Public
Bipartisan Framework for Comprehensive Immigration Reform
This morning the New York Times published a bi-partisan statement of principles outlining four goals of immigration reform. CLINIC welcomes this bi-partisan leadership in keeping the conversation moving. The principles include a path to citizenship and relief for agricultural workers and highly skilled graduates. The Senators also outline plans for continued enforcement along the border as well as a strong employment verification system. Read the whole statement
Immigration Reform Updates
By: Wendy Rhein
The debate on immigration reform is moving quickly. CLINIC strives to keep its network and others informed so that they can continue to serve the immigrants in our communities with the most up-to-date information.
This morning the New York Times published a bi-partisan statement of principles outlining four goals of immigration reform. CLINIC welcomes this bi-partisan leadership in keeping the conversation moving. The principles include a path to citizenship and relief for agricultural workers and highly skilled graduates. The Senators also outline plans for continued enforcement along the border as well as a strong employment verification system. Read the whole statement here.
Also, exciting news from Illinois last night, as it became the fourth and largest state to allow undocumented individuals to obtain drivers licenses. See the Chicago Tribune’s local perspective here.
President Obama will be speaking tomorrow night from Nevada. He is expected to outline the Administration’s plan for immigration reform in 2013. While we do not know yet what the plan entails, we are encouraged that the President is
CLINIC Holds Unique, “Mega” Workshop Training Event in Los Angeles
On November 16 and 17, 2012, CLINIC provided a unique training event in Los Angeles on how to plan and implement a large scale, “mega” group application workshop.
Provisional Waivers
Memos
- USCIS Finalizes Regulation on Provisional Waivers for Unlawful Presence - by Debbie Smith and Charles Wheeler
Webinars
CLINIC Comments on Age-out Protections for U Visa Derivatives
On January 10, 2013, CLINIC shared comments on USCIS’s policy memo, “Age-Out Protection for Derivative U Nonimmigrant Status Holders: Pending Petitions, Initial Approvals, and Extension of Status.” CLINIC welcomes the issuance of the guidance, as this policy will provide much needed security for the immigrant crime victims and their families that CLINIC members serve. We are encouraged by USCIS’ statement that the preservation of family unity is a benefit to law enforcement. The policy provides important protections for U visa derivatives who age out after the approval of
CLINIC Comments on Employment Eligibility for VAWA Beneficiaries
On January 10, 2013, CLINIC shared comments with USCIS on its guidance entitled “Eligibility for Employment Authorization upon Approval of a Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) Self- Petition; and, Eligibility for Employment Authorization for Battered Spouses of Certain Nonimmigrants.” CLINIC’s comments addressed concerns regarding the employment authorization process for approved VAWA beneficiaries, as well as the eligibility for employment authorization for battered spouses of A, E (iii), G, and H nonimmigrants. To read the full comments,
This webinar discussed the recent final regulation implementing the provisional waivers for unlawful presence. Click here to view the PowerPoint slides. Held on January 8, 2013.
Update on Provisional Waivers for Unlawful Presence Webinar
USCIS Finalizes Regulation on Provisional Waivers for Unlawful Presence
On January 3, 2013, the USCIS finalized its regulation regarding the adjudication of waivers for those who are consular processing and would be triggering the unlawful presence ground of inadmissibility. The rule provides a process by which the agency will adjudicate these waivers before the applicants leave for their immigrant visa interview. The procedure would be available only to immediate relatives who are inadmissible based on unlawful presence – and no other grounds – and who can establish extreme hardship to a qualifying U.S.
