After this year, county law enforcement authorities will no longer be able to investigate the immigration status of individuals they arrest. They will only be able to check their names against a federal database that contains the names of those who come into contact with federal authorities.

County officials say this thwarts their plans to find and detain illegal immigrants who have committed crimes and are a danger to residents.

“We have a duty to protect our citizens and to make our community safe,” said Corey A. Stewart, the chairman of the Prince William Board of County Supervisors. “If someone commits a crime and they are here illegally, they should be deported.”

This is just one of several incidents in which the federal government has tried to regain control over matters regarding immigration. For years, states – and cities – have been trying to handle immigration matters within their borders themselves, but the feds argue that immigration reform is a matter that should be dealt with at the national level.

As authorities continue to go back and forth with this issue, many innocent immigrants are paying the price, becoming the targets of racism and discrimination. If you or someone you know need help with any immigration-related matter, turn to an immigration lawyer immediately for assistance.

Immigration attorneys specialize in U.S. Immigration Law and will see to it that your rights are fully protected, regardless of what your case entails. Call to schedule a consultation today.

Wearing t-shirts that say “Undocumented and unafraid,’ immigrants in Arizona have blocked streets, stopping the flow of traffic, and occupied buildings all over the state, deliberately getting arrested so they can be turned over to federal authorities.

The acts of civil disobedience are in defiance of the state’s immigration law, which allows local law enforcement to ask to the papers of anyone they stop or arrest.

Dozens of protestors have been arrested, but federal officials have refused to deport the individuals in question, despite the administration’s record number of removals. ICE has been instructed to focus their deportation efforts on undocumented immigrants who are guilty of committing crimes.

By allowing themselves to be arrested, the protestors are sending a message that they will not live in fear and want a pathway to citizenship. They also believe that they can avoid deportation because the administration would be seen in a negative light.

Some of protestors convened outside Sherriff Joe Arpaio’s jail. Arpaio has been accused of racially profiling Latinos in his county, though he denies the allegations.

For these protestors, tough immigration laws represent a violation of their civil rights.

Immigration reform is beginning to take center stage in this year’s presidential campaign. But comprehensive reform may be impossible in our deeply divided congress, despite who gets elected in November.

The legal path to citizenship and residency may seem like a daunting task to the millions of immigrants in the country. However, a legal presence is easier to attain with the assistance of a skilled immigration attorney who will work hard to get their clients the visa, green card or naturalization they desire.

While Governor Brewer and supporters of the law are pleased that the provision has been upheld, they are not confident that federal authorities will be cooperative.

The Feds have said that they will assist law enforcement in determining a detainee’s legal status but reinforced that they would only pick up high-priority immigrants; those who threaten public safety, national security and guilty of repeat immigration offenses.

Civil rights groups are still braced to challenge the law on the grounds that it is unconstitutional and discriminates against Latinos. 

“The next step is for us is to document the abuses and provide the evidence the court has said we need to provide,” said Alessandro Soler of the American Civil Liberties Union, “We will do everything we can. We have a community hotline and community forums planned and we are training people, trying to the get the message out that people need to report abuses.”

Arizona’s immigration bill was passed in the state in 2010, but went through a number court challenges, eventually making its way to the Supreme Court which upheld only the “papers please” provision. Other states have passed similar laws all inspired by Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach, but they, too, face court challenges.

The reality is that many people who enter the country illegally would like to be legally recognized residents, but caps on the number of awarded visas and naturalization quotas, along with the long and arduous application process is discouraging. For those immigrants who truly want to become  citizens, an immigration attorney can make it an easier and more successful path.

According to a federal judge, SB 1070’s controversial “show me your papers” provision is in fact constitutional, meaning that as of Wednesday, Arizona police officers are now required to check the immigration status of individuals they stop during routine traffic violations whom they suspect are in the country illegally

In a statement Wednesday, Arizona’s Governor Jan Brewer commented on the ruling, claiming that the provision “makes a clear statement that [Arizona] will not tolerate sanctuary city policies, and will now have thousands of additional officers to collaborate with the federal government as state and local law enforcement do what they always have – enforce the law.”

Those against the provision argue that it promotes racial profiling. After all, how else can you possibly suspect anyone of looking like they are undocumented than by profiling them to meet a specific racial stereotype?

Luckily though, even if this provision stands, immigrants and their loved ones can still seek protection with the help of an immigration lawyer.

Immigration attorneys do whatever it takes to ensure their clients walk away from their case with the best possible outcome. They can assist with many matters, including applying for legal status, family reunification and even criminal charges. They even help immigrants find jobs and English tutors. No matter what you need help with, immigration lawyers are on your side to make sure your civil rights are protected.

Even if you are an illegal immigrant, you still have a right to be free of discrimination. Contact an immigration attorney near you today to discuss your options and file a claim.

The advocate group filed a request seeking a court order that would prevent authorities from enforcing  the law’s provision that allows police to check the immigration status of those they stop during routine traffic violations if they suspect the individual is an illegal immigrant.

The groups argue that the provision violates the Fourth Amendment, leading to distrust between community members and police, as well as will lead to racial profiling for immigrants in Arizona. They have requested the provision be stopped before it takes effect.

Although advocates keep fighting back, Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer isn’t backing down.

“The Supreme Court has already spoken unanimously on the constitutionality of this provision. Gov. Brewer is hopeful Arizona law enforcement will soon at long last be empowered to enforce SB 1070, showing that it can be done fairly, lawfully and in harmony with civil rights and the Constitution,” said Matthew Benson, a spokesman for Gov. Brewer.

Even if opponents of the law are unsuccessful in their attempts, many question whether federal authorities will even cooperate with local law officials despite the provision.

Immigrants are facing issues now more than ever with the battle between state officials and federal government over immigration reform. Luckily, immigration lawyers are here to help.

If you need assistance applying for legal status, with family reunification, or even with finding a job, turn to an immigration lawyer for help right now for help. Your immigration attorney will fight for your rights and ensure your case is resolved as quickly as possible and with a favorable outcome.

In its June 25 ruling, the Supreme Court shut down several aspects of the law, but left what many consider its most criticized provision intact: the one that requires local police to verify the immigration status of anyone they stop during a traffic violation if they have a “reasonable suspicion” that the person is undocumented.

Opponents of law are trying to promote other measures, such as a recently approved California plan, which calls for local police to report to federal authorities only when undocumented immigrants have been convicted of serious crimes.

According to California Assemblyman Tom Ammiano, sponsor of AB 1081, which is also known as the TRUST Act, the bill has been “very successful.”

Immigrant advocates are urging Arizona lawmakers to consider a similar legislation which will not only require significantly lower efforts to implement, but will weed out the chance that an innocent immigrant will be prosecuted.

As the battle between states and the federal government over immigration reform continues, many innocent immigrants are suffering. If you or someone you know needs help with any immigration related issue, including legal status application or employment, contact an immigration lawyer right away for assistance.

Immigration attorneys handle every aspect of your case so you won’t have to worry about speaking with any immigration agents or having to fill out confusing paperwork. Whether you need help with applying for a green card or work visa, family reunification or even criminal charges, immigration lawyers will ensure that your case is resolved quickly and positively.

Contact a leading immigration lawyer today to discuss your options and file a case.

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.

The new bill would no longer prevent local government officials from sharing employee’s immigration status with federal authorities. It also takes precedent over local ordinances that forbid cooperation with immigrant enforcement. The law would also allow the public to sue any city that doesn’t comply with the new enforcement

Although this law is not nearly as tough as immigration bills passed in other states, it still has its critics. Representative Rena Moran of St. Paul believes the bills would lead to racial profiling.

“I think this bill is all about how a person looks. This is one of those unintended consequences of a bill like this,” Moran said.

Immigration advocates have been critical of the different immigration enforcement bills passed in numerous states because of the likelihood that Latino citizens will be unnecessarily detained by police as they confirm their legal status. This emphasizes the importance of retaining an immigration attorney to obtain visas or green cards which would eliminate the risk of detention and eventual deportation.

Rep. Tony Cornish of Good Thunder believes the bill assures that police are enforcing all laws.

Increased immigration enforcement on the federal and state levels will make it harder for people without legal documents to live without fear of being caught. Getting the necessary legal documents is much easier with the assistance of a Minnesota immigration attorney.

Green cards, HB-1 visas and other visas allow a person to work and live legally in the U.S. This not only gives them the opportunity to meet residency requirements and makes them eligible to apply for naturalization. A Minnesota immigration lawyer will work diligently to make certain their clients become legally recognized.

Takako Ueda, a Japanese immigrant, and her American spouse, Frances Herbert, had faced the possibility of being separated by deportation, but federal authorities have granted them a reprieve.

The couple was told on Tuesday that U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services decided to defer deportation proceedings against Ueda, whose visa had expired.

Ueda received a letter in December that told her she needed to leave the country by Dec. 31. After months of struggling, Herbert said her wife’s case would be reviewed in two years, giving the couple some time to prepare.

“Now at least we can exhale,” said Herbert.

Ueda and Herbert, who were married in Vermont last year, are among five same-sex couples who sued the federal government in April over obtaining green cards for foreign-born same-sex spouses. Because the federal government does not recognize same-sex marriage, Ueda was not allowed to obtain legal status.

The letter authorizes Ueda to seek employment and apply for a state driver’s license.

Although the couple was granted a reprieve, USCIS spokesman Christopher Bentley said the agency’s position on same-sex marriages has not changed.

If you or someone you know needs assistance with an immigration matter in Vermont, contact an immigration lawyer immediately for help.

Vermont immigration attorneys handle various types of issues, including helping their clients apply legal status, assisting them with finding a job, as well as preventing families from being separated and deported. They take also take care of all the paperwork and phone calls so you won’t have anything to worry about during proceedings.

Call today to schedule a meeting with an immigration attorney in Vermont to get started on your case.

Federal authorities have arrested 28 people for participating in a cocaine-smuggling ring that involved moving the drugs from Honduras to Virginia over the past six years.

According to court records, many of the arrested persons are illegal immigrants residing in Virginia.

Authorities say the smugglers would bring several pounds of cocaine into the country by hiding it in inconspicuous items such shoes and wooden frames on flights from Honduras to the United States. Members of the ring would then wire over $1 million from the U.S. back to the suppliers in Honduras.

The 28 arrestees are now facing face prosecution in federal court in Alexandria. The defendants face between five to 40 years in prison.

Illegal immigration is an issue facing all parts of the country. Unfortunately, there are many immigrants that try to apply for work visas and green cards but are still getting discriminated against or fear coming forward and being deported. Luckily though, help is available right now to all who are in need of assistance with immigration matters. If you or a loved one live in Virginia, turn to a top immigration attorney to file a case right away.

Whether your issues involve asylum, deportation, employment, or family reunification, Virginia immigration lawyers can help you resolve your matters quickly and favorably. They can even help you beat criminal charges and assist you in establishing a business in the United States.

Your legal professional knows that adjusting to life in a new country can be difficult, so they take care of everything regarding your case, including  paperwork and phone calls. Contact a Virginia immigration lawyer today to get started on your case.