International Adoptions: Another Crack In The U.S. Family Unity System
I recently read a news article updating and sharing yet another sad tale of how small quirks of fate can lead to disastrous immigration consequences.
As a naturalization lawyer, I know the separation of immigrants from their U.S. citizen family members and removal to a country they don’t remember is not uncommon in immigration law.
It’s a dismal aspect of our nation’s immigration policies.
Despite the obvious pain and suffering for mixed status families trapped in these situations, Congress has not shown any sense of urgency to address immigration reform.
Filipino Family Reunification: A Battle To Restore A 75-Year Old Promise
A friend in need is a friend indeed. But it’s what happens after the need subsides that the real quality of friendship is determined.
Take the Filipino World War II Veterans Parole Program (FWVP) implemented by the Obama Administration on June 8, 2016.
The new program, noted UCSIS Director Leon Rodriguez, “honors the thousands of Filipinos who bravely enlisted to fight for the United States during World War II.”
The commentary both overstated and understated the reality. [continue reading…]
Trapped In The Politics Of The 1960s: Immigrant Relative Visas
It started at the grill.
Trapped In The 1960s: Immigrant Relative Visas
Like every summer.
I, along with a few friends, sponsor an annual day-long neighborly celebration. A community-wide barbeque. (I’m the master chef. It’s my Bobby Flay imitation.) [continue reading…]
When one is caught up in the details of day-to-day skirmishes, it is not uncommon to lose sight of the greater battle being waged.
After bathing in the warm glow of political delusion, following the president’s announcement last fall that he was setting the stage for immigrants to come out from the shadows, many advocates act astonished by the recent news that his executive orders are likely to be derailed by a federal court ruling.
Immigration LIVE, Episode 1: Chasity Alvarez On Family Unity
There is little doubt that keeping mixed status families together is one of the most pressing issues facing immigration reform advocates today.
This is why we invited Chasity Brewster Alvarez, founder of Fair Unity, to be our first guest on Batara Immigration Live.
Over the course of a few months, Chasity went from being a spouse of an undocumented immigrant with no knowledge about immigration issues to the leader of one of the internet’s largest immigrant family support groups. [continue reading…]
Down The Green Card Rabbit Hole: A Journey To The Back Of The Line
Despite Congressional smiles when cameras are turned on, a meeting of political minds on the contours of immigration reform may not take place anytime soon.
In the meantime, however, Senator Rubio, the Gang of Eight, and President Obama agree on at least one issue. Undocumented immigrants, seeking lawful status, must “get in the back of the line”.
Unfortunately, colorful political rhetoric often does not reflect legal realities.