The Delamere-International Newsletter ©

Edition of 30 October 2001. (Special Release) #102

This Newsletter is published as a Free Service to all clients of "Delamere-Pennine Associates, International Business Consultants".

You are receiving this Newsletter because you requested a Free Subscription. We are strongly opposed to spamming, and our policy is to strictly respect your privacy and your e-mail address will not be passed on to any other party without your permission. If you have received a forwarded copy of our Newsletter from a friend or associate and you wish to subscribe, please send a blank e-mail to subscribe@delamere-international.com

If you find the information in our Newsletter of value, please forward it to your friends and associates who you feel will also find it useful.

IN THIS ISSUE: CURRENT NEWS ON THE ISSUING OF VISAS TO ENTER THE USA

In the aftermath of the 11th September terrorist attack on the US, our clients have noticed a distinct slowdown in the processing of applications for visas, especially the H-1B visa. This visa is for skilled, usually high-tech workers, to enter the US and fill jobs, which cannot be filled by an American. The visa lasts for 3 years with an option of renewing for a further 3 years and in many cases the eventual issuing of the "Green Card" allowing permanent residence in the US.

We have also heard similar accounts of the F-1 Student Visa running into problems, with applications being scrutinized in more detail. We have also had experience with the normal B-2 Visitors visa now being even more difficult to obtain at the US Consulates in many countries.

An "official" for the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) said that there is increased security awareness, but that no intentional, systematic visa processing slowdown is taking place in the Department.

Steven Branch, the Officer-in-Charge of the Salt Lake City's INS said recently, "There certainly is a perception out there (of a slowdown). It seems everyone is overacting, thinking the INS is now "really" scrutinizing people who seeking to change their status."

Another spokesman for the INS commented that the Department is on "a heightened state of alert" but pointed out that no specific directives have been issued to tighten reviews of visa applications. However the spokesman admitted that visa officials may be taking extra care in "dotting all our 'i's and crossing all the 't's." Reports at hand confirm that the procedure of handling visa applications is definitely no longer as straightforward as it was, and reminding ourselves that visa applications are handled, not by the INS, but by employees of the State Department's consulates and embassies abroad, and we ask, What directives have they been given?

The latest news at hand is that President George Bush at his first meeting on Monday 29 October 2001 of his new Homeland Security Council ordered a major review of the nation's immigration laws.

Bush who championed looser immigration laws as Texas Governor and early in his presidency, said on Monday, the government would clamp down on student exchanges, work and study visas and other programs that give foreigners a chance to get into America. He concluded that the September 11th terrorist attack "taught us a very interesting lesson."

This order to Attorney General Ashcroft to form a "task force" to look into the issue of entry visas into the US and to re-examine the Immigration Service as a whole will change the situation for many individuals hoping for a break and opportunity to share in the "good life" of America. Based on this step we expect the matter of obtaining any kind of visa to enter the USA to become more difficult by the day.

*********************

Disclaimer

*********************

Although great effort has been made in compiling and checking the information contained in this Newsletter is accurate, the publisher shall not be held responsible for any errors, omissions or inaccuracies in this electronic publication, or for any consequences arising there from.

Editorial materials published herein are provided for information only. The publisher expressly disclaims any and all liability to any person, whosoever, in respect of any loss, damage, death, personal injury or other consequences, by their use of, or reliance upon in any way, the information contained in this electronic publication.

*******************

Copyright Notice

*******************

Copyright 2001 by "Delamere-Pennine Associates - International Business Consultants" All Rights Reserved.

www.delamere-international.com

admin@delamere-international.com

If you wish to use any of the resources, contained herein permission is granted only if the resources are used in its entirety, with credits and links given to the respective authors or proprietary owners.

You may forward a copy of this Newsletter to your friends and associates only if it is forwarded in its entirety.

 

"Back to Newsletter Archive Page"