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For Immediate Release:

USCIS REMINDS APPLICANTS TO APPLY FOR TRAVEL DOCUMENTS FOR
HOLIDAY TRAVEL ABROAD BEFORE THE END OF OCTOBER (PDF)

U. S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) anticipates an unusually high volume of requests for advance parole and other travel documents this winter, given the occurrence of three major religious observances- Christmas, Hanukkah, and Hajj during the month of December. More>

Letter from Sec Chertoff (PDF).

Although the Judge rejected many of the plaintiff's legal challenges to the department's no-match regulation, we are disappointed by the district court's decision today that temporarily continued the injunction against the regulation. We are reviewing the decision with the Justice Department and will examine all of our options, including appeal.
More>

2009 Diversity Visa Lottery Program

2009 Diversity Visa Lottery Program Registration Applications for the 2009 Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery will be accepted between noon Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) (GMT-4), Wednesday, October 3, 2007 and noon Eastern Standard Time (EST) (GMT-5) Sunday, December 2, 2007. Applicants may access the electronic Diversity Visa entry form atwww.dvlottery.state.gov during the registration period. Paper entries will not be accepted. Applicants are strongly encouraged not to wait until the last week of the registration period to enter. Heavy demand may result in website delays. No entries will be accepted after noon EST on December 2, 2007.The English version of the DV-2009 Lottery Instructions is available in PDF format for your convenience. http://travel.state.gov/pdf/2009DVInstructions.pdfThe DV required a qualifying occupations. The Department of Labor (DOL) database groups job experience into five "job zones." While many occupations are listed on the DOL Website, only certain specified occupations qualify for the Diversity Visa Program. To qualify for a Diversity Visa on the basis of your work experience, you must, within the past five years, have two years of experience in an occupation that is designated as Job Zone 4 or 5, classified in a Specific Vocational Preparation (SVP) range of 7.0 or higher. Also see an important fraud warning and more on the Diversity Visa Program on the State Departments web site: http://travel.state.gov/visa/immigrants/type s/types_1322.htmlPlease note there are websites looking very official but they are really not an official US governmental site. Good luck! Let me know if you need help with the application.

"Worksite Enforcement"

On 8/9/07, the Department of Homeland Security issued a Fact Sheet entitled "Worksite Enforcement" which highlights recent ICE enforcement efforts targeted at businesses that employ undocumented immigrants.

Julie Myers, Assistant Secretary for Homeland Security at ICE, stated that these "worksite enforcement actions target a key component of the illicit support structure that enables illegal immigration to flourish" and vowed that ICE "will continue to bring all of our authorities to bear in this fight using criminal charges, asset seizures, administrative arrests and deportations."

The Fact Sheet names more than a dozen businesses targeted in the workforce enforcement crackdowns, which range from temporary employment agencies, to textile, construction and food processing plants. It also provides a narrative description of the criminal activities, including the individuals involved, list of charges, fines levied, and number of arrests.

The size of the operations varied significantly, ranging from 12 contract workers at the Camp Joseph T. Robinson Army National Guard Base in North Little Rock, Arkansas being placed in removal proceedings, to the arrest of 160 individuals charged with being unlawfully present in the U.S. at a Fresh Del Monte Produce plant in Portland, Oregon. In the Del Monte case, grand jury indictments were also returned against 10 former workers charged with possession of fraudulent immigration documents. More>

Salvadorans with Temporary Protected Status  Given 18 Month Extension.

Issued Aug 21, 2007

Today the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced an extension of 18 months for El Salvadoran citizens on Temporary Protected Status (TPS). DHS has extended the current expiry date ( September 9, 2007) to March 9, 2009. DHS cited the devastation caused by earthquakes earlier this year in El Salvador as the basis for this humanitarian temporary relief.

Individuals currently holding this status MUST RE-REGISTER IMMEDIATELY for TPS before an October 22, 2007 deadline.

AG, is a Board Certified Specialist in immigration and naturalization law, and Chairman of the Mayor’s International Cabinet. Attorney Gordon recommended “. . . it is imperative that El Salvadorans seek the guidance of a qualified attorney and re-register. As simple as the phrase “re-register” sounds, the complexity of immigration regulations requires reliable and trustworthy guidance. “

June 23, 2007 Press Release/ NC Bar Association:

"The North Carolina Bar Association’s ongoing efforts to identify and recognize citizen lawyers came into full focus at the 2007 Annual Meeting, conducted June 21-24 at the Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa in Asheville.Throughout the Annual Meeting, and especially during Saturday morning’s General Session, the NCBA Citizen Lawyers commanded center stage. The Citizen Lawyer Task Force, chaired by Bill Flynn and charged by President Clark Smith to illuminate the noble efforts of citizen lawyers throughout the state, recognized 25 of North Carolina’s leading citizen lawyers.In addition to the General Session, during which each citizen lawyer honoree came across the stage to receive a distinctive 2007 NCBA Citizen Lawyer memento, recognition posters commemorating each citizen lawyer were displayed prominently throughout the Annual Meeting.Flynn announced each recipient and read excerpts from their bios while Clark presented the awards.

The honorees represented a broad cross-section of lawyers serving in numerous ways, including appointive and elective boards and commissions, non-profit organizations, youth sports and officials, scouting, involvement in local schools, environmental causes and statewide service."

See PDF Here.

NC Driver’s License Bill Passed

For Immediate Release: May 29, 2007
Contact: Miguel Manna
Alan Gordon Immigration and Naturalization Law

www.greencards.com
Tel: (704) 332-2555

Charlotte , NC- Foreign nationals in the United States with valid status can now obtain a drivers’ license without needing a “visa” in their passport. Effective since January 1, 2007.

Foreign nationals who meet the requirements of the bill now have privileges to hold their drivers’ licenses for extended periods of time. Licenses will now expire in five years for recipients over 54, eight years for recipients between 18 and 54, and at age 21 for recipients under 18.

More information on this bill may be found at http://www.dmv.org/nc-north-carolina/department-motor-vehicles.php.

Licenses may be canceled if the applicant is found guilty of fraud. The bill applies to parties who renewed or were issued a license on or after January 1, 2007. Effective July 1, 2008 eligible parties may receive temporary driving certificates valid for 20 days.

North Carolina M/WBE Coordinator's Network - Building Relationships, Creating Opportunities

Pretenden parar deportaciones

By MICHAEL DAYTON- Editor

Would Superman Be An Illegal Alien?
Immigration Policies Under Review By Charlotte Commission

National Day of Action for Immigration Reform

On March 25, 2006, Charlotte Immigration Attorney Miguel Manna addressed a peaceful rally of more than 6,000 people, gathered in Marshall Park, Charlotte, NC,  for the National Day of Action for Immigration Reform.  Mr. Manna spoke about the need for comprehensive immigration reform, addressing the needs of national security, businesses and immigrants, as well.  He also spoke about the dangers of an enforcement-only policy that punishes immigrants for having dreams of a better future for themselves and their children.  Mr. Manna emphasized the economic contribution of the immigrant population and the benefits they bring to our community.  He echoed the sentiments of the McCain-Kennedy bill that addresses not only the status of the undocumented but provides relief for businesses and family caught in lengthy visa backlogs.   "Now is the time for Comprehensive Immigration Reform that recognizes the contribution of immigrants.  Hard work and dreams of a better life are not crimes, " declared Mr. Manna.

LABOR CERTIFICATIONS GO PERM !

A new Labor Certification process will be fully implemented by the Department of Labor on March 28 of this year. This new process, known as Program Electronic Review Management or PERM , will officially replace the current Reduction in Recruitment (RIR) and standard Labor Certification processes on March 28, 2005. Effective March 28, 2005, all labor certification applications must be filed under the PERM guidelines. The purpose of PERM is both to standardize and speed up the labor certification process significantly (processing time is projected to take within 60 days from filing to receipt of approval). However, labor certifications completed in compliance with PERM require more recruitment than the current RIR labor certification process. <more>

THE DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY EXTENDS TEMPORARY PROTECTIVE STATUS DESIGNATION FOR EL SALVADOR

What: The Temporary Protected Status designation for El Salvador will expire on March 9, 2005. This notice extends the designation of El Salvador for 18 months, until September 9, 2006, and sets forth procedures necessary for nationals of El Salvador (or aliens having no nationality who last habitually resided in El Salvador) with TPS to re-register and to apply for an extension of their employment authorization documents (EAD's) for the additional 18-month period.

Who: Re-registration is limited to person who registered under the initial designation announced in March 9, 2001 or who filed their first application for TPS under each subsequent extension of the designation. Eligible aliens also must have maintained continuous physical presence in the United States since March 9, 2001, and continuous residence in the United States since February 13, 2001. Certain nationals of El Salvador (or aliens having no nationality who last habitually resided in El
Salvador) who have not
previously applied for temporary protected status may be eligible to apply under the late initial registration provisions.

Additional Important Information: Given the large number of Salvadorans affected by this notice, the Department of Homeland Security recognizes that many re-registrants may not receive their new employment authorization documents until after their current documents expire on March 9, 2005.

Accordingly, this notice automatically extends the validity for employment authorization documents issued under the temporary protected status designation of El Salvador for 6 months, until September 9, 2005, and explains how temporary protected status beneficiaries and their employers may determine which employment authorization documents are automatically extended.

DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY ANNOUNCES TEMPORARY RELIEF MEASURES FOR NATIONALS OF COUNTRIES AFFECTED BY THE ASIAN TSUNAMI

What: U.S. 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
visa status.

Standard requirements for security checks will remain in place under expedited procedures.

When: Beginning January 7, 2005 individuals from either Sri Lanka or Maldives who are under a final order of removal will be granted a stay of removal for 90 days. This temporary suspension is specific to these two countries due to the massive infrastructure damage. The stay is automatic, and no request or petition is necessary.

Who: Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) will also consider stay of removal requests from non-criminal aliens from countries other than Sri Lanka and Maldives that were affected by the earthquake and tsunami, and temporarily suspend the deportation of any individual presently in the U.S.
who would be returned to an area severely affected by the tsunami.
Decisions will be made on a case-by-case basis and based on specific circumstances.

Where appropriate and authorized by law, nonimmigrant visitors and aliens that receive a stay of removal may be eligible to apply for or receive employment authorization so that they may financially support themselves, or potentially help the rebuilding effort by sending remittances to their home country. DHS will continue to work with other branches of the United States Government to closely monitor developments in the region to determine the need for additional action.

Info: For additional information,
contact Alan S. Gordon at 704-332-2555 or
email at asgordon@greencards.com.

Immigration Specialists…Alan Gordon Law Offices Advocate for Charlotte’s International Community

Salvadorian TPS

Charlotte, NC – September 6, 2003, Alan Gordon and the staff of Alan Gordon, Immigration and Naturalization Law sponsored a “pro bono” Temporary Political Status (TPS) workshop for eligible Salvadorian workers residing in the City of Charlotte and Mecklenberg County. Mr. Gordon and his staff based their outreach efforts in support of the U.S. Department of State (USDS) and U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s (USDHS) decision to extend TPS to immigrants from El Salvador for an additional 18-months. The TPS extension was developed and approved by both the USDS and USDHS to relieve the potentially negative impact a mass migration would pose to El Salvador’s ability to recover economically. El Salvador’s economy has been challenged over the years with an underdeveloped infrastructure and by earthquakes.

The workshop drew a large crowd of Hispanic/Latino community members who were seeking information regarding the TPS extension. Alan Gordon and his staff provided information regarding TPS eligibility. Questions were addressed both publicly and privately with the attendees of the event. Afterwards, Mr. Gordon and his team proceeded to prepare petitions for those individuals who qualified for the extension. Among the attendees was a Salvadorian Regional Consul, Concha Marína Ruíz, who praised Mr. Gordon and his staff for sponsoring the event and for their “pro bono” services.