Immigration Detention Center at Varick Street Questioned

Most New Yorkers do not realize that there is a “jail” located in Manhattan that imprisons 11,000 individuals each year. The ‘jail” is an Immigration Detention Center that holds individuals who are thought to be removable from the United States. As reported by the NY Times, Homeland Security Officials believe the detention center is a …

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H-1B Visa Number Approaching 65,000 Cap

As of October 25, 2009, 52,000 H-1B visas have been applied to the annual cap of 65,000 for FY2010. This represents a significant increase of about 6,100 visas above the previous month. This increase is an indication of the improving economic situation in the United States and will hopefully improve.

Former National Guard Soldier Faces Removal

The Seattle Times is reporting that a former National Guard soldier is facing removal from the United States. The soldier, Muhammad Zahid Chaudhry, attempted to obtain citizenship but was denied after he disclosed that he had previously pleaded guilty to certain misdemeanors in Australia nearly fifteen years ago. The government claims that Mr. Chaudhry failed …

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End to HIV/AIDS Travel Ban into United States

Today, President Obama announced that his administration was ending the 22 year ban on entry into the United States for those with HIV/AIDS. Previously, the United States was one of just a few countries that had such a ban. In making his announcement, the President stated, “If we want to be the global leader in …

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Continuing the Contribution of Immigrants to the United States

“Were it not for the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society, there might be no Google.” That sentence began a recently published article in the New York Times. At first that statement seems improbable – but given the backstory that statement is most probably true. You see, thirty years ago the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society assisted the …

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Senate Moves to End Widow Penalty

The Senate has passed a bill that would eliminate the often criticized Widow Penalty. The Widow Penalty refers to the government’s policy of denying a widow’s permanent residency application when the U.S. Citizen spouse dies before the marriage is two years old.

President Obama is expected to sign the bill into law. Additionally, it appears …

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Over 10,000 Soldiers Became U.S. Citizens Last Year

Last year, 10,505 U.S. service members became U.S. Citizens. This is the largest number since the Vietnam War. Being a member of the Armed Forces offers numerous advantages to those seeking to become U.S. Citizens. These advantages include a waiver of the $675 application fee and accelerated eligibility for citizenship.

To learn more …

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Wall Street Journal Opines on U.S. Immigration Policy

A recent opinion piece in the Wall Street Journal examined the US immigration policy on tracking foreign national scientists and researchers. The opinion piece was a harsh criticism of the current policy on foreign national students, stating “[i]t would be hard to invent a policy more counterproductive to our national interest.”

Comprehensive Immigration Reform has …

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The Founder’s Visa

The economy is in need of improvement and one technologist has an idea of how to improve it. Paul Graham suggests that the single best way to improve the economy is to create a “founders” visa that would allow 10,000 foreign nationals to enter the United States to start new companies. Mr. Graham’s thought is …

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A Sad Story: Duped by Another Fictitious Immigration Lawyer

The New York Times is again reporting about a malicious and fraudulent individual who was presenting himself to the public as an immigration attorney. The toll from this person’s actions is not completely known yet but appears to include at least fourteen innocent immigrants who were duped by the fraud and now face removal proceedings. …

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Chris Gafner Publishes Article on Unlawful Presence

Please file this posting under: a little self-promotion never hurt anyone.

The firm is proud to announce that Chris Gafner has co-authored an article examining “unlawful presence” that was published today in Bender’s Immigration Bulletin. “Unlawful presence” is a rather annoying term that has vexed immigration attorneys since its inception in 1996. If a person …

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Manager Faces Trial For Immigration Violations At Workplace

The former manager of a kosher slaughterhouse in Iowa is beginning the first of two trials relating to his participation in a business that employed unauthorized workers. Mr. Rubashkin is accused of directing workers to obtain fraudulent documents that showed they were eligible to work.

New York Times Article about Visa Overstays

The New York Times recently published an article examining the problem of visa overstays and the country’s inability to keep track of those who overstay. Generally speaking, an ovestayer is someone who is granted a visa but then does not leave the country when their visa status expires. Although this is a problem that persists …

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Four Naturalized U.S. Citizens Win Nobel Prizes

The United States has been well represented at this year’s Nobel Prize announcements. In fact, the United States won the first six Nobel Prizes awarded (not to mention President Obama’s award). The United States should be proud of its citizens’ accomplishments and the U.S. institutions and communities that made it possible for these Americans …

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Conrad 30 and EB-5 Programs Extended

President Obama has signed a stopgap bill extending the Conrad 30 and EB-5 programs until October 31, 2009. Both of these programs are expected to be extended further within the coming weeks. The Conrad 30 program allows for states to sponsor foreign national physicians who agree to work in under-served health areas. The EB-5 program …

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