Archive for November, 2009

Anti-Immigration CNN “Anchor”, Lou Dobbs, Steps Down

Friday, November 13th, 2009

The most visible and often virulently anti-immigration, anti-reform anchor on CNN has stepped down.  After Sept. 11, Lou Dobbs abandoned the traditionally objective stance of news anchors and embraced an activist, editorial role of demonizing immigrants.   Although all the Sept. 11 terrorists were from Arab countries and held valid US visas,  Lou Dobbs’ vented his wrath principally upon  Hispanics. 

The American Immigration Lawyers Association (“AILA”), of which I am a member, dogged Mr. Dobbs’ broadcasts by countering  inaccurate statements with documented facts, exposing his information sources as biased or out-and-out wrong, responding to manipulative “editing” by only participating in “live” interviews, and  insisting that both sides of a story be told.  Read more below:

http://ailaleadership.blogspot.com/2009/11/watch-out-for-lou-dobbs-next-move.html

Who Do You Believe? Local Police or Anti-Immigration “Talking Heads”?

Monday, November 9th, 2009

The Immigration and Nationality Act (“INA”) has a section allowing local police to enforce Federal immigration laws.  This is thru a program known as 287(g).   In other words, your local  cops may have to do their job (protecting you, arresting  bad guys, patroling your community, investigation crimes, going under-cover, preventing gang violence, etc.) AND that of the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (“USICE”).  Plus, the local police receive all of 6 weeks training!!!  I have been practicing immigration law for over 30 years and I still have a hard time understanding some of the immigration rules.

But don’t take my word for it, listen to Chief William J. Bratton of the LAPD, formerly Police Commissioner in Boston and New York.

http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/commentary/la-oe-bratton27-2009oct27,0,2619437,print.story

New Visa Waiver Problems (Nov. 2009)

Friday, November 6th, 2009

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (“USCBP”) has announced that visa waiver applicants must update their Electronic System for Travel Authorization (“ESTA”) registration if they have a visa application pending.   Pending applications at the US Embassy are considered “denied” if you travel to the US on the visa waiver while your application is still pending.  And, you must revise your ESTA registration.  Read more as this is complicated stuff that could result in your being stopped at the airport!  

http://www.aila.org/content/default.aspx?docid=30480

H-1B Visas For Businesses

Wednesday, November 4th, 2009

Latest visa count for H-1b specialty occupation professional visas for businesses. 
 http://www.aila.org/content/default.aspx?docid=28663

End of the Widow’s Penalty

Wednesday, November 4th, 2009

FAQ on New Law to End the Widow Penalty by Surviving Spouses Against Deportation
On 10/29/09, Surviving Spouses Against Deportation (SSAD) issued a FAQ on the new law that contains a provision to end the widow penalty. Brent Renison, pro bono counsel for SSAD.

Immigration Reform to Princeton Group

Wednesday, November 4th, 2009

New Immigration Presentation on Reform

Casey Wolff, Esq. addressed the Princeton Club of Southwest Florida on 3 Nov. 2009 on Immigration Reform: Why or Why Not?

Green Card Lottery

Tuesday, November 3rd, 2009

Now is the time to register!  The Green Card Lottery registration is going on for the rest of November.  See our website www.naplesfloridalawgroup.com.