Immigration newsletter 11 Oct 2006

Call us for visa advice at our London office: +44 (0) 20 7842 0800.

The US DV-2008 (Greencard) Lottery - apply by 3rd December 2006

Less than 2 months remain to file for the United States Green Card Lottery. Applications MUST be submitted electronically using the Internet. None will be accepted after noon Eastern Standard Time, Sunday, December third.

Mexico's foreign secretary is in Europe, beginning in France on 09 October. Tensions are rising over the US-Mexico border wall being constructed by the United States. Mexico is exploring the legal possibility of making a complaint to the United Nations and is hoping for EU support.

The Massachusetts town of Sandwich will vote this week on a proposal to revoke or otherwise restrict the license of any business that employs illegal immigrants. There has been a strong trend in many parts of the US to pass such laws in the US this year.

A popular fast food chain in the United States is the target of a class-action lawsuit by employees who are illegal immigrants. In 2001 they were eligible to be sponsored for US permanent residence eventually leading to US Citizenship, with more than $5000 deducted from their pay over 4 1/2 years to cover the employers costs of the program. 

However, Boyar & Miller, the law firm hired to manage the project, never filed the paperwork.

A recent poll among Canadians shows a "deeply ingrained support" for immigration. 67% support conducting background checks to verify the identity of non-Canadians applying for entry visas. Most feel that immigration levels are at a good level, and that they can be increased.

Europe's first dedicated centre for victims of human trafficking opened last week in Sheffield, England. The Human Trafficking Centre will provide specialist care for victims. Many are women imported from abroad and forced into the sex industry. Some don't even know which country they are in. A large percentage of these people are from East Europe and Russia, although China, the Philippines and India are strongly represented.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has called for a comprehensive review of Russia's immigration laws. In a direct response to diplomatic difficulties with Georgia, with accusations of wrongdoing on both sides, the move will dramatically impact the entire Russian immigration system. All foreigners, not just Georgians, working and doing business in Russia will be affected.