Integrity Legal

On this blog we regularly post information of general interest to Americans or prospective immigrants seeking services at American Embassies or Consulates abroad. The following is the posted holiday closing schedule for the United States Consulate-General in Guangzhou, China. The following is a direct quotation from the US Embassy in China’s website:

We are CLOSED on the following American and Chinese holidays.

Holiday closure schedules can be very important for Americans as there often arise situations in which an American believes that the closest US Embassy or US Consulate will be open for business when, in fact, the Embassy or Consulate is closed for a holiday in the host country or one of the more obscure US holidays. This author has personally been the victim of this problem when traveling to the US Embassy in Bangkok and realizing that the Embassy was closed for American Veterans Day. To save others time and  frustration, we try to post these lists so that travelers can plan accordingly.

Many Americans traveling overseas find that they need the assistance of an American Citizen Services (ACS) section of an American Embassy or Consulate overseas. Many find that they need ACS to produce a replacement US passport, add visa pages, or, in some cases, more serious matters must be dealt with that can only be executed by an American Consular Officer.

In situations where a prospective immigrant to the United States wishes to set a visa interview appointment for a K1 visa, a K3 visa, a CR1 visa, or an IR1 visa it may be best if the applicant makes an appointment prior to traveling to the Post in order to be sure that the Post is functioning upon arrival. This is also the case for those seeking a non-immigrant visa such as a B1 visa, B2 visa, F1 visa, or J1 visa. Interviews for these types of travel documents are usually scheduled in advance, but it is recommended that one contact the post prior to interview in order to be fully apprised as to the pertinent protocols.

Tags: ACS, American Citizen Services, American Passport, B1 visa, B2 Visa, CR1 Visa, Holiday Closing US Consulate Guangzhou, Holiday Closing US Embassy china, K1 Visa, US Embassy in Bangkok, us passport
Posted in CR1 Visa, IR1 Visa, K1 Visa, K3 Visa, US Consulate Guangzhou, US Embassy China, US Tourist Visa, US Visa | No Comments »

On this blog, we try to provide information for those individuals (be they American Citizens, Lawful Permanent Residents, or prospective immigrants) who may have business with US Embassies and Consulates overseas. That said, the following information is quoted from the website of the United States Embassy in Beijing, China:

The Embassy is open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. We are closed on the following American and Chinese holidays:

Embassy Holidays for 2010

***    January 1          Friday                  New Year’s Day
*       January 18         Monday                Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Birthday
**     February 13-17   Sat-Wed               Chinese (Lunar) New Year
*       February 15        Monday                President’s Day
**     April 5                Monday                Tomb Sweeping Day
**     May 1-3             Sat-Mon               International Labor Day
*       May 31              Monday                 Memorial Day
**     June 16              Wednesday           Dragon Boat Festival
*      July 5                 Monday                 Independence Day
*      September 6        Monday                 Labor Day
**    September 22       Wednesday           Mid-Autumn Festival
**    October 1-5         Fri-Tuesday           Chinese National Day
*      October 11          Monday                Columbus Day
*      November 11       Thursday               Veterans’ Day
*      November 25       Thursday               Thanksgiving Day
*      December 24       Friday                   Christmas Day

Those who may be traveling to any US Embassy or US Consulate abroad are generally wise to at least attempt to make an appointment to visit the Embassy in advance. This is particularly true for those seeking assistance from the American Citizen Services Section of US Missions abroad. In many cases, an appointment can be made in advance and this allows the Consular Officers to better anticipate customer needs thereby streamlining the overall process. Those seeking an appointment should first find the official website of the US Embassy in their country of residence and make scheduling decisions accordingly.

In the case of those seeking visas to the USA, American Consulates generally make visa interview appointment on a “first come, first serve” basis. As each post has different administrative protocols it may be wise to contact an Embassy directly if one is seeking a non-immigrant visa to the USA. In the case of Immigrant visas (or pseudo-immigrant visas such as the K1 visa or the K3 Visa) an appointment for interview is generally made after the Embassy or Consulate receives the prospective immigrant’s application package from the National Visa Center. In some cases, a Direct Consular Filing may be available to those prospective immigrants with an American Citizen spouse residing in the Consular District. In any case, many opt to consult an American lawyer prior to submitting an application or petition for a US Marriage Visa or a US fiance visa.

Tags: American Citizen Services, American Citizen Services Beijing, American Citizen Services China, Direct Consular Filing, K1 Visa, K3 Visa, National Visa Center, Us Consulate Beijing, US Consulate China, US Embassy Beijing, US Embassy China, US Embassy China Holiday Schedule, US Fiance Visa, US Marriage Visa
Posted in K1 Visa, K3 Visa, National Visa Center, US Embassy Beijing, US Embassy China, US Visa | No Comments »

Frequently this author uses this blog to post accurate processing time estimates for the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) Centers in the United States. USCIS is a key agency tasked with adjudicating Immigration petitions prior to possible Consular adjudication at a US Embassy or US Consulate abroad.

The following was quoted from the USCIS website on June 18, 2010. These are the current processing time estimates for the USCIS service center in California:

The following are estimated processing times for the USCIS Service Center in Vermont:

Those interested in bringing a foreign loved one to the United States on a K1 visa, K3 Visa, CR1 visa, or IR visa are advised to remember that the above processing time estimates do not take into account special circumstances, Consular Processing, I-601 waiver adjudication, or I-212 waiver adjudication. Therefore, those interested in obtaining a US visa are wise to consult a US Immigration lawyer prior to making any decisions as different visa categories can process faster relative to other categories.

Due to recent unrest in the Kingdom of Thailand, those processing through that Consular Post may find that it takes a bit longer to get an appointment compared to more tranquil periods. However, it should be noted that the US Embassy in Thailand has diligently worked to clear the backlog caused by the recent Embassy closure and processing is getting back to a state of relative normality.

For further information please see: US Visa Thailand.

Tags: American Visa, Consular Processing, CR1 Visa, How Much Time Does it Take to Get a US Visa, I-212 waiver, I-601 Waiver, IR1 Visa, K1 Visa, K3 Visa, US Consulate, US Embassy, US Visa, US Visa Thailand, USCIS, USCIS Processing Time
Posted in CR1 Visa, IR1 Visa, K-3 Visa Thailand, K1 Visa, K1 Visa Thailand, K2 Visa, K2 Visa Thailand, K3 Visa, L1 Visa, US Consulate Chiang Mai, US Embassy Thailand, US Visa and Immigration, US Visa Thailand, USCIS | 30 Comments »

Frequently on this blog the author tries to post information that may be of relevance to future visa seekers. Below is a schedule of the holidays quoted from the website of the US Embassy in Dhaka, Bangladesh:

2010 Mission Holiday Schedule Following is the Holiday Schedule for 2010 that will be observed by all U.S. Government agencies in Bangladesh.

HOLIDAYS		DATES MISSION CLOSED
New Year’s Day	American	December 31, 2009	Thursday
Martin Luther King’s Birthday	American	January 17	Sunday+
Washington’s Birthday	American	February 14	Sunday+
Martyr’s Day (Int’l Language Day)	Bangladeshi	February 21	Sunday
Bengali New Year’s Day	Bangladeshi	April 14	Wednesday
Buddha Purnima#	Bangladeshi	May 27	Thursday#
Memorial Day	American	May 30	Sunday+
Independence Day	American	July 4	Sunday
Shab-e-Barat*	Bangladeshi	July 28	Wednesday*
Labor Day	American	September 5	Sunday+
Shab-e-Quadr*	Bangladeshi	September 7	Tuesday*
Eid-ul-Fitr*	Bangladeshi	September 12	Sunday*
Columbus Day	American	October 10	Sunday+
Durga Puja#	Bangladeshi	October 17	Sunday#
Veterans Day	American	November 11	Thursday
Eid-ul-Azha*	Bangladeshi	November 17 & 18	Wednesday* & Thursday
Thanksgiving Day	American	November 25	Thursday
Victory Day	Bangladeshi	December 16	Thursday
Christmas Day	American	December 26	Sunday+

Please note that, although the Bangladesh Government observes more Bangladeshi holidays than those noted above, only these will be observed for purposes of closing the Embassy.

Notes:		(*) Date subject to appearance of the moon.
		(#) Date subject to change as the religious pundits select an auspicious date based the zodiac,  position of star, moon or other celestial bodies.

(+) American holidays that normally fall on Friday, Saturday or Monday will be observed on the following or preceding workday, due to Sunday-Thursday work week in Bangladesh.

For those with business at any US Embassy or US Consulate overseas it is prudent to note that local events on the ground can have a tremendous impact upon US Embassies and Consulates as staff are generally not required to come to the Post and the Post will cease operation under special circumstances. Therefore, those who must travel to a US Embassy to visit American Citizen Services or the Visa Unit are well advised to call-ahead in order to be certain that the Post is open.

In Consular Processing matters,  Consular closures can delay the visa process. That said, those who still have a case pending with USCIS need to be less concerned with the Embassy’s holiday closing schedule and more immediately concerned with the current USCIS processing times. As the US Family Visa process is bifurcated it is wise to note that three major agencies are involved in the adjudication of US visa cases: USCIS, the National Visa Center, and the US Embassy with appropriate jurisdiction over the Beneficiary. Therefore, those seeking answers as to why the process is delayed would be wise to note which agency is currently in possession of the petition or application.

With regard to processing of certain visa categories, recent Department of State fee increases could have an effect upon the overall immigration process. This is of special importance for those seeking a K1 visa or a K3 Visa.

For further related information please see: US Visa Thailand or US fiance visa.

Tags: American Visa Bangladesh, Fiance Visa Bangladesh, K1 Visa, K1 Visa Bangladesh, K3 Visa, K3 Visa Bangladesh, US Consulate Bangladesh, US Consulate Dhaka, US Embassy Bangladesh, US Embassy Dhaka, US Embassy Dhaka Bangladesh, US Fiance Visa, US Visa Bangladesh, US Visa Thailand, USCIS
Posted in K1 Visa, K3 Visa, L1 Visa, US Embassy Bangladesh, US Embassy Dhaka, US Visa and Immigration, US Visa Thailand, USCIS | 8 Comments »

On this blog, we regularly discuss the US Embassy in Bangkok, Thailand. However, we relatively rarely discuss the US Embassies and Consulates located throughout Southeastern Asia. There are many other American Diplomatic and Consular facilities in Southern Asia and one of those Posts is the US Embassy Jakarta. This Embassy is located in the capital city of Indonesia and routinely processes US visas such as the K1 visa, the K3 Visa, as well as the CR1 and IR1 visa categories. Just like any other US Consulate, the Consulate at the US Embassy in Jakarta is also tasked with adjudicating non-immigrant visa applications for categories such as the B1 visa, the B2 visa, the F1 visa, and the J1 visa (to name just a few).

Recently, this author came across an interesting statement from the US Embassy in Indonesia’s website which is quoted here:

The decision whether or not to hire a lawyer is yours alone.  We cannot tell you whether or not to obtain representation, nor can we recommend any specific lawyers.  If you do hire an attorney or other representative, that person may accompany you to your visa interview but may not/not answer questions on your behalf.  You, the applicant, must answer the consular officer’s questions.  If your case is complicated, or if you cannot devote the necessary care to properly prepare, then we encourage you to find a lawyer qualified in immigration law by visiting www.aila.org.

Generally, each Consulate sets its own rules regarding participation by American attorneys in the Consular processing phase of the US Immigration process. Some posts refuse to allow anyone except the beneficiary into the Consulate on the date of interview (this policy is generally based upon space considerations) while others allow virtually unfettered participation by American attorneys. Many ask: which is the better approach? For the most part, there is no “best” approach to Consular processing as each country is unique and certain considerations in one country may lead to one type of policy while different circumstances in another country results in a different policy decision by the US Consulate in that country. Furthermore, circumstances are always fluid and policies can change. For this reason, it is always wise to frequently check the status of the regulations at any facility in which one’s visa petition or application is awaiting adjudication.

Recently discussed fee increases are likely to impact those processing through US Embassies and Consulates worldwide as the Department of State recently raised the fees associated with many visa categories most notably those visas categorized as K visas.

Tags: American Consulate, American Embassy, B1 visa, B2 Visa, CR1 Visa, F1 Visa, IR1 Visa, J1 visa, K1 Visa, K3 Visa, US Consulate, US Consulate Indonesia, US Consulate Jakarta, US Embassy, US Embassy Indonesia, US Embassy Jakarta, US Embassy Jakarta Indonesia
Posted in IR1 Visa, K1 Visa, K2 Visa, K3 Visa, US Embassy Indonesia, US Embassy Jakarta | No Comments »

With the recently announced fee increases associated with K visa applications filed overseas, there are many who feel that serious thought should be given to the type of visa a couple should petition to obtain. In the past, many couples who were thinking of marriage opted to apply for a US fiance visa, also referred to as a K1 visa. That being said, it was recently announced that the application fee for all K visas sought overseas would be increased from $131 to $350. Apparently, the resources accrued are to be used in furtherance of fraud prevention measures as well as implementation of measures meant to streamline the overall visa process. As the fee increase was only recently announced, it remains to be seen how newly acquired fees will be used on the Consular level. With that in mind, it has also been recently announced that USCIS may be raising fees for Immigrant visa petitions. For those who are unfamiliar with this blog, it should be noted that for purposes of traveling to the USA, the K1 visa and the K3 Visa are considered to be immigrant visas even though they do not automatically confer lawful permanent residence to the bearer upon entry in the USA.

Those seeking a US visa would be prudent to seriously consider their options because the costs associated with the process of applying for and obtaining a CR1 visa or an IR1 visa may be lower in some cases when compared to the costs associated with the K1 visa process. When viewed from a long term perspective the CR1 visa, although more time consuming to obtain, confers lawful permanent residence to the bearer upon entry and thereby negates the necessity of adjustment of status which is necessary for those who travel to the US on a K1 visa with the intent to marry the Petitioner and remain in the USA permanently.

In most cases, those wishing to bring a spouse to the USA are wise to bear in mind the fact that K3 visa applications, once a popular travel document for bi-national married couples, are now being administratively closed by the National Visa Center if the underlying I-130 is approved prior to, or at the same time as, the I-129f application. This has lead to many instances of spouses being required by circumstance to process a CR1 or IR1 visa rather than a K3 visa because the NVC simply will not process the K3 application.

For those interested in further information about US Immigration please see: American Visa Thailand.

Tags: American Visa Thailand, CR1 Visa, CR1 Visa Thailand, IR1 Visa, IR1 Visa Thailand, K1 Visa, K1 Visa Costs, K1 Visa Fees, K1 Visa Thailand, K3 Visa, K3 Visa Thailand, US Visa Costs, US Visa Fees, USCIS Costs, USCIS Fee hike, USCIS Fee Increase
Posted in CR1 Visa, Fiance Visa Thailand, IR1 Visa, K-3 Visa Thailand, K1 Visa, K1 Visa Thailand, K2 Visa, K2 Visa Thailand, K3 Visa, National Visa Center, News, US Consulate Chiang Mai, US Consulate HCMC, US Consulate Singapore, us embassy bangkok, US Embassy Burma, US Embassy Cambodia, US Embassy Hanoi, US Embassy India, US Embassy Indonesia, US Embassy Jakarta, US Embassy Kathmandu, US Embassy Kuala Lumpur, US Embassy Malaysia, US Embassy Myanmar, US Embassy Nepal, US Embassy New Dehli, US Embassy Phnom Phen, US Embassy Rangoon, US Embassy Singapore, US Embassy Thailand, US Embassy Vietnam, US Embassy Yangon, US Tourist Visa, US Visa and Immigration, US Visa Thailand, USCIS, Weird Law | No Comments »

In a recent transcript from a news conference held by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) it was announced that USCIS may be increasing many of the fees associated with US Immigration petitions. The following is a direct quote from the aforementioned news conference transcript:

While we received appropriations from Congress, budget cuts of approximately $160 million have not bridged the remaining gap between costs and anticipated revenue. A fee adjustment, as detailed in the proposed rule, is therefore necessary to address that gap.

Although few seem to doubt the fact that USCIS has experienced a revenue shortfall, many seem to be perturbed by the announcement of fee increases. The following is quoted from the AILA Leadership blog:

Yesterday, due to lower than projected fee revenues, USCIS proposed a fee increase that will amount to an average increase of  10% across the board.  USCIS will issue the formal proposal on Friday and there will be a 45 day comment period.  This, in combination with the 66% fee increase that was implemented in 2007, constitutes a tremendous hit in the pocketbook for a variety of users of immigration services. For example, an I-130 petition for an alien relative will jump from $355 to $420, under this proposal, thus impacting those who want to be reunited with family members.  An I-131 application for a travel document goes up by $55, and an application for an employment authorization document increases by $40.  Adjustment of status fees will increase by $55.  Businesses will also bear some of the brunt, with I-140 petitions for immigrant workers increasing over $100, premium processing going up by $225 and a brand new fee of $6,230 to establish a Regional Center under the EB-5 program. And –perhaps the coup de grace—fees for filing I-290 Notices of Appeal will increase from $585 to $630, a $45 dollar increase that will allow us to continue to file appeals that take over 2 years to adjudicate and generally conclude with either a rubber stamping of the original decision, or as in a handful of recent AAO decisions, a tortured legal analysis resulting in increasingly restrictive interpretations of the law.

The tone of the above quote leaves some readers feeling as though the author is rather upset about the recently proposed fee increase. The following passages from the aforementioned post on the AILA Leadership blog leaves little to the imagination regarding some practitioners feelings with regard to the proposed fee increases:

Why do these fee increases feel like a punch in the stomach to immigration practitioners?  Because they come at a time when the quality of decision-making and the ability to correct even the simplest errors or address basic problems with USCIS are at an all-time low. A small sampling of the problems we have all experienced with alarming increased frequency over the past few years…Application of new extra-regulatory standards in case adjudication…Adjudication of issues not within the province of USCIS…A “pick and choose” attitude with respect to previously issued long-standing agency guidance…Lack of accessibility of agency officials and decision-makers…Lack of predictability in decision-making…Lack of respect for the role of counsel in various proceedings: Examples:  Practitioners report that they are sometimes not copied on RFE’s, and that district offices from time to time have barred attorneys from accompanying their clients to adjustment interviews.

Although USCIS adjudicates cases on an individual basis and no single practitioner can make a generalized statement about USCIS adjudication generally, there appears to be an increasingly common feeling among immigration practitioners that agencies associated with Immigration adjudication are becoming rather unpredictable.

Also of possible interest to those seeking certain family based visas such as the K1 visa and the K3 Visa is the fact that the US Department of State has recently raised the fees associated with such applications when adjudicated by US Consulates abroad. The previous fee for K visa applications was $131, but under the newly promulgated rules the K visa application fee has been raised to $350. Those seeking K3 visas are unlikely to be adversely impacted by the recent fee increase as K3 visa applications are currently being “administratively closed,” in many cases, by the National Visa Center. That said, those seeking a K1 Fiance Visa will likely be required to pay the increased fee in order to have their K1 visa application adjudicated.

Tags: K1 Visa, K1 visa application, K3 Visa, US Visa Costs, US Visa Fees, USCIS, USCIS fees
Posted in CR1 Visa, Department of Homeland Security, Fiance Visa Thailand, IR1 Visa, K-3 Visa Thailand, K1 Visa, K1 Visa Thailand, K2 Visa, K2 Visa Thailand, K3 Visa, L1 Visa, National Visa Center, News, USCIS | 3 Comments »

A frequently discussed topic on this blog is the US Tourist Visa. The US Embassy Bangkok processes a significant number of US Tourist Visa applications each year. In the past, most non-immigrant visa applications required the submission of form DS-156. Recently, the US State Department announced that the DS-156 should no longer be used  by those seeking a US B2 Tourist Visa:

The new DS-160, Nonimmigrant Visa Electronic Application, is a fully integrated online application form that is used to collect the necessary application information from a person seeking a nonimmigrant visa. The DS-160 is submitted electronically to the Department of State via the Internet. Consular Officers use the information entered on the DS-160 to process the visa application and, combined with a personal interview, determine an applicant’s eligibility for a nonimmigrant visa.

Apparently, the DS-160 has been introduced in an effort to streamline the visa process for those seeking non-immigrant visas outside of the United States of America. To quote the above announcement further:

All U.S. Embassies and Consulates that process nonimmigrant visas now use the new online DS-160. Therefore, visa applicants will need to apply using the online DS-160 for most, but not all, nonimmigrant visa categories. Review the [State Department] FAQs for exceptions and to find out which nonimmigrant categories continue to use the DS-156 at this time.

There are many who worry that these recent changes will impact other types of applications. This worry seems to be most prevalently felt by those seeking K1 visa benefits or K3 Visa benefits for a foreign fiancee or spouse. That said, consultation with an American legal professional may be necessary in order to determine which forms should be used when filing for certain visa categories. As always, it should be noted that only a licensed American attorney is entitled to assist in American Immigration matters. That said, many find that applying for a US Tourist Visa does not require the assistance of an American lawyer as such assistance would likely add little value to such an application. However, many applicants for US family immigration benefits find that attorney assistance is beneficial.

It should be noted that many applicants find their application for a visa denied pursuant to the Consular Officer’s application of Section 214(b) of the United States Immigration and Nationality Act. Such a finding basically means that the applicant was unable to show requisite “strong ties” to their home country and “weak ties” to the United States. Those seeking a visa to the USA should be advised that if immigration is the ultimate goal, then a tourist visa is not the proper travel document. Even if a visa application is approved by a US Consulate overseas, the foreign national could still be placed in expedited removal proceeding upon arrival at the port of entry in the USA if the Customs and Border Protection officers have reason to believe that the applicant is an undisclosed intending immigrant attempting to enter the USA.

Tags: American Department of State, American State Department, Customs and Border Protection, DOS, DS-156, DS-160, expedited removal, K1 Visa, K3 Visa, US Department of State, us embassy bangkok, us embassy thailand, US Tourist Visa, US Tourist Visa Thailand, USCBP
Posted in K1 Visa, K2 Visa, K3 Visa, US Consulate Chiang Mai, US Consulate HCMC, US Consulate Singapore, us embassy bangkok, US Embassy Burma, US Embassy Cambodia, US Embassy Hanoi, US Embassy India, US Embassy Indonesia, US Embassy Jakarta, US Embassy Kathmandu, US Embassy Kuala Lumpur, US Embassy Malaysia, US Embassy Myanmar, US Embassy Nepal, US Embassy New Dehli, US Embassy Phnom Phen, US Embassy Rangoon, US Embassy Singapore, US Embassy Thailand, US Embassy Vietnam, US Embassy Yangon, US Tourist Visa, US Visa and Immigration, USCBP | 1 Comment »

For the original posting in English please see: US Visa Thailand

สำหรับคนอ่านกระทู้ของผู้เขียนบ่อยๆ  อาจจะเข้าใจหลักพื้นฐานของสิทธิทางด้านคนเข้าเมืองของบุคคลที่นิยมเพศเดียวกัน ( Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender ) กฎหมายคนเข้าเมืองของสหรัฐอเมริกา ภายใต้กฎเกณฑ์ปัจจุบัน รวมถึงพระราชบัญญัติปกป้องสิทธิทางการสมรส กำหนดว่าคู่สมรสเพศเดียวกันที่มีสองสัญชาติถูกห้ามไม่ให้รับสิทธิตามกฎหมายคนเข้าเมืองอิงถึงการสมรสเพศเดียวกันที่ถูกต้องตามกฎหมาย คู่รักตามกฎหมาย หรือ คู่สมรสโดยไม่จดทะเบียน นั่นหมายความว่า ในปีที่ผ่านมา สมาชิกสภาผู้แทนราษฎรเช่น เจอรี่ แนดเลอร์ ได้เสนอกฎหมายที่รู้จักกันในชื่อ พระราชบัญญัติการรวมครอบครัวอเมริกัน หรือ UAFA ซึ่งกำหนดวิธีการขอรับประโยชน์ทางกฎหมายคนเข้าเมืองสำหรับคู่รักถาวรที่มีเพศเดียวกัน ในกระทู้ก่อนๆ ผู้เขียนได้พูดเรื่องการปฏิรูปกฎหมายคนเข้าเมืองให้ครอบคลุม และ การเปลี่ยนแปลงกฎหมายคนเข้าเมืองของอเมริกา ที่อาจจะมีหรือไม่มี ในเรื่องที่อนุญาติให้คู่รักเพศเดียวกันที่มีสัญชาติต่างกัน ขอรับผลประโยชน์ตามกฎหมายคนเข้าเมืองตามหลักของครอบครัวได้ ในกระทู้ก่อนเราพูดถึงร่างกฎหมายปฏิรูปกฎหมายคนเข้าเมืองที่เสนอโดยสมาชิกสภารัฐอิลลินอยส์ ลูอิส กุทเทอเรส และ ร่างที่ว่าไม่ได้รวมถึงผลประโยชน์ด้านกฎหมายคนเข้าเมืองของบุคคลเพศเดียวกัน หมายเหตุ บทความข้างล่างตัดมาจาก WashingtonBlade.com:

สมาชิกสภาผู้ทรงอิทธิพลหัวก้าวหน้าด้านกฎหมายคนเข้าเมืองได้แนบรวมข้อบัญญัติเกี่ยวกับการปกป้องคู่รักที่มีสัญชาติต่างกันประเภท เลสเบี้ยน เกย์ ไบเซ็กชวล และบุคคลแปลงเพศ เป็นส่วนหนึ่งของร่างปฏิรูปกฎหมายคนเข้าเมืองให้ครอบคลุม จากปฐากฐาเมื่อวันพฤหัส สมาชิกสภา ลูอิส กุทเทอเรส (รัฐอิลลินอยส์) ได้กล่าวสรุปได้ว่าร่างพรบ.ปฏิรูปนี้เป็นเรื่องสำคัญที่จะต้องอนุญาติให้คนอเมริกันสามารถสนับสนุนการมีถิ่นฐานในสหรัฐให้แก่คู่รักร่วมเพศของตนได้  “ความพยายามในการที่จะแก้ไขระบบกฎหมายคนเข้าเมืองที่แตกร้าวและปกป้องสิทธิพื้นฐานจะไม่เป็นการครอบคลุมกาดว่าเราไม่รวมเอาคู่รักเพศเดียวกันเข้าไปด้วย”  เขากล่าวว่าการผ่านร่างกฎหมายฉบับนี้จะทำให้คู่รักร่วมเพศราวๆ 36,000 คู่ได้อยู่ด้วยกันในสหรัฐอเมริกา หรือที่เรียกว่าร่างพระราชบัญญัติรวมครอบครัวอเมริกัน  ผู้สนับสนุนร่างกฎหมายฉบับนี้ได้มองหาการรวมรวมพระราชบัญญัติเข้าไว้เป็นส่วนหนึ่งของการปฏิรูปกฎหมายคนเข้าเมืองในสภาคองเกรส กุทเทอเรสมีนัดประกาศการสนับสนุนอย่างเป็นทางการของเขาในวันจันทร์ในงานแถลงข่าวที่ชิคาโก อิลลินอยส์ ร่วมกับสมาชิกฯ ไมค์ คลิกลีย์ และ สมาชิกสภาเกย์ จาเร็ด โปลิส ( โคโลราโด)  ซึ่งสนับสนุนการรวบรวมคู่รักร่วมเพศเข้าไปในการปฏิรูปกฎหมายคนเข้าเมือง   ปลายปีที่แล้ว กุทเทอเรสเสนอร่างฉบับของเขาซึ่งเป็นทางเลืกของร่างพรบ.ที่กำลังปฏิบัติกันในเวลาต่อมา อย่างไรก็ตามแม้ว่ากุทเทอเรสจะเป็นผู้สนับสนุนร่วมในหการยกร่างกฎหมาย ร่างกฎหมายก็ไม่ได้รวมเรื่องของคู่รักร่วมเพศไว้ดังที่กล่าว จากคำบอกเล่าของคนในสำนักงานของกุทเทอเรส กล่าวว่า การประกาศครั้งล่าสุดของนักนิติบัญญัติผู้นี้เป็นการยืนยันการรวมเอาสิทธิคู่รักร่วมเพศไว้ในการปฏิรูปที่ครอบคลุม

ในกระทู้ก่อนๆซึ่งพูดถึงการเสนอร่างปฏิรูปกฎหมายคนเข้าเมืองให้ครอบคลุม  ผู้เขียนพบว่า โชคไม่ดีที่ประเด็นการเข้าเมืองของคู่รักร่วมเพศไม่ได้มีการพูดถึงในตัวร่าง นั่นหมายความว่าอย่างไรก็ดีผู้เขียนก็ยังดีในที่ประเด็นนี้ได้ถูกนำมาพูดถึงในเรื่องของการปฏิรูป และหากว่าประเด็นป่านก็จะเป็นการเปลี่ยนแปลงกฎหมายคนเข้าเมืองกลางครั้งใหญ่ในอย่างน้อยที่สุด 25 ปีที่ผ่านมา ด้วยเหตุนี้การที่มันถูกหยิบยกมาพูกถึงก็เหมือนเป็นสัญญาณว่ามีความเป็นไปได้ว่ากฎหมายคนเข้าเมืองอเมริกันจะมีการเปลี่ยนแปลงเพื่อให้สิทธิแก่คู่รักที่ในขณะเวลาที่กำลังเขียนไม่สามารถใช้ชีวิตอยู่ร่วมกันได้ในสหรัฐอเมริกาเช่นคู่รักต่างเพศ

Tags: K1 Visa, K1 วีซ่า, K3 วีซ่า, US Visa Thailand, US วีซ่า, วีซ่า K1, วีซ่า K3, วีซ่า US, สถานทูตสหรัฐอเมริกาประจำประเทศไทย, ้วีซ่าอเมริกาจากประเทศไทย
Posted in US Visa Thailand, สถานทูตสหรัฐอเมริกาประจำประเทศไทย, ้วีซ่าอเมริกาจากประเทศไทย | No Comments »

For those who read this blog on a regular basis a common theme is that of LGBT immigration rights. US Immigration law, under current regulations including the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), dictates that Same-Sex Bi-National Couples are legally precluded from receiving US Immigration benefits based upon a legally solemnized same sex marriage, civil partnership, or civil union. That said, in recent years, Congressional Representatives such as Jerry Nadler have introduced legislation, often referred to as the Uniting American Families Act or simply UAFA, that would provide a means of applying for Immigration benefits for same-sex “permanent partners.” In previous blog posts, this author has discussed Comprehensive Immigration Reform and how changes in American Immigration law may, or may not, change the current rules in order to allow bi-national same sex partners to apply for family immigration benefits. In a previous blog post, we discussed recently proposed Comprehensive Immigration Reform legislation introduced by Illinois Representative Luis Gutierrez and how said draft legislation did not include provisions for same sex immigration benefits. On that note, the following was posted on the WashingtonBlade.com:

An influential pro-immigrant U.S. House member has endorsed including protections for LGBT bi-national couples as part of comprehensive immigration reform legislation. In a statement Thursday, Rep. Luiz Gutierrez (D-Ill.) said inclusion of language allowing LGBT Americans to sponsor foreign partners for residency in the United States is an important part of a broader reform bill. “Our efforts to fix our broken immigration system and protect basic civil rights are not truly comprehensive if we exclude same-sex couples,” he said. Standalone legislation that would enable an estimated 36,000 bi-national same-sex couples to stay together in the United States is known as the Uniting American Families Act. Proponents of the legislation have been seeking inclusion of UAFA as part of upcoming comprehensive immigration reform legislation in Congress. Gutierrez is schueduled to announce officially his support for inclusion of UAFA on Monday at a press conference in Chicago, Ill. Joining him at the conference will be Rep. Mike Quigley (D-Ill.) and gay Rep. Jared Polis (D-Colo.), who also support inclusion of LGBT couples in immigration reform. Late last year, Gutierrez introduced his own version of comprehensive immigration reform legislation that was seen an alternative to the working bill expected later. However, even though Gutierrez is a co-sponsor of UAFA, the legislation didn’t include UAFA-like language. According to the statement from Gutierrez’ office, the lawmaker’s recent announcement means he’s “recommitting himself” to inclusion of specific UAFA-like language as part of comprehensive reform…

In the previous post in which this proposed Comprehensive Immigration Reform (CIR) legislation was discussed this author found it unfortunate that LGBT Immigration issues were not mentioned in the provisions of the draft legislation. That said, this author is happy to see that the issue of Same-Sex and LGBT Immigration rights is being discussed within the context of CIR. Should it come to pass, Comprehensive Immigration Reform will likely represent one of the most important changes to Federal Immigration law in, at least, the past 25 years. With this in mind, the fact that LGBT Immigration is currently being discussed within the context of CIR at least hints at the possibility that US Immigration law will be modified in order to grant benefits to those couples who, at the time of this writing, cannot be re-united in the United States in the same manner as so-called “different-sex” couples.

For further related information please see: US Visa Thailand, K1 visa, same sex visa or same sex marriage.

Tags: CIR, Comprehensive Immigration Reform, Defense of Marriage Act, different-sex Immigration, different-sex marriage, DOMA, Jerry Nadler, K1 Visa, lgbt immigration, lgbt visa, Same Sex Marriage, same sex visa, uafa, Uniting American Families Act, US Immigration Law, US Visa Thailand
Posted in Comprehensive Immigration Reform, K1 Visa, lgbt immigration, News, same sex visa, US Visa and Immigration, US Visa Thailand | No Comments »