<p>H-1B VISAS AVAILABLE  APRIL 23,2010</p>
<p>The USCIS announed that as  of April 15, 2010, about 13,600 H-1B visa applications had been  received.  There are 65,000 visas available for the year.</p>
<p>USCIS ANNOUNCES CAP-GAP RULE FOR H-1B PETITIONS  APRIL 8, 2010</p>
<p>The  USCIS announced that if an F-1 student files for change of status for  H-1B visa and is in status at the time of filing, the F-1 studen may  stay in the US until the petition is adjudicated, and if approved, may  comment lawful H-1B employment when the petition is approved on or after  October 1, 2010.</p>
<p>ALIENS MAY APPLY FOR H-1B  VISAS STARTING APRIL 1, 2010</p>
<p>The  annual first day for filing of H-1B visas starts April 1, 2010.  There  are 65,000 visas available for the new year.  The visa starting date is  October 1, 2010.  The USCIS will accept applications until the visq  quota for the year is filled.</p>
<p>USCIS RELEASES STATISTICS FOR H-1B VISAS FOR YEARS 2007 AND 2008    JANUARY 4, 2010</p>
<p>The  USCIS released a detailed report stating various statistical data for  for H-1B visas the years 2007 and 2008.  The report stated that the  countries issued the most visas in order were  India  (50%), China (9%),  Canada (4%), Phillipines (3.3%), Korea  (3.7%), United Kingdom  (1.9%),  and Japan (1.6%).  The breakdown of degrees stated were Bachelor's  Degree (43%), Master's Degree (40%) and the balance were other degrees.   The most common ares of employment in order were Computers, Engineering  and Architecture, Education, Administrative, and Medicine. The full  report can be seen on the USCIS website.</p>
<p>USCIS ANNOUNCES THAT NO MORE H-1B VISAS AVAILABLE FOR FISCAL YEAR  DECEMBER 23, 2009</p>
<p>The  USCIS has announced that there are no more H-1B visas available for the  fiscal year.  That new H-1B visas will be available starting October  2010.  If the USCIS follows past procedure, aliens can apply for the new  H-1B visas staring April 1, 2010.</p>
<p>H-1B VISAS STILL AVAILABLE BUT VISAS COULD RUN OUT SOON  12/9/09</p>
<p>The  USCIS announced that H-1B visas are still available.   As of December  9, 2009, approximately 61,500 H-1B cap-subject petitions had been  received. This means that about 4,500 visas are still available.  After  the H-1B visa quota is filled, there will be no new H-1B visas available  until October 2010.</p>
<p>NEW PROCEDURE FOR PREVAILING WAGE REQUESTS WILL START JANUARY 2010    12/8/09</p>
<p>Starting  January 1, 2010, all prevailing wage requests will be applied for at  the Department of Labor.  This includes prevailing wage requests for  H-1B and Labor Certification Applications.   Previously, prevailing wage  requests were requested from the individual state where the alien was  to be employed.</p>
<p>ICE ANNOUNCES WORKPLACE AUDITS OF 1000 COMPANES NOVEMBER 19,2009</p>
<p>ICE  announced workplace audits of 1000 companies that are part of the  government infrastructure program. The ICE release is quoted as follows:</p>
<p>WASHINGTON—U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Assistant Secretary John<br />Morton today announced the issuance of Notices of Inspection (NOIs) to 1,000 employers across the<br />country associated with critical infrastructure—alerting business owners that ICE will audit their<br />hiring records to determine compliance with employment eligibility verification laws.<br />“ICE is focused on finding and penalizing employers who believe they can unfairly get ahead by<br />cultivating illegal workplaces,” said Assistant Secretary Morton. “We are increasing criminal and<br />civil enforcement of immigration-related employment laws and imposing smart, tough employer<br />sanctions to even the playing field for employers who play by the rules.”<br />The 1,000 businesses served with audit notices this week were selected for inspection as a result of<br />investigative leads and intelligence and because of the business’ connection to public safety and<br />national security—for example, privately owned critical infrastructure and key resources. The names<br />and locations of the businesses will not be released at this time due to the ongoing, law enforcement<br />sensitive nature of these audits.<br />Audits involve a comprehensive review of Form I-9s, which employers are required to complete and<br />retain for each individual hired in the United States. I-9 forms require employers to review and<br />record each individual’s identity and work eligibility document(s) and determine whether the<br />document(s) reasonably appear to be genuine and related to that specific individual.<br />Protecting employment opportunities for the nation’s lawful workforce and targeting employers who<br />knowingly employ an illegal workforce are major ICE priorities, for which ICE employs all<br />available civil and administrative tools, including audits. Audits may result in civil penalties and lay<br />the groundwork for criminal prosecution of employers who knowingly violate the law.<br />In April, DHS issued updated worksite enforcement guidance emphasizing ICE’s major enforcement<br />priorities—specifically focusing on dangerous criminal aliens and employers who cultivate illegal<br />workplaces by breaking the country’s laws and knowingly hiring illegal workers. In this strategy,<br />ICE identified form I-9 audits as the most important administrative tool in building criminal cases<br />and bringing employers into compliance with the law.</p>
<p>EB-5 INVESTOR PROGRAM EXTENDED FOR THREE YEARS  NOVEMBER 4, 2009</p>
<p>The  Congress passed a law that extends the EB-5 Immigration Investor Progam  to September 30, 1012. The Immigrant Investor program is a special  immigrant program that grants permanent residence to aliens who invest  one million dollars into a U.S. business.  There are 10,000 permanent  visas available per year for this program.  There are additional  requirements in obtaining permanent residence through this category.</p>
<p>GREEN CARD LOTTERY PROGRAM DV-2011 STARTS OCTOBER 2, 2009    10/13/09</p>
<p>The  Department of State announced the start of the DV-2011  Green Card  Program.  It noted that applications were increased from last year.  The  Department release states the following:</p>
<p>In the first week of the  2011 Diversity Immigrant Visa Program (DV?2011), applicants from around  the world submitted over 900,000 entries—a 63 percent increase over the  same period last year. More than 13,000,000 entries are expected before  the registration period ends.<br />The U.S. Department of State launched  DV?2011 on October 2 and will conclude the registration period on  November 30. This Congressionally?mandated program makes available  55,000 immigrant visas annually, drawn randomly from all entries and  issued to persons who meet strict eligibility requirements from  countries with low rates of immigration to the United States. Successful  DV?2011 entrants will receive notification of their selection via mail  between May and July, 2010, and will be permitted to commence the  Immigrant Visa application process in October 2010. The deadline for  visa issuance is September 30, 2011.<br />The Diversity Immigrant Visa  Program is open to persons meeting simple, but strict, eligibility  requirements. Nationals of countries sending more than 50,000 immigrants  to the United States over the period of the past five years are not  eligible. This year, individuals born in Brazil, Canada, China  (mainland) Colombia, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador,  Guatemala, Haiti, India, Jamaica, Mexico, Pakistan, Peru, Philippines,  Poland, South Korea, United Kingdom (except Northern Ireland) and its  dependent territories, and Vietnam are not eligible to enter.  Additionally, the law requires that every entrant must have at least a  high school education, or qualifying work experience.<br />There is no fee  to enter DV?2011. Successful entrants, however, will be required to pay  all applicable application fees and costs, including those for medical  examinations, for themselves and qualifying immediate relatives. Entries  must be submitted online. Paper entries are not acceptable. All  successful entrants will be notified by mail, but entrants who retain  their online confirmation page will be able to check their entry status  through the internet.<br />Full details of the program, including instructions on how to apply online, are available at www.dvlottery.state.gov.</p>
<p>USCIS ANNOUNCES USE OF NEW NATURALIZATION TEST FOR ALL APPLICATIONS  10/12/09</p>
<p>The  USCIS announced that the new naturalization test will be given to all  naturalization applicants regardless of date of filing.  It issued an  announcement as follows:</p>
<p>U.S. Citizenship and Immigration  Services (USCIS) is reminding the public that beginning Oct. 1, all  citizenship applicants must take the new naturalization test, regardless  of when they filed their Application for Naturalization (Form N-400).<br />“Becoming  a United States citizen carries with it extraordinary rights and  responsibilities,” said USCIS Director Alejandro Mayorkas. “Our new test  captures the meaning of citizenship and is consistent with our values  and history as a nation.”<br />The revised naturalization test will help  strengthen integration efforts by emphasizing fundamental concepts of  American democracy, basic U.S. history, and the rights and  responsibilities of citizenship.<br />USCIS began administering the new  naturalization test Oct. 1, 2008, with two basic objectives – to ensure a  uniform test administration nationwide and to develop a civics test  that can effectively assess an applicant’s knowledge of U.S. history and  government. Up until Oct. 1, 2009, applicants who had filed for  naturalization before Oct. 1, 2008, had a choice of taking the old test  or the new test. Currently, the overall pass rate for the new test is 91  percent.<br />To learn more about U.S. citizenship and the naturalization test, logon to <a href="http://www.uscis.gov/citizenship">www.uscis.gov/citizenship</a>.</p>
<p>H-1B VISAS STILL AVAILABLE   9/25/2009</p>
<p>The USCIS announced that there are still about 18,000 H-1B visas available for the current year.</p>
<p>USCIS ANNOUNCES PREMIUM PROCESSING FOR TEMPORARY RELIGIOUS WORKERS  7/20/2009</p>
<p>U.S.  Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that, effective  7/20/2009, it will resume Premium Processing Service for nonimmigrant  religious worker petitions filed by certain R-1 petitioners. Only those  petitioners who have successfully passed an on-site inspection are  eligible to file under Premium Processing Service.   Under Premium  Processing Service, USCIS guarantees petitioners that, for a $1,000  processing fee, it will issue either an approval notice or, where  appropriate, a denial notice, a notice of intent to deny, a request for  evidence,  within 15 calendar days of receipt. If the petition is not  processed within 15 calendar days, USCIS will refund the $1,000 fee and  continue to process the request under normal processing times.</p>
<p>H-1B VISAS STILL AVAILABLE  6/19/09</p>
<p>The  USCIS announced that H-1B visas are still available.  As of 6/19/09  there are about 44,500 H-1B visas utilized.  That means that there are  about 20,000 H-1B visas still available.  This seems to contradict the  previous announcement of the USCIS in May showing 45,500 H-1B visas  received.  Perhaps there was an adjustment by the USCIS to show the  current number.</p>
<p>H-1B VISAS STILL AVAILABLE  5/19/09</p>
<p>The  USCIS announced that H-1B visas are still available.   As of May 18,  2009, approximately 45,500 H-1B cap-subject petitions had been received.  This means that about 19,000 visas are still available.</p>
<p>H-1B VISAS STILL AVAILABLE  4/27/09</p>
<p>The  USCIS announced that H-1B visas are still available.  As of this date,  about 45,000 of the the 65,000 available annual visas were subscribed.   This is quite a constrast to last year when all 65,000 were subscribed  in the first week. Therefore, about 20,000 visas are still available.   The troubled US economy is probably the reason that there is less demand  for H visas this year.</p>
<p>H-1B VISAS AVAILABLE APRIL 1, 2009   4/1/09</p>
<p>The  annual H-1B visas became available on April 1, 2009 through April 7,  2009.  There are 65,000 visas avaialbe for the year 2010.  If there are  more than 65,000 applicants, the USCIS will conduct a lottery to select  those eligible to apply.  The visa starting date will be October 1,  2009.  Last year there were about 130,000 applicants so that an  applicant had about a 50% chance of being selected.</p>
<p>PRESIDENT ELECT OBAMA ANNOUNCES NEW CABINET MEMBERS  12/1/08</p>
<p>O<span class="rp-desc"><span>n  12/1/08 President-elect Obama announced the nominations of Senator  Hillary Clinton as Secretary of State, Eric Holder as Attorney General,  and Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano as Secretary of the Department of  Homeland Security</span></span></p>
<p><span class="rp-desc"><span>NEW VISA WAIVER COUNTRIES ADDED  11/17/08</span></span></p>
<p><span class="rp-desc"><span><span class="rp-desc"><span>On  11/17/08 DHS final rule adds the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary,  Latvia, Lithuania, the Republic of Korea, and the Slovak Republic to the  list of Visa Waiver Program countries. (73 FR 67711, 11/17/08).</span></span></span></span></p>
<p>CBP ANNOUNCES REGISTRATION PROCEDURE FOR VISA WAIVER TRAVELERS  8/12/08</p>
<p><span class="rp-desc"><span>TheCBP  has announced that all Visa Waiver Traveler's must register for travel  to the United States.  The CBP’s Electronic System for Travel  Authorization (ESTA), an electronic system for screening passengers  before they begin travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver  Program, began accepting applications on 8/1/08. The travel  authorization will become mandatory for VWP travelers on 1/12/09.   Persons seeking more information can go to the CBP website at  http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/id_visa/esta/.  Persons may register  online by clicking link titled Electronic Travel Authorization Tool Now  Available  8/5/08 on the previously cited webpage.</span></span></p>
<p>CBP PROVIDES TIPS TO INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL DURING BUSY SUMMER SEASON 6/8/08</p>
<p>The  summer travel season has kicked off and Customs and Border Protection  (CPB) would like to remind international travelers this is the busiest  travel time of the year. To help make the travelers trip as trouble free  as possible CBP would like to provide tips for international travel.<br />On  a typical day, CBP welcomes more than 1.1 million international  travelers into the United States at land, air and sea ports. CBP  officers use the latest technologies and procedures to assure that  travelers from throughout the world are processed rapidly while assuring  that individuals who have ties to terrorism or a criminal background  are barred from entry. CBP would like to take this opportunity to share  some travel tips that can also be found on CBP’s Travel page.  <br />Here are some travel tips offered by Customs and Border Protection for your visit or return to the United States:<br />..  Have all the required travel documents for the countries you’re  visiting, as well as identification for re-entry to the United States.  Passports are required to the U.S. by air.<br />.. Make sure you find out  the rules and regulations concerning food and agricultural items before  you travel, as some are prohibited or must meet certain requirements,  such as a license or permit. Also, all live birds and bird products,  whether for personal or commercial use, may be restricted and/or  quarantined.<br />.. When you arrive at a port of entry in the United  States, a U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer will inspect you.  Be prepared to tell the officer the purpose of your trip and those items  that you purchased or obtained abroad.<br />.. If you are a visitor to  the United States, the officer may require you to provide your  biometrics – digital finger scans and photograph – to verify your  identity against your travel documents. This simple and fast collection  of biometrics is the same as you experienced if you had to get a visa  for your trip to the U.S.<br />.. As a visitor to the U.S., when you depart, make sure that the airline ticket agent collects your I-94 form.<br />..  See our “Top 10 Travel Tips”, as well as a wealth of Frequently Asked  Questions concerning international travel at CBP's Know Before You Go  page.  <br />.. Visit CBP’s Web site at cbp.gov to view recent wait times  for the airport you will arrive at. This will help you gauge how long  your clearance process will take.<br />If you are traveling by plane to  Mexico or Canada, please keep in mind that the Western Hemisphere Travel  Initiative requires all travelers to and from the Americas, the  Caribbean, and Bermuda to have a passport or other accepted form of  documentation to enter or depart the United States.<br /><br />Since Jan.  31, 2008, CBP officers no longer accept an oral declaration of  citizenship but require that all individuals entering the country at  land and sea ports of entry, from within  the Western Hemisphere, have  documentary proof of identity and citizenship. Documents that can be  used to gain entry into the U.S. include official passports, passport  cards, copies of birth certificates along with government-issued photo  identification, enhanced driver’s licenses and NEXUS cards.<br />“At ports  of entry, CBP prevents entry of people and goods that are prohibited or  threaten our citizens, infrastructure, resources, and food supply,  while facilitating lawful trade and travel,” said David J. Murphy, CBP  director of field operations in Chicago. “We strive to achieve that  balance and show the world that the United States is a welcoming  nation.”</p>
<p>USCIS WILL ANNOUNCE NEW TRAVEL RULES FOR VISA WAIVER TRAVELERS  JUNE 2, 2008</p>
<p class="story">Passengers  travelling to the United States from countries whose citizens do not  need visas must register online with the US government at least 72 hours  before departure, in the latest measure to strengthen American  security.</p>
<p class="story">The new rule is expected to be announced  on Tuesday by  MichaelChertoff, the Homeland Security secretary, and  take effect in January 2009.</p>
<p class="story">European companies  last year expressed concern after the Homeland Security department  floated the idea of requiring passengers to register 48 hours in  advance, believing it could complicate last-minute business travel.  Although the new rule requires 72 hours advance registration, it will be  valid for multiple entries over a two-year period.</p>
<p><img src="http://us.ft.com/ftgateway/images/blank.gif" border="0" width="1" height="1" /></p>
<p>USCBP REMINDS TRAVELERS OF NEW BORDER CROSSING RULES FOR MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND MAY 20, 2008</p>
<p>Planning ahead for getting across the border this weekend -- the traditional start of heavy summer cross-border<br />travel  -- may spare motorists the unwanted angst of a traffic jam. That's the  advice from U.S. Customs &amp; Border Protection officials who are  gearing up for the upcoming Memorial Day weekend. "Travelers are  reminded that as of Jan. 31, 2008, CBP stopped accepting an oral  declaration of citizenship and now all individuals entering the country  have to present documentary proof of citizenship," said CBP Chief Ron  Smith in Detroit. Documents that can be used to gain entry into the U.S.  include official passports, passport cards, copies of birth  certificates along with government-issued photo identification, enhanced  driver's licenses, NEXUS or FAST cards. Those U.S. or Canadian citizens  who travel without the correct<br />paperwork will have the requirements  explained to them, receive a tearsheet explaining how to become  compliant with the rules and then be able to proceed into the U.S. CBP  officers are still exercising discretion with those who fail to comply  with the enhanced requirements in order to ensure that everyone knows  what is required. Since the standards for entry were increased earlier  this year, the compliance rate among travelers crossing the border has  been in the 90 percent range, according to U.S. Department of Homeland  Security officials.</p>
<p>USCIS ANNOUNCES H-1B CAP FILLED APRIL 10, 2008</p>
<p>The  USCIS announced that the H-1B cap was filled on the last day of filing,  April, 7, 2008.  It announced that about 163,000 applications were  received.  There are only 65,000  H visas available per year.  The USCIS  announced that it will conduct a ramdon selection process to determine  which applicants are selected.</p>
<p>USCIS ANNOUNCES EXTENSION OF STUDENT PRACTICAL TRAINING PROGRAMS FOR SOME BUSINESSES  APRIL 4, 2008</p>
<p>The U.S. Department of Homeland Security released today an interim final rule extending the period of<br />Optional Practical Training (OPT) from 12 to 29 months for qualified F-1 non-immigrant students. The<br />extension will be available to F-1 students with a degree in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics<br />who are employed by businesses enrolled in the E-Verify program.<br /><br /></p>
<p><strong>ALIENS LOOK TO APRIL 1, 2008 FOR H VISAS 1/8/08</strong></p>
<p>Many  aliens are looking to April when they can apply for an H visa. The  first day to apply is April 1, 2008. Successful applicants will be able  to obtain an H visa on October 1, 2008. Last year all available H visas  for the entire year were applied for on the first day of availability.  There were more applications than available visas, so the USCIS  conducted a lottery.</p>
<p><strong>USCIS REMINDS EMPLOYERS TO USE THE NEW I-9 FORM 1/8/08</strong></p>
<p>After  December 26, 2007, employers who fail to use the new Form I-9 may be  subject to all applicable penalties. All employers are required to  complete a Form I-9 for each NEWemployee hired in the United States.</p>
<p><strong>DREAM ACT STALLS IN THE SENATE 10/25/07</strong></p>
<p>The  Senate did not have enough votes to stop a filibuster and bring the  proposed Dream Act to a vote of the full Senate. The Dream Act's main  provision would give conditional legal status to illegal immigrants who  have lived in the United States at least five years and entered the  country before age 16. They must graduate from high school, have no  criminal record and have a "good moral character." If these immigrants  serve in the military or complete two years of higher education, the  conditional status would be lifted. After five years, they could apply  for citizenship. Critics of the bill stated that there must be a balance  of benefits and border security and enforcement.</p>
<p><strong>USCIS ANNOUNCES NEW QUESTIONS FOR NATURALIZATION EXAM TO START OCTOBER 2008</strong></p>
<p>The  USCIS announced a new set of 100 questions for the naturalization exam.  These questions will be used starting October 2008. For a full list of  the new questions, refer to the USCIS website. 10/4/07</p>
<p><strong>STATE DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES OPENING OF EMPLOYMENT BASED IMMIGRANT VISAS UNTIL 8/17/07.</strong></p>
<p>In  a reversal of its previous announcement, the State Department announced  that most employment based categories will remain open until August 17,  2007 provided that the alien had a priority date that was current on  the original July 2007 Visa Bulletin. It also announced that the old fee  schedule will apply for these cases only.</p>
<p><strong>NEW INCREASED FEES EFFECTIVE FOR ALL NEW USCIS FILINGS 7/20/07</strong></p>
<p>The  new increased fees for USCIS filings went into effect 7/30/07. The new  fees can be viewed in the USCIS website. The new fees are substantially  increased for naturalization applications, adjustment of status and  other petitions.</p>
<p><strong>STATE DEPARTMENT CLOSES PROCESSING OF EMPLOYMENT BASED IMMIGRANT VISAS 7/2/07</strong></p>
<p>In  a surprise announcement, the State Department closed employment based  immigrant visa processing. This was a surprise because in June the State  Department had previously announced that employment based immigrant  visas would become current in July. The State Department announced that  employment based immigrant visas may become available in October. This  announcement caused some problems because many aliens had prepared  immigrant documents in anticipation of immigrant visas which were  supposed to become available in July, but were not available.</p>
<p><strong>SENATE FAILS TO PASS IMMIGRATION REFORM BILL 6/28/07</strong></p>
<p>The  Senate failed to pass the controversial immigration reform bill which  means that the measure has failed for the time being. The immigration  bill provided tough border control measures with broad based amnesty for  illegal aliens. It is possible that some form of the bill will be  revived in the future.</p>
<p><strong>STATE DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES CHANGE IN EB-3 IMMIGRANT QUOTA DATE 4/24/07</strong></p>
<p>The  State Department announced in the May bulletin that the Employment  based EB-3 quota date for bachelor's degree or skilled worker category  moved forward one year to August 1, 2003. This means that any alien with  a priority date of 8/1/2003 or before can now obtain permanent  residence by completing their applications.</p>
<p><strong>USCIS PROPOSES CHANGES TO THE RELIGIOUS WORKER VISA 4/24/07</strong></p>
<p>The  USCIS has proposed substantial changes to the nonimmigrant religious  worker visa known as the R visa. The proposed rule will require the  filing of a petition with the USCIS before an R visa can be issued. In  the past, an alien could file an application directly with the U.S.  Embassy or Consulate abroad. The proposed rule would also limit the  period of the initial visa to one year. The USCIS is accepting comments  on the proposed rule until June 25, 2007.</p>
<p><strong>H-1B QUOTA FILLED IN ONE DAY 4/5/07</strong></p>
<p>The  USCIS announced that the H-1B allotment had been over subscribed on the  first day that applications could be filed. The USCIS stated that it  received over 150,000 H-1B applications on the first day for the 65,000  available H-1B visas for 2008. The USCIS further announced that they  would conduct a lottery among the 150,000 applicants for the H visas  available.</p>
<p><strong>NEW H-1B VISAS FOR 2008 4/1/07</strong></p>
<p>The USCIS  will accept H-1B visa applications starting April 2, 2007. These new  visas will start on 10/1/2007. There are 65,000 H-1B regular visas  available and it is anticipated that the visas available for 2008 will  be gone quickly. Last year the quota of H-1B visas was closed in late  May, but this year it is anticipated that the quota will close much  sooner.</p>
<p><strong>USCIS ANNOUNCES US CITIZENS WHO RESIDE ABROAD MAY FILE I-130 PETITIONS FOR IMMEDIATE RELATIVES 3/26/07</strong></p>
<p>The  USCIS announced that US citizens who live abroad may file for permanent  residence for immediate relatives at the nearest USCIS office abroad.  Generally the US citizen must live more than 6 months abroad to be  allowed to file the application. Under emergency situations or where it  is in the national interest, US citizens who reside in the US may file  I-130 petitions abroad. US Citizens who reside in the US must file their  petitions at the appropriate USCIS office in the US.</p>
<p><strong>ICE ARRESTS OVER 1200 ILLEGAL ALIENS IN MULTISTATE RAIDS 12/13/06</strong></p>
<p>On  12/12/06, approximately one thousand Immigration and Customs  Enforcement (ICE) agents entered six Swift &amp; Company meatpacking  plants-in Greeley, Colorado; Grand Island, Nebraska; Cactus, Texas;  Hyrum, Utah; Marshalltown, Iowa; and Worthington, Minnesota-with  warrants permitting the agents to search and apprehend undocumented  immigrant workers. Agents arrested 1,282 undocumented immigrant workers  on administrative immigration violations, including 65 who were also  charged with criminal violations such as identity theft, re-entry after  deportation, and other violations. At this time, ICE did not bring  charges against Swift officials during the raids.</p>
<p><strong>PRESIDENT SIGNS NEW LAW AUTHORIZING BUILDING OF A BORDER FENCE 10/26/06</strong></p>
<p>WASHINGTON,  DC - The President signed into law the Secure Fence Act which will  build a 700-mile fence along the US - Mexican border. The current  appropriation of $1.18 billion will fund 90 miles of fence. A different  bill introduced last spring would have enacted a comprehensive approach  and provide for a guest-worker program and eventual citizenship for  immigrants, as well as border security. That bill was not enacted.</p>
<p><strong>GREEN CARD LOTTERY STARTS 10/3/06</strong></p>
<p>The  green card lottery called DV 2008 is from October 4, 2006 to December  3, 2006. You must submit your application before December 3, 2006. The  entire application is done online. To start log onto the State  Department website at http://travel.state.gov. Then go to "visa" and  then "immigrants" and then "types" and then "2008 Diversity Lottery".  You can obtain the complete instructions on the State Department website  in pdf format (17 pages).</p>
<p><strong>H-1B CAP FOR ADVANCED DEGREES REACHED 8/1/06</strong></p>
<p>The  USCIS has announced that all available H-1B visas for advanced degrees  (Master's Degrees) for the year have been used and that the quota is  closed. There will be no new H-1B visas for advanced degrees issued  until October, 2007.</p>
<p><strong>USCIS REVISES AFFIDAVIT OF SUPPORT FORM I-864 7/1/06</strong></p>
<p>The  USCIS has issued a new Affidavit of Support Form I-864. This form  changes the requirements of documents required to be submitted. The new  form requires only the sponsor's last tax return instead of 3 years as  previously required. The new form also requires a signature under  penalty of perjury instead of a notarized signature which was required  on the previous form. There are also other beneficial changes in the new  form. The new form must be used after 9/23/06.</p>
<p><strong>H-1B CAP REACHED ON 5/26/06</strong></p>
<p>The  USCIS has announced that all available H-1B visas for the year have  been used and that the quota is closed. There will be no new H-1B visas  issued until October, 2007. In past years, the USCIS has allowed  applications for new visas to be filed starting in April of the same  year.</p>
<p><strong>H-1B VISAS ARE 50% DIMINISHED AFTER ONE MONTH 5/16/06</strong></p>
<p>April  1, 2006 was the first day to apply for the 65,000 H-1B visas available  starting 10/1/06. According the USCIS website, about 34,800 H-1B  applications are approved or pending as of 5/12/06. After the H-1B visa  quota is filled, there will be no more H-1B visas until October 1, 2007.</p>
<p><strong>PRESIDENT BUSH ADDRESSES THE NATION ON HIS IMMIGRATION BILL 5/15/06</strong></p>
<p>President  Bush gave a major speech to the nation urging Congess to pass his  comprehensive immigration bill which includes increased border security  and a guest worker program. The official White House release states in  part :</p>
<p>1. The United States Must Secure Its Borders</p>
<p>Securing  Our Borders Is The Basic Responsibility Of A Sovereign Nation And An  Urgent Requirement Of Our National Security. President Bush's proposals  to better secure our borders include increasing the number of Border  Patrol agents, ending the practice of "catch and release" along the  southern border, eliminating bureaucratic obstacles to returning illegal  immigrants to their home countries, and sending National Guard members  to the border for temporary assignment to assist the Border Patrol  during the transition as new Border Patrol agents are added and new  technology comes online.</p>
<p>Since President Bush Took Office, We Have  Increased Funding For Border Security By 66 Percent And Expanded The  Border Patrol From About 9,000 To 12,000 Agents. Over the past five  years, we have apprehended and sent home more than 6 million people  entering America illegally.</p>
<p>By The End Of 2008, We Will Have  Increased The Number Of Border Patrol Officers By An Additional 6,000.  When these new agents are deployed, we will have more than doubled the  size of the Border Patrol during the President's Administration.</p>
<p>We  Launched The Secure Border Initiative, The Most Technologically  Advanced Border Enforcement Initiative In American History. We will  construct high_tech fences in urban corridors and build new patrol roads  and barriers in rural areas. We will employ motion sensors, infrared  cameras, and unmanned aerial vehicles to detect and respond to illegal  crossings.</p>
<p>The President's Plan To Increase Border Security Will  Take Time To Fully Implement, So The President Is Announcing Several  Immediate Steps To Strengthen Border Enforcement During This Transition:</p>
<p>*  In Coordination With Governors, Up To 6,000 National Guard Members Will  Be Sent To Our Southern Border. The Department of Homeland Security,  and specifically the Border Patrol, will remain in the lead. The Guard,  which will be deployed in shifts, will assist the Border Patrol by  operating surveillance systems, analyzing intelligence, installing  fences and vehicle barriers, building patrol roads, and providing  training. Guard units will not be involved in direct law enforcement  activities __ that duty will be done by the Border Patrol.</p>
<p>o This  Initial Commitment Of Guard Members Would Last For One Year. After that,  the number of Guard forces will be reduced as new Border Patrol agents  are added and new technologies come online. These 6,000 troops account  for less than 2 percent of the total National Guard force of more than  440,000. We have enough National Guard members to secure our border  while continuing to respond to natural disasters and to win the War on  Terror.</p>
<p>o The United States Is Not Going To Militarize The  Southern Border. Mexico is our neighbor and friend. We will continue to  work cooperatively to improve security on both sides of the border,  confront common problems like drug trafficking and crime, and reduce  illegal immigration.</p>
<p>* We Will Increase Federal Funding For State  And Local Authorities Assisting The Border Patrol On Targeted  Enforcement Missions, And We Will Give Them The Specialized Training  They Need To Help The Border Patrol And Other Federal Officers Apprehend  And Detain Illegal Immigrants.</p>
<p>We Will Work To Ensure That Every  Illegal Immigrant We Catch Crossing Our Southern Border Is Returned  Home By Ending The Practice Of "Catch And Release." For many years, the  government did not have enough space in our detention facilities to hold  illegal immigrants while the legal process unfolded. Most were released  back into society and asked to return for a court date, but did not  show up when the date arrived.</p>
<p>* To End "Catch And Release," We  Will Continue Expanding The Number Of Beds In Our Detention Facilities  And Continue Expediting The Removal Process To Cut The Average  Deportation Time. We are making it clear to foreign governments that  they must accept back their citizens who violate our immigration laws.  As a result of these actions, we have ended catch and release for  illegal immigrants from some countries. The President will ask Congress  for additional funding and legal authority to permanently end catch and  release at the southern border once and for all.</p>
<p>2. To Secure Our Border, We Must Create A Temporary Worker Program</p>
<p>President  Bush Supports A Temporary Worker Program That Would Create A Legal Path  For Foreign Workers To Enter Our Country In An Orderly Way, For A  Limited Period Of Time. This program would match willing foreign workers  with willing American employers for jobs Americans are not doing. Every  worker who applies for the program would be required to pass criminal  background checks, and temporary workers must return to their home  country at the conclusion of their stay.</p>
<p>* A Temporary Worker  Program Would Meet The Needs Of Our Economy, Ease The Financial Burden  On State And Local Governments, And Add To Our Security. A temporary  worker program would give honest immigrants a way to provide for their  families while respecting the law, would replace illegal workers with  lawful taxpayers, and would enable us to make certain we know who is in  our country and why they are here.</p>
<p>3. We Need To Hold Employers To Account For The Workers They Hire</p>
<p>Comprehensive  Immigration Reform Must Include A Tamper_Resistant Identification Card  For Every Legal Foreign Worker So Businesses Can Verify The Legal Status  Of Their Employees. This card should use biometric technology, such as  digital fingerprints, to make it tamper_proof. This would leave  employers with no excuse for violating the law, and it would help us  enforce the law.</p>
<p>4. We Must Deal With The Millions Of Illegal Immigrants Already Here</p>
<p>The  President Opposes Amnesty. President Bush opposes giving illegal  immigrants an automatic path to citizenship because it would be unfair  to those who are here lawfully, would compromise the rule of law, and  would invite further waves of illegal immigration. The President  supports increasing the annual number of green cards that can lead to  citizenship, but for the sake of justice and security, the President is  firmly opposed to amnesty.</p>
<p>President Bush Believes That Deporting  Every Illegal Immigrant Is Neither Wise Nor Realistic. There is a  rational middle ground between granting an automatic path to citizenship  for every illegal immigrant and a program of mass deportation.</p>
<p>President  Bush Believes Illegal Immigrants Who Want To Stay Should Have To Pay A  Meaningful Penalty For Breaking The Law, Pay Their Taxes, Learn English,  And Work In A Job For A Number Of Years. The President also believes  that there are differences between an illegal immigrant who crossed the  border recently and someone who has worked here for many years, and has a  home, a family, and an otherwise clean record. Those who meet our  conditions should be able to apply for citizenship but approval will not  be automatic, and they will have to wait in line behind those who  played by the rules and followed the law.</p>
<p>5. We Must Honor The Great American Tradition Of The Melting Pot</p>
<p>The  Success Of Our Country Depends Upon Helping Newcomers Assimilate Into  Our Society And Embrace Our Common Identity As Americans. Americans are  bound together by our shared ideals, an appreciation of our history,  respect for the flag we fly, and an ability to speak and write the  English language.</p>
<p>The House And Senate Must Pass A Comprehensive Immigration Reform Bill</p>
<p>All  Elements Of This Problem Must Be Addressed Together. The House has  passed an immigration bill. The Senate should act by the end of this  month so that the House and Senate can work out their differences and  send the President a comprehensive bill to sign.</p>
<p>America Needs To  Conduct This Debate In A Reasoned And Respectful Tone. Feelings run deep  on this issue and as we work it out, all of us need to keep some things  in mind. We cannot build a unified country by inciting people to anger,  or playing on anyone's fears, or exploiting the issue of immigration  for political gain. We must always remember that real lives will be  affected by our debates and decisions, and that every human being has  dignity and value no matter what their citizenship papers say.</p>
<p><strong>ESTATE TAX EXEMPTION RISES 1/10/06</strong></p>
<p>The  exemption from estate taxes upon the death of a US citizen or permanent  resident has increased to $2 million dollars effective 1/1/06. The  previous exemption was $1.5 million.</p>
<p><strong>H-1B ADVANCE DEGREE VISAS ABOUT TO BE UNAVAILABLE 1/10/06</strong></p>
<p>The  USCIS has announced that the extra 20,000 annual H-1B visas for foreign  workers with a U.S. master degree or higher level degree will soon  become unavailable.</p>
<p><strong>EMPLOYMENT BASED VISAS REGRESS 10/29/05</strong></p>
<p>The  important Third Preference Employment Based immigrant visa category has  regressed to 3/1/01. This includes aliens from all countries except  specific countries. Specific countries of China, Mexico, India, and the  Philippines have regressed to an even earlier date. The Third Preference  EB Catetory includes skilled workers which includes workers with 2  years or more experience or those with bachelor's degree level  employment.</p>
<p><strong>USCIS FILING FEES RISE 10/26/05</strong></p>
<p>USCIS  filing fees will rise on 10/26/05 about $10 per application on average.  The amount of fee increase will depend on the specific form. For more  details please refer to USCIS website.</p>
<p><strong>2007 DIVERSITY VISA LOTTERY WILL BEGIN 10/5/05</strong></p>
<p>The  Department has announced that registration for the 2007 Diversity Visa  (DV) Lottery will begin at noon on October 5, 2005. Persons seeking to  enter the lottery program must register online through the designated  Internet website during the registration period. The website for  registering for the 2007 DV Lottery, <a href="http://www.dvlottery.state.gov/">www.dvlottery.state.gov</a>, will be available from noon October 5, 2005 through noon December 4, 2005. <br />The  Department continues to encourage persons who wish to enter the 2007  Diversity Visa Lottery to submit their information early in the  two-month registration period. <br />There is no fee charged for entering  the Diversity Visa Lottery. The Department of State does not endorse,  recommend or sponsor any information or material from outside entities.  The Department is aware that websites and email have masqueraded as  official Diversity Visa Lottery facilitators. Registration for the  Diversity Visa Lottery through the official, U.S. government website, <a href="http://www.dvlottery.state.gov/">www.dvlottery.state.gov</a> is free of charge and notification of winning entries are sent by mail only.</p>
<p>There are various qualifications and restrictions in applying which are stated on the lottery website.</p>
<p><strong>USCIS ANNOUNCES THAT H-1B VISAS CLOSED FOR 2006 8/10/05</strong></p>
<p>The  USCIS announced that the quota for H-1B visas was filled for 2006 and  that no new H-1B visas will be issued until the next fiscal year  starting 10/1/06 (2007). If the same procedure is followed as last year,  applications for the next fiscal year will be accepted starting April,  2006.</p>
<p><strong>DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY TO BEGIN US-VISIT BIOMETRIC EXIT PILOT PROGRAM AT THREE US AIRPORTS 1/19/05</strong></p>
<p>The  Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced that foreign visitors  departing from Newark Airport in New Jersey are required to follow exit  procedures which involve providing two index fingerscans and a photo  before leaving the U.S. This program will also be started soon at San  Juan, Puerto Rice, San Francisco, California, and Detroit, Michigan.  This program will eventually be expanded to all US airports.</p>
<p><strong>THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR ISSUES NEW LABOR CERTIFICATION REGULATIONS 12/27/04</strong></p>
<p>The  Department of Labor has issued its proposed new labor certification  regulations due to become effective on March, 28, 2005. The new  regulations substantially change the labor certification procedures from  the former regulations. A labor certification is a prerequisite to  opening an employment based permanent resident immigrant application in  many cases.</p>
<p>In summary, the new regulations would:</p>
<p>1. Create four skill levels for each occupation and four different prevailing wages for labor certification applications.</p>
<p>2.  Create specific procedures for prefiling recruitment steps including  publishing two Sunday ads in the area of intended employment, and  require three additional recruitment steps including job fairs,  employer's website, job search website, on-campus recruiting, and  others.</p>
<p>3. Require new record keeping requirements of employers and allow electronic filing of applications on new form ETA 9089.</p>
<p>4.  Would continue to allow special requirements for certain occupations  based on business necessity including foreign language but with certain  qualifications.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>NEW FEE FOR H AND L VISAS (Fraud Prevention and Detection Fee) 12/9/04</p>
<p>Starting  on March 8, 2005, a Fraud Prevention and Detection fee of $500 must be  paid by petitioners for the initial application for an H-1B or L-1 visa.  This is in addition to the regular filing fee of $185 and the new fee  described below.</p>
<p>The new law also limits "outsourcing" for L-1 visas and increases experience requirement for blanket L-1 visas.</p>
<p><strong>NEW H-1B VISA FEE 12/9/04</strong></p>
<p>A  new additional filing fee of $1,500 for H-1B visa applications was  enacted. If the petitioner/employer has no more than 25 employees, then  the new additional fee is $750. This new fee is effective immediately.  This fee is in addition to the new Fraud and Prevention fee of $500  which starts 3/8/05.</p>
<p><strong>DEPARTMENT OF STATE ANNOUNCES THAT IT WILL STOP PROCESSING REVALIDATIONS OF E, L, AND H VISAS ON JULY 16, 2004</strong></p>
<p>The  Department of State announced that is will no longer process  revalidations of E, L, or H visas after July 16, 2004. Aliens and their  families with those visas must return to their home countries to  revalidate their visas.</p>