Secretary Napolitano is defending Obama’s new  immigration policy of Deferred Action. This policy provides an opportunity for  certain young people to obtain a legal immigration status and a work permit.  Critics say that it’s an amnesty, and rewards folks for going around the  immigration laws. As an immigration attorney, I have witness every day the struggles that folks have to go through to legally immigrate to the United States.  Some believe that all  immigration involves is sending in an application and a fee. Unfortunately, it  is much more involved than just that.


One hardline reality of U.S. immigration law is that, once a  person enters illegally, it is very hard to ever become legal. Further, if you  have lived in the U.S. for more than one year without any immigration status,  and you leave the country, you are barred from returning for TEN years! These  are harsh penalties to give young people who did not have a choice of moving  with their parents to the U.S.


Many people entered as young children or as babies without  inspection by a U.S. border officer. They have been living in the U.S. for  several years, and attending U.S. elementary and secondary schools. Deferred Action gives them an opportunity to continue forward with maybe getting a  college degree or get a job in a field they desire.


 Click to learn more about Deferred Action.

According to the Department of Commerce, international visitors to the United States spent almost $14 billion in tourist-related activities in May 2012. That is $1 billion more than May 2011!

I hope that such news will translate into the United States becoming more welcoming to foreign tourists. Whenever I return from an international trip, I along with everyone else, must go through customs. We all have to deal with ICE (Immigration Customs and Enforcement) officers.

If you are a US citizen, you will be in one line. If you are a lawful permanent resident or visa holder, you must get in the other line. I always feel bad for the folks in the "other line" since most likely a few of them will be detained for hours undergoing secondary questioning by ICE officers. This process can instill fear in those who actually are here to briefly visit the U.S.

Some folks have told me that they now try to avoid flying to the U.S. because they get so stressed going through our customs process.

Hopefully the news about international visitors bringing so much money to our country will affect the way we greet foreign visitors. Hopefully folks will feel welcomed to visit and spend their money, instead of jumping through hoops prior to officially entering the country.

http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2012/07/13/international-visitors-us-spent-record-139-billion-may-helping-support-us-jobs

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Immigrant visa denials are
on the rise for applicants with gang-related tattoos. In 2006 there were only 2 such denials. However, in 2010, the number jumped to 82. Many of those affected are from Latin America., and have no criminal history.

 With the continued gang violence in Mexico, U.S. authorities’ concern with national security have resulted in more people getting denied based on their body art.
 
Some of the gang signs are a part of general culture, and have an
alternative meaning. The Wall Street Journal discusses the story of Hector
Villalobos. He does not have a criminal record, and he has been in the United
States for several years. The U.S. Consulate in Mexico denied his application
for an immigrant visa because of his tattoos. One of his tattoos is of two
theatrical masks. These masks represent a gang. However, it’s very possible that
many folks would look at the same masks, and take them for what they
are—theatrical masks. Unfortunately for Mr. Villalobos, his choice in tattoos 
have now led him to a bleak situation where he is stuck in Mexico while his wife
and children continue to reside in Colorado.

 Whoever thought a person could get denied a visa because of  tattoos? Well, it now seems to pose a concern for those interested in  immigrating.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702303933404577505192265987100.html?KEYWORDS=immigration

Arizona is not the only state that has proposed state-sponsored immigration laws. Other states include: South Carolina, Georgia, Indiana, and Utah.

After the US Supreme Court's ruling on the controversial immigration law passed in Arizona, a Federal Court judge in South Carolina is reconsidering his decision on S.C.'s state immigration law. Previously, US District Judge Richard Gergel ordered an injunction in the South Carolina law. However, now he has ordered a new hearing in response to the Supreme Court deicsion.

Part of the South Carolina immigration legislation, allows for the state to have an Immigration Enforcement Unit.

We will see how things unfold in the coming weeks.

http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/07/09/us-usa-immigration-scarolina-idUSBRE86812Q20120709

Yesterday we celebrated July 4th, American Independence Day. 

Growing up I loved the holiday because of the opportunity to spend time with friends and family, eat barbecue, and swim in the pool during Houston's summer heat.

However, since I started practicing U.S. immigration law, I have developed a new appreciation of July 4th. It's a chance to think about life in America, and all of opportunities people have in this country.

So many people around the world want to come live in the United States with the hope of creating a better life for themselves and their families. U.S. Citizens, no matter what race, religion, ethnicity, or gender, are able to vote in elections. We have so many freedoms in America--a country created and built by immigrants.

People in other countries do not share the same rights and protections that we do in the U.S. It is one of the reasons why it is important to vote. Each citizen's voice counts when it comes to our government.

I am also thankful of the dedication and service of the U.S. military for continuing to protect the freedom and rights we have in the United States.

With Texas bordering Mexico, I think it is important to be aware of the news, politics, and leadership in our neighboring country. When I studied at the Tecnologico de Monterrey in Mexico City in 2005, I learned a lot about the the country and its people.

One memory I have is of watching President Vicente Fox addressing the nation. For 71 years, the PRI party was in power in Mexico. However, in 2000, the conservative party--PAN--took over. While President Fox was delivering his speech, many of the government officials present were standing with their backs facing the President. Others held up signs that said PRI. I found this behavior shocking since such incidents didn't happen when the US President delivered his state of the union.

Since 2000, Mexico has been run by the PAN party. However, Mexico just had an election yesterday. Their new, young president, Enrique Pena Nieto of PRI, won the election. After a 12 year hiatus, PRI is back in power.

http://news.yahoo.com/exit-polls-show-mexicos-pena-nieto-winning-presidency-011510137.html