At this point in time, mid-2002, it is plainly obvious that the whole paradigm of US immigration is in flux, both in matters of law, as well as its interpretation and implementation. Certainly, many of the procedural changes had been in the offing for a while, notably the 180 day portability rule stemming from AC-21; I-140 premium processing; PERM regulations to replace existing LC procedures; etc. The INS had also worked hard to reduce its backlogs and streamline its procedures, which have resulted in improvements in processing times in the last couple of years. The main catalyst for change now is 9/11 and its aftermath; notably - as specifically applicable to the INS - the student visa approvals for the dead hijackers that fell through the cracks, and which led to rhetoric and initiatives in government circles about the need to revamp/replace the INS itself in its present form.
For those of us who are caught in the midst of all this, it is hard to separate the wheat from the chaff. Being early yet in these changed circumstances, there are hardly any discernable "trends" to go by insofar as adjudication of cases is concerned.
While one could readily read gloom and doom in the future, there are signs of hope, too. The earliest of these came from President Bush himself, when in the immediate aftermath of 9/11 he had assured that America will always welcome and facilitate visitors and newcomers to its fold who mean it no harm, genuinely wish to be part of the nation and contribute to its well-being.
These themes were also expounded by other officials of the US government. Wisconsin\'s Congressman, James Sensenbrenner, one of the main proponents of INS restructuring on Capitol Hill, stressed that one of the main reasons for this restructuring is so that INS (or its successor) could provide better services to people who are seeking to immigrate legally to the U.S.
Of the officials directly responsible for immigration and naturalization, following are notable excerpts from comments by Attorney General John Ashcroft, and INS Commissioner James Ziglar.
Attorney General Ashcroft, in a news conference, May 10, 2002:
]"The United States of America is unique among the nations of the world for the welcome that we extend. We accommodate generously those who wish to work here, to study here, those who wish someday to become citizens. And we place only limited conditions on our welcome, that those who come to America to share in our desire to breathe freely, to live peacefully, to respect the rights and the dignity of their neighbors, respect their fellow Americans -- these are the conditions we ask."
INS Commissioner Ziglar, at the National Immigration Forum, February 1, 2002:
]"I came to this job with the philosophy that the United States ought to welcome immigrants – to do everything within our power to ensure that our country remains a beacon of hope and freedom for people around the world. Even in the face of deadly terrorist attacks, that belief not only is unshaken, it is stronger. I have said it before, and I will say it again, and again: The events of September 11 were caused by evil, not by immigration. Therefore, efforts to enhance our national security must focus on identifying and thwarting those who are intent on tearing us down, not on preventing the many millions worldwide who are eager for an opportunity to join us in building our Nation. We can and will protect ourselves against people who seek to harm the United States, but we cannot judge immigrants by the actions of terrorists."
Being in the middle of my I-485 process, i have found myself thinking about all of this; maybe you have, too. And maybe this is not exactly the right place for it, as the purpose of this post is not to track dates, RFEs, or other specifics. However, you might want to add your own take on how you think things are stacking up for us, and comment upon general events as they unfold.
For those of us who are caught in the midst of all this, it is hard to separate the wheat from the chaff. Being early yet in these changed circumstances, there are hardly any discernable "trends" to go by insofar as adjudication of cases is concerned.
While one could readily read gloom and doom in the future, there are signs of hope, too. The earliest of these came from President Bush himself, when in the immediate aftermath of 9/11 he had assured that America will always welcome and facilitate visitors and newcomers to its fold who mean it no harm, genuinely wish to be part of the nation and contribute to its well-being.
These themes were also expounded by other officials of the US government. Wisconsin\'s Congressman, James Sensenbrenner, one of the main proponents of INS restructuring on Capitol Hill, stressed that one of the main reasons for this restructuring is so that INS (or its successor) could provide better services to people who are seeking to immigrate legally to the U.S.
Of the officials directly responsible for immigration and naturalization, following are notable excerpts from comments by Attorney General John Ashcroft, and INS Commissioner James Ziglar.
Attorney General Ashcroft, in a news conference, May 10, 2002:
]"The United States of America is unique among the nations of the world for the welcome that we extend. We accommodate generously those who wish to work here, to study here, those who wish someday to become citizens. And we place only limited conditions on our welcome, that those who come to America to share in our desire to breathe freely, to live peacefully, to respect the rights and the dignity of their neighbors, respect their fellow Americans -- these are the conditions we ask."
INS Commissioner Ziglar, at the National Immigration Forum, February 1, 2002:
]"I came to this job with the philosophy that the United States ought to welcome immigrants – to do everything within our power to ensure that our country remains a beacon of hope and freedom for people around the world. Even in the face of deadly terrorist attacks, that belief not only is unshaken, it is stronger. I have said it before, and I will say it again, and again: The events of September 11 were caused by evil, not by immigration. Therefore, efforts to enhance our national security must focus on identifying and thwarting those who are intent on tearing us down, not on preventing the many millions worldwide who are eager for an opportunity to join us in building our Nation. We can and will protect ourselves against people who seek to harm the United States, but we cannot judge immigrants by the actions of terrorists."
Being in the middle of my I-485 process, i have found myself thinking about all of this; maybe you have, too. And maybe this is not exactly the right place for it, as the purpose of this post is not to track dates, RFEs, or other specifics. However, you might want to add your own take on how you think things are stacking up for us, and comment upon general events as they unfold.