National Legal Center for Immigrants
Practice Advisory: Representing Clients with Mental Competency Issues under Matter of M-A-M
A new practice advisory on working with clients with mental competency issues has been released by the American Immigration Council's Legal Action Center (LAC) in collaboration with The University of Houston Law Center Immigration Clinic.
In May, the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) issued a precedent decision in Matter of M-A-M. The respondent was represented by the University through CLINIC’s BIA Pro Bono Representation Project. The decision set forth a framework for immigration judges to follow in cases involving individuals with mental competency issues.
Change to Process of Filing Citizenship and Naturalization Forms
In order to centralize and streamline receipting of citizenship and naturalization forms, USCIS has made changes to the filing locations of certain forms.
On Oct. 30, 2011, USCIS began accepting Forms N-336, N-600 and N-600K at its Phoenix Lockbox facility and Form N-300 at its Dallas Lockbox facility. Until Dec. 2, 2011, applications filed at field offices were forwarded to the appropriate lockbox. After December 2, all applications erroneously filed at field offices will be returned to applicants to re-file with the proper lockbox.
Changes to EOIR Case Information System (800#)
In response to stakeholder feedback, EOIR has announced that it will reinstate the ability of callers to check the status of multiple cases in one call. Starting on December 12, callers will be able to press the “pound” key (#) to return to the main menu and enter additional alien registration numbers. In addition, callers will be able to press the “star” key (*) to skip the maintenance message at the beginning of the recording.
Update from USCIS on I-797 Approval Notices
By Allison Posner
As of November 30, 2011, the California and Vermont service centers will once again send all original notices, including I-797 approval notices, to the representative of record according to the G-28 on file. The Texas and Nebraska service centers will do the same on or before December 5, 2011.
Supreme Court Ends Comparable Grounds Doctrine for 212(c) Applicants
By Susan Schreiber
Section 212(c) of the INA provides relief from removal to law permanent residents who are deportable for certain criminal convictions. There are many restrictions regarding eligibility for this form of relief, but at a minimum, the applicant must meet the following criteria:
The Fifth Conference on Effective Representation of Refugees and Asylees
Date: Tuesday Mar 06, 2012 to Wednesday Mar 07, 2012
The Fifth Conference on Effective Representation of Refugees and Asylees
Co-Sponsored by
Catholic Legal Immigration Network, Inc., Church World Service, Creighton University School of Law, Elon University School of Law, Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society, Human Rights First, International Rescue Committee, Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service, USCCB Migration and Refugee Services, World Relief and Catholic Charities of Omaha
*Please note that times are listed for the event's local timezone.
