Immigration Changes: "Gotta Happen This Year"

Great NPR news story on Immigration Reform: It gotta happen.."

Economic argument for CIR

In this well-articulated article, Chris Farrell lays out the argument on why CIR will be a boost to the economy and reduce crime. "Throughout the country, foreign-born newcomers have revived beaten-down neighborhoods as immigrant entrepreneurs have opened small businesses and immigrant families have put down stakes. Immigrant workers have played a vital role keeping a number of industries competitive, such as agriculture and meatpacking. Cities with lots of immigrants have seen their per capita tax base go up, according to David Card, an economist at UC Berkeley. Despite the popular impression that a rising tide of immigrants is associated with higher crime rates, research by Robert Sampson of Harvard University and others offer a compelling case that it’s no coincidence that the growing ranks of immigrants tracks the reduction in crime in the U.S. ... A fast track to legality offers Washington a rare twofer: a just move that’s economically efficient."

2013--Year for CIR..Finally?

The Los Angeles times reports that President Obama intends to push for Comprehensive Immigration Reform early 2013.

Immigration Compliance Enforcement Success Story

At Paschal Nwokocha Law Offices, we continue to represent businesses and individuals in various aspects of their immigration matters with stellar results. Recently, we had a very interesting case with successful result. We were retained by a local high-end restaurant that was a target of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) audit. ICE had cited the business for several violations, including lack of proper documentation regarding employees eligibility to work and other Form I-9 violations. The penalty assessed was about $100,000. We diligently worked on the case, negotiated with the government to resolve the case while at the same time preparing for litigation. We timely filed our pleadings and other papers, arguing why the penalty should be reduced significantly. Our submission and arguments were very persuasive. Suddenly, we got an incredible settlement for the client, requiring client to pay a fraction of the total penalty over a period of time. Client is incredibly happy, and the threat to the business was put to rest. Obviously, every case is different, but our dedication and the outcome on the case is testament to the type of outcome we can get for our clients. If you, your business or colleague needs experienced immigration attorney, feel free to contact us.

U Visa Victories

In the past few months, we have had more than 20 U visa success stories. The cases range from complex cases involving applicants with final removal orders from the Immigration Court to those whose qualifying incident involved Ex-Parte No Contact Orders and Order for Protection. For the clients, this has been life-changing event for themselves, spouse and children.

U visa is a special type of visa created to provide immigration status to those who have been victims of certain crimes and who co-operated in the investigation or prosecution of the crime.

In one of the more interesting stories, a client had an Order for Protection against an ex-boyfriend from a few years ago. She came to our office because her husband was arrested by the Immigration Service and was in removal proceedings before the Immigration Judge. We were able to use records from the Order for Protection to make a U visa case for her. Her case was approved. Her husband's case was also approved. The removal case was terminated, meaning that he is now free to live and work in the United States. We were also able to reunite her with her two children, whom she left in her home country more than 10 years ago when she set out to come to the United States. As a U visa holder, one she was eligible to bring her minor children into the United States. The children are now dealing with cold Minnesota weather.

At Paschal Nwokocha Law offices, we strive to open immigration doors to our clients. If you or someone you know has been a victim of crime, and the person is present in the United States without immigration status, we strongly encourage the person to talk to knowledgeable immigration attorneys. Out of the agony, there may be opportunities around the corner.