Articles Tagged with news

Drivers License for Undocumented Immigrants

Undocumented Immigrant Driver’s Licenses

What you should know

On January 1, 2015, California joined a handful of other states that issue driver’s licenses to undocumented individuals. Among the many goals that supporters of AB60 hope is that the requirement that undocumented individuals must pass the driver’s exams prior to the issuance of a license will result in safer roadways. Obtaining a license also helps undocumented immigrants avoid being cited for the dreaded California Vehicle Code § 12500 – Driving Without a License.

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No Visa Policy For Philippine Citizens

All that glitters is not gold
So don’t believe what you’ve been told
— Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark

Last Tuesday as I was leaving court, I reached for my phone to find that it was blowing up  (as the kids say these days). Apparently, there was an internet article that stated that the Philippines had been added to the list of “visa waiver” countries and that Filipinos no longer needed to go to the U.S. Embassy prior to visiting the United States.  It was everywhere: my voicemails, my text messages, my Facebook feed. Even my mom called to ask about it!
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Immigration Reform in 2013

Will there be immigration reform in 2013?

Every now and then, when a judge is writing a decision, that judge will add a footnote about a question that is NOT being considered by the court. It’s a way of signaling that a particular legal issue remains an open question. Or maybe it’s a way of telling the lawyers “hey, you guys should litigate this issue next! I want to write a decision on it!” Anyway, I digress. Earlier this year, I asked the question: Will there be a new immigration law this year?

I noted that the answer would depend on the House of Representatives.
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How does the government shutdown affect immigrants, the courts and our border?

United States Government Shutdown 2013

Although the federal government has been shutdown, the effects upon my immigration clients have been varied.

U.S. CITIZENSHIP AND IMMIGRATION SERVICES

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is the primary agency that handles petitions and applications related to immigration. For most filings, USCIS charges a filing fee. According to USCIS spokesperson Christopher Bentley, USCIS can continue to operate during the shutdown because these fees cover 95% of their budget. I have filed applications and received the processing receipts. Interviews for naturalization and adjustment of status applications are going forward.
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