THERE ARE NO NEW IMMIGRATION LAWS YET, AND NO CHANGES LIKELY SOON
Congress is still debating on new immigration laws, and nothing has been finalized. There are many different versions of law pending and it is difficult to predict what eventually will be the final law. Moreover, a final resolution does not appear to be coming anytime soon. In the meantime:
- You cannot suspend or terminate your immigration court case to wait for the new laws
- It is not recommended that you wait to file anything– you should act now and file any applications for which you are eligible
Summaries of the pending proposed laws are in Spanish/English at www.nationalimmigrationproject.org.
HILL, PIIBE & VILLEGAS MAKES A DIFFERENCE WITH MOTIONS TO REOPEN & APPEALS
Having filed thousands of motions and appeals, our firm has seen it all, and is completely at ease with the fast-changing law, updated with new court decisions every day. A large portion of our practice is salvaging cases that were handled improperly to begin with. We have a reputation for being on the cutting edge of issues and colleagues often turn to us when they have a perplexing issue to solve. No longer is it sufficient to make simple arguments in a motion to reopen, or to simply disagree with the Judge in an appeal– there are many hidden, complex arguments and many challenges to unfair laws that persons with less experience will not recognize or think of. This oftentimes results in a green card, or at least saving deportation for a matter of years. If your immigration case is in trouble, you need this kind of help, but even more important is to avoid trouble in the first place – start your case off right.
TPS FOR SALVADOREANS
RE-REGISTRATION BEGINS SOON!!!
Temporary Protected Status (TPS) has been extended for Salvadoreans until September 9, 2007. The re-registration period will begin July 3, 2006 and run until September 1, 2006. If you qualify or think you may qualify, don’t delay!
WAITING LIST GROWS LONGER FOR CERTAIN FAMILY CATEGORIES - APPLY TODAY!
With publication of the most recent visa bulletin from the State Department, the categories of “first preference,” or unmarried sons and daughters (over 21 years-old) of U.S. citizens, and “second preference 2A,” spouses and minor children of lawful permanent residents, have retrogressed. This means that some cases are no longer “current” and people in those categories will have to wait. That is why it is important to file a family or employment petition today; if you wait you could be subject to even longer waiting periods in the future. Plus, it may turn out to be just what saves you in the future. Thousands of people were saved who filed petitions before the deadline on April 30, 2001, and several amendments have been made to the law since then that benefitted people who already had petitions pending. It is likely that more amendments will be made, so don’t delay if you are qualified to file!
RECENT SUCCESS STORIES!
Asylum from Azerbaijan/Russia - the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals overturned the Immigration Judge and the BIA, holding that client who fled from Azerbaijan to Russia and who lived there for 8 years had not firmly resettled in Russia, due to persecution suffered through attacks by nationalists, insults and inaction from the police, and inability to obtain a propiska, job, or housing.
Cancellation of Removal (“ten year” case) from Mexico - Immigration Judge granted case of single mother of child who was victim of traumatic crime
Motion to Reopen for Cancellation - Judge reopened case with new evidence on child’s medical condition and educational programs.
Asylum from Armenia - BIA overturned Judge’s finding that client was not truthful
Withholding from Indonesia - Judge granted case of ethnic Chinese/Burmese Catholic
Asylum from Armenia - BIA overturned Judge, holding that client established an exception to requirement to file for asylum within one year of entry, and also overturning Judge’s adverse credibility finding.
Asylum from Armenia - Judge granted asylum for a “whistle blower” on military corruption
