| Dear Readers, The Department of Labor (DOL) has been conducting briefing sessions around the country to disseminate information about their new policies. On January 10 – 11th there was a briefing in Chicago. Though the DOL did not accept questions from the audience, they accepted questions in writing and advised that sometime after the last briefing and before the implementation of PERM, they will put up a FAQ on their website addressing those issues. In the Chicago briefing session, DOL stated that it will take at least two years to get through the backlog of Labor Certifications. The backlog reduction center has received cases from approximately 17 states and is still in the data entry phase. They have not yet begun adjudicating cases. They also advised the attendees that PERM cases that are brand new and electronically filed will be processed faster than cases that are mailed in and those that are re-files. We will keep you posted as new developments unfold. It is my pleasure to serve you and keep you informed. If you have any questions or concerns about immigration, please feel free to e-mail me at sardar@durrani.com. Sincerely, 
Sardar Durrani |
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» AILA Releases Issue Paper on Major Legislation to be Introduced
» USCIS Publishes "How to Get Through to a Service Center" Instructions
» Supreme Court Rules Against Indefinite Detention, Allows Deportation to Countries Without Governments
» USCIS Announces Temporary Relief Measures for Nationals of Countries Affected by Tsunami
» Secretary Ridge Announces Enhancement of Expidited Traveler Program Through JFK Airport
» USCIS Issues Immigration Monthly Statistical Report for September, 2004
» Homeland Security Drops Pledge of Secrecy for Workers
» Cornyn to Lead Immigration Panel
» Utah Finally Getting Immigration Court
» Hispanic Communities Alarmed as Immigration Sweeps Spread in South Florida
» DHS Wants to Pre-Check More Travelers
» Homeland Security Nominee Faces Civil Liberties Scrutiny
» Court Decision Frees Cuban Migrants Held in Detention
AILA Releases Issue Paper on Major Legislation to be Introduced AILA has released an issue paper discussing various immigration enactments from the 108th congress, and discusses what more must be done to "fix" immigration. You can read the rest of this information here. USCIS Publishes "How to Get Through to a Service Center" Instructions USCIS provides further information on how to get through to the service centers from the 800 number in appropriate cases. Note that the process is automated--you do not need to speak to a customer service representative, and a customer service representative cannot transfer you. You can read the rest of this story here. Supreme Court Rules Against Indefinite Detention, Allows Deportation to Countries Without Governments Amnesty International USA (AIUSA) today praised the Supreme Court for one decision, which holds that inadmissible aliens cannot be detained indefinitely when they cannot be removed, and criticized it for another, which allows the removal of aliens to countries that do not have a functioning government. AIUSA signed amicus curiae briefs in both cases.
You can view a story about the two cases here. You can read analysis of the Indefinite Detention case here. You can read analysis of the Deportation case here. USCIS Announces Temporary Relief Measures for Nationals of Countries Affected by Tsunami The Department of Homeland Security is committed to the global effort to recover from last month’s earthquake and tsunami and has announced temporary relief measures that will be made available to those individuals who are unable to return to their home country or are currently traveling in the United States due to the destruction and humanitarian crisis in Southeast Asia.
United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will expedite the processing of certain immigration applications, including requests for advance parole and relative petitions for minor children from the affected areas. For individuals who have already been paroled into the U.S., the period of parole may be extended. USCIS will also more readily approve applications from visitors from the tsunami-affected countries who are requesting a change or extension of their nonimmigrant status. Standard requirements for security checks will remain in place under expedited procedures. You can read the rest of this story here. Secretary Ridge Announces Enhancement of Expidited Traveler Program Through JFK Airport U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Tom Ridge announced today that the United States would begin deploying enhanced technology to expedite security checks and immigration processing of pre-screened, international travelers through John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York City. Further, Secretary Ridge and Dutch Minister of Immigration and Integration Rita Verdonk announced that their agencies will work together to develop an international registered traveler program. You can read the rest of this story here. USCIS Issues Immigration Monthly Statistical Report for September, 2004 The USCIS has issued their September, 2004 year-end monthly statistics report. Included in the report is information about inspections, Southwest border apprehensions, immigration benefits, naturalization benefits, removals and asylum. You can read the report here.
» Homeland Security Drops Pledge of Secrecy for Workers
» Cornyn to Lead Immigration Panel
» Utah Finally Getting Immigration Court
» Hispanic Communities Alarmed as Immigration Sweeps Spread in South Florida
» DHS Wants to Pre-Check More Travelers
» Homeland Security Nominee Faces Civil Liberties Scrutiny
» Court Decision Frees Cuban Migrants Held in Detention
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