Newsletter August-September 2001

NEW 245i COMING - MAKE PLANS NOW

The Senate will be voting on a bill to extend the application period to April 30, 2002 (S.778). The House of Representatives already voted on a bill that only extends the application period 4 months (H.R.1885).

Those people who file a labor certification or marry a U.S. citizen may be able to get a Green Card without leaving the U.S. Plan now on taking advantage of the New 245i and contact our office to discuss your options.

LABOR CERTIFICATION

Great Way to Get a Green Card

If you are not married to a U.S. citizen, one of the best ways to get a Green Card is a Labor Certification. A Labor Certification is where an employer sponsors you for a Green Card. To get more information, make an appointment to speak with an attorney.

LATE AMNESTY ONE-YEAR PERIOD TO APPLY - STARTS JUNE 1, 2001 UNTIL MAY 31, 2002

To qualify for Late Amnesty, need to be a CSS, LULAC or Zambrano class member, entered the U.S. before Jan. 1, 1982, and more. For details, make an appointment.

2003 Visa Lottery

Your Ticket to a Green Card. Free Applications available at Office. INS Accepting Applications 10/1/01 to 10/31/01

Don't forget about TPS for Salvadoreans -
Stop your deportation and get permission to work! and the Child Citizenship Act Automatic Naturalization for kids of U.S. citizens!

ADVANCE PAROLE TO VISIT YOUR COUNTRY

Although the INS will grant you permission to visit your country and return to the U.S., this Office does not advise you to leave the U.S. By accepting Advance Parole, you agree to be placed into a different immigration category when returning that may not allow you to obtain a green card in the future, even if you marry a citizen or have an approved labor case.

ATTORNEY GENERAL INSTRUCTS INS TO RELEASE LONGTIME DETAINEES

Pursuant to order by the U.S. Supreme Court, the INS will begin reviewing and releasing cases of criminal aliens who have been in indefinite INS detention because their home countries will not accept them back.

NEW 10-YEAR LAW

The Immigration Appeal Court has set out suggestions for people applying for cancellation of removal ("10-year law"). This Office has reviewed the new case law and knows how it affects your case. It is strongly recommended that you make an appointment as soon as possible !!!

WHITE HOUSE PANEL RECOMMENDS GIVING LEGAL STATUS TO MEXICANS

Led by Secretary of State Colin Powell and Attorney General John Ashcroft, the panel recommended consideration of a new temporary guest worker program that would allow for some of the workers to gain permanent resident status over a period of time. More information should be coming shortly.

212(c) RELIEF RESTORED

Persons who pled guilty or nolo contendere to a crime before April 24, 1996, and who later were ordered deported or denied immigration relief on account of that crime, may qualify under this new Supreme Court decision. Contact the Office for further information.