AILA’s Immigration This Week: September 17, 2009
This week's subjects are:
1. DOL Offers FAQs on Labor Condition Applications for H-1Bs
On April 15, 2009, DOL launched the iCERT Portal, which created a new electronic system for the submission of Labor Condition Applications. As a result, DOL has now offered FAQs in response to questions arising from the application of the new online system and the newly redesigned ETA Form 9035 and 9035E. AILA InfoNet Doc. No. 09091711.
2. New Chief Immigration Judge Sworn In by Attorney General Holder
On September 17, 2009, Attorney General Holder administered the oath of office to EOIR’s newly-appointed Chief Immigration Judge, Brian M. O’Leary, at an investiture ceremony held at EOIR Headquarters. The Attorney General appointed Brian M. O’Leary as EOIR’s Chief Immigration Judge effective July 5, 2009. AILA InfoNet Doc. No. 09091770.
3. Director Mayorkas Announces Office of Public Engagement
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Director Alejandro Mayorkas today announced the creation of the USCIS Office of Public Engagement (OPE) to focus on open, candid, and constructive collaboration with immigration community stakeholders at all levels. AILA InfoNet Doc. No. 09091762.
Invitation to a Collaboration Session on Form N-648
USCIS' Office of Communications, Community Relations Division extends an invitation for you to join a collaboration session on the Form N-648 (Medical Certification for Disability Exceptions). The meeting is scheduled for Thursday, October 8th. AILA InfoNet Doc. No. 09091769.
4. Announcing New Dues Structure
To continue to maintain the highest level of service to you, a new dues structure has been developed with input from a number of member task forces and was approved by the AILA Board of Governors. This structure has been designed based on your AILA join date and provides a graduated scale as your tenure increases. For a complete description of the changes in dues pricing and structure, please see the AILA dues structure page on InfoNet.
Because we appreciate the support of our current members, we want to give you the opportunity to renew now for an additional year at the old membership rates! If your membership is set to expire in December 2009, you may take advantage of this offer by simply renewing in full online by September 30 through myAILA via InfoNet. (Sorry, no payment plans with this offer.)
If you have any questions concerning the new dues structure, please do not hesitate to contact our Membership Department.
Message from the President Regarding New Dues Structure
Bernard P. Wolfsdorf addresses the recent changes in AILA's dues structure for 2010. AILA InfoNet Doc. No. 09091566.
5. 2009 Member-Refer-A-Member Campaign
As we head into the fourth quarter of 2009, don't forget you can win great prizes by referring your colleagues to AILA. If you know an attorney who qualifies for AILA membership, we want to know. The more members you refer, the more chances you have to win the grand prize drawing at the end of the year. Even if your colleague does not join, you can still receive credit for your referral. For more information about the Member-Refer-A-Member Campaign, visit us on InfoNet.
6. USCIS Q&A: Filing Form I-485, I-765, or I-131 for Refugees and Asylees
USCIS offers a Q&A to clarify issues on filing adjustment applications, work authorization documents, and refugee travel documents for refugees and asylees. AILA InfoNet Doc. No. 09091710.
7. ICE Updates List of SEVP Approved Schools
On September 14, 2009, ICE updated its list of Student and Exchange Visitor Program approved schools. AILA InfoNet Doc. No. 08100963.
8. AILA Liaison Practice Pointers
SCOPS Practice Pointer: Refunds and Stopped Checks or Bounced Checks
AILA Liaison offers instruction on the process and contact information for receiving a refund from USCIS and clarifying information on stopped or bounced checks. AILA InfoNet Doc. No. 09091169.
CBP Practice Pointer: CBP Complaint Resolution Program and Comment Card
The AILA/CBP Liaison Committee offers a practice pointer on the CBP Complaint Resolution Program and a CBP comment card to be completed and returned by customers. The document includes various forms of contact to alert CBP of compliments, complaints, and/or misconduct. AILA InfoNet Doc. No. 09090364.
USCIS Payment and Check Instructions
USCIS offers a check instruction Q&A, as well as guidance on paying filing, biometrics or other fees. AILA InfoNet Doc. No. 09091167.
AILA/TSC Practice Pointer: USCIS Service Center Liaison Follow-Up Procedures
The AILA/TSC Liaison Committee reminds members to contact National Customer Service Center (NCSC) via telephone before submitting an inquiry through the NCSC follow-up e-mail. AILA InfoNet Doc. No. 09091564.
9. AILA CLE/Education Update
Late-Breaking Seminar on SSA No-Match Rescission Added to Schedule on September 30
On August 19, 2009, DHS published notice in the Federal Register of its rescission of the safe-harbor procedures for employers who receive a no-match letter. This past July, ICE issued more notices of inspection in one week than the Bush administration did in all of 2007. Assume that this aggressive worksite enforcement campaign will continue and be prepared for the next wave of inspection notices and administrative subpoenas! Get the latest updates during AILA's Late-Breaking SSA No-Match Rescission: A Kinder, Gentler ICE? Don't Fool Yourself!, taking place Wednesday, September 30. Online registration is now open!
Fall Fundamentals of Immigration Law Benefits: CLE Workshop with the Experts
The early-bird registration deadline for the in-person option (at AILA's National Office Conference Center in Washington, D.C.) has been extended through Friday, September 18 and saves you $60 off the regular rate. Limited seating is left for the in-person option! If travel budgets are tight, select the convenient and cost-effective webcast option. The registration deadline for the webcast is September 23. View the complete program online, including learning labs and workshop sessions.
Advanced Business Immigration Law Interactive CLE Workshop
The early-bird registration deadline is Friday, September 18 and saves you $150 off the regular rate. The conference takes place Friday, October 2, at the Sheraton Station Square in Pittsburgh, PA. View the online brochure for complete details.
EB-5 Investors CLE
The EB-5 Investors CLE takes place October 19, at the Parc 55 Hotel in San Francisco. Two tracks are available to address both newer and advanced levels of experience. View the online brochure for complete conference details. The early-bird registration deadline is October 5.
10. CIS Ombudsman to Hold Teleconference on USCIS Fee Waivers
The CIS Ombudsman will hold a teleconference on September 30, from 2-3pm EDT entitled "USCIS Fee Waivers: How Are They Working for You?" AILA InfoNet Doc. No. 09091661.
11. Questions Sought for Upcoming Liaison Meetings
Agenda Items Sought for Upcoming CSC Stakeholders Meeting
The next CSC External Stakeholders meeting is scheduled for October 21, 2009, at 1:00 pm. AILA InfoNet Doc. No. 09091560.
Questions Sought for NSC Teleconference on "Student/School" Product Line on September 24, 2009
The AILA/NSC Liaison Committee requests questions for NSC teleconference on the Student/School product line. The teleconference will take place on September 24, 2009, and questions must be received by September 15, 2009. AILA InfoNet Doc. No. 09091161.
Question of the Week
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