A Note from the Editors:

Immigration On The Hill

There are a number of issues simmering in the immigration pot on the Hill. We expect that some may boil over later this fall. And all of these issues will likely figure in the Presidential election year of 2004. The smoldering immigration issues go beyond the H-1B cap, even with the new L wrinkles that have cropped up in connection with the H. Both BCIS and BICE are likely to present Congress with big bills for addressing delays in services and deportation respectively. With the budget mired in huge deficits, this will likely be most unwelcome, but pressing nonetheless. EOIR's recent curt review procedure, together with the Supreme Court's Ventura decision, will end up angering Circuits eventually, as they play ping-pong with IJs. Ultimately, if one circuit strikes down the curt review procedure, the entire unpleasant matter will end up in Congress's lap. Of fundamental political importance, despite ample rhetoric, the issue of how immigration fits into our new national security scheme has not really been answered. Another terrorist attack, which the intelligence agencies never cease to remind us is around the corner, will bring this matter back into focus. Sweeping the matter under the carpet only postpones and aggravates the critical policy choices that must be made. Most important of all perhaps, is the turnaround of our economy. When that happy day arrives, it will bring with it tremendous pressure on Congress to visit the 3/10 year bars and Legalization - wise counsel then might well turn toward 245(i) as a solution - particularly if the White House backs such a move. Immigration's role in the upcoming Presidential election year will likely reflect the fact the immigration is a crucial part of our national and economic fabric.

Articles

A Legal Guide For Detainees: Actions Brought Against INS Or Other Law Enforcement Officials For Personal Injury Or Property Damage or Loss: Part 2 of 3
The Commission on Immigration Practice, Policy, and Pro Bono of the American Bar Association offers a detailed guide at how to bring actions against INS for personal injury or property damage.

BICE Announces New Agency Structure
The BICE announced an agency restructure that will take effect June 9, 2003, dividing the current organization and creating a headquarters structure for the agency's operational components and a field structure that provides an integrated chain of command and more streamlined operations at minimal cost.

Supreme Court Upholds Mandatory Detention Statute, Reverses Ninth Circuit
Christina LaBrie writes "In reversing the decision of the US Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, the Supreme Court found that mandatory detention, as required by Section 236(c) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), is a "constitutionally permissible" part of removal proceedings."

NY Mayor Bloomberg Says Make All Undocumented US Citizens
New York Newsday reports Mayor Michael Bloomberg said, "Make everyone who is here and undocumented, just make them citizens," Bloomberg said on WABC (770-AM). "Let's get on with it. They'll become taxpayers. They'll become productive members of society easier..."

Mexico's State-Owned Oil Monopoly Linked To Immigration Pact
The Washington Times reports "The House International Relations Committee passed a non-binding "sense of Congress" resolution earlier this month calling for the opening of the notoriously inefficient Petroleos de Mexico, popularly known as Pemex, to foreign investment as a necessary condition for an immigration deal."

The Difficulties Immigrants Face in the Post-9/11 World
Christine Flowers writes "It is not surprising that, in the post-9/11 era - and especially in recent months, during the war on Iraq - immigration law practitioners have witnessed an ongoing revolution in, and evolution of, their field of specialization."

BCIS Telephone Customer Service
Gregory Siskind writes "I wanted to alert you all to a potentially serious development at the BCIS that could cause a drastic deterioration in the level of customer service at the agency."

Pakistani Doctor Is Denied Re-entry For Failure To Comply With Special Registration
The Herald Tribune of Southwest Florida reports "The [Council on American-Islamic Relations] issued an advisory Tuesday to Muslim visa-holders in the US, warning them that if they forget to register before they leave the country, they will not be allowed to return."

30 Aliens Plead Guilty To Illegal Entry In US
The Post and Courier of Charleston, South Carolina reports "Thirty of 31 illegal immigrants arrested near the new Cooper River bridge in April have pleaded guilty to entering the US unlawfully, US Attorney Strom Thurmond Jr. said Tuesday."

How Do I Apply for a PortPASS?
Read a comprehensive answer from BCIS on the PortPASS program.

ILW Highlights

District Offices Processing Times

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Letters to Editors

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None this week.

Immigrant Life

What are checking and savings accounts?

Checking and savings accounts are the two most popular types of deposit accounts banks offer. Checking accounts allow you to write checks or use debit cards against the balance of your account. Merchants generally treat transactions paid for by debit card or check as if they were cash transactions. This means you will not owe interest on anything paid for by check or debit card. You will, however, be assessed a fee if your account is overdrawn - unless you have overdraft protection. Savings accounts allow you to keep an amount of money in the bank and earn a small interest rate. They are generally completely liquid, meaning you can withdraw money at any time without a fee. A savings account is not a place to invest, as interest rates on these accounts are extremely low compared to investments in stocks or bonds.

Continued.

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This week's chat schedule

ILW.COM announces that as of May 2nd, all chats will be held at 7:00 pm Eastern Time.

When	Attorney
Monday, May 26 7:00 pm Eastern Time	None today
Wednesday, May 28 7:00 pm Eastern Time	Shari Moidel, Esq..
Friday, May 30 7:00 pm Eastern Time	To be announced

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