News Update - February 2, 2007
By Alan Lee, Esq.†‡
News Update 1. 2. 3.
News 1.
USCIS Considering Raising Naturalization Fee
The USCIS is considering raising the fee for naturalization. The
fee, which currently stands at $400 including the $70 biometric
processing fee, could rise to anywhere from $600 to $1000 according
to a letter to USCIS Director Gonzalez from the incoming Chairs
of the House and Senate Judiciary Committees. The Chairmen have
asked for an explanation of the need for an increase by February
2, 2007. We will keep you informed of any development.
News 2.
Consulates no Longer to Accept Family Petitions Unless Approved
by USCIS
The State Department issued a Cable to all Consulates and Embassies
that they must cease accepting or adjudicating any I-130 petition
for family-based immigrant status that was not adjudicated by USCIS,
and inform any individual wishing to file such a petition that it
is necessary to file it with the appropriate USCIS office and refrain
from assisting further. This change is effective immediately. In
any case in which a post has already accepted an I-130 from a petitioner
but has not yet issued a visa, post must forward the petition to
the appropriate USCIS overseas office as "not clearly approvable."
This change was brought about by the passage of the Adam Walsh Child
Protection and Safety Act (Adam Walsh Act), Pub. L. No. 109-248
on July 27, 2006.
News 3.
Maine and New York Balking at Drivers’ License Requirements
of Real ID Act
Among the requirements of the Real ID Act passed in 2005, is a
requirement that drivers’ licenses from all States contain
certain digital information that can be shared in a federal databank.
This past week the legislature in Maine called for the repeal of
the Real ID Act referring to the uniform drivers’ license
requirements as a massive unfunded mandate that may contribute to
identity theft. New York’s Governor Eliot Spitzer has stated
he is reviewing current requirements for auto licenses in New York
and the requirements for social security numbers to match the applicants’
names. Bill O’Reilly, spokesman for the Coalition for Secure
Drivers Licenses stated that licenses were obtained by the 9-11
terrorists and that the secure licenses are needed to protect against
terrorism, identity theft and to track deadbeat dads. More than
2 years after the passage of the Real ID Act Congress has yet to
enact any regulatory bills to act upon the laws’ licensing
requirements.
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