Siskind's Immigration Bulletin – September 09 ... - Siskind, Susser

Siskind's Immigration Bulletin – September 09, 2011Published by Greg Siskind, partner at the Immigration Law Offices of Siskind Susser,P.C., Attorneys at Law; telephone: 800-748-3819, 901-682-6455; facsimile: 800-684-1267 or 901-339-9604, e-mail: gsiskind@visalaw.com, WWW home page:http://www.visalaw.com.Siskind Susser serves immigration clients throughout the world from its offices in theUS and its affiliate offices across the world. To schedule a telephone or in-personconsultation with the firm, go to http://www.visalaw.com/intake.htmlEditor: Greg Siskind. Associate Editor: Juan Portillo. Contributors: Juan Portillo.To receive a free e-mail subscription to Siskind's Immigration Bulletin, fill out theform at http://www.visalaw.com/subscribe2.html . To unsubscribe, send yourrequest to visalaw-unsubscribe@topica.comTo subscribe to the free Siskind's Immigration Professional Newsletter, go tohttp://www.visalaw.com/sip-intro.html*****************************************************************1. Openers2. ABCs of Immigration Law: E-1 and E-2 Visas3. Ask Visalaw.com4. Border and Enforcement News- Illegal Re-Entry Tops All Federal Charges- Border Death Tally on Pace this Year to Set a Decade Low- States Can’t Opt Out of Federal Fingerprint Program- Rain Washes Away 40 Feet of U.S.-Mexico Border Fence- New DHS Rules Cancel Deportations- Rick Perry Challenges Obama Over Border Security Assurances-The Border is Safe, Federal Officials Say-U.S. Issues New Deportation Policy’s First Reprieves-Implementation of Domestic Filing of I-130s for Certain Overseas Petitioners-American Immigration Council Condemns Ruling-“Self Check” Now Available In Spanish5. News from the Courts- Ala. Immigration Law Temporarily Blocked in DOJ-Ruling over PA. Town’s Immigration Law Vacated-Arizona Petitions Immigration Law to Supreme Court-Judge in NY Orders Federal Govt. to Release 40k Records6. News Bytes- U.S. to Assist Immigrant Job Creators-Gov. Pat Quinn Signs Illinois DREAM Act into Law-Hacking Figure’s U.S. Visa in Question-Tim Pawlenty Addresses E-Verify System-U.S. Ambassador Urged Restraint on Afghan Visas-Rick Perry Called Tom Tancredo “Racist”

simultaneously carrying out the most severe enforcement policy of any White Housein recent times is not going to lead to reelection.Perhaps I can make a few suggestions? How about suspending deportationsimmediately for all individuals without criminal records rather than waiting on DHS toreview all 300,000 cases? How about making clear that employment authorizationshould be provided to all such individuals rather than having a vague “case by case”review that invites arbitrariness and an abuse of discretion? And then allow people toturn themselves in to ICE in order to be covered under the program so that we canfinally get millions of productive people out of the shadows.*****Readers are reminded that they are welcome to contact my law office if they wouldlike to schedule a telephone or in person consultation with me or one of mycolleagues. If you are interested, please call my office at 901-682-6455.Regards,Greg Siskind2. ABCs of Immigration Law: E-1 and E-2 VisasWhat is an E-1/E-2 visa?The Immigration and Nationality Act provides treaty trader/investor nonimmigrantstatus for a national of any of the countries with which an appropriate treaty ofcommerce and navigation exists.An individual who wishes to go to the U.S. to carry on substantial trade, principallybetween the U.S. and his/her own country, may apply for a treaty trader visa (E1).Someone who is going to the United States to develop and direct the operations ofan enterprise in which he/she has invested, or is actively in the process of investing,a substantial amount of capital is welcome to apply for a treaty investor visa (E2).The category is popular because unlike the L-1 category, it is not necessary tomaintain a business outside the U.S. and also because unlike L-1 status, E-1 and E-2visas can be renewed every five years without limits.What documents are required to apply?• E-1 Treaty Traders must submit a comprehensive letter from the principalalien’s company or employer identifying the applicant and describing in detailthe nature and function of the business and the applicant’s position. The lettermust be on the current business/employer’s letterhead, with an originalsignature from an authorized company representative, and must beaddressed to the Visa Office, Department of State. The letter shoulddemonstrate the applicant’s entitlement to E-1 status based on the continuedtrade between the U.S. and the country of the applicant’s nationality. Theletter must contain a statement of unequivocal intent that the applicant willdepart the U.S. when E-1 status ends. If the visa applicant is the sole

company employee in the U.S., submit the latest copy of the company’s FICAand IRS forms with the applicant’s letter of explanation. Please include thecompany’s fax number.• E-2 Treaty Investors must submit a copy of the company’s most recentfinancial statement. E-2 Treaty Investors must also submit a comprehensiveletter from the principal alien’s company or employer identifying the applicantand describing in detail the nature and function of the investment and theextent of the principal alien’s participation in the investment. The letter mustbe on the current company/employer’s letterhead, with an original signaturefrom an authorized company representative, and must be addressed to theVisa Office, Department of State. The letter should contain a statement ofunequivocal intent that the applicant will depart the U.S. when E-2 statusends.Both E-1 and E-2 applicants must submit• Online Forms DS-156 and DS-156E.• One Supplemental Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-157, for all maleapplicants between the ages of 16 and 45, regardless of nationality, inaddition to the DS-156. The DS-157 must be typed or printed. All questionson the DS-157 must be answered. Applicants whose native language is notwritten in the English alphabet should print their names in their nativelanguage in item 3 of the DS-157. An online version of this form is availableat http://travel.state.gov/DS-0157.pdf.• One two inch by two inch photograph• A passport valid for at least six months beyond the visa application date(including Visa Office processing time). If more than one person is included inthe passport, each person applying for a visa must submit a visa application.You must present the passport bearing your most recent E visa. Eachapplicant receives an individual visa, and each Machine Readable Visa (MRV)covers a full passport page. Therefore, passports must contain a blank,unmarked visa page for each U.S. visa to be placed in the passport. Removeextraneous pieces of paper (slips of paper with phone numbers, old airlineboarding passes, etc.) from the passport. You may submit a passport in aprotective cover.• The original or a certified copy of Form I-94, Arrival-Departure Recordannotatedby the Department of Homeland Security (formerly INS) inspector from yourmost recent admission to the U.S.• If the spouse and/or dependent children are applying for visas separately fromthe principal alien, submit certified copies of the principal alien’s valid visaand valid I-94 (front and back) in addition to the other listed requirements.• Visa fee of $100.

Note that both E-1 and E-2 applicants can submit a variety of other documentsdemonstrating that an investment or trade between the U.S. and treaty country issubstantial. Your immigration lawyer should be able to provide you with a documentchecklist, but expect to have to produce documents that concern- the incorporation of the business in the U.S.- the ownership of the company- the capitalization of the business- the business plan- information on business activities such as marketing documentation, salescontracts, customer lists, etc.- lease or property ownership documentation- financial statements and tax returns for the U.S. business- if the company has business abroad, information on the business and financesof the foreign operation- information on the proposed position in the U.S. and background information onthe proposed executive, owner, manager or essential employeeWhich countries have E-1 Treaty Trader Status?The following countries have E-1 Treaty Trader Status: Argentina, Australia, Austria,Belgium, Bolivia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Brunei, Canada, Chile, China (Taiwan),Colombia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Denmark, Estonia, Ethiopia, Finland, France,Germany, Greece, Honduras, Iran, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Latvia,Liberia, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Mexico, Netherlands, Norway, Oman, Pakistan,Paraguay, Philippines, Singapore, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Suriname, Sweden,Switzerland, Thailand, Togo, Turkey, United Kingdom and Yugoslavia.Which countries have E-2 Treaty Investor Status?The following countries have E-2 Treaty Investor Status: Albania, Argentina,Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belgium, Bolivia,Bosnia & Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Cameroon, Canada, Chile, China (Taiwan),Colombia, Congo (Brazzaville), Congo (Kinshasa), Costa Rica, Croatia, CzechRepublic, Ecuador, Egypt, Estonia, Ethiopia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany,Grenada, Honduras, Iran, Ireland, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan,Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Liberia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Mexico, Moldova,Mongolia, Morocco, Netherlands, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Paraguay,Philippines, Poland, Romania, Senegal, Singapore, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, SouthKorea, Spain, Sri Lanka, Suriname, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Togo, Trinidad &Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Ukraine, United Kingdom and Yugoslavia.Can spouses or E-1 and E-2 visa holders work?

*****States Can’t Opt Out of Federal Fingerprint ProgramThe Providence Journal reports that the U.S. Department of Homeland Securityclarified that its controversial Secure Communities program was never voluntary,and said it will continue operating the program without agreements fromparticipating jurisdictions. Steven Brown, executive director of the Rhode IslandAffiliate of the ACLU, said the decision has prompted national outrage. “It meansthat ICE has been pulling everybody’s legs for two years and claiming that it wasvoluntary and they’re now saying it never was,” Brown said. ICE officials insist themove was an effort to remove confusion over the program and that they willcontinue pushing for their goal of a nationwide roll out by 2013.http://www.projo.com/news/content/S-COMM_6_08-06-11_J8PJG2R_v6.3a808.html*****Rain Washes Away 40 Feet of U.S.-Mexico Border FenceThe Arizona Daily Star reports that a 40-foot stretch of mesh border fence east ofLukeville in Southwestern Arizona was knocked over by rainwater rushing through awash during a recent rainstorm. The hole in the fence marks the latest in a series ofchallenges for the barrier during rainstorms, said Organ Pipe Cactus NationalMonument Superintendent Lee Baiza. After water pooled behind the fence andcaused flooding damage to the Lukeville Port of Entry and private businesses in2008, the government installed liftable gates in drainage systems to stop flooding.During the recent flood, though, the gates were down, Baiza said. Environmentalistssay the recent events show that there should be no border barriers in watercrossings.http://azstarnet.com/news/local/border/article_ac61e37a-f80b-5029-8c5bbd69689e0471.htmlhttp://azstarnet.com/news/local/border/article_9eaead31-14eb-5474-a5c5-564a980049b2.html*****Rick Perry Challenges Obama Over Border Security AssurancesABC News reports that Rick Perry had an intense exchange about his views on bordersecurity and illegal immigration during a business roundtable in New Hampshire.When Perry criticized President Obama for border security, a local business ownerrepeatedly pressed Perry on what he was going to do about the dual problems ofborder security and illegal immigration. “You’re not going to ship 12 million peopleback to whatever country they come from,” Perry said. Instead, he insisted aspresident he would tackle the difficult task of devising a solution that avoids “makingindividuals legal citizens of the United States if they haven’t gone through the properprocess.”http://blogs.abcnews.com/thenote/2011/08/rick-perry-challenges-obama-overborder-security-assurances-maybe-he-was-talking-about-the-canadian-.html

*****The Border is Safe, Federal Officials SayThe Texas Tribune reports that U.S. Customs and Border Protection CommissionerAlan Bersin fought back against criticism of President Obama’s border security policy,saying the present-day border is more secure than ever. Bersin said the increase inillegal immigration on the Arizona border in recent years is the result of successfuloperations in Texas and California, which have driven illegal activity to the Sonorandesert. “Violent crime is down since 2000 by 17 percent in San Diego, 11 percent inBrownsville, 36 percent in El Paso,” statistics Bersin says are overshadowed by theever-present vitriol injected into the debates over immigration and the border.http://www.texastribune.org/texas-mexico-border-news/texas-mexico-border/cbpcommissioner-border-safe/*****U.S. Issues New Deportation Policy’s First ReprievesThe New York Times reports that the Obama administration’s new policy stayingdeportation proceedings against illegally present immigrants who meet certaincriteria has taken effect. After five years fighting deportation, Manuel Guerrareceived news that he was one of the first immigrants to have his deportationcanceled by immigration authorities. The new policy could lead to the suspension incoming months of deportation proceedings against tens of thousands of immigrantslike Mr. Guerra. Immigrants who have their cases dropped will remain in a sort oflegal limbo, not vulnerable to deportation but with no positive immigration status,which can only be conferred by Congress.http://www.nytimes.com/2011/08/23/us/23immig.html*****Implementation of Domestic Filing of I-130s for Certain OverseasPetitionersU.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that petitioners incountries without USCIS offices must file their Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative,with the USCIS lockbox facility in Chicago. The agency announced the measure asan effort to “reduce costs to the Department of Homeland Security by reducingfilings of the Form I-130 at international locations.” USCIS acknowledged thechange may cause hardships for petitioners and posted a memorandum outliningsome of the circumstances that may warrant expedited processing at a localembassy or consulate. Additionally, in light of comments received, USCIS isconsidering expanding the list of factors under which petitioners will receiveexpedited processing.*****American Immigration Council Condemns Recent Board of ImmigrationAppeals RulingThe American Immigration Council announced that it strongly condemns the recentruling from the Board of Immigration Appeals holding that immigrants arrestedwithout a warrant are not entitled to certain Miranda-like warnings prior to

questioning by immigration officers. The American Immigration Council contendsthat as a result of the ruling, noncitizens under arrest will now be even morevulnerable to pressure from interrogating officers.*****“Self Check” Now Available In SpanishU.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) today announced that Self Check,a free online service of E-Verify that allows workers to check their own employmenteligibility status, is now available in Spanish and accessible to residents in 16additional states: California, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota,Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, South Carolina, Texas,Utah and Washington. Self Check allows users to compare their information to thesame databases that E-Verify accesses, giving them an opportunity to address anyexisting data mismatches before they are hired by an E-Verify participatingemployer.*****5. News from the Courts:Ala. Immigration Law Temporarily Blocked in DOJ SuitPolitico (DC) reports that Alabama’s self-proclaimed “toughest-in-the-nation”immigration law now faces its third major legal challenge, this time from theDepartment of Justice. In a statement released by the Justice Department, AttorneyGeneral Eric Holder said states cannot set their own immigration laws, reserving thatright as a “national responsibility that cannot be addressed through a patchwork ofstate immigration laws.” The Alabama law’s chief legislative sponsor told the AP theJustice Department lawsuit is an infringement on Alabama’s sovereignty.CNN reports that the judge considering the case, U.S. District Judge SharonBlackburn, temporarily blocked the immigration law while she considers the merits ofeach side’s argument. In an earlier hearing, Blackburn questioned the requirementfor school districts to check the immigration status of newly-enrolled students as wellas a provision that allows law enforcement officers with “reasonable suspicion” that aperson is in the country illegally to detain the person while checking their status.She also questioned some of the claims made by the groups seeking the injunction.http://articles.cnn.com/2011-08-29/us/alabama.immigration.law_1_immigrationlaw-immigration-status-illegal-immigration?_s=PM:US*****Ruling over PA. Town’s Immigration Law VacatedThe Associated Press reports that a federal appeals court vacated its ruling declaringa northeastern Pennsylvania city’s immigration law to be unconstitutional. The moveby the Philadelphia-based 3 rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals was expected after theSupreme Court ordered it to take another look at the law. The Supreme Court threwout the appeals ruling in June after the justices upheld a similar employer-sanctions

law in Arizona. The order from the 3 rd Circuit does not mean that the city can beginimplementing the law because a 2007 district court’s ruling striking down the lawremains in force.http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5h69TspK-JX3wr72yMrWSazvo_xGA?docId=7bf5ad27d2344a2a9fd1dc3beb2d47d7*****Arizona Petitions Immigration Law to Supreme CourtPolitico (DC) reports that Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer filed a petition asking theSupreme Court to consider her state’s appeal to a lower court ruling that put on holdparts of Arizona’s immigration law. Brewer said she is confident the Supreme Courtwill take the case and clarify the issue of authority in matters of immigration law.The 9 th Circuit Court said in its April ruling against the state that the Obamaadministration would likely be able to prove that the law is unconstitutional and thatCongress has given the federal government sole authority over immigration laws.Meanwhile, Brewer’s office continues to insist the federal government has not doneenough to resolve the issues that result from illegal immigration.http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0811/61010.html*****Judge in NY Orders Federal Govt. to Release 40k Records on ImmigrantProgram by Sept. 13The Associated Press reports that U.S. District Judge Shira Scheindlin told thegovernment to release 40,000 documents about the Secure Communities programby Sept. 13 to civil rights groups and immigrant advocates. The judge set theschedule after rejecting a government plan to produce them by year’s end.Scheindlin also ordered the release of a document in which the government explainsits rationale for the program.http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/judge-in-ny-orders-federal-govt-to-release-40k-records-on-immigrant-program-by-sept-13/2011/08/18/gIQA5OZXOJ_story.html*****6. News Bytes:U.S. to Assist Immigrant Job CreatorsThe Wall Street Journal reports that U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services(USCIS) unveiled several initiatives designed to attract and retain foreignentrepreneurs. Among the initiatives is a plan to make it easier for some foreignersto qualify for legal permanent residence, or green cards, if they can demonstratetheir work will be in the United States’ national interest. The changes will alsoinclude a way for entrepreneurs to be eligible for so-called EB-2 immigrant visaswithout a job offer from an established company. Additionally, the initiatives includeenhancements to the EB-5 investor program, which enables foreign investors and

together to make their plight known. Last month, dozens of anonymous visaapplicants sent two open letters to media and U.S. officials protesting the delays.http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5hO82QneaOboc7KTKb4onTUh20LoA?docId=3ae391d9f23e42d6a7644940d9e514ce*****Rick Perry Called Tom Tancredo “Racist”The Colorado Independent reports that Rick Perry’s recent decision to run forpresident has stirred up bad feelings from former Republican presidential candidateTom Tancredo. Tancredo penned an opinion piece for Politico saying he is no fan ofRick Perry. Tancredo’s ire stems from the fact that Perry called him a racist duringhis run for president in 2008 for what Tancredo described as “[pressuring] theRepublican candidates to take a hard line against illegal immigration.” In the past,Perry has been described as a friend to immigrants but since the Republicanpresidential nomination is unlikely to go to a coddler of immigrants he has recentlytaken steps to be seen as tougher on illegal immigration.http://coloradoindependent.com/96093/rick-perry-once-called-tom-tancredo-a-racist*****NM Governor’s Great Grandparents Were Illegally Present ImmigrantsKOAT 7 News (Albuquerque) reports that New Mexico Gov. Susana Martinez remainscommitted to passing a bill to ban foreign nationals and illegally present immigrantsfrom getting driver’s licenses. In the face of rallies, vigils, and heated debates, Gov.Martinez noted that she has something in common with the protesters because herown ancestors came to the country illegally. She asserted that it will not affect herstance. “This is not an immigration issue. This is a public safety issue,” Martinezsaid.http://www.koat.com/r/28843078/detail.html*****Liberians Get Extension of Special Immigration StatusThe Providence Journal reports that President Obama has extended through March2013 the special immigration status under which Liberian nationals- many of whomcame to the United States as refugees from civil war at home in the 1980s- arepermitted to reside in this country. While the approaching expiration of theLiberian’s so-called “delayed enforced departure” has often raised anxiety amongLiberians who have become well-settled in the U.S., the federal government hasnever signaled any intent to expel them.http://www.projo.com/news/content/liberian_immigration_status_08-17-11_4BPPPMF_v6.56265.html*****Dominque Strauss-Kahn Accuser Expected to Face Deportation HearingsThe New York Daily News reports that Dominique Strauss-Kahn’s accuser, NafissatouDiallo, will likely face deportation hearings after prosecutors said she admitted lying

on her application for asylum. “Lying on sworn statements is almost a guarantee thecase will be reopened,” said immigration attorney Jason Dzubow.http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/2011/08/24/2011-08-24_accuser_is_expected_to_face_deportation_hearings.html*****7. Washington Watch:ABA Urges Congress to Reject Birthright LawThe Associated Press reports that the American Bar Association passed a resolutionurging the U.S. Congress to reject any changes to the Constitution that wouldeliminate automatic citizenship for anyone born in the United States. On the heels ofsome Republican lawmakers calling for legislation to repeal birthright citizenship theoutgoing ABA President, Stephen Zack, said in an interview that the Constitutionmust be respected. John Eastman, a conservative law professor at ChapmanUniversity, argued that it’s an open question whether the citizenship clause of theFourteenth Amendment allows for citizenship for anyone born in the U.S. and saidit’s time for the U.S. Congress to clarify the issue.http://news.yahoo.com/aba-urges-congress-reject-birthright-law-154247799.html*****8. Updates from the Visalaw.com BlogsGreg Siskind’s Blog on ILW.com

• Perry May Not be Tough Enough for Antis• CIS Ombudsman Launches Online Case Assistance Program• White House on Defensive Over Immigration Enforcement Policies• Washington State Candidate Wants to Kill Illegally Present Immigrants• Data Shows Birth Tourism is Rare• Listen and Ignore• BREAKING: White House Announces Specific Plans to End Deportations ofDREAM Act, Others• Same Sex Couples Should Benefit from New Deportation Policy• Widespread Insider Hacking at USCIS Under Investigation• Deportation Priority Policy FAQ• Smith to Bring Up E-Verify After August Recess• Shackled, Pregnant Immigrant Receives $200,000 Jury Award from NashvilleJury• ICE Closes Deportation Case Against Same Sex Spouse• Fox News Viewers Give Thumbs Up to President's New Deportation Policy• Gohmert: Dems Have Secret Plan for Millions of Illegally Present Immigrantsto Vote in 2012• Cancer-Surviving Teacher Deported Despite New Policy• BREAKING: Alabama Law Temporarily Enjoined• White House Has No Intention of Cutting Number of Deportations• Wadhwa: Skilled Worker Visa Reform Could Boost Housing MarketThe SSB I-9, E-Verify, & Employer Immigration Compliance Blog• E-Verify for State Contractors Returns in Minnesota• DOJ Settles with Farmland Foods Over I-9 Discrimination AllegationsThe Visalaw Healthcare Immigration Blog• Visalaw Health Care Newsletter Now OnlineKaren Weinstock’s Visalaw Georgia Immigration Blog• GEORGIA FARMERS STILL SUFFER BECAUSE OF HB87• GEORGIA COLLEGES TO CHECK IMMIGRATION STATUS• DHS WILL HALT DEPORTATION PROCEEDINGS OF SOME IMMIGRANTS• JUDGE ISSUES TEMPORARY INJUNCTION AGAINST ALABAMA'S HB569. Siskind Susser FAQ – 8/18/2011 Prosecutorial Discretion Announcement1. What does the newly announced policy do?On August 18, 2011, Secretary Janet Napolitano sent a letter to key members ofCongress informing them that the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)would be reviewing all pending deportation cases and would be handling cases undera new process that will ensure that resources are being put in to deporting serious

criminals and not focusing on deporting individuals who are not a priority fordeportation. The announcement should mean the end of the deportation process fora large number of individuals. The news follows the June release of a memorandumadvising ICE officials to consider certain factors when deciding whether to proceedwith a deportation.2. What factors are to be considered when deciding to close deportationproceedings?In the June ICE memorandum, several factors are listed including• Whether someone is a child or came as a child and finished high school in theUS• How many years the person has been in the US• Whether the person is elderly• Whether the person has close family members who are permanent residentsor citizens• Whether the person is a caretaker for someone who is elderly or in poorhealth• Whether the person is pregnant or nursing or suffers from an illness or adisability• Whether the person or a family member is in the military3. Will everyone who is illegally present in the US benefit? Is this an “amnesty”or legalization program?No. Individuals whose deportation proceedings are closed are not going to receive avisa, green card or any new type of legal status. Some may be eligible for workauthorization, however, but even being granted such documentation will not be thesame as having a legal status in the US.4. How many cases are affected by the new policy?All 300,000 cases currently in the immigration courts will be reviewed for eligibilityunder the new guidelines. Also, future cases will also be reviewed under theguidelines to determine if ICE should be closing the case or proceeding with removalproceedings.5. Is there some kind of application I can file to have my case considered underthe new policy?No. ICE will be reviewing all cases. If someone is already in deportationproceedings, their case will be reviewed.6. I’m not in deportation proceedings. Can I request to be placed in proceedingsif I think I fit under the new policy?There is no formal way to force ICE to put someone in removal proceedings. ICE hasthe discretion to issue a Notice to Appear and individuals who think they might

enefit from the new guidelines may want to discuss with their lawyers thepossibility of approaching ICE. But whether an individual would be placed in toproceedings would be entirely up to an ICE official.7. What if I have already been ordered deported or have been issued avoluntary departure order and have not left?The process here is also unclear. Some immigration attorneys may seek to havesuch cases administratively reopened to benefit from the new policy, but theseissues have not yet been addressed by ICE.8. Are employment and other benefits available to people whose cases areclosed under the new policy?Yes, though details on how this will work are currently unclear. According tocongressional offices briefed on the new program, individuals whose cases are closedwill be able to apply for certain immigration benefits, including work authorization.DHS will review such applications on a case-by-case basis and it is not yet clear whatstandards they will be applying. Applications for work cards should NOT be filed untilthe procedures are clarified.9. How long will it take for ICE to start closing cases?ICE attorneys are being asked to immediately start reviewing cases with hearings setin the next one to two months. DHS will also shortly begin the process of reviewingthe rest of the 300,000 cases currently in the immigration courts. No guidance hasbeen provided, however, on how long it will take before cases begin to be closed andhow long it will take to review the entire caseload.10. What will my status be once my case is closed?Once a case is closed, an individual will continue in the same status he or she was inprior to being placed in proceedings. Some individuals may gain work authorization,but they would not be considered to otherwise be in a legal status in the US.11. Will I be able to apply for other immigration benefits like a green card aftermy case is closed?Possibly. However, the new policy will not remove barriers to green card processingsuch as being subject to the three and ten year bars on reentering the US as well asbars on adjusting status for individuals who entered the country without inspection.12. Can I travel home for a visit after my case is closed?We do not believe travel will be possible for most since departing the US wouldtrigger bars on readmission and most would not be able to meet the requirementsfor being re-admitted back to the US. But this is a question to discuss with counsel.13. My lawyer says I have a good case for cancelation of removal. Can I keep mycase open even though I fit under the new policy?That should be possible since all parties must agree for a case to be closed.

14. A notario has told me that she can submit a request for work authorizationunder the new guidelines. How is that possible?It is not. Everyone should be very careful to avoid non-lawyers offering immigrationservices. There is no application process to benefit under the new policy. Anyonewho suggests otherwise is engaging in fraud. We highly recommend consulting witha member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association. Do not file anyapplication with USCIS at this time unless advised by a licensed attorney competentin immigration law.SISKIND SUSSER – PREGUNTAS Y RESPUESTAS SOBRE LA NUEVA REGULACIONANUNCIADA CON RESPECTO A LOS CASOS DE DEPORTACION Y LA DISCRECION DEINMIGRACION DE PROCESAR ESTOS CASOS O NO.1- Cual fué el anuncio de esta nueva regulación?En Agosto 18, 2011, la Secretaria Janet Napolitano envió una carta a unmiembro clave del Congreso informando que el ICE, “Immigration andCustoms Enforcement” revisaría todos los casos de deportación que estanpendientes y los hubicaría un nuevo proceso que aseguraría que sólopondrían en deportación aquellas personas que hubieran cometido un delitograve, asegurando así que el resto de las personas no están bajo susprioridades. El anuncio significaría el final del proceso de deportación paramuchos individuos. Este anuncio fué a continuación del memorandum deJunio a los oficiales del ICE donde daba las pautas de cuando o nó poner a laspersonas en proceso de deportación.2- Que factores deben ser considerados para poder determinar cerrar el procesode deportación.E memorandum de Junio incluye deferentes factores que el ICE debeconsiderar:‐ Si la persona es un menor o entró siendo un menor y finalizó el highschool in los E.U.‐ Cuantos a#os la persona ha estado en los E.U.‐ Si la persona es un anciano.‐ Si la persona tiene familiares inmediatos que sean residents o ciudadanosamericanos.‐ Si la persona es la que cuida a un anciano ó a una persona que sufre desalud.‐ Si la persona está embarazada ó amamantando ó sufre de unaenfermedad ó está desabilitada.‐ Si la persona ó un miembro de su familia es un militar.

3- La persona que está illegal en los E.U, se beneficiará? Es esto un programacomo la Amnistía o el Programa de Legalización?No, los individuos que ya tienen su proceso de deportación cerrado, no van arecibir visa, green card ni ningún tipo de status legal. Algunos, quizas sebeneficiarian con un permiso de trabajo, pero, aún así, con este documento,no obtendrian un estado legal en los E.U.4- Cuantos casos serían afectados por esta nueva política?Todos los 300.000 casos que en la actualidad estan bajo la jurisdicción de lacorte de inmigración serán revisados para ver si se encuadran dentro de loscriterios anunciados en el punto 2 de la nueva guía. También, los futuroscasos serán revisados bajo esta nueva guía para determinar si el ICE cerraráel caso ó procederá con el caso de deportación.5- Hay alguna aplicación para presentar para que se considere esta nuevaregulación?No, el ICE revisará todos los casos. Si alguien ya está en proceso dedeportación, este caso se revisará.6- No estoy en proceso de deportación, puedo pedir que me pongan endeportación, si pienso que me encuadro dentro de los nuevos criterios de estaregulación?No, no hay forma de obligar al ICE de poner a una persona en proceso deremoción. El ICE puede, a su discresión emitir la nota para que se presenteen la corte, y las personas que crean que se beneficiarian por esto, deberianconsultar con sus abogados la posibilidad de contactarse con el ICE. Peroquien determina, al final, sobre poner ó no a una persona en deportación serásiempre el ICE.7- Que pasa sí ya ha sido ordenada mi deportación, ó se ha ordenado mi SalidadVoluntaria y todavía no he salido?El Proceso no es claro, todavia. Algunos abogados de inmigración pedirianque se reabriera su caso para beneficiarse de esta nueva regulación, peroeste tema no ha sido aclarado por el ICE.8- Sería possible obtener el beneficio del permiso de trabajo ú otros beneficiosal cerrarse el caso bajo esta nueva regulación?Si, pero los detalles de como sería no es claro todavía. Según la informaciónde algunas oficinas de los congresistas con respecto a esta nueva regulación,los individuos que tengan yá el caso cerrado, podrian recibir ciertos beneficiosde inmigración, como sería el permiso de trabajo. El Departamento deSeguridad del Estado (DHS) revisará las aplicaciones tienendo en caso lasituación en particular. No es claro, todavía el criterio que aplicarán. No sedebería aplicar para un permiso de trabajo hasta que no sea claro elprocedimiento.

9- Cuanto tiempo llevaría para que el ICE cerrara los casos?A los abogados del ICE se les ha solicitado comenzar a revisar los casos quetengan cortes dentro de uno ó dos meses. El DHS comenzará muy pronto arevisar el resto de los 300.000 casos que tengan la corte de inmigración. Nose ha dado información sobre cuanto tiempo llevará revisar ó cerrar todosestos casos.10- Cual será mi estado luego que se cierre mi caso?Cuando ya esté cerrado, la persona mantendrá el mismo estado que tuvoantes que lo pusieran en proceso de deportación. Algunos recibirán suspermisos de trabajo, pero no se considerarán que están legalmente en losE.U.11- Podré aplicar para otro beneficio de inmigración, como por ejemplo la greencard?Posiblemente (depende de su caso) porque esta regulación no borra lapenalidad de los 3 ó 10 a#os por haber permanecido ilegal en los E.U. , ó lapenalidad por haber entrado ilegal a los E.U.12- Podría viajar a mi país luego que cierren mi casoNo creemos que sea possible porque al partir de los E.U se aplicaría lapenalidad para la readmission y así no estarían calificados para que seanreadmitidos a los E.U. Usted debería consultar con su abogado con respectoa este tema.13- Mi abogado me dijo que tengo un buen caso de Cancelación de Deportación,me conviene seguir con mi caso aún que me encuatro con la nueva política?Esto sería possible ya que se requiere del acuerdo de todas las partes paraque se cierre el caso.14- Un notario me dijo que podria ella/el pedir mi pemiso de trabajo bajo estanueva regulación, es possible?NO!!!! Por favor sea muy cuidadoso con su caso. Evite los servicios delas personas que no sean abogados. No existe una aplicación parapresentar bajo esta nueva regulación. Cualquiere que le diga locontrario, está cometiendo un fraude. Le pedimos que consulte unmiembro de la Asociación de Abogados de Inmigración. No lleneninguna aplicación con inmigración, a no ser que haya consultado conun abogado competente con la ley de inmigración.