Immigration & Citizenship Notes, Jan 25, 2010
Immigration and US citizenship News
By Kieran C. O Sullivan
Immigration Counselor
Senate Loss may Affect Reform
The election of Senator Scott Brown to the US Senate this past week has left many activists wondering what affect it will have on efforts to pass immigration reform. Some reports suggest the Republican surge was as a result of the administrations efforts on health care reform. Advocates are waiting for Senator Chuck Schumer of New York to introduce a senate bill. Now it is more important than ever to contact your local congressman and senator and urge them to consider reform.
IPC to Offer help to Haitians
Following the tragic earthquake in Haiti, the Secretary of Homeland Security, Janet Napolitano, announced a decision to offer Temporary Protective Status (TPS) to natives of Haiti present in the US without status or on expired visas. This status commonly referred to as TPS, will offer work authorization cards, social security numbers and will allow Haitian nationals to apply for drivers licenses.
Secretary Napolitano stated, “It is important to note that TPS will apply only to those individuals who were in the United States as of January 12, 2010. Those who attempt to travel to the United States after January 12, 2010 will not be eligible for TPS and will be repatriated.”
TPS Assistance
Having already worked on TPS applications in the past, we will welcome inquiries from Haitian nationals at our clinics. Immigration attorney Chris Lavery stated if the response was great, we would put in place a TPS application assistance workshop. If you or someone you know are interested in TPS, give us a call.
Donations to Haiti
You can visit www.whitehouse.gov/haitiearthquake to make your contribution.
Job Postings
We want to remind employers that we have some callers who are looking for employment and if you have any open positions, you may post them for free at our center.
Marriage while in Deportation proceedings
In family petition I-130 cases for someone filing after marriage to an immigrant in proceedings, you file the petition at the Service Center with jurisdiction over your residence along with the required filing fee. The I-130 form asks you if your relative is in proceedings and you will have to answer “Yes.” This answer will prompt the Service Center to forward the petition to the District office for your interview. Such an interview may take up to a year normally to schedule. Anyone filing for an individual with an arrest, overstay, visa fraud or other complication is strongly encouraged to have a consultation with an immigration attorney before filing for permanent residency status.
Free Legal Clinics
The IPC will hold another legal clinic at Bad Abbots, 1546 Hancock St (rear), Quincy on Feb 2nd at 6:30 pm.
Disclaimer: These articles are published to inform and not as advice. Areas of law are always changing. The USCIS and US Department of State frequently amend regulations and alter processing and filing procedures. For legal advice seek the assistance of one of our pro bono immigration attorney at our monthly clinics.