PLEASE DON’T GO! BOOKMARK IMMIGRANTCONNECT.COM AND (RE)SUBSCRIBE

As I have written in a couple of previous posts, www.immigrantconnect.com will be the URL for Maged Rost, the immigration law firm I run with my partner, Kristina Rost.  Absent any last minute glitches, this change is expected to take place tomorrow (Thurday October 9, 2008) night.  The new site will include information about our firm as well as videos and other twenty-first century gadgetsthat we believe are appropriate for modern law firms.

With improvement comes growing pains, the problems are twofold:  (1) old immigrantconnect blog entries will not be available on the new site, I will try to have them archived and (2) subscribers will need to resubscribe.  I will continue writing about developments related to US immigration laws an policy and invite you to keep reading and sharing your opinions.  The next year or two promise to be no less interesting than the previous one when it comes to this debate.

Speaking of “debate”, immigration was once again absent from last night’s Presidential debate.  Although it is clearly not the most pressing issue with the market collapse and all, it is a good barometer with which to measure the candidates’ integrity and veracity when it comes to what they say before various audiences and what they plan to do.  McCain is in the bigger pickle because he wants to avoid offending his right-winged base while appeasing Hispanic voters.  However, if the issue is not addressed, all the better for him.  Obama has been steadfast in his support for Comprehensive Immigration Reform which would include a pathway to earned legalization for the undocumented.

WHAT ABOUT IMMIGRATION?

With all the talk about the economy, the war and lipstick – immigration has slipped to a low ranking on the list of Americans’ priorities this election year.  Aside from a few House candidates in some districts who are bickering over the issue, the economic crisis has taken center stage.  Tonight is the second debate between McCain and Obama and the audience will be asking questions.  It would be interesting to see how McCain would handle the issue in light of his so-called “flip-flopping” on the issue depending on his audience. 

ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION DECLINES

According to the Associated Press:  “Illegal immigration, which has sparked political and social turmoil in communities across the nation, is on the wane, according to an independent report released Thursday.”

Although increased high-profile enforcement of laws may be part of the reason for the decline, it is more likely a result of current economic conditions in the U.S.

OVERSEAS NATURALIZATION ELIGIBILITY FOR CHILDREN OF U.S. ARMED FORCES MEMBERS

According to a USCIS Press Release:  “Section 322 provides for the naturalization of minor children of U.S. citizens residing abroad. The general conditions are that at least one parent is a U.S. citizen, that the child is younger than age 18 and resides abroad in the physical and legal custody of that parent, and that parent has been physically present in the United States for a certain period of time. Section 322 requires that in general, the child must be temporarily present in the United States pursuant to a lawful admission in order to complete the naturalization.”

REQUIREMENTS FOR NATURALIZATION ABROAD BY SPOUSES OF MEMBERS OF THE U.S. ARMED FORCES

According to a USCIS Press Release:  “To be eligible for naturalization abroad, lawful permanent resident spouses of members of the U.S. armed forces, who live abroad on official military orders, must meet the requirements of either section 316(a) or 319(a) of the INA at the time of filing.”

NEW MCCAIN COMMERCIAL IN SPANISH TOUTS HIS SUPPORT FOR COMPREHENSIVE IMMIGRATION REFORM

According to an article on washingtonpost.com:  “The McCain campaign today announced another Spanish-language television commercial blaming Barack Obama for killing immigration reform. Called “Fradulent,” the spot will air, the campaign says, in Colorado and New Mexico.”

The article also has a link to the Spanish-language commercial.  On Spanish language teevision, both candidates are tripping over themselves trying to emphasize their support for CIR. 

UNCHECKED GUARDS AT IMMIGRATION DETENTION CENTER

According to the Associated Press:  “A privately run immigration lockup in Tacoma hired security guards without required preliminary background checks and then lied about it, according to authorities.”

If we are going to detain the undocumented by the thousands, we must ensure that the agencies responsible for the detainees’ well-being be held accountable.  The way things are going, ICE will soon be raiding itself!