Noemi
Masliah, Robert Gottfried, Deborah Anker, Michael Patrick, Don Kerwin,
Gemma Solimene, Mark Von Sternberg, Jennifer Gordon, Howard Gordon, Austin
Fragomen, Randel Johnson and others. Participants will have the rare opportunity to interact with key
policymakers at this unique international event. Topics will include the
transition to the DHS, including the impact of both policy and process, as
well as an overview of business, family, and asylum issues facing the
immigration law and policy community. In accordance with the requirements
of the New York State Continuing Legal Education Board, the CMS-Fordham
conference will offer up to nine non-transitional credit hours which can be
credited toward the professional practice requirement. Discounted rates
are available for students, nonprofits and government employees. For more
info, including detailed curriculum, speaker line-up, and registration
information, visit: http://www.cmsny.org/27th-annual.htm.
We carry advertisements for Help Wanted: Attorney, Help Wanted: Paralegal, Help Wanted: Other, Positions Sought, Products & Services Offered, etc.
For information on advertising in the classifieds please click here
For a listing of current immigration events please click here
For services/products of use in your law practice please click here
Letters to the Editor
Dear Editor:
Thank you, David D. Murray (and Ali Alexander) for "carrying the water" for those of us less able to put thoughts into writing.
John H. Frecker
Baileyville, ME
Dear Editor:
I timely-filed (90 day window prior to ARC/CPR expiration date),
an I-751 petition to "remove the conditions" on lawful permanent
residence, for a conditional PR (permanent resident) based upon
marriage to a United States Citizen, I-130/I-485. The Lincoln,
NE service center, in just one week mailed a Notice of
Action extending the CPR's employment authorization and travel
authorization for up to one year during which time the adjudication
hopefully will be completed. The applicant has a terminally ill
parent in Europe. The last thing he needed was to be worrying about
losing his employment and travel authorizations. It is not often a
letter in ILW.COM appears that offers praise when the USCIS/INS provides
outstanding, expedient service, especially without an "emergency"
prioritization request. This commendation is well-deserved.
E.S., Esq.
Minneapolis, MN
An Important disclaimer! The information provided on this page is not legal advice.
Transmission of this information is not intended to create, and receipt by you does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship. Readers must not act upon any information without first seeking advice from a
qualified attorney. Send Correspondence and articles to editor@ilw.com. Letters and articles may be edited and may be published and otherwise used in any medium. Opinions expressed in letters and articles do not necessarily reflect the opinion of ILW.COM.
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