ICE Category Archives — Page 3 of 9 — H1B Visa Lawyer Blog Published by Baltimore, Maryland Immigration and Visa Attorneys

April 11, 2011

MVP “Immigration Q & A Forum” – This Friday, April 15th, 2011

We wanted to find a new way to engage our reader base. Every other Friday, we will post the ten (10) best/most frequently asked questions received during the week from our

h1bvisalawyerblog, Facebook, and Twitter readers. We will answer those questions and provide the Q&A on our H-1B Visa Lawyer Blog.

If you have a burning question, are seeking assistance with a difficult immigration related case, wish to discuss your views on Comprehensive Immigration Reform, AZ SB1070, priority dates, or the debate focused on Ending Birthright Citizenship, please contact us by submitting your question/comment/viewpoint in our comment box provided on our H-1B Visa Lawyer Blog.

April 8, 2011

UPDATE: What Happens If The Government Shuts Down?

by Kellie N. Lego

As Congress continues its budgetary deadlock, the possibility of a government shutdown looms larger by the minute. If Congress is unable to reach accord on Friday, the government will close at midnight, Saturday April 9.

In general, if the government shuts down for budgetary reasons, all but “essential” government are furloughed and not allowed to work. So what does this mean for immigration agencies?

USCIS Update: USCIS has confirmed to AILA Liaison that it will be operating, except for E-Verify, if the government does shut down.

April 8, 2011

What Happens If The Government Shuts Down?

by Kellie N. Lego

The following information has been provided by AILA, the American Immigration Lawyers Association.

As Congress continues its budgetary deadlock, the possibility of a government shutdown looms larger by the minute. If Congress is unable to reach accord on Friday, the government will close at midnight, Saturday April 9.

In general, if the government shuts down for budgetary reasons, all but “essential” government are furloughed and not allowed to work. So what does this mean for immigration agencies?

March 30, 2011

Immigration in 2011 – Part 5 of 10, Punitive Enforcement Approaches

by Kellie N. Lego

Fifth part of our ten part series examining the American Immigration Lawyers Association’s (AILA) publication of “What to Watch Out for in Immigration in 2011.”

Topic #5: Punitive Enforcement Approaches

In the 112th Congress violations of immigration laws are expected to have stricter penalties and further legislation is likely to be proposed in connection to the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act (IIRIRA) that was passed in 1996.

March 23, 2011

Immigration in 2011 – Part 4 of 10, State and Local Authority to Enforce Immigration Law

by Kellie N. Lego

Fourth part of our ten part series examining the American Immigration Lawyers Association’s (AILA) publication of “What to Watch Out for in Immigration in 2011.”

Topic #4: State and Local Authority to Enforce Immigration Law

The role state and local officials should play when enforcing immigration laws has been a heavily debated issue especially since the passing of Arizona’s SB 1070 law.

March 16, 2011

Immigration in 2011 – Part 3 of 10, Restrictions on State Identification Cards (REAL ID)

by Kellie N. Lego

Third part of our ten part series examining the American Immigration Lawyers Association’s (AILA) publication of “What to Watch Out for on Immigration in 2011.”

Topic #3: Restrictions on State Identification Cards (REAL ID)

The REAL ID Act was brought up after national security concerns grew in the aftermath of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. The act scrutinized state driver licenses as well as identification cards, creating a federal standard for driver licenses issued.

March 14, 2011

REMINDER – Submit Your Questions

by Kellie N. Lego

MVP “Immigration Q & A Forum” – This Friday, March 18th, 2011

We wanted to find a new way to engage our reader base. Every other Friday, we will post the ten (10) best/most frequently asked questions received during the week from our h1bvisalawyerblog, Facebook, and Twitter readers. We will answer those questions and provide the Q&A on our H-1B Visa Lawyer Blog.

If you have a burning question, are seeking assistance with a difficult immigration related case, wish to discuss your views on Comprehensive Immigration Reform, please contact us by submitting your question/comment/viewpoint in our comment box provided on our H-1B Visa Lawyer Blog.

March 9, 2011

Immigration in 2011 – Part 2 of 10, Mandatory Employment Verification

by Kellie N. Lego

Second part of our ten part series examining the American Immigration Lawyers Association’s (AILA) publication of “What to Watch Out for on Immigration in 2011.”

Topic #2: Mandatory Employment Verification

E-Verify (Electronic Employment Verification System) a system widely used by employers to check the authenticity and legality of employees to work in the United States will likely become a mandatory requirement for all employers.

March 2, 2011

Immigration in 2011 – Part 1 of 10, Emphasis on Border and Interior Enforcement

by Kellie N. Lego

The American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) recently published “What to Watch Out for in Immigration in 2011” and MVP Law Group will be doing a 10 part series on the key issues discussed.

Topic #1:Emphasis on Border and Interior Enforcement

With the rise of new leaders in the House of Representatives, it’s clear that the focus will centered upon border security and interior enforcement. Spending was increased last year for additional fencing at the border, surveillance technologies, as well as an increase of boots on the border. In 2011, it’s expected we will see an even greater increase in spending and bills aiming to tighten the border.

February 25, 2011

Improved E-Verify Program? Customer Satisfaction Survey Says YES

by Kellie N. Lego

A recent survey along with a report issued by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) affirm the E-Verify system is a key tool in ensuring a legal workforce in the U.S. The report by the GAO also revealed improvements in the system such as establishing better safeguards for personal information and reducing the mismatch rates.

E-Verify also received 82 out of 100 on the American Customer Satisfaction Index scale for a customer survey that evaluated key aspects of the program. Customer Support was one area that respondents overwhelming approved of, with a score of 89 which was based on the many improvements made by the Obama administration. The survey additionally revealed that users were likely to recommend the program to other employers, were secure in the program’s precision, and were likely to continue with the program. Although the E-Verify program under the Obama administration is showing continued success, the passage of comprehensive immigration legislation is crucial to fix the current immigration system.

Over 243, 000 employers are currently using the E-Verify program and approximately 1,000 new employers enroll every week. For more information about the E-Verify program visit www.uscis.gov/everify.