Immigration “Power Play”

Now this is what I call "political power play"………See e.g. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/37233039/ns/local_news-los_angeles_ca?GT1=43001 for an article regarding an Arizona utility commissioner saying that he's willing to pull the plug on Los Angeles if the city goes through with a boycott of his state because of the recent Arizona immigration law. Maybe a blackout of LA is what it takes to get comprehensive immigration reform (or the country may be happier to see LA blacked out………….)?

Visa Bulletin for June 2010

See below for the most recent Visa Bulletin. Not much to be too excited about, still backlogged….

VISA BULLETIN FOR JUNE 2010

Family	All Chargeability Areas Except Those Listed	CHINA-mainland born	DOMINICAN REPUBLIC	INDIA	MEXICO	PHILIPPINES
1st	08NOV04	08NOV04	08NOV04	08NOV04	22OCT92	15MAR95
2A	01JAN08	01JAN08	01DEC06	01JAN08	01DEC06	01JAN08
2B	15NOV02	15NOV02	01JUL02	15NOV02	15JUN92	08MAR99
3rd	22JUN01	22JUN01	22JUN01	22JUN01	22OCT92	22MAY92
4th	01SEP00	01SEP00	01SEP00	01SEP00	08DEC95	01APR88

 

Employment- Based	All Chargeability Areas Except Those Listed	CHINA- mainland born	DOMINICAN REPUBLIC	INDIA	MEXICO	PHILIPPINES
1st	C	C	C	C	C	C
2nd	C	22NOV05	C	01FEB05	C	C
3rd	22JUN03	22JUN03	22JUN03	22OCT01	U	22JUN03
Other Workers	01JUN01	01JUN01	01JUN01	01JUN01	U	01JUN01
4th	C	C	C	C	C	C
Certain Religious Workers	C	C	C	C	C	C
5th	C	C	C	C	C	C
Targeted Employment Areas/ Regional Centers	C	C	C	C	C	C
5th Pilot Programs	C	C	C	C	C	C

USCIS To Issue New “Green Card

See below, that was announced today. Another step towards a National ID system…………..

 

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News Release

May 11, 2010

 

USCIS To Issue Redesigned Green Card

State-of-the-Art Technology Makes New Card More Secure

 

WASHINGTON — U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced today that it has redesigned the Permanent Resident Card—commonly known as the "Green Card"—to incorporate several major new security features. The Green Card redesign is the latest advance in USCIS's ongoing efforts to deter immigration fraud. State-of-the-art technology incorporated into the new card prevents counterfeiting, obstructs tampering, and facilitates quick and accurate authentication. Beginning today, USCIS will issue all Green Cards in the new, more secure format.

 

"Redesigning the Green Card is a major achievement for USCIS," said Director Alejandro Mayorkas. "The new security technology makes a critical contribution to the integrity of the immigration system." The enhanced features will better serve law enforcement, employers, and immigrants, all of whom look to the Green Card as definitive proof of authorization to live and work in the United States. Among the benefits of the redesign: Secure optical media will store biometrics for rapid and reliable identification of the card holder. Holographic images, laser engraved fingerprints, and high resolution micro-images will make the card nearly impossible to reproduce. Tighter integration of the card design with personalized elements will make it difficult to alter the card if stolen. Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) capability will allow Customs and Border Protection officers at ports of entry to read the card from a distance and compare it immediately to file data. Finally, a preprinted return address will enable the easy return of a lost card to USCIS.

 

In keeping with the Permanent Resident Card's nickname, it will now be colored green for easy recognition. USCIS will replace Green Cards already in circulation as individuals apply for renewal or

replacement.

 

For more information on permanent residency and other immigration benefits, visit www.uscis.gov, or call USCIS's National Customer Service Center at (800) 375-5283.

 

– USCIS

Some of the reasons for the re-design and the reasons for the "enhancements include":

Q. Why did USCIS redesign the Green Card?

 

A. The Green Card redesign is the latest advance in USCIS's ongoing efforts to deter immigration fraud. State-of-the-art technology prevents counterfeiting, obstructs tampering, and facilitates quick and accurate authentication of the card. The enhanced features will better serve law enforcement, employers, and immigrants, all of whom look to the Green Card as definitive proof of authorization to live and work in the United States.

 

Q. What major improvements has USCIS included in the redesigned Green Card?

 

A. Secure optical media store biometrics for rapid and reliable identification of the card holder. Holographic images, laser engraved fingerprints, and high resolution micro-images make the card nearly impossible to reproduce. Tighter integration of the card design with personalized elements makes it difficult to alter the card if stolen. Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) capability allows Customs and Border Protection officers at ports of entry to read the card from a distance and compare it immediately to file data. Finally, a preprinted return address enables the quick and easy return of a lost card to USCIS.