May 2005
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 "Real ID" law to Curb Ability of Illegal Immigrants to Get US ID Cards
 WASHINGTON,
DC - The Real ID Act, which the Senate approved on May 10th, would make it more
difficult for illegal immigrants to obtain identification that the federal
government will recognize when they try to board an airplane, fill out tax forms
or open a bank account. But the measure would affect U.S. citizens as well.
Americans would need an authentic copy of their
birth certificate to apply for a
new driver's license or renew an old one. The certificates must be verified at
the counter by a Department of Motor Vehicles agent, along with other
identification, such as Social Security numbers and utility bills. Governors,
legislatures and officials in motor vehicle departments oppose the act, saying
it would lead to agonizingly long lines at DMV offices. States would not be
required to comply with the legislation, which President Bush is expected to
sign, but their residents would pay a price if they did not. They probably would
be turned away when they tried to enter airport gates, unless they had other
identification, such as a passport.
In addition to tightening restrictions on acquiring
driver's licenses, Real ID
also would create more obstacles for immigrants seeking asylum and give
Department of Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff unprecedented
authority to supersede environmental laws in completing a three-mile stretch of
fence at the Mexican border with San Diego. Critics of the measure say Chertoff
may be able to exert that new authority at other border spots as well. Real ID's
driver's license provisions "will affect everyone, citizens and noncitizens
alike," said Jeanne Butterfield, executive director of the American Immigration
Lawyers Association, which opposes the measure. "I think citizens are going to
be surprised at how burdensome this is on them." Most of the burden would fall
on those who lack the proper identification that allows most Americans to move
about freely. Illegal immigrants would still be able to obtain documents that
allow them to drive, but the papers would bear a stamp, or color code, showing
that they should be used solely for that purpose and not as identification. The
National Conference of State Legislatures said that complying with the new
regulations within three years, as the measure requires, would cost states $500
million to $700 million. Rep. F. James Sensenbrenner Jr. (R-Wis.), the measure's
sponsor, said the cost is closer to $100 million.
Lawmakers changed some of the language that would have created even more
daunting obstacles for asylum-seekers. In the original version, immigration
judges had the power to order an asylum-seeker deported, and federal courts
could not stay the order, as they can now. That provision was withdrawn in
negotiations because lawmakers feared that refugees would be sent back to
nations where they had been persecuted or tortured. Negotiators also lifted a
1,000-per-year limit on the number of women who can enter the country under
claims of being forced to have abortions. "There was some improvement," said
Eleanor Acer, executive director of Human Rights First, an advocacy group for
asylum-seekers and refugees. "But I'm very concerned that this bill will make it
much more difficult for refugees to get asylum in this country.".
Source: Washington Post
Photo: Associated Press |
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Diversity Immigrant Visa Program - Green Card Lottery
 2005
Green Card Lottery (DV-2007) Registration is already open
Every year the US government issues 50,000 permanent
Green
Cards through the Diversity Immigrant Visa Program; the
Green Card Lottery.
Applicants are selected randomly by a computer generated drawing. If you are
selected, you and your family will be authorized to live and work permanently in the United
States. Registration for the 2005 Green Card Lottery is open until December 3rd,
2005.
Instructions for the 2005 Green Card Lottery are now available.
2004 Green Card Lottery (DV-2006) Results to be announced
Registration for the 2004 Green Card Lottery (DV-2006) ended on January 7th
2005. Applicants selected will be notified by mail directly by U.S. State
Department between May and July 2005. Persons not selected will NOT receive any
notification.
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Immigration to the EU is more Easily Obtained than to the US
 BRUSSELS,
Belgium - Back
in May of 2004, president Bush welcomed the addition of 10 new countries into
the European Union, saying the organization's enlargement into countries with
established democracies "helps create a Europe whole, free, and at peace." In a
statement, Bush said the United States also welcomes the prospect of further
enlargement to "qualified countries, including Romania and Bulgaria," and
supports Turkey's EU aspirations.
Now in mid-2005 the European Union is still going strong. The Euro (the currency of 12
of the 25 EU member
countries) was at an all time high against the U.S. dollar not long ago.
It is not surprising that immigration to the European Union is a hot topic these
days. It is still much easier to immigrate to the European Union than to the
United States. Citizens of developing countries are rushing to apply for visas,
residency and even citizenship at all 25 EU member countries. Visit
www.euimmigration.org for
additional information.
Europe Visitor Visas (Schengen Visa):
Citizens of over 100 countries need a visa to enter most European countries.
The Schengen visa has made traveling between its 15 European member countries
much easier and less bureaucratic than before. Traveling on a Schengen visa
means that the visa holder can travel to any (or all) member countries using one
single visa, thus avoiding the hassle and expense of obtaining individual visas
for each country.
Schengen Visas are easier to obtain than United States B-1 Business or B-2
Tourist Visas.
[Schengen Visa Application]
Click here to sign
up for the FREE EU Immigration Newsletter
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Green Card through Marriage Application Updates
 NEW
YORK, NY - The
process of completing and submitting a request for a
Green Card through marriage
to a United States citizen can be both costly and confusing. This
immigration
package makes the application process straightforward and easy to understand.
This is a user-friendly, step-by-step guide to help you file your application as
efficiently and quickly as possible.
The documents in the Green Card though Marriage application kit will assist you
in determining your eligibility for a Green Card through marriage.
Note to U.S. Citizens: If your foreign national spouse entered the U.S.
illegally (without a visa or visa waiver), you should wait to apply for
adjustment of status when Sec 245(i) is extended. Check
www.usimmigrationsupport.org
here periodically for updates. Canadian Visitors do not need to show proof of
entry (visa or visa waiver).
GREEN CARD THROUGH MARRIAGE
APPLICATION KIT:
$49.95 |
 |
For additional information visit
www.usimmigrationsupport.org
The Green Card through Marriage application is a 3-step process:
- Step 1 - The Petition
- Step 2 - The Application
- Step 3 - The Interview
Green Card through Marriage Application Kit: [more
information]
- Green Card by marriage overview
- Privileges and Limitations
- Eligibility and Requirements
- How to apply if the marriage takes place in the United States
- How to apply if the marriage takes place outside the United States
- How to fill out the application forms
- Application checklist
- List of required documents
- Interview information
- How to remove the 2-year "conditional residence"
- List of all USCIS (formerly INS) offices nationwide
- List of United States embassies and consulates
- FREE Application forms
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Bipartisan proposal for immigration overhaul
 WASHINGTON,
DC - Calling the nation's immigration system broken, a bipartisan group of House
and Senate lawmakers proposed a major overhaul yesterday that would allow
immigrants to work here temporarily and seek citizenship later.
Using the framework of a guest-worker plan touted by President George W. Bush,
lawmakers said the measure aims to fix a "broken" system that has allowed
millions of undocumented immigrants, particularly entering through Mexico, to
work underground and possibly pose security risks.
"The status quo is simply unacceptable," said Sen. Edward Kennedy (D-Mass.), a
co-sponsor of the legislation, adding that the measure requires a partnership
with Mexico. "One of the mistakes of the past is to assume we can control
illegal immigration on our own." Advocates and lawmakers said the bipartisan
legislation stands its best chance of passage this year, particularly because
Bush favors such a plan and can nudge the more conservative House. They also say
lawmakers are more likely to act on the sensitive topic this year and not during
next year's elections. Lawmakers said the measure is not an
amnesty program.
"Our borders are not secure. This is a national security issue," said Sen. John
McCain (R-Ariz.), a bill co-sponsor. The plan essentially sets up another visa
program, mostly for low-skilled workers. Under the plan, foreign workers must
register, have a job lined up and pay a $500 fee. They can work here for up to
six years in hard-to-fill jobs. Illegal immigrants
already here could also sign up for the program after they pay a $1,000 fine and
undergo a background check. At the end of six years and another $1,000 fine,
they can apply for a Green Card.
The measure caps the visas at 400,000 a year, but allows for an increase as
needed.
The measure also aims to reduce immigration application backlogs, give states
more money to detain illegal immigrants, and boost border security. "This bill
does not provide a free pass to anyone," said Kennedy, adding that it doesn't
guarantee citizenship. "We offer a fair deal.""
Source: Baltimore Sun
Photo: Associated Press |
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