Editor's Comments
H-1B Issues
H-1Bs are the bread-and-butter of most immigration practices across the
country. Staying abreast of developments connected to H-1Bs involves more
than just H-1B cap-related issues - also important are current adjudication
trends, current LCA enforcement trends, developments in portability, and
uptodate strategies for H-1B alternatives. The uptick in the US economy
means that more and more employers will want H-1Bs and being fully informed
on the latest developments is a precondition to serving employers' needs.
Our upcoming telephonic seminar "ILW.COM-Fragomen Briefing On H-1B Issues
And Current Developments" will discuss hot issues in H-1Bs and will provide
practice pointers to guide clients through the year ahead. The speakers
include many distinguished practitioners from the law firm of Fragomen, Del
Rey, Bernsen and Loewy, the largest immigration law firm in the country
with over 130 lawyers - Austin Fragomen, Howard Gordon, Jonathan Adams,
Andrew Greenfield, Ethan Kaufman, Cynthia Lange, Michael Patrick, Cheri
Peterson-Ross, Michael Turansick and Freddi Weintraub (DHS and DOL
representatives have been invited). The seminar is offered by phone, so law
offices around the country can participate. It is also a great training
tool for the entire law firm staff (one registration covers everyone
sharing a speakerphone). The seminar includes an in-depth Q&A period where
you can pose questions regarding your cases to the distinguished
practitioners on the panel. The deadline to register is Tuesday, January
27th. For more info, including detailed curriculum, speaker bios, and
registration information, see: http://www.ilw.com/seminars/january2004.shtm. (Fax version: http://www.ilw.com/seminars/january2004.pdf.)
ILW.COM Focus
Curriculum For ILW.COM-Fragomen Briefing On H-1B Issues And Current
Developments
The curriculum for our new seminar series "ILW.COM-Fragomen Briefing On
H-1B Issues And Current Developments" is as follows:
FIRST Phone Session on January 29:
The H-1B Visa - Overview And Alternatives
- Update: H-1B Cap and Related Issues
- A Brief History (1970, 1990, 1998, and 2000 Amendments)
- Summary of Requirements
- Uses and Users of the Program
- Alternatives to the H-1B Category - an Update
SECOND Phone Session on February 19:
The Labor Condition Application - Overview And Current Issues
- History and Purpose
- Basic Requirements
- Wage and Benefit Issues
- The Public Access File
- Ongoing Employer Obligations
- Enforcement Issues - a Current Review
THIRD Phone Session on March 11:
Latest Developments And Hot Topics in H-1Bs
- Recent Legislative and Regulatory Activity
- H-1B Portability Issues
- Obtaining H-1B Extensions
- Dealing with the H-1B Cap
- Handling Gaps in Employment
The deadline to register is Tuesday,
January 27th. For more info, including detailed curriculum, speaker bios,
and registration information, see: http://www.ilw.com/seminars/january2004.shtm. (Fax version:
http://www.ilw.com/seminars/january2004.pdf.)
Featured Article
Presidential Papers Historical Series: Special Message to the Congress on Immigration Matters (Dwight D. Eisenhower: 1953-1961)
President Eisenhower sent this message to Congress on February 8, 1956.
Keep on top of the latest in immigration law! Attend ILW.COM seminars! You can attend ILW.COM phone seminars from the convenience of your office! For more info on the seminars currently available, please click here: http://www.ilw.com/seminars/
Immigration Law News
President Bush Says Undocumented Need To Be Treated With Respect
President Bush in commenting on his immigration reform initiative said, "[The undocumented are] working just as hard as any other mom or dad do for the same reason -- they have an obligation and a responsibility. Those people need to be treated with respect. They need to be honored for their commitment to their families."
USCIS Announces Special Immigrant Classification Petitions Should Be Mailed To Nebraska Service Center
The USCIS announced the expansion of its direct mail program and directed that all special immigrant classification petitions be mailed to the Nebraska Service Center.
IRS Report On Aliens' Use Of ITINs
The Inspector General for Tax Administration of the IRS issued a report addressing aliens' use of Individual
Taxpayer Identification Number (ITINS).
USCIS Director Aguirre And History Experts Work On Naturalization Test Redesign
USCIS Director Aguirre in discussing the purpose of the naturalization test redesign said, "We do not want to make the test harder, we do not want to make the test easier. We want to make it more meaningful."
President Bush Is Absolutely Right On Immigration
A Chicago Sun-Times op-ed by Andrew Greeley says "President Bush is absolutely right on immigration."
Mexican Govenors Gather To Discuss US Immigration Reform Initiative
The San Francisco Chronicle reports "Governors from across Mexico pledged [ ] to closely follow the progress of resident Bush's immigration proposal and to develop plans to address the program's impact south of the border."
Attorney listings on ILW.COM are searched 200,000 times/year! Each attorney listed is searched an average of once each day! Just one new client will pay for the entire year's fee! Click here for more info: http://www.ilw.com/membership/
Classifieds
Help Wanted: Immigration Case Manager
The law firm of Paul Hastings and its growing immigration
practice seeks an immigration case manager for its Atlanta-based office. Interested candidates with immigration experience or business related working experience, strong organizational skills and communication skills,
a high degree of professionalism and the ability to work with a team are
part of the criteria for these positions. This position works with the senior attorneys
and Office Management to develop and enhance all levels of management and
operation in the practice group which will include: client and case
management, management of all administrative functions including the
billing, facilities, case staffing, client development and development of
client services. Responsibilities include: management and supervision for all non-attorney
personnel, training and development of all personnel, development of best
practices and efficiency means of operations, further development of
communication between all levels of personnel, firm management, clients
and department are critical for this position. A working understanding of a law firm practice and its operations is
critical for this position. Qualifications include: Bachelors degree, prior immigration or business
related experience, solid work history and excellent professional
references. Paul Hastings offers competitive salary and an excellent benefits package
for qualified and selected candidates. Please indicate the job postion sought when submitting your cover letter, resume,
salary history and references to paulalauhoff@paulhastings.com.
Help Wanted: Immigration Software Analyst
The law firm of Paul Hastings and its growing immigration
practice seeks an immigration software analyst for its Atlanta-based office. Interested candidates with immigration experience or business related
working experience, strong organizational skills and communication skills,
a hire degree of professionalism and the ability to work with a team are
part of the criteria for this positions. This technical position requires tremendous
communication/training and user support skills which is then supported by
clients and office personnel. The current technical tools include:
technical support for Aria, including training and working with the web
reporting module and advanced client technical support with intranet and
website design, crystal report writing, and packaged software tools that
require on a daily basis, support, training, understanding and
development. The current web base design and portal will also require
day to day development by both clients and firm personnel. A clear understanding of the immigration practice is critical in this position. Technical skills should include: proficient use of various report writing
software applications and technical skills, ability to provide on-going
training and troubleshooting. Three to five years of technical writing
and administering of reporting software. Strong project management sills
and the ability to manage multiple projects is required. Paul Hastings offers competitive salary and an excellent benefits package
for qualified and selected candidates. Please indicate the job postion sought when submitting your cover letter, resume,
salary history and references to paulalauhoff@paulhastings.com.
Help Wanted: Paralegal
The law firm of Paul Hastings and its growing immigration
practice seeks an immigration paralegal for its Atlanta-based office. Interested candidates with immigration experience or business related
working experience, strong organizational skills and communication skills,
a hire degree of professionalism and the ability to work with a team are
part of the criteria for these positions. This position works directly with the attorneys
within the practice group and is a highly responsible administrative and
paralegal position. Interested candidates must have a proven track record of attention to
detail, dependability, ability to work independently and to meet critical
deadlines. Communication with clients and office personnel are a major
part of this position. Responsibilities include: sensitivity to the efficiency needs of a
practice group while being supportive of the clients billing and
collections. Approximately 25% of this position is working with the
administrative functions of billing, case management, reporting to clients
and the ability to compile, provide and discuss billing information. Prior immigration and/or practice support experience is a requirement for this position. Qualifications include: Bachelors degree, prior immigration or business
related experience, solid work history and excellent professional resources. Paul Hastings offers competitive salary and an excellent benefits package for qualified and selected candidates. Please indicate the job postion sought when submitting your cover letter, resume, salary history and references to paulalauhoff@paulhastings.com.
Help Wanted: Paralegals
Are you looking to join a fast-paced, dynamic and friendly team that provides first-rate immigration legal services to global businesses and individuals? Paparelli & Partners LLP, a leading immigration law firm with an established national practice, located in Irvine, California, has immediate openings for two experienced Immigration Paralegals to work at our office in Irvine, California. If you have what it takes, you will work under the supervision of attorneys to serve multinational companies and high-achiever individuals in both employment-based and family-based immigration-related matters. You will use computer software extensively (research databases, Internet, MS Word, MS Outlook, Excel, ProLaw, Immigration Tracker, Power Point, etc.), and become immersed in cutting-edge immigration projects. Please contact us if you have six months or more of US immigration experience, are a multi-talented, multi-tasker, detail oriented, express yourself well in person and on paper, work well on a team, love challenges, are willing to work hard, have a spotless ethical record and character, have a paralegal certificate or are otherwise qualified as a paralegal under California law. To pursue this exciting opportunity, email your resume to Chris McCoy at cim@entertheusa.com. For background, see our web site: http://www.entertheusa.com.
We carry advertisements for Help Wanted: Attorney, Help Wanted: Paralegal, Help Wanted: Other, Positions Sought, Products & Services Offered, etc.
For information on advertising in the classifieds please click here
For a listing of current immigration events please click here
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Letters to the Editor
Dear Editor:
I think announcements should be limited to: events, new partners, and new firms or solos going out on their own and retirements. All of the above are "professional news announcements. Births, marriages, and other "personal social" stuff can create more problems and "hurt feelings" not to mention possible privacy issues that are not necessary or productive. Thanks for the solicitation.
A. Baltazar Baca, Senior Trial Attorney
US Department of Justice
Dear Editor:
Forget the announcements, that's my opinion.
Alice Yardum-Hunter
Encino, CA
Dear Editor:
I would not be interested in seeing announcements of the type described.
Richard Shuey
Dear Editor:
It is essential to keep Immigration Daily now to essentials. Given the
labor-intensive nature of immigration law, immigration lawyers are extremely
busy and do not have time for facts that are not essential. Your
publication is precisely very useful because it address strictly immigration
matters. Please do not be influenced into having professional announcements, marriages, births etc.
Paulette M. Rodriguez, Esq.
Philadelphia, PA
Dear Editor:
I would vote yes for you to include such a section. It's a great way to share information on both personal and professional changes. It's wonderful to share news with colleagues that we don't often see.
Kristi L. Crawford, Esq.
Kirkwood, MO
Dear Editor:
We would prefer if you stick to immigration law.
Carolyn Fuchs, Hale and Dorr LLP
Boston, MA
Dear Editor:
I would only be interested in immigration-related events ... not births, new partners, marriages or the like.
Joshua Daley Paulin, Esq.
Boston, MA
An Important disclaimer! The information provided on this page is not legal advice.
Transmission of this information is not intended to create, and receipt by you does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship. Readers must not act upon any information without first seeking advice from a
qualified attorney. Send Correspondence and articles to editor@ilw.com. Letters and articles may be edited and may be published and otherwise used in any medium. Opinions expressed in letters and articles do not necessarily reflect the opinion of ILW.COM.
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