How Long is Too Long?

I spent months on the phone with the government trying to get the case “unstuck.” No one could or would tell me anything useful to get the case moving. Apparently one Regional Service Center of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) was waiting on a file from another Regional Service Center. Finally, some USCIS agent took pity on me and gave me a tip – of course with the caveat that he would deny that he ever told me: your Congressional representative has a dedicated immigration liaison who can assist you when you can’t get resolution of your immigration case through the usual channels.

Congressional Help for Immigration

When a Congressperson inquires with immigration officials into a case on behalf of a constituent, the government is obligated to respond to the Congressperson within 10 days.  After 8 months of no progress, after I enlisted my Congressman for help,magically the Service Centers began sharing the necessary information and our fiancé petition began moving through the process. I wish I had known that tip six months earlier.

Proof of Upcoming Wedding

At the interview at the Consulate, my then-fiance was armed with boarding passes, airline tickets of my visits to see him in his country, pictures we had taken together, endless pages of telephone records, romantic emails, etc. Surely all of that would be persuasive evidence of an engagement, right? Maybe. But what did the Consular officer check during the visa interview? The The Knot website page that we had set up to alert friends and family of the U.S. wedding ceremony details should the visa get approved. The Consular officer actually excused herself from the interview, went to a nearby office to get on the computer, and typed in the web address to confirm there was an actual listing of our engagement with a description of our planned nuptials. Convinced this was a true relationship, she immediately approved the visa.

Marriage-Based Green Card Interview Almost Leads to Breakup (No, Not Really)

On the day of our marriage-based adjustment of status interview with USCIS for my husband’s green card, we were so stressed out we had started arguing and almost were not speaking.

To prepare for the interview, we  had been quizzing each other on those pieces of information one spouse is supposed to know about the other – family member’s names, our birthdays (my husband still to this day never remembers mine), our favorite colors, where we went to school, what side of the bed we sleep on, etc. Just before our interview, an immigrant in the waiting area told us that the interviewer might ask us very personal, intimate questions.  My husband refused to answer THOSE type of questions. I of course was desperate for the green card to be approved, so I kept insisting that he just answer the question even if he found them intrusive or offensive. My husband was having none of it. In his opinion, it was not the government’s business to ask private details of married folks, and he was going to say just that if asked. The government could deny his green card but he did not care. He would just go back to his home country, he said. I was frustrated that he would not cooperate. He was angry that I would even consider asking him to answer such questions.

Angry beyond words = green card approved!

We definitely were not the picture of a loving couple. We sat with folded arms and tight lips – just awful body language. We glared at the interviewing officer, just waiting for a “none of your business” question. I just knew we were not going to pass the interview. But to my surprise, the immigration officer asked just three simple questions, none of which were personal, offensive, or intrusive. She then said, “o.k. I am recommending approval of your green card” to my husband, and that was it. “That’s it?” we asked. “That’s it.” I swear I think that she was convinced of our true marriage because we were so obviously frustrated with and ticked off at each other. How’s that for evidence of a bona fide marriage? (Disclaimer: I do not recommend or advise being angry with your spouse during a marriage-based immigration interview).

My Personal Experience with Immigration

At the time I was practicing in a different area of law, and this was my first exposure to immigration. As an attorney I thought “surely I can do this myself; it can’t be too complicated.”  Boy was I wrong. I found the entire process confusing, misleading, adversarial, and way too difficult for two people in love who just wanted to live together in the United States. Reading the instructions to the forms was not helpful enough – the entire process seemed to be loaded with pitfalls, booby-traps, and ambiguous questions and instructions. On top of that the pressure on me was intense: my then-fiance was relying on me – the native English-speaking American attorney- to understand the requirements and correctly file the necessary paperwork to get him to the States. Sure, no problem, right? Wrong.

Avoid Dangerous Temptations

Which Country to Get Married for Immigration Purposes?

Utilize My Experience

Upcoming Events

Mi Familia Vota indicates that the Forum was a success and that over 100 informed participants have scheduled appointments for the next Naturalization Assistance Workshop, to be held April 23 at the same location. For more details on Naturalization Assistance Workshops and Educational Forums offered by Mi Familia Vota, please contact Abigail Duarte at abigaild@mifamiliavota.net or (602) 263-2030. To check out the organization’s website, click HERE.

Below are a few video clips of the event.  If you would like additional information, please contact us here.

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Visitors traveling under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP):

• If you are at an airport, contact the U.S. Customs and Border Protection office at the airport.
• All others, please visit the local U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services office.

Visitors traveling under a nonimmigrant visa:

• Visit the local U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services office.
• Bring your passport, evidence that you are stranded (such as an itinerary for the cancelled flight), and your I-94 departure record.

For additional immigration relief options, please visit the Special Situation page.

Natacha’s Qualifications

Natacha’s diverse background allows her to work with a broad spectrum of client needs. She strives to help each one attain a positive outcome and achieve their immigration goal. Natacha looks forward to bridging the language gap that precludes many non-English speaking clients from fully communicating their needs and understanding their rights. Natacha can be reached at natacha@aboutusvisas.com and 480.818.6204.

Français

Le cabinet d’avocats Tanya M. Lee, PLLC est heureux d’accueillir la procureure multilingue Mme Natacha Andrews, en tant qu’avocat-conseil. Natacha est membre du Barreau de l’État du New Jersey et est titulaire d’un double baccalauréat en journalisme et en sciences politiques de l’Université Rutgers. Natacha détient aussi un doctorat Juris obtenu de la Howard University School of Law à Washington, DC. Elle parle couramment le français et le créole haïtien. Natacha Andrews fait partie de cette première génération de juristes américains ayant une expérience personnelle qui lui permettra de répondre aux questions et préoccupations des immigrants.

Sa expérience diversifiée lui permet donc de travailler au niveau d’un large éventail de besoins des clients. Et elle mettra tout en œuvre afin d’aider chacun à obtenir un résultat positif et à atteindre leur objectif d’immigration. Natacha se réjouit de combler le fossé linguistique qui empêche de nombreux clients non anglophones de communiquer adéquatement leurs besoins et de comprendre leurs droits. Natacha peut être rejointe à natacha@aboutusvisas.com et 480.818.6204.

Kreyòl Ayisyen

Biwo nan Lwa Tanya Lee M., PLLC se kontan akeyi milti-bileng avoka Natacha Andrews tankou Avoka. Natacha se yon manm Bar nan Eta New Jersey epi se pale an franse, ak kreyòl ayisyen. Natacha resevwa diplòm bakaloreya doub l ‘la nan Jounalis ak politik Syans soti nan Inivèsite Rutgers, epi l ‘ juris doktora nan Howard School University of Law nan Washington, DC. Natacha se yon jenerasyon premye Ameriken yo ak pèsonèl eksperyans fè fas ak enkyetid imigran ak pwoblèm.

Background divès Natacha a pèmèt li nan travay ak yon espèk laj de bezwen kliyan. Li chèrch ede chak atenn yon rezilta pozitif ak reyalize objektif imigrasyon yo. Natacha sanble pou pi devan pou opozisyon defisi nan lang ki entèdi anpil kliyan ki pa pale angle nèt nan kominike bezwen yo ak konprann dwa yo. Natacha ka rive nan natacha@aboutusvisas.com ak 480.818.6204.

Your Federal Bureau of Investigation or FBI fingerprint record contains information about your criminal history (if any).  Additionally, it may also include documented immigration violations.

When to Obtain Your FBI Fingerprint Record

Obtaining this record is critical if you are considering applying for certain immigration benefits in the United States, such as

1. Applying for adjustment of status to permanent resident (green card)
2. Removal of conditions on permanent residence
3. Renewal of the permanent resident card (green card)
4. Naturalization application for U.S. citizenship

Why Should I Obtain My FBI Fingerprint Record?

When the government reviews your application/petition, you will be subject to a background investigation. If you have committed certain offenses in the past, the government may determine that you are ineligible for the immigrant benefit for which you are applying and deny the application.

However, depending on the seriousness and/or number of offenses, you may also be subject to deportation/removal proceedings. Some crimes that should be analyzed for their potential immigration consequences include the following:

1. Theft offenses
2. Drugs/controlled substances
3. Firearms and other deadly weapons
4. Crimes of violence
5. Domestic violence
6. Offenses against minors
7. “Crimes involving moral turpitude” (a legal term of art)
8. Certain convictions/pleas which could have had a possible sentence of more than 1 year (even if the sentence was less)
9. Multiple convictions of certain types of crimes
10. Traffic violations involving an arrest (including certain DUIs)

Prior criminal violations may be problematic even if you only had probation, pled guilty and paid a fine, entered into a diversionary program or alternative sentence to avoid jail, and even if the conviction was expunged. You will want to know what is contained in your FBI fingerprint record because this is the same information the government wil review when considering your application. Knowing in advance exactly what the government will “uncover” about you allows you to:

1. Reconsider applying for a certain benefit based on the offenses you may have committed
2. Prepare explanations regarding certain offenses you may have committed
3. Correct and/or explain any incorrect information about your criminal history.

Need Additional Help?

The Law Office of Tanya M. Lee, PLLC can help you obtain your FBI fingerprint record for a nominal fee. Furthermore, once your FBI fingerprint record is available, you can consult with our firm for an analysis of the results – specifically, how any prior crimes listed in your FBI fingerprint record might impact your immigration application and future immigration goals.

For more information or to make your appointment for a consultation, please contact The Law Office of Tanya M. Lee, PLLC at 480-559-9529 or tlee@aboutusvisas.com. For assistance in Spanish please contact 623-349-1351 or espanol@aboutusvisas.com.

An immigrant himself, Bruno can empathize with many of the trials and tribulations that immigrants face in this country. His background enables him to effectively understand and accommodate the needs of clients seeking immigration legal services. Bruno looks forward to helping people with their immigration and citizenship matters, particularly those who desire or need a Spanish-speaking attorney. Bruno can be reached at bruno@aboutusvisas.com and 1-623-349-1351.

La Oficina de Abogados de Tanya M. Lee, PLLC tiene el placer de darle la bienvenida al abogado bilingüe Bruno Gitnacht. Bruno es un miembro del Bar Estatal de Arizona y habla Español a la perfección ya que es su lengua nativa. Él recibió su Bachillerato en el área de justicia criminal de la Universidad de Nevada, Las Vegas, y recibió su título de Doctorado Jurídico del Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law en el Arizona State University. Bruno adquirió gran experiencia en el área de inmigración a través de su participación en la clínica de inmigración en la escuela de leyes y en actividades de servicio legales comunitarios, así como también por medio de su voluntariado en Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen, & Loewy, LLP, una firma de abogados especializada en inmigración en el campo de negocios.

Bruno es un inmigrante que llegó a los Estados Unidos hace muchos años, y es así que él puede entender de todas las experiencias difíciles y obstáculos que los inmigrantes de este país enfrentan. Los antecedentes de Bruno le permite comprender y acomodarse de una manera mucho más eficiente a las necesidades de los clientes en busca de asistencia legal con asuntos de inmigración. Bruno espera oportunamente poder ayudar a la gente con sus asuntos de inmigración y naturalización, particularmente a aquellos que desean o prefieren un abogado que los atienda en Español. Pueden contactar a Bruno escribiéndole a su correo electrónico, bruno@aboutusvisas.com, ó llamando al 1-623-349-1351.

Section 213A of the Immigration and Naturalization Act of the United States of America requires that in order to sponsor an alien for legal permanent resident status in the United States, the sponsor must be domiciled in the United States.

Domicile Definition for Immigration

“Domicile” means the place where a sponsor has his of her principal residence, with the intention to maintain that residence for the foreseeable future.

Proving or Establishing Domicile

To prove, establish or reestablish domicile, a sponsor must set up a principal residence in the United States.  This would entail obtaining a residence (house or apartment) and taking up physical residence.  There is no minimum time required to establish residence, but a credible demonstration of an actual residence in the United States is required.

A convincing combination of the following types of action might be considered as an indication of residence:

1. Establishing an address in the United States
2. Setting up and maintaining bank accounts in the United States
3. Transferring funds to the United States
4. Making and maintaining investments in the United States
5. Seeking employment in the United States
6. Applying for a social security number
7. Voting in local, state, or federal elections
8. Enrolling children in schools
9. Paying U.S. income taxes
10. Taking steps to relinquish residency in a foreign country

*The domiciliary requirement applies to the petitioner, sponsor and joint sponsor(s)

Domicile is a complex issue and is determined on a case-by-case basis.  The burden of proving domicile lies with the sponsor, who must offer evidence sufficient for the adjudicating officer to make a finding.  A finding regarding domicile is an evidentiary question that will be unique to each applicant, and it is within the delegated authority of the consular officer to make such a determination at his or her professional discretion.

What is a “Bona Fide” Marriage for Immigration Purposes?

A bona fide marriage, according to the government, is one that was not entered into for the sole purpose of acquiring an immigration benefit. What’s the legal test the government uses to determine if a marriage is “bona fide”? Answer: the couple must show that at the time they got married, their goal was to create a real marital relationship and not to commit immigration fraud.

What happens if USCIS determines the couple committed marriage fraud? The couple risks severe penalties – including, for the foreign national spouse, a  lifetime bar on immigrating the U.S. through any kind of visa petition in the future; potential imprisonment (jail) for up to 5 years; and a possible fine of up to $250,000. The jail time and fine can apply to the U.S. citizen or Legal Permanent Resident spouse as well as the foreign national spouse.

Real Life Examples of Marriage Fraud Cases

Mexican actress Fernando Romero and her American husband  were arrested in April 2010 and charged with marriage fraud for allegedly trying to gain legal residency and a work permit for her by marrying each other. Federal authorities claim the couple never lived together and one month after the 2005 marriage the actress allegedly began dating, and eventually moved in with, a fashion photographer.

A federal grand jury in Norfolk recently indicted 17 individuals on charges connected with, what officials say, was a broad conspiracy scheme to recruit U.S. Navy sailors l to engage in fraudulent marriages to Russian women.

In 2008, Operation “Knot So Fast” resulted in the government’s arrest of more than 80 people alleged to be involved in various marriage fraud conspiracies throughout Florida. Some of the sham marriages were arranged by individuals who would “coach” those committing the fraud on how to make their marriage appear legitimate. They even had wedding dresses on hand, fake cakes, and preset staging for pictures.

One of the largest marriage-scam busts occurred one year after 9/11.  As a result of “Operation Broken Vows,”  in October 2002 107  American women in the Carolinas and an equal number of Middle Eastern men living illegally in the U.S. from Boston to North Carolina were charged with marriage fraud. Six organizers were also arrested, charged with facilitating the payment of $1,000 to $6,000 to the women for their cooperation. The couples often met just before walking into probate court to get married, and went their separate ways as soon as they walked out.

The government’s commitment to rooting out marriage fraud is grounded in security concerns. “Marriage fraud will not be tolerated. It is a direct attack to the national security of the United Sates,” said Kathy Redman, District Director of U.S. CIS in Tampa during Operation Knot so Fast. “The process of detection of marriage fraud begins the moment an application is submitted to our agency and later when a couple comes to our offices for a marriage interview. So beware. The job of our adjudicators is not just to grant or not an immigration benefit. It is also, and most definitely, keeping our country secure.”

In sum, besides being illegal, engaging in immigration marriage fraud is just simply a bad idea. It is difficult to be in a sham marriage and escape discovery from the government during the petition  and interview process.  The punishment includes jail time and hefty fines which usually far exceed any payment that may have been received for the transaction.  A later determination of permanent residence acquired through a prior fraudulent marriage will likely result in the government taking away the foreign national’s green card and/or denying a naturalization petition, which could land the foreign national in deportation proceedings if not jail. So just don’t do it. In upcoming posts, we will discuss what the government looks for as evidence of marriage fraud and what a couple can do to prove that the marriage is bona fide.

I was recently interviewed by Attorney Shimane Smith on his radio show, “Nothing But the Truth.” I fielded questions about the controversy surrounding President Barack Obama’s birth certificate, specifically why under the U.S. Constitution it matters whether he was born in Hawaii or Indonesia. This is a fascinating aspect of nationality law, and I explain the constitutional requirement that a U.S. President be a “natural-born citizen,” not a naturalized citizen or a U.S. citizen born “abroad.” I also discuss how this requirement has relevance to both John McCain and Arnold Schwarzenegger as well.

In the second part of the interview, I talk about options for immigration relief  for victims of domestic violence as well as some of the immigration consequences of criminal conduct, including removal (deportation) for even long-term Permanent Residents (green card holders) for seemingly minor violations or misdemeanors. Please click on the audio file below to hear the interview.

In an upcoming post I will share a second interview where I discuss marriage fraud and tips for a successful green card interview for foreign nationals married to U.S. citizens.

What is the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program?

The EB-5 Immigrant Investor Visa allows a foreigner to obtain Permanent Residency (Green Card) by investing in a business that will benefit the economy and create at least 10 full-time jobs.  Typically, the investment required is $1 million, but this amount can be lowered to $500,000 if the investment is made in “target employment areas.”

What is the Advantage of Investing Through a Regional Center?

The Regional Center Pilot Program allows foreign investors to put their money in a Regional Center (as opposed to a specific business under the regular EB-5 program).  Typically, these Regional Centers are in “target employment areas” which means that the investment required is $500,000 instead of $1 million.  The advantages of investing in a Regional Center are that there is no requirement that the investor engage in the day-to-day management of a business, the jobs created by the investment can be direct or indirect, and the investor need not reside in the same area as the Regional Center.

Additionally, some Regional Centers offer “payment plans” for individuals in case the full $500,000 cannot be delivered by the investor up front.  It is possible to provide a portion of the investment initially and the balance to be paid within a period that is agreed upon by the Regional Center and the investor.

There are a wide variety of businesses/industries that Regional Centers across the US engage in.  It is thus possible for one to find a Regional Center that is generating jobs in an area that one wishes to help generate commerce as well as an industry that one wishes to be involved in.

How Does One Apply to Become an EB-5 Immigrant Investor?

With the EB-5 Investor Visa program works an investor submits a petition with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).  Along with the petition, documentation regarding the enterprise to be invested in, the source of the investment (i.e. funds obtained through lawful means), and business plans indicating how the enterprise will create at least 10 jobs, among other items, will need to be submitted.

What Happens After the Petition is Approved?

When USCIS approves the petition, the foreign investor can become a conditional Permanent US Resident for two years (if residing outside the U.S., the investor and eligible immediate family members use the approved petition to apply for visas to emigrate to the U.S. at a Consulate.)  Prior to the expiration of the conditional residency, the foreign investor must demonstrate to USCIS that he or she actually invested the required capital, that the enterprise was sustained during the period, and that at least 10 full-time jobs were created or are expected to be created within a reasonable amount of time.

The EB-5 Investor visa is not for everyone, but for those who qualify, it is certainly a quick (USCIS is reporting processing times of 5 months) and attractive option that allows a foreign petition to self-petition for a green card (without being sponsored by an employer or family member).  Given the  relatively weak US Dollar vis-a-vis many foreign currencies, there has never been a better time to invest in the US.

For additional information, contact The Law Office of Tanya M. Lee, PLLC at info@aboutusvisas.com to find out how you can invest to become a U.S. Permanent Resident.

Technical note: These videos have chapter markers, links to sites and commentary to aid audience questions.

Please start at 2:20 min into the 1st video.

Part 1

Part 2

Watch live video from podcampaz on Justin.tv

Exception to the Rules

Some people are exempt from this requirement, such as age 50+ who have been green card holders for 20 years, or those who are age 55+ who have been green card holders for 15 years.  In addition, people who have a physical or mental impairment may qualify for a waiver of the tests.

To see if you are eligible for a waiver, and for any other legal assistance with citizenship, green cards, and visas, contact The Law Office of Tanya M. Lee, PLLC. 480-559-9LAW;  info@aboutUSvisas.com.

Support letters can be very helpful in immigration, particularly when seeking naturalization (citizenship), a waiver of something that prevents you from obtaining a visa to enter the country, or when fighting removal (deportation). Strong support letters are critical if there is anything in your background that may lead to discretionary denial of the benefit or relief you are seeking. A number of solid support letters may favorably influence the consular or immigration officer or judge, and are well worth your time to arrange.

Consider asking your current and any past employers, family members who are U.S.citizens or legal permanent residents, the elected officers of any organizations to which you belong, friends and neighbors– in short, anyone who can provide a good character reference for you.

What makes a good support letter?

The letter should include the following:

1. The citizenship status of the author or writer
2. The nature of the relationship with you (Example: friend, co-worker, supervisor, etc)
3. The length of time the author has known you (10 years, 2 months, etc)

For example,

I am a U.S. citizen and I have been Mr. X’s employer for the past five years.

The purpose of the letter is to provide a good character reference for you, and may include details concerning the your involvement with charitable causes, anecdotes concerning the subject’s deeds to help friends and neighbors, or stories showing the your dependability and care of family members.Alternatively,a letter may present a specific economic, emotional, or other hardship the author of the letter will face if the you are denied the specific immigration relief or benefit being sought.

Where to get a good letter?

Letters from employers should be on company letterhead, and letters from organizations should be on the organization’s letterhead, if one is available. All letters should be originals, if possible, and signed by the author in blue or black ink.

The few minutes it takes to request a support letter from a friend, employer, or colleague may mean the difference between achieving your immigration goal and missing it, and you may be surprised how many people are willing to help you.

For advice on preparing strong support letters for visa or green card interviews or when fighting removal (deportation), contact The Law Office of Tanya M. Lee, PLLC at info@aboutusvisas.com or 1-888-628-0644 and 480-559-9LAW (529).

The Diversity Immigrant Visa program is an annual lottery, conducted by the State Department, to distribute applications for 50,000 diversity visas (DV). Winners are randomly selected from on-line entries and there is no fee to enter. There are, however, strict eligibility requirements: entrants must be from countries with low immigration rates to the U.S. (see below), as this is the purpose of the program. Winning the lottery entitles the entrant to apply for an immigrant visa to enter the U.S., which is why the lottery is sometimes called the “Green Card Lottery.”

Entries are now being accepted, and the deadline for entering is November 30, 2009, at 12 noon Eastern Standard Time. Applicants must enter on-line at www.dvlottery.state.gov

Who may enter? Applicants must meet requirements in two categories:

Natives of the qualified countries may enter, as well as their spouses, as long as both native and spouse are on the same entry, are issued visas, and enter the U.S. at the same time. Alternatively, if you are a native of an ineligible country, but neither of your parents is a native of that country or lived there at the time of your birth, you may claim nativity in one of your parents’ countries of birth if that country is eligible.

(2) Entrants must either be a high school graduate or have successfully completed a 12-year course of study including elementary and secondary education, OR have two years of work experience within the past five years in an occupation requiring at least two years of training. GED certificates and correspondence courses will NOT satisfy this requirement. To find out if your job experience qualifies, visit the O*Net Online Database (http://online.onetcenter.org/), click on “Find Occupations,” and then choose a selection in the “Job Family” drop-down box and click on “GO.” The database will display a list of occupations. Click on an occupation title, and then click on the words “Job Zone” at the top of the page. Under the section titled “Job Zone,” look for a job zone number of 4 or 5, and an SVP range of 7.0 or higher.

What countries are eligible?

All countries EXCEPT: Brazil, Canada, China (mainland-born), Colombia, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Haiti, India, Jamaica, Mexico, Pakistan, Peru, Philippines, Poland, South Korea, the United Kingdom (except Northern Ireland) and its dependent territories, and Vietnam. Hong Kong SAR, Macau SAR, and Taiwan ARE eligible, as well as countries not included in the list above.

You may submit only one entry, and you may complete the process yourself or have someone submit the entry for you. Although no one can guarantee that your entry will be chosen, you can ensure that your forms are completed correctly. Contact The Law Office of Tanya M. Lee, PLLC at 480-559-9529 or 1-888-628-0644 ; tlee@aboutusvisas.com for assistance.

Initially, the expiration date for Salvadoran EADs was March 9, 2009. USCIS automatically extended this EAD validity period to September 9, 2009. Issuance of the interim EADs will allow TPS beneficiaries to continue working while USCIS completes the processing of their re-registration applications.

USCIS has already processed over 99.5% of the Salvadoran re-registration applications for the current TPS designation period ending September 9, 2010. This includes a substantial number of re-registration applications filed after the re-registration period closed. A small number of pending re-registration applications are still under review by USCIS and awaiting further information from the applicants. Applicants who received requests from USCIS for additional information should respond promptly within the time period described in the USCIS notice received by the applicant.

Any applicant who receives an interim EAD must still respond to any USCIS requests. This includes requests for additional evidence, documents, or biometric/fingerprint appointments. In order to maintain employment authorization through September 9, 2010, an applicant must respond to any USCIS requests in order to resolve all issues so that a new EAD can be provided.

Applicants can check the status of their cases by visiting the USCIS website at www.uscis.gov. They can also call the USCIS National Customer Service Center toll-free number at 1-800-375-5283

The mission of the Alliance Francaise is to encourage and further knowledge of the French culture and language and to foster friendly relations between the American and French people. Attorney Tanya M. Lee is a member of the Board of Directors of the Alliance Francaise of Greater Phoenix. For more information on membership, activities, and events, please check out www.afphx.org.

Tucson, AZ 85706.

Naturalization Information Session

for legal permanent residents and interested naturalization applicants.

Topics covered at this FREE session will include:

• The Naturalization Process

• The New Naturalization Test

• Rights and Responsibilities of U.S. Citizenship

To reserve a seat, please RSVP with name of each person attending to Tucson.Info@DHS.gov

Details, click here: NaturalizationSessionSept1909

FOR MORE INFORMATION/REGISTER: PARA MÁS INFORMACIÓN/REGISTRO, LLAME AL:

602-263-2030

For more details, please see the attached flyer.

CitizenshipDaySept1909

Beginning tomorrow, Sept. 9, 2009, employers who are awarded a federal contract or subcontract are required to use the E-Verify system to verify their workers’ employment eligibility.Federal contracts issued after Sept. 8 will include a clause requiring use of E-Verify, including contracts issued to companies who receive American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds.Companies subject to the E-Verify clause will have 30 days after the contract award date to enroll in E-Verify, and must use the system to confirm that all new hires and existing employees employed on federal contracts are authorized for employment in the US.

E-Verify is a free, web-based system operated jointly by the Department of Homeland Security and the Social Security Administration.The system’s goal is to insure compliance with federal immigration law and to help employers avoid hiring those not authorized to work in the US.E-Verify compares information from Form I-9 with information stored on government databases to verify a worker’s employment eligibility. Click on the memo below from United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for  details.

USCIC Memo