US Votes for Barack Obama
On November 4, the U.S. public elected Barack Obama as its newest President. Congress will return in January and begin the process of new legislation.   It is expected that the Democrat-heavy Congress will immediately get to work on a number of important bills, such as economic stimulation, taxation, and healthcare.
http://hammondlawgroup.blogspot.com/2008/11/president-elect-obama-and-new-congress.html

Where is Obama on Immigration?
The election of Barack Obama could mean significant change in US immigration policy.  Many clients and friends of the firm have asked us what President Obama’s stance is on immigration.  On his website, President-elect Obama outlines his “Blueprint for Change”.  The President-elect also has a section of his website devoted to immigration.
http://www.barackobama.com/issues/immigration/

And What About His Chief of Staff?
Obama's selection of Rahm Emanuel as his chief of staff signals that political pragmatism, not campaign promises to Latinos, may determine immigration policy in the new administration.  It's not that Congressman Emanuel (D-IL) is a foe of immigration, but rather that he seems to have concluded that comprehensive immigration reform is not a winning political proposition for Democrats.  As Illinois congressional representative since 2003, Emanuel has repeatedly held the line against the immigration restrictionists and border security hardliners. For the restrictionists, he has a failing record.
http://americas.irc-online.org/am/5656

Arizona Governor Tapped to Run DHS
The Washington Post reports that Arizona governor Janet Napolitano (D) is President-elect Barack Obama's choice to serve as Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security. Governor Napolitano’s history is that she is intolerant of illegal immigration. She was one of the first politicians to call for an increased U.S. presence on the southern border.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/11/20/AR2008112000050.html

H-1’s for RN’s?
At our San Francisco Symposium in October, a hot topic of discussion was when H-1B visas may be filed on behalf of Registered Nurses. In 2003, HLG’s Mike Hammond wrote a lengthy article on the topic. The article was later published at ILW.com and Bender Immigration. The article also cites an important 2002 legacy-INS Memorandum on the topic.
http://www.hammondlawfirm.com/publications/obtaining_h1_nurses_article.htm

Changes to Mexican Consular Processing
The Mexican consulates have recently changed their consular procedures restricting the types of applicants permitted to apply for visas at their offices. The following types of applicants are not permitted to apply for a U.S. visa from Mexico:

• Applicants for B1/2 visas, including renewals are not accepted from third country nationals who are not resident in Mexico.
• Applicants who entered the U.S. with a visa issued in their home country and changed status with Department of Homeland Security in the U.S. who seek a new visa in the new visa category.
• Applicants who entered the United States in one visa category and are seeking to re-enter the U.S. in a different visa category.
• Applicants who have been out of status in the U.S. having violated the terms of their visas or having overstayed the validity indicated on their I-94’s.
• Applicants who entered the U.S. under the auspices of the Visa Waiver Program.
• Applicants who obtained their current visa in a country other than that of their legal residence.

Prior to traveling for visa stamping, please contact your HLG attorney to see if you are eligible to obtain your visa in Mexico.
http://mexico.usembassy.gov/eng/evisas_third_country.html

CGFNS: Processing Times Increasing
CGFNS’ website says that is currently experiencing an unanticipated number of documents being received on behalf of applicants. They have observed an overall increase in their average time for entering and processing documents received. It is currently taking CGFNS approximately 15-20 business days to enter and process documents received on behalf of applicants.
http://www.cgfns.org/sections/announcements/