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Showing posts from September, 2010

E-Verify and I E-Verify Usage Guidelines

I E-Verify TM Seal Campaign The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announces the I E-VERIFY campaign that highlights employers' commitment to working with DHS to maintain a legal workforce and reduce unauthorized employment. DHS is making available to current E-Verify enrolled employers an I E-VERIFY seal, which employers can post in a visible place (for example, windows, doors, or bulletin boards) to advertise that they use E-Verify to maintain a legal workforce. Use of the Seal will only be granted after confirmation of the employer's status in the E-Verify program. The use or placement of this Seal will not preclude federal agents from conducting worksite enforcement activities and is not intended to provide a safe harbor for the employers. The I E-VERIFY Seal does not constitute DHS endorsement of any employer's business, goods, services, or policies. Furthermore, use of the Seal does not replace E-Verify program requirements to post both the E-Verify Partic

USCIS Issues Final Rule on Fee Schedule

[Federal Register: September 24, 2010 (Volume 75, Number 185)] The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is adjusting the fee schedule for U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). USCIS conducted a comprehensive fee study, refined its cost accounting process, and determined that current fees do not recover the full costs of services provided. DHS has found that adjustment to the fee schedule is necessary to fully recover costs and maintain adequate service. In response to comments, several adjustments were made to the proposed rule published on June 11, 2010. In this final rule, DHS: increases the fees by a weighted average of 10 percent; establishes three new fees covering USCIS costs related to processing the Regional Center Designation under the Immigrant Investor Pilot Program, Civil Surgeon Designation, and DHS Processing of Immigrant Visa requests; and adjusts the premium processing service fee by the percentage increase in inflation according to the Consumer Price

Dream Act Deferred

The Dream Act, which was first proposed 10 years ago, would create a path to citizenship for undocumented students and make them eligible for some federal student aid. Advocates see it as the solution to many barriers facing illegal immigrants who want to enroll in college and go on to well-paying jobs and productive lives in the United States. But critics say it would reward illegal behavior and encourage more immigration. The Latest Hurdle Tuesday's vote was the latest setback for the Dream Act, which enjoys bipartisan support but has never made it through both chambers of Congress. The last time the bill was on the Senate floor, in 2007, 12 Republicans crossed the aisle to support the measure, and eight conservative Democrats broke rank to oppose it. This time around, Democrats needed only one Republican vote to marshall the 60 votes necessary to take up the defense bill without threat of filibuster. Their hopes were pinned on Sen. Susan Collins of Maine, who voted for the de

Lawsuit Filed Against DHS and USCIS Over In-Depth Searches of International Travelers

Lawsuit Filed Against Department of Homeland Security, US Customs And Immigration Authorities Over In-Depth Searches Of International Travelers By Chip Brian A New York lawsuit filed against the Department of Homeland Security as well as U.S. customs and immigration authorities is looking to stop the government from searching in laptops, cell phones and cameras of international travelers when there is no probably cause. Civil rights lawyers filed the federal lawsuit in Brooklyn. Officials did not immediately return a call for comment on the situation. According to the lawsuit, over 6,500 people have had their electronic devices searched as they crossed borders since October of 2008. About half of those that were searched were citizens of the U.S. News source: http://www.mysmartrend.com/news-briefs/news-watch/lawsuit-filed-against-department-homeland-security-us-customs-and-immigration