Archive for the 'Immigration Reforms' Category

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Remittance and Immigration Reform: One Lawyer’s Perspective

Published in Immigration Reforms, February 27, 2010

I find as an immigration lawyer that the issue of immigration reform, next to health care reform, creates heated debate. Many feel that it’s an economic issue and that undocumented immigrants put a strain on our economy. But for many lawmakers and leaders in this country, it’s become clear that something has to happen and that deporting those who are undocumented is impractical and could be detrimental to the nation.

There are approximately 12 million undocumented immigrants in this country. A large number of those people have been here for years and many of them are contributing members of society who live under the radar. Additionally, many of these immigrants send remittances back to their families who still live in their native land. A remittance is simply money that is sent by an immigrant to their family members who still live in their land of origin. Certainly, those of us who work as immigration lawyers work on a daily basis with people who are supporting families they left behind. Continue reading ‘Remittance and Immigration Reform: One Lawyer’s Perspective’

Immigration Law Changes Backed by New Study

Published in Immigration Reforms, February 25, 2010

When working as an immigration attorney, it’s important to keep current on not just shifting trends but the reasons for them. As an example, if proposed changes in the immigration law are based more on sentiment than fact, this may say something about the forces behind those changes and even their ability to make change.

There’s been a lot of talk and activity in the U.S. Congress this past year and also early in 2010 around immigration reform. Although Democrats have led it, a coalition has developed with Republicans and that means that changes may occur in immigration law, affecting immigration lawyers and their clients. Continue reading ‘Immigration Law Changes Backed by New Study’

Important Immigration Reform Debate in Congress

Published in Immigration Reforms, February 25, 2010

As an immigration lawyer, I’m well aware that immigration law will be changing again shortly as the US Congress prepares to debate this hot button issue. One major bill, which has been introduced by Congressman Luis V. Gutierrez (D-IL) and strongly supported by Congressman Mike Honda (D-CA) is The Comprehensive Immigration Reform for America’s Security and Prosperity Act of 2009 (CIR ASAP), H.R. 4321. The bill has also been strongly supported by the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC). Representative Honda chairs the CAPAC.

It’s a bill that covers a lot of immigration territory. One of the major issues includes making sure that those in the US from foreign countries can bring their families here through an efficiently designed and well-run reunification system. This aspect of CIR ASAP incorporates Honda’s bill entitled Reuniting Families Act. Continue reading ‘Important Immigration Reform Debate in Congress’