USCIS: New Application and Petition Fees Go Into Effect on Nov. 23, 2010

USCIS: New Application and Petition Fees Go Into Effect on Nov. 23, 2010

Once again, Washington, is increasing the fees aliens pay to apply for ........... everything. It seems there is no downside to increasing fees on the people who apply for immigration benefits. Unless you are a farmworker who must choose to apply for his wife or daughter, because you do not have enough money to pay for both.

The "fee waiver" you hear about is nonsense and has been worthless to the poor people for whom it was intended.

I wish I could help everybody.............but

Every day I meet people I can help. It is a great feeling to be able to tell someone who has a profound immigration problem, and is sure they will be deported, that their problem will likely amount to some paperwork, some months delay, and a return to their lawful status.

But I have to pick and choose my clients. I see the attorneys who try to help everyone, and I worry about all the client they take. I am much better lawyer when I have a limited number of cases with clients who truly want me as their lawyer.

I am confounded sometimes when my clients don't seem to care about their cases. The only way I've been able to see if the client is serious about fixing their problems is by demanding attorney fees that reflect my skill, the length of time I've been practicing immigration, the good reputation I have earned in my 15 years of practice, and the wonderful customer service that my firm provides.

There are many people, it turns out, who want my help but do not want to pay for it. So please do not be offended if you call me for help and I do not return your call. I must first pay attention to clients I already have, then I can meet with new or potential clients. The new or potential clients that I will see first are those who have made appointments to pay me a small charge for consultation. These people have indicated, by agreeing to pay a consultation fee, that they value what I have to offer, and they are interested in fixing their problems. People who just call and leave questions may never get their calls returned, as I have other priorities which may preclude me from calling them back.

Now after we meet and discuss your case, and I tell you what is available to you, and how you would go about fixing your problem, I will tell you how much it will cost to hire me to help you. This amount that I quote you may be if the larger than you wish to pay. You are not required to hire me. I will be happy to give you the plan I have your case, and I'll be happy to direct you to competent lawyers in Tampa who might be able to help you for less money.

In a perfect world, I would have unlimited time to help my nice immigrant friends, and I would not charge for my time. But this is a world where 15 years after law school I still owe $50,000 in student debt. I have a mortgage to pay, and a wife and three kids to support. I must and will charge what I consider to be a fair price for my time, and I hope you can understand this.

Obama comes through!

A new memo from ICE explains why the US government will no longer seek to deport those who have pending applications or petitions which could reasonably lead to their permanent residence here in the US.

This is great news because it shows how far the Democrats have succeeded with their attempt to take the focus off of enforcement at any cost, the policy that appeared to be pursued under the previous administration.

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/27/us/27immig.html?ref=immigration-and-emigration

How to report suspected victims of human trafficking.

Human Trafficking

Report Human Trafficking, 24 Hours

• To report suspicious activity to law enforcement:
  866-347-2423
• To reach a non-governmental organization:
  National Human Trafficking Resource Center Hotline
  888-3737-888

Human trafficking is a crime and a human rights abuse involving commercial sexual exploitation of a child or the use of force, coercion or fraud to compel someone into labor servitude or commercial sexual exploitation. Thousands of men, women, and children are trafficked in the United States every year.

Born in the USA, but not an American? - The Boston Globe

An interesting article for anyone who has heard about the current movement to strip citizenship from people born here, unless their parents are legally here.

Born in the USA, but not an American? - The Boston Globe

Obama moves on policy.

President Obama has made moves that show he is interested in showing a kinder face to the unfortunate illegals here. This is just on of the many President Obama can use his law enforcement power to act to save aliens when Congress refuses to act.

Students Spared Amid an Increase in Deportations
"The Obama administration, while deporting a record number of immigrants convicted of crimes, is sparing one group of illegal immigrants from expulsion: students who came to the United States without papers when they were children." Julia Preston, NYT, Aug. 9, 2010.

Immigration Amnesty for some

The New York Times reports that now illegal immediate family members of US citizens in the military may qualify for parole and may apply for their green cards here. Awesome!

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/01/us/01immig.html