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One of the more useful immigration resources to be put on the Internet recently by the government are transcripts of statements from witnesses before the House of Representative Immigration Subcommittee. Testimony from witnesses is available online shortly after being given at http://www.house.gov/judiciary/6.htm
Not only is the testimony available, but tables and documentary evidence included with the testimony are also provided using Adobe Acrobat.
Another site that will be of interest to applicants filing at the INS office in St. Paul, Minnesota is the official web site of the American Immigration Lawyers Association Minnesota Dakota Chapter. The site has a number useful resources including local physicians lists, maps to the local INS office, information on hotels near the INS office, information on processing requirements, etc. The site will be of help to immigration lawyers and their clients alike. Franco Capriotti, an AILA lawyer with an office in Minnesota hosts the site, one which will hopefully serve as a model for other AILA chapters.
Can you PLEASE respond to the following?
Inside the White House and State Department, experts are discussing regionalizing embassies, streamlining staff and closing missions. We applaud moves to improve efficiency and to upgrade the safety of U.S. diplomatic personnel, but we are concerned that the importance of an embassy on the ground is being forgotten. There simply is no better way for the U.S. to represent itself in other countries on significant issues than keeping the flag unfurled over an American embassy. Country data can be gathered from the periphery, but only firsthand knowledge and key contacts can provide the "glue" that shapes events. Special envoys fill an ad hoc role, but they can't be expected to deal with a country's day-to-day problems or to negotiate for solutions in the best interest of the U.S.from a distance.
With the end of the Cold War, the U.S. has actively pursued a global agenda based on expanding free-market capitalism and promoting democracy. Many countries have opted for a new order, committing themselves to a significant period of economic, political and social transition. The journey hasn't been smooth. U.S. embassies in these countries have provided advice on the development of financial, judicial and political institutions. Such counseling requires day-to-day attention. People -- no matter how good -- can't do this from afar; they must be present to listen, respond, nudge and help. It's not a job for e-mail or an occasional fly-in.
As an American company whose business is tied to finding oil and gas, we operate in some pretty remote parts of the world. In many cases, these are some of the countries going through this difficult transition, and the pressure for change can be unpredictable. So it's comforting to know that Uncle Sam keeps an office nearby.
These emerging economies present great opportunities to other American companies and their workers, providing vast new markets for infrastructure providers as well as those eager to trade with consumers. Other nations are notably adept at courting such opportunities aggressively for their companies. Our diplomats also promote a bigger role for U.S. investment and businesses. But these new advocates for American commerce cannot do their job as well from Washington or a regional capital. An in-country embassy is required. This is not to ignore the danger that diplomats face nor the cost of assuring a prudent level of safety. But we do believe that a well-staffed, broadly deployed diplomatic presence is a critical factor in advancing America's national interests. Let's not shutter our embassies for lack of resources."
YOUR SPONSORS would like you to become part of the dynamic volunteer team which powers ACA. There is a constant need for additional physical and/or electronic "staff". In addition to regular VOLUNTEERS, ACA is interested in INTERNS and in tailoring CLASS PROJECTS aimed at awakening students to issues affecting American citizens abroad. Contact ACA's Geneva office
The News Update can be maintained in the long-term only if it justifies itself in terms of membership and donation revenue for the organization.
Disclaimer: While ACA makes every effort to be accurate in the information it transmits, such information is not to be considered a substitute for specific and qualified professional advice.
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