Author: Jose
DMCA ANNOUNCES EXPANSION OF THE SCOPE OF PRACTICE AND ADDITION OF VETERAN CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEY
De Mott, McChesney, Curtright and Armendáriz, L.L.P. is pleased to announce we are expanding the scope of our services to include a full state and federal criminal defense practice. In order to zealously and competently represent our clients’ interests in this area, we are also pleased to announce we have added veteran criminal defense attorney Jorge Aristotelidis to our firm. Jorge is Board Certified in Criminal Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, was a former Assistant Federal Public Defender for the Southern District of Texas, and is a member of the Texas Criminal Defense Lawyer’s Association, a member ... Read more
SMITH LETTER HALF TRUE
In his Feb. 19 letter, U.S. Rep. Lamar Smith said the 14th Amendment never intended to grant birthright citizenship to children born in the U.S to foreigners. He cited amendment author Sen. Jacob Howard’s comments during Senate debate on May 30, 1866, but he stopped quoting Howard when he got to the word “foreigners.†Here’s the rest of the story: “This will not, of course, include persons born in the United States who are foreigners, aliens, who belong to the families of ambassadors or foreign ministers …†Howard said. He did not say it would exclude citizenship to children of ... Read more
CORNYN’S NO HELP
Sen. John Cornyn is probably sincere in the compassion he expressed in the Jan. 29 paper (“Texans take note: Obama’s heart isn’t in immigration reformâ€) for the millions here without immigration papers. However, he must have decided that to actually do something for them would be political suicide. The DREAM Act, which would have legalized young people without papers who grew up here, had enough support to pass in the Senate and be signed into law, but Cornyn helped to block it from coming to a vote. So, his heart is with those who want to legalize their status, but ... Read more
AS OF NOV. 8, 2010 USCIS WILL NO LONGER ACCEPT I-485S FILED CONCURRENTLY WITH RELIGIOUS WORKER PETITIONS (I-360S)
As of November 8, 2010, USCIS will no longer accept any I-485, I-765 (work) or I-131 (travel) applications filed concurrently with or filed based on pending I-360 petitions from individuals seeking classification as special immigrant religious workers. http://bit.ly/USCISReligiousFilings
H-1B WORK VISAS STILL AVAILABLE FOR FY 2011 (UPDATED 10/13/10)
As of October 8, 2010, approximately 41,900 H-1B cap-subject petitions were receipted. Additionally, USCIS has receipted 15,400 H-1B petitions for foreign workers with advanced degrees. (http://bit.ly/H1B2011Count) The H-1B program allows employers to sponsor foreign nationals to fill specialty occupations requiring at least a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent. Such positions include but are not limited to computer analysts and programmers, financial analysts, scientists, teachers, lawyers, doctors, architects and accountants.
CAN I GET A WORK AUTHORIZATION DOCUMENT?
Can I get a work authorization document? Yes, as long as you fit under one of the following categories: ASYLEES/REFUGEES. FOREIGN STUDENTS. 01) F-1 Optional Practical Training in an occupation related to studies (pre-completion OPT, post-completion OPT, 17-month extension for students with a degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics. 02) F-1 Off-campus employment with a qualifying international organization; 03) F-1 Off-campus employment due to severe economic hardship. 04) J-2 spouse or minor child of a J-1 exchange visitor. 05) M-1 Practical Training after completion of studies. EMPLOYMENT BASED NONIMMIGRANTS’ 01) B-1 who is the personal or domestic servant of ... Read more
H-1B WORK VISAS STILL AVAILABLE FOR FISCAL YEAR 2011
Update (09/10/2010): As of Sept. 10, 2010, approximately 37,400 H-1B cap-subject petitions were receipted. Additionally, USCIS has receipted 13,700 H-1B petitions for foreign workers with advanced degrees. (http://bit.ly/H1B2011Count) The H-1B program allows employers to sponsor foreign nationals to fill specialty occupations requiring at least a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent. Such positions include but are not limited to computer analysts and programmers, marketing and financial analysts, scientists, teachers, lawyers, doctors, architects and accountants. If you are an employer seeking to hire a foreign national in a qualifying job offer, now is the time – visas are still available for fiscal ... Read more
ARIZONA LAW DEMONSTRATES NEED FOR FEDERAL IMMIGRATION REFORM
Yesterday, the State of Arizona passed the most restrictive immigration law in the country. The law requires Arizona State police to stop and interrogate any person who appears to be unlawfully present in the United States. This law will inevitably result in United States citizens being arrested, interrogated and treated like criminals for simply looking like an undocumented immigrant. What does an undocumented immigrant look like? What does a United States citizen look like? The Arizona police force is supposed to make these decisions? Based upon what? Such an arbitrary police power should make all lovers of freedom cringe. The ... Read more
CITIZENSHIP DAY 2010
Several hundred green card holders took a step toward becoming U.S. citizens this past weekend during a “Citizenship Day” program that provided applicants with free legal assistance. I, along with many other volunteers, assisted several hundred green card holders to determine whether or not they are eligible to apply for citizenship, and then assisting them prepare the N-400 form. The event, held on May 1, 2010 at the Benavides Learning Center/Las Palmas Library at 515 Castroville Rd., was one of many held across the USA, as part of nationwide Citizenship Day. The program was sponsored by the American Immigration Lawyers ... Read more
DMCA LAUNCHES NEW WEBSITE
We’re please to announce the launch of our new website. Look for regularly updated blog posts on this page in the future.