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12/23/03 - How to Enter the Green Card Lottery Online, Without Hiring an Attorney
A question and answer session for those who wish to try their luck in the diversity lottery.

11/20/03 - Visitor Tracking Program Begins, Changes
Reports reveal that the new plan to track foreign visitors to the US is being examined, changed, and put into effect.

10/19/03 - INS, BCIS or USCIS? Which is it?
The constant change in the agency's Web site address reflects the confusion and changes so typical of this agency.

10/03/03 - The Green Card Lottery Propels the Digital Divide
You'll need more than luck to win this lottery: Only those with Internet access can enter; there are a few other requirements as well.

09/24/03 - H-1B Visas Drop, L-1 Abuses Come to Light
At first glance, the 75% drop in H-1B visas seems a reflection of the ailing economy. But a closer look reveals that companies have found a loophole with the L-1 program, making it faster and easier to get foreign workers into the country.

09/09/03 - The BCIS on 180-Day Portability
The 180-day portability rule continues to confuse even some professionals. Here are the ins and outs, with reference to the BCIS' most recent memo on the topic.

08/19/03 - Lies About Love: Visa Fraud is Rampant
Supply and demand: That's what it comes down to. When there's a crime that pays really well, especially if physical danger is absent, it's very likely that someone will stand up to take the risk.

08/05/03 - Illegals May Get New Chance to Legalize
Before September of 2001, many immigrants and visitors were looking forward to some new policies that would allow their legalization as immigrants. After terrorism concerns took over, many lost hope, but Republicans have put the issue back on the table.

07/19/03 - Visa Waiver Update
Soon, all passports must be machine readable for foreigners traveling to the USA under the visa waiver program.

07/05/03 - Security Measures Violate Rights. Is it Worth it?
Arabs and Muslims are being rounded up. Most are innocent. Many are being hurt or inconvenience. Is this the American way? Is it necessary to our national security? And if so, are the current measures effective?

06/17/03 - Search is on for Student Visa Violators
In the past, once a student was in the U.S. on a visa, little to no tracking of that student took place and many people slipped beneath the radar, staying in the country under false pretenses. But the government is about to get tough on violators.

06/09/03 - Rude Behavior is Just One of Many BCIS Issues
Foreigners applying for visa or immigration benefits face long lines and rude behavior. The BCIS has a few changes planned, but there's a long way to go.

05/30/03 - Visa Backlogs Soon to Rise
New policies mean more work for those issuing visa, but no extra personnel or resources will be provided to manage the load.

05/18/03 - Marriage and the Green Card Revisited
After the many changes in marriage related immigration law, it was time to revisit our topic "'Til Death do us part: Marriage and the Green Card." Here's an informative Q&A.

04/30/03 - When Will My Green Card Arrive?
Many aspiring immigrants are confused and concerned when they learn that their wait for a green card could be a long one. There are good reasons to want that card in your hand quickly, but there is also some good news for those who are waiting. 

04/15/03 - The New World Order - Asylum and more
Part II of the discussion "Is a new asylum rule undermining USA's role as a country of immigration?"

03/30/03 - The New World Order - Is America still an Immigrant's Dream?
Part I: Is a new asylum rule undermining USA's role as a country of immigration?

03/23/03 - A New Name And a New Face
A brief overview of the new Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services BCIS and its new Acting Director Eduardo Aguirre.

02/25/03 - American Dream, American Tragedy
For Mexican immigrant Jesica Santillan, this week should have signaled the beginning of a  healthy life. Instead her life was over. But some people are asking if she deserved the chance she got. Why? 

02/05/03 - Law Enforcement to Access Visa Applications
Across the country, law enforcement officials will now have access to a database of over 50 million visa applications, including personal information, and even photographs. 

01/20/03 - Special Registration
An expert Q&A on the unfolding particulars surrounding special registration.

01/08/03 - India to Allow Dual Citizenship
Indians who seek a better life in the USA will no longer have to forfeit allegiance to their own country if they plan to become American citizens.

12/27/02
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Getting Established in the USA. Part Five: Applying to College/University
The basic procedures for applying to attend US colleges and universities, including which admissions tests you might need to take and the respective contact information.

12/08/02 - Getting Established in the USA. Part Four: Finding a Home
Whether you want to rent, buy a home, sublet or find a roommate, here are the details to help you get started.

11/18/02
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Getting Established in the USA. Part Three: Health Insurance and Medication
A look at how health insurance works in the USA, what to do if you don't have any, and details on prescription and over-the-counter medications.

10/31/02 - Getting Established in the USA. Part Two: Bank Accounts, Credit and Taxes
Here we discuss how to open bank accounts, establish credit and file your taxes.

10/15/02 - Getting Established in the USA. Part One: Social Security, Driver's License, Auto Insurance
Relocating to a new country can be confusing and even scary. This is part one in a series about how to get established in the USA.

09/20/02 - The New Child Status Protection Act
A Q&A that uncovers the most common misconceptions about this new law, and explains who really can benefit, and who can't.

09/01/02 - Review of a Green Card Lottery Do-it-Yourself Kit 
If you find the lottery instructions daunting, but can't hire an attorney, you might find this helpful.

08/28/02
- The Green Card Lottery: It's That Time Again
Green Cards Are Waiting to be Picked for DVD 2004.

08/08/02 - Green Card Processing Made Faster
A new INS rule allows the I-140 petition and the adjustment of status application to be processed at the same time. 

07/26/02 - More Immigration Help for Physicians and Nurses
Our first Q&A was so popular, you asked us for another one.

07/12/02 - Has Increased Border Enforcement Reduced Unauthorized Immigration?
A study by the Public Policy Institute of California says "yes."

06/28/02
- Physicians & Nurses: Immigration Primer
An informative Q&A immigration primer for physicians and nurses.

06/05/02 - Some Visitors to US Must Register, Be Fingerprinted
Visitors to the US who are deemed high-risk according to secret criteria, must register and be fingerprinted. Should we appreciate the security measures, or object to the racial profiling that will, by design, play a major role in this strategy? From your Guides.

05/16/02 - Do-it-yourself Immigration
Your Guides have spent six weeks reading through several do-it-yourself immigration kits so that we can tell you what we think. Here are ten full reviews. 

05/08/02 - INS Cracks Down on Visitors, Students and Absconders
Questions and answers on new rules for foreign students in, and visitors to the USA, as well as absconders of deportation orders.

04/26/02 - Immigration Before & After: Putting it in Perspective
What has changed as a result of the events that rocked the United States on 9/11? And what hasn't?

04/10/02 - 245(i) is Back On the Discussion Table. Who Could Qualify?
Questions and answers on who qualifies under the new Section 245(i) law if it goes through.

03/20/02 - New Benefits for E and L Visa Holders
A chat on the new benefits for E and L visa holders and their employers.

03/19/02 - AT&T: A Terrorist Company?
Opinion piece from a reader about AT&T's special training with immigrant workers.

03/09/02 - H-1B Portability: How to Change Employers
A detailed Q&A on the H-1B Portability Rule: How to change jobs without an employment lapse.

01/29/02
- The 180-Day Portability Rule
Questions and answers to clear up misconceptions about the 180-day portability rule.

01/15/02 - Now DMV is Turning Legal Immigrants Away
The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has long been a foe of illegal immigrants and even long-term foreign visitors, but now even legal immigrants are being given the shaft. Another administrative ripple caused by the 9/11 wave of (understandable) panic.

12/30/01 - The ACLU Rises to the Aid of Foreigners
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has offered to help foreign consulates in their protection of immigrants and foreign visitors effected by the post 9/11 'crackdowns.'

12/12/01 - Foreigners Need Not Apply
After 9/11, are employers steering clear of hiring foreign workers?

10/26/01 - Understanding the Latest 245(i) Law
It has been extended, but the rules have changed. Questions and answers.

10/12/01 - Did Immigration Loopholes Contribute to the Attacks?
One month after the terrorist attacks that rocked our nation, the world is shocked that lax immigration laws may have been at fault. Will the reigns be getting tighter? 

09/20/01 - New K-3/K-4 INS Regulations
Questions and answers about these visas and the new regulations that govern them.

09/17/01 - Labor Certification: From Regular to RIR
An informative Q&A on how to go about making the change and who is eligible to do so.

09/13/01 - Anti-immigration Sentiments Soar
Following the tragic terrorist attack on the United States, many Americans are angry with immigration policies that may inadvertently aid terrorism.

09/04/01 - The Cuban Connection
Fifty-two smuggled Cubans make it to the Florida shore.  Is the preferential treatment of dry foot Cubans fair?


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