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Illinois Lawmakers Introduce Bill Which Would Allow Undocumented Immigrants to Obtain Driver’s Licenses
November 21st, 2012
Posted in Immigration News
Chicago, IL- Illinois may very well join other states by allowing undocumented immigrants to obtain a driver’s license in the state, after a group of legislators announced they would introduce a bill November 27th when they return to the Statehouse, according to the Chicago Tribune.
Although the lawmakers have not outlined the details of their proposed legislation, they believe that passing it will address traffic safety concerns, by giving immigrants the opportunity to purchase car insurance and take driver’s tests to evaluate their driving skills.
The Tribune reported that a coalition of Democratic and Republican lawmakers oppose the bill because they say providing driver’s licenses to undocumented immigrants is akin to rewarding someone for acting unlawfully.
After the stunning support of Latino voters in this year’s election, the bill is poised to get more support from both sides of the aisle.
Republican Governor Jim Edgar said in a press conference, “Now, just from a good government (view), from what’s morally right, this is the right thing to do. We’ve got a lot of families that can’t do what families need to do—get to work, get to church, take their kids to ballgames, because of, I think, our failure to deal with the immigration issue.
If the measure passes, Illinois will become the most populous state to offer licenses to undocumented immigrants. Currently, only Washington State and Utah allow illegal immigrants to get driver’s licenses. In January, California immigrants will be granted driving permits.
Being an undocumented immigrant is difficult as they are often denied the benefits that legal residents enjoy. Getting a visa or green card is possible, but it’s not an easy task and often requires the skills of an immigration attorney, who is familiar with the naturalization process.
New DREAM State? Massachusetts Governor Orders In-State Tuition for Immigrant Students
November 20th, 2012
Posted in Immigration News
Boston, MA- Offering in-state tuition to undocumented students is becoming a growing trend and now Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick has ordered public colleges and universities lower tuition rates for immigrant students.
In a letter to the state’s Department of Education, Patrick directed public colleges to offer in-state tuition to immigrants that qualify for deferred deportation under the recently enacted federal program. This can mean up to $13,000 in annual savings for many students.
In a letter, Patrick said, “While this federal enforcement policy applies to only small segment of our immigrant population and is no substitute for comprehensive immigration reform it is certainly a step in the right direction,” The Boston Globe reported.
“As I see it, this is a matter of basic fairness and economic competiveness,” Patrick said, “Indeed, our Commonwealth, is stronger when they embrace the talent, ideas and work ethic of all immigrants.”
Although President Obama’s policy did not cover college tuition, states like Maryland and now Massachusetts has extended this benefit for immigrants that obtain work permits, which gives them legal residency. Offering in-state tuition was included in the original DREAM Act, which is poised to go up for another vote in Congress as part of a comprehensive immigration reform package.
Immigration laws can be complex and confusing. There are many different ways to get legal residency through work and student visas, green cards and asylum. When you need help navigating the system, an immigration attorney is a valuable asset to have, they can outline the pathways to citizenship, help you fill out the necessary paperwork and offer a deportation defense if needed.
Post –Election, More Young Immigrants Apply for Deferred Deportation, Do you Qualify?
November 20th, 2012
Posted in Immigration News
Washington, D.C.-On Friday, the Department of Homeland Security released a report, which showed that in the three months since the administration launched the deferred deportation program, 309,000 young immigrants have applied, and 53,273 have received deferrals.
Application approvals increased by 4,591 over the last month, indicating that more young immigrants are willing to come forward and work towards obtaining a visa or other legal residency. The Homeland Security report also showed that at least 10,000 applications were rejected because they were incomplete.
Homeland Security’s report however did not say how many applications were denied. Reasons for denying an application include having a criminal record, which can include DUIs, drug charges and more serious or violent crimes.
Now that President Obama has won re-election, the DHS anticipates that the number of applications will increase significantly, and believe that the speed at which they have processed the applications shows that government agencies can be efficient.
However, Republicans in Congress are concerned that the applications are being processed before the agency can do a thorough background check.
In order to qualify for the program, the applicant must be between the ages of 15 and 30 and were brought to the states illegally by their parents. The request for deferral must be accompanied by documents that show proof of how long a person has been living in the U.S. These applications must be filled out correctly and completely, so many applicants may find it is easier to have an immigration attorney file the necessary paperwork for them.
The deferrals don’t actually give the applicant legal status, as detractors have previously claimed, but it does grant visas and residency. Once an immigrant meets their residency requirements they can then begin the process of naturalization.
Ohio IHOP Owner Arrested for Immigration Scam
June 8th, 2012
Posted in Immigration News
OHIO – A Northwest Ohio IHOP mogul was arrested for his role in an immigration scheme.
According to authorities, Tarek Elkafrawi, who owns six IHOPs in Ohio and one in Indiana, hired illegal immigrants to work at his businesses.
Immigration agents first caught wind of the scam in September, when federal authorities raided Elkafrawi’s restaurants, walking out with boxes of immigration-related documents.
At the time of the raid, the agents would not reveal the purpose of the investigation, but according to the Sandusky Register, the owner and 18 others were arrested this week on charges of money laundering, identity theft and mail fraud.
Authorities explain that Elkafrawi and his managers would knowingly hire illegal immigrants, then withheld their overtime pay. The scam allowed the managers to underreport their income so the establishments could pay lower workers compensation.
Elkafrawi made roughly $3 million off the scam.
But this isn’t Elkafrawi’s first scheme. Federal agents say he and another man burned down an IHOP in Findlay in 2008, and collected $1.3 million on the claim.
When it comes to immigration matters, things can get very complicated. Unfortunately, immigrants face a tough time in the U.S., especially after recent state laws have been enacted that target illegal immigrants. Luckily, help is available to all foreigners for assistance with any immigration-related issue in Ohio. Speak to a leading immigration attorney right away to discuss your options and file a case.
Ohio immigration lawyers handle a variety of cases, including applying for a work visa or green card, family reunification and even criminal cases. They will handle all aspects of your case, including paperwork and phone calls, and make sure it ends with the best possible outcome.
Call the offices of a team of Ohio immigration attorneys today.
Candidates Hash it out in North Dakota
June 8th, 2012
Posted in Immigration News
MINOT, N.D. — The race for the North Dakota Senate has begun, but who will end up taking the seat?
Will it be the Democratic hopeful Heidi Heitkamp, a former state attorney general with ties to the energy industry? Or will the seat be turned over to the GOP with Rep. Rick Berg, a successful real estate developer and state legislator with strong support from the tea party?
Heitkamp, 56, has a strong stance on energy, criticizing President Barack Obama over the Keystone XL oil pipeline and alleging the president “hasn’t done enough” to support the energy industry.
However, Berg, 52, has already emerged as a favorite to win the race. Not only has outraised Heitkamp by about 2-to-1, but he faces an election in a state largely dominated by Republicans.
North Dakota has a Republican governor and the GOP controls state Legislature. Moreover, the state hasn’t voted for a Democratic president since Barry Goldwater was the Republican nominee in 1964.
Berg aims to reduce the federal budget deficit and limit the power of the government. However, both candidates have to start focusing on one key issue that has been causing a stir for quite some time – immigration.
Several states have enacted strict anti-illegal immigration policies, but the bills are causing innocent immigrants to be targeted and arrested. If you or are a recent immigrant to North Dakota or need help with an immigration-related matter, turn to an immigration attorney right away.
North Dakota immigration lawyers can help you with several matters, including family reunification, applying for a green card, opening up a business and even contesting criminal charges. No matter what your case entails, your attorney will ensure it ends favorably.
Call a top North Dakota immigration lawyer today to file a case.