According to a recent S&P report, a majority of the cities throughout the nation that saw immigration levels that are considered "significant" actually experienced improved credit ratings.
]]> The author of the report, senior director in state and local government ratings for S&P, said that overall, the effect of significant immigration to these cities has been to increase economic activity and help stabilize the labor market. Perhaps more importantly, immigration has not caused any cities to see a downgrade in municipal credit ratings.This conclusion was reached after measuring ratings over a 10 year period, from 2000 to 2010. The cities included in the study were those whose population grew either as a result of the influx of immigrants or migration that was domestic.
Presumably, the benefits of economic activity these cities saw was, to some degree, passed along to the immigrants helping to drive it. Recognizing economics plays an important role in foreign born individuals seeking to reside in the U.S., it is important to point out that there are a multitude of ways that this may be accomplished, including through:
The bottom line appears to be that population growth, via any method, is an important part of what helps economies grow. This can ultimately be beneficial for all involved. For anyone who is interested in residing in the U.S. an immigration attorney can help determine what options exist.
Source: Bloomberg, "Immigration Doesn't Hurt City Economies Or Ratings, S&P Says," Amanda J. Crawford, May 17, 2012
]]>Late last month the administration announced additional changes designed to further the federal government's goal. The changes have been made to a program called Secure Communities.
]]> Adopted in October 2008, the federal fingerprinting program compares fingerprints of anyone booked by the police throughout the nation against databases created by both the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security. Individuals in police custody who were found to be illegal immigrants were in some cases then deported.While there were undoubtedly cases where the individuals facing deportation were convicted criminals, thus in alignment with the government's goal, in other instances, illegal immigrants were facing that same fate after being detained for minor traffic offenses such as speeding, not having a driver's license or failing to replace a burned-out tail light.
Late last month the Department of Homeland Security announced that individuals in the U.S. illegally will no longer automatically be held in anticipation of deportation, after being stopped by law enforcement for a traffic violation when they do not have an existing criminal record. Though the individual could still potentially be deported, the revision to the policy means that a hold or detainer will only be considered by authorities if the individual is convicted.
The change, which was announced shortly after the Supreme Court heard arguments on Arizona's immigration law last month, was one of several that were recommended by a task force last fall. The timing may not have been a coincidence. The Secure Communities program has been touted by some as making state immigration enforcement unnecessary.
Source: The New York Times, "Fewer Illegal Immigrants Stopped for Traffic Violations Will Face Deportation," Julia Preston, April 27, 2012
]]>The number of green cards made available each year is not based on demand. Rather each country across the globe is given an equal percentage of family-based visas. For this reason, residents of countries where a lot of people want to immigrate to the U.S. via family sponsorship, have to get in line. Countries where the wait is particularly long include Mexico, India, China and the Philippines.
]]> According to the U.S. State Department's April Visa Bulletin, individuals who currently have the longest wait are Filipino siblings of current U.S. Citizens. People waiting for green cards via this method have been waiting over 23 years, since 1989. Only slightly behind that group are the married children of U.S. citizens from the Philippines. They have been waiting almost 20 years to legally move to the U.S.Current residents of Mexico are another group who are facing long waits. The children of U.S. legal permanent residents from Mexico who are unmarried and over the age of 20 have been waiting since December 1992. Similarly, married children of U.S. citizens from Mexico have been waiting since January 1993.
Immigration issues are complex and seemingly ever-changing. Obtaining a green card through sponsorship by a family member is not an exception. For those interested in pursuing permanent residence in the U.S., it is a good idea to work with an immigration law firm.
Source: KPCC, "Who had the longest wait for an immigrant visa this month?" Leslie Berestein Rojas, April 5, 2012
]]>In light of the passage of those laws, a study recently released by the Pew Hispanic Center will likely be of interest. The study found that the number of residents of Mexico entering the U.S. illegally has declined.
]]> The study, which apparently focused on statistics generated for a span of five years starting in 2005 and ending in 2010, cites many factors for the decline. These factors include:It is worth noting that recent state enacted immigration laws such as Arizona's SB 1070 were not found to be factors as the information used in the study was culled from a time period prior to the laws' enactment.
In addition to fewer people from Mexico entering the U.S., the numbers indicate that more individuals born in Mexico who are in the U.S. are choosing to go home. This essentially results in a net standstill regarding Mexican immigration.
Whether this trend will continue or immigration will again pickup remains to be seen. It is likely that the decision the U.S. Supreme Court reaches in the case regarding the Arizona bill will play a role.
Source: KPCC, "Net migration from Mexico has stopped - now what?" Leslie Berestein Rojas, April 23, 2012
]]>The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement recently conducted another operation designed to detain convicted criminal aliens. The 6-day sweep resulted in 3,100 arrests in states across the nation, including Florida. According to ICE agents, the individuals who were arrested in this operation were people in violation of immigration laws, immigration fugitives and those with criminal convictions.
]]> We previously wrote about Operation Cross Check after an operation which took place last fall. That national sweep netted 2,901 foreign nationals who fell into the three categories that were being targeted. In that operation, 122 arrests were made in Florida.A total of 270 individuals were arrested in Florida in the course of the third nationwide operation. That number is more than twice the number of arrests made in Florida last fall, during the last sweep. Of those arrested in the most recent operation in Florida, 139 were found in South Florida, some likely in the Miami area.
Individuals arrested in the most recent operation will likely be deported to their home countries. Should they re-enter the U.S. it is possible that they could again be deported in another operation.
Source: CBSMiami, "Operation 'Cross Check' Nets 139 S. Fla. Arrests, 3,100 Nationwide," April 2, 2012
]]>In an earlier post we wrote about the availability of these H-1B visas which allow professional workers from other counties to enter the United States to work and live in places such as Miami, Florida. The number of these temporary work visas is limited to 65,000 each year and to be eligible, each recipient must, at minimum, have a Bachelor's degree.
]]> The 2013 fiscal year begins in October and earlier this month, on April 2, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services started accepting applications. Since then, the USCIS has received more than a quarter of the allowed applications. It continues to accept applications for the H-1B visa and will do so until the limit of 65,000 is reached.In addition to the 65,000 available visas, an additional 20,000 applications are made available for workers who have attained a Master's degree or other advanced degree. Approximately one week after it started accepting applications the USCIS has received 8,200 applications for this visa. Last year, this limit was reached less than three weeks after the start of the fiscal year.
It is in the best interest of any foreign worker hoping to secure an H-1B visa for fiscal year 2013 to apply for the visa sooner rather than later. Because all immigration matters can be complicated, an immigration lawyer may be of assistance in the endeavor.
Source: The Economic Times, "USCIS continues to accept H1B petitions," April 10, 2012
]]>The law, which was passed in April 2010, makes it a requirement for those who are 15-years-old and older, from other countries but in the U.S. for over 30 days, to register with the federal government and keep those registration pagers on their person at all times. In addition, when during the course of a lawful stop, law enforcement officers suspect a person of being in the country illegally, they are required to attempt to determine the immigration status of that person.
]]> Shortly after the law passed it was challenged by the Obama administration based on the allegation that is was not constitutional. A petition to the Supreme Court arrived from the state of Arizona after the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th District affirmed an injunction barring portions of the law.The law has support on both sides. Amicus briefs in support of the law were filed by many including 16 states and 56 members of Congress. Those who filed briefs in opposition of the law include 11 states, 68 members of Congress and 17 foreign countries.
The outcome of this case is highly relevant to other states such as Georgia and Alabama that have since passed similar laws. We will follow-up with more information on the court's decision once it is available.
Source: The Florida Independent, "Immigrant advocates prepare for Supreme Court fight over Arizona's crackdown," Marcos Restrepo, April 4, 2012
]]>Much of the world has been watching countries facing unrest throughout the globe to see how matters will play out. Now the United States has taken steps to protect Syrians who have been in the country on a visa by designating the country as one eligible for Temporary Protected Status.
]]> Countries that receive this designation are facing situations which make it a difficult place to remains such as civil unrest or environmental disasters.According to an official with the Department of Homeland Security, it is possible that between 2,500 and 3,000 residents from Syrian who are currently in the country on a visa could stay an additional year and a half. No one who is considered to be a threat to national security or a criminal will be allowed to remain.
Before someone would be allowed to extend their stay in the country he or she would need to file an application seeking Temporary Protected Status. The U.S began accepting the applications this week. As a part of the process background checks will be completed on all who apply.
Immigration matters are generally complex. Accordingly, anyone from Syria who is interested in pursuing Temporary Protected Status may find it helpful to consult an immigration attorney.
Source: CNN, "Syrians in U.S. may apply to stay under Temporary Protected Status," Carol Cratty, March 23, 2012
]]>While each person likely has his or her reasons for contemplating such a move, there are several reasons that may ring true, at least in part, for many of them. In addition to food that is safer, some Chinese residents also are hoping to end up in a country where their children can receive a better education and all can breathe cleaner air on a regular basis. Financial security is also a concern to many.
]]> A survey published this past fall revealed that the U.S. is at the top of the list of countries where residents of China are looking to move. Accordingly, investment immigration visas available under the EB5 program have risen at a fast rate. In the 2011 fiscal year, 2,969 applications from residents of China were received. This is up from the 787 received in fiscal year 2009.The U.S. makes available 10,000 EB5 visas available each year to individuals who meet a certain criteria. The individuals have to invest at least $1 million in the country as well as create a minimum of 10 jobs. In areas that are rural or dealing with high rates of unemployment, the amount of the investment is less, $500,000.
Source: The Wall Street Journal, "Plan B for China's Wealthy: Moving to the U.S., Europe," Jeremy Page, Feb. 22, 2012
]]>There appear to be two main reasons the people come to the U.S. for medical treatment. First, the treatment they are in need of may not be available in their home country. This is particularly true in cases where the treatment is sophisticated. Another reason is familiar to American citizens who leave this country for medical procedures-the price. Sometimes the treatment a foreigner is in need of is less expensive in their own country.
]]> Not all of the people visiting the U.S. for treatment are rich. Many have a regular job with health insurance benefits. According to heal officials, three-quarters of those who choose South Florida for treatment are in this situation living in Latin America and the Caribbean.Currently, South Florida takes in a half-billion dollars due to foreign patients. In an effort to boost revenue, health care officials in South Florida are doing what they can to woo additional patients from overseas. Two hospitals, Holy Cross Hospital located in Fort Lauderdale and North Broward Hospital District recently opened international departments.
The financial benefits associated with medical tourism extend beyond just the hospitals providing the treatment. It is not uncommon for family members to accompany the patients and engage in shopping to pass the time. They also need to pay for a place to stay.
Several hospitals in Florida have attempted to capture this group in the past with limited success. This is at least in part due to the U.S. government's tightening of visitor requirements after the terrorist attacks in 2001. Those that have been able to make a go of their international departments say that referrals from medical providers in the patent's home country are a major key to their success. Whether the hospitals with the new departments fare as well remains to be seen.
Source: Sun Sentinel, "New push to bring overseas patients to South Florida," Bob LaMendola, Feb. 21, 2012
]]>The North Miami Senior High senior and valedictorian of her class entered the U.S. as a toddler at the age of four on a tourist visa and has been here since. Earlier this year an immigration judge in Miami ruled that both she and her sister were to be deported due to being in the U.S. illegally. They were slated to be returned to the country of their birth, Columbia.
]]> Many in the country feel that the U.S. is deporting individuals who have much to contribute to society and ultimately in the process, the economy. Accordingly, there are mechanisms in place to keep certain people here.Earlier this week, Immigration and Customs Enforcement issued a reprieve to both the student and her sister. The reprieve was made possible by utilizing the policy of prosecutorial discretion. Under this policy, deportations of people who are in the country illegally and have a criminal record are prioritized.
With her grade point average of 6.7 the young woman is hoping to go to college and have a career in the medical field.
Source: CNN, "Valedictorian facing deportation gets reprieve in Florida," March 7, 2012
]]>Since Alabama's immigration law was put into place, many observers have been watching and waiting to see how it would play out. Shortly after the passage of the law, the Justice Department filed a lawsuit to block it, along with similar laws passed in South Carolina, Georgia, Indiana, Utah and Arizona.
]]> In its lawsuit the Justice Department asserts that enforcement of immigration is not a state's responsibility. Instead, it is left to the federal government. Earlier this week a federal appeals court heard oral arguments in the case. After that however, it essentially put the case on hold.There is of course a reason the court hit the pause button. It is waiting to see how the Supreme Court rules on Arizona's law, upon which the other states based their later laws. Oral arguments are scheduled in that case for the end of April and a decision is expected sometime before the end of the term. The Supreme Court's decision will serve as a precedent for other courts hearing similar cases.
Individuals on both sides of the issue will likely be watching and waiting. In addition to the throngs of illegal immigrants who fled the state of Alabama upon the passage of the law, farmers and processors of food have been negatively impacted. This is because based on their immigration status, many workers have quit, lowering the businesses' productivity. According to a study conducted by the University of Alabama, the law could ultimately cost the state close to $11 billion a year in lost sales tax revenue.
For the time being, all will have to continue on as they have been. We will post updates on the topic as they become available.
Source: NPR, "Nation's Toughest Immigration Law Stays Put For Now," Corey Dade, March 1, 2012
]]>At this point in Florida, even when a student is born in the United States, he or she may be denied in-state tuition at a Florida college. This is because it is the tuition that needs to be paid is actually based on the immigration status of the parents of the student.
]]> Legislators in Florida have been working to change this. Previously, a bill that targeted students who were born in the U.S. was previously voted on in the house. It failed. This failure has not deterred lawmakers however. SB 106 addresses foreign born students in addition to those who are born in the U.S.According to an attorney with the National Immigration Law Center, there are a couple reasons lawmakers may decide to support such a bill.
The first reason is that ultimately, states come out ahead economically when students who are high achievers are encouraged to attain a higher level of education. Fiscal studies appear to indicate that states that have made tuition equity bills laws generate revenue.
Another reason that lawmakers may choose to support such a bill, even crossing party lines to do so, is to gain support from those who would be aided by the bill becoming law.
There is certainly more to come on this. We will post updates as they become available.
Source: Colorlines, "States Move on Tuition Equity for Undocumented Students," Julianne Hing, Feb. 16, 2012
]]>The goal of course is to improve the U.S. economy by getting visitors from other countries to spend their money here. Also benefiting the country would be the needed creation of jobs to provide services to the tourists.
]]> The U.S. is working to dig itself out of a hole on this front. Compared to 2000 when the country garnered 17 percent of the market of those traveling internationally, in 2010 that number had dropped to 12.4 percent. According to the President and Chief Executive Officer of the U.S. Travel Association, if the U.S. could get back to where it was in 2000, by 2020 the country would see an additional $859 billion in economic output. In addition, 1.3 million new jobs would be created.We discussed a couple ways in which the administration is seeking to make it easier for visitors to get visas to enter the country in several previous posts. One method that is being used is to include more countries in the Visa Waiver Program. Another approach that has seen results is to hire additional employees to speed up the amount of time it takes for someone to get a visa.
Some of the changes will require approval from the U.S. Congress. We will of course post updates on this matter as they become available.
Source: NJToday.net, "Welcome To America: An Economic Stimulus Plan," Roger Dow, Feb. 15, 2012
]]>According to the DHS, these changes are, in part, an effort to address the economic needs of the U.S. In the short term President Obama is said to support legislation that would bring in and allow to remain, immigrants through the creation of what is being called a "Startup Visa." In addition, the legislation make the H-1B program stronger and allow green cards to be "stapled" to diplomas of graduates in the U.S. with degrees in STEM fields-science, technology, engineering and math.
]]> The DHS is working to reform several of its visa programs, via the administrative process as well. It is seeking to implement at least five reforms.The first thing the DHS is seeking to do is expand the pool of F-1 international students who are eligible for the 17-month extension of optional practical training (OPT). Also impacting F-1 international students, the reforms would provide the spouses of F-1 students the opportunity to enroll in additional academic classes, part-time. As necessary, the number of Designated School Officials (DSOs) at the schools the DHS certifies as able to allow international students to enroll would be increased as well.
The next reform also affects spouses, this time, of some H-1B holders. Certain spouses of H-1B visa holders would be able to legally work in the U.S. while waiting for their spouse's adjustment of status application to be dealt with.
Other potential changes include allowing researchers and professors considered as exceptional to provide more information regarding their academic achievement to bolster visa applications and letting those holding H-1B1 visas from Chile and Singapore and E-3 visa holders from Australia to continue to work for a current employer for a period of time while they are waiting to hear back on their extension of status petitions.
The DHS has not indicated when these reforms will be complete.
Source: Government Security News, "DHS outlines plans to reform visa processes to keep highly-skilled immigrant workers," Mark Rockwell, Feb. 1, 2012
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