Immigration News & Article

In light of the serious flaws in the call-in Special Registration program, AILA urges that it be repealed. At a minimum, the program should be corrected to address its major flaws.

The INS has released its monthly statistical report for the month of November 2002, covering topics such as: inspections, immigration benefits, naturalization benefits, removals, investigations, border apprehensions, and asylum.

INS memo from Thomas Cook saying I-140 for nurse can be approved if the state confirms passage of the NCLEX-RN exam and eligibility for a license in that state. The memo is meant to overcome the problem with inability to obtain licenses because social security numbers could not be obtained.

INS press statement regarding the January 10, 2003, deadline for NSEERS call-in special registration for nationals of 13 countries.

The Employment and Training Administration of The Department Of Labor announced the procedures that eligible entities must use to apply for grant applications for H-1B technical skills training grants.

An INS press release announces the publication of a proposed rule that would implement § 402 of the Border Security Act (PL 107-173) concerning the electronic submission of arrival and departure manifests.

A 1/3/03 INS proposed rule would implement § 402 of the Border Security Act (PL 107-173) to require the electronic submission of arrival and departure manifests in advance of an aircraft’s or vessel’s arrival in or departure from the U.S., including data from passengers and voyages previously exempt from this requirement.

The INS sought comments on: Fee remittance form for certain F-1, J-1, and M-1 nonimmigrants; Form I-901.

The Justice Department has finalized a rule governing the retention and reporting of information regarding F, J, and M nonimmigrants. Among other things, the rule implements usage of the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS).

A letter from Senators Kennedy and Feingold, and Rep. Conyers, asks the Justice Depatment to suspend the Special Registration program pending a thorough review.

INS issues an interim rule precluding 212(h) waivers where the application "involves a violent or dangerous crime", except in extraordinary circumstances. Comments due 1/27/03. Was originally proposed as part of the Indochinese Adjustment regulations. (67 FR 78675, 12/26/02)

A California class action by the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee and others challenges the arrests and detention of persons seeking permanent residence who appear for Spcial Registration.

A report released on 12/19/02 by the State Department’s Office of Inspector General found, among other things, that current visa issuance procedures are inadequate to prevent terrorists from traveling to the U.S., adding that the Department "at every level must rethink its approach to this task and devote the necessary resources and effort to it."

A 12/19/02 interim final rule amends HHS’s regulations to permit the agency to act as an interested government agency with respect to J-1 home residency requirement waivers for physicians, thereby taking over the role played by the USDA in handling waiver applications for primary care physicians who agree to work in underserved areas. (67 FR 77692, 12/19/02).

The Dept. of Health and Human Services announces that it will act as an interested government agency with respect to J-1 home residency requirement waivers for physicians.

State Dept. has sent a notice to summer work/travel J program sponsors indicating that the program is under review and no requests for an increase in participant numbers will be accepted at this time. A proposed regulation change is expected in 1/03.

A Justice Department press release on the latest additions to the NSEERS "call-in" special registration mentions Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, but omits Armenia (which had been included in the Federal Register notice).