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| 1. What are some of the key problems you believe immigrants face in trying to come to live in the United States? |
| Before 1924, the United States had an open immigration
policy: almost anyone who could afford a boat ticket to the country could
legally live and work here permanently, and eventually become a citizen
of this country. But that open policy has changed dramatically over
the last 75 years, as the country's population increased and immigrants
came to be viewed by some as a burden. The country's immigration
policies since the 1920's reflect the tension between the economic need
for new residents, humanitarian concern about family unification and protection
of those suffering persecution, and
a backlash against those seen as different. These tensions have led to a complex set of laws that regulate who can come to this country. When you consider that there are over 6 billion people in the world and only 287 million in the United States, it is clear that not everyone in the world can come to the United States. Our current system limits to less than one million the number of people who can legally immigrate to the United States. But a person cannot just sign up on a list and wait his or her turn, as was done earlier this century. Now, to qualify for an immigrant visa the individual must have certain relatives in the U.S., or must have a special job skill that is in short supply in the country. But because there is a quota on the number of people that can be admitted each year, even those with close relatives may have to wait many years before being admitted to the United States. |
| 2. Explain how the events of September 11th have affected the immigrant community and the ability to obtain the necessary approval to come to the U.S. How have events affected immigrants' ability to remain and work here? |
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September 11th has caused immigrants to fear that no one will ever be able
to come to this country in the future. For the most part, these fears
are unfounded. The basic immigration laws remain unchanged and will
not change
in the future. But it will be harder to come to the country illegally. The land borders with Mexico and Canada are much tighter. It will also be harder to obtain tourist and student visas. But the vast majority of people who qualified for residency in the past will continue to qualify in the future: relatives of US citizens and residents, and highly skilled individuals with offers of employment. The biggest change will be for people living in the country illegally. Although most law-abiding people have little chance of being arrested by the INS, there is a greater fear in the community of the police and the IRS. And now that it has been shown that terrorists use false documents to enter and stay in the U.S., there will be greater crackdowns on people using false documentation. In the long term this could have a very bad effect on undocumented immigrants. The greatest impact is on immigrants from Muslim and Middle Eastern countries. The government is looking much more closely at such immigrants, and I expect such scrutiny will continue long into the future. |
| 3. What positive aspects do you see for immigrants? |
| The outpouring of support for Arab-Americans has been extraordinary. In my neighborhood an Afghani restaurant opening the week after September 11. I thought it would be doomed to instant failure, but in fact the community made a special effort to support this business. The concern for the civil rights of Arab-Americans and immigrants from all over the world has been very impressive. |
| 4. How can immigrants obtain advice but avoid having people take advantage of them? |
| Stay away from "immigration consultants" and "notaries." Get referrals to competent and ethical attorneys from non-profit organizations that assist low-income immigrants. Even if you can afford your own attorney, you can call a non-profit organization for a list of competent attorneys. Always get two opinions before paying large sums of money to anyone promising to help you. Beware of promises that seem too good to be true. |
| 5. About your own practice: What population do you assist (of what ethnic background)? Has this changed over the years? How? |
| I work with individuals from almost every country in the world, from every economic and educational background. My clients range from undocumented farmworkers to world-class scientists, professors, professional athletes, computer scientists, etc. |
| 6.What is some advice ("tips") you give your clients? |
| If you want to legally immigrate to the U.S., you have to make a long-term plan. Some people have to wait many years before they can legally immigrate through their relatives. Others should choose a career based that makes it easier to immigrate. Get good advice and be prepared for a long process. |
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