Removal Without Recourse: The Growth of Summary Deportations from the United States

Washington D.C. - Today, the American Immigration Council releases Removal Without Recourse: The Growth of Summary Deportations from the United States. The deportation process has been transformed drastically over the last two decades. Two-thirds of individuals deported are subject to what are known as “summary removal procedures,” which deprive them of both the right to appear before a judge and the right to apply for status in the United States.

This fact sheet explains the summary removal processes that are responsible for the majority of all deportations today. It also discusses how these rapid deportation decisions often fail to take into account many critical factors, including whether the individual is eligible to apply for lawful status in the United States, whether he or she has long-standing ties here, or whether he or she has U.S.-citizen family members.

To view the fact sheet in its entirety, see:

Removal Without Recourse: The Growth of Summary Deportations from the United States (AIC Fact Check, May 2014)

To read a blog post on the topic, see:

Summary Removal Procedures and Their Role in Rising Deportations (ImmigrationImpact.com)
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Based in Volusia County, Florida, immigration attorneys at the firm of David Vedder, P.A. have global reach and the proven ability to handle matters at all levels of complexity. We welcome inquiries from clients of all cultural backgrounds and referrals from other lawyers. To request an initial consultation or more information on our firm's range of services, call 386-274-0044.

TIME: American Competitiveness Can't Wait for Immigration Reform

Credit:TIME

Ipiece for TIME, Bill Richardson, former U.S. Energy Secretary, Governor of New Mexico, and UN Ambassador, and Rosario Martin, the 41st Treasurer of the U.S., use information from AILA to support their argument that American competitiveness cannot wait for immigration reform, as skilled international workers who are tired of waiting for visas often leave the U.S. and put their knowledge and skills to use elsewhere
n this opinion

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Based in Volusia County, Florida, immigration attorneys at the firm of David Vedder, P.A. have global reach and the proven ability to handle matters at all levels of complexity. We welcome inquiries from clients of all cultural backgrounds and referrals from other lawyers. To request an initial consultation or more information on our firm's range of services, call 386-274-0044.

CNN: Obama Says Midterm Elections Will Decide the Fate of Immigration Reform

As reported by CNN, President Obama told a Chicago crowd yesterday that it was up to Congress to move on immigration reform, but predicted that if Democrats do not win big in the midterm elections, reform will not happen. Read this story and more in AILA's daily immigration news clips. Follow AILA's Immigration Politics 2014 for updates on reform.

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Based in Volusia County, Florida, immigration attorneys at the firm of David Vedder, P.A. have global reach and the proven ability to handle matters at all levels of complexity. We welcome inquiries from clients of all cultural backgrounds and referrals from other lawyers. To request an initial consultation or more information on our firm's range of services, call 386-274-0044.

Successful E-2 Extension of Status and Visa Renewal

David F. Vedder and Daniel C. Ross recently secured an extension of E-2 status and reissuance of an E-2 visa at Embassy Frankfurt on behalf of German client, Dieter Canje.  Mr. Canje is the founder and CEO of the company responsible for the development of the MySky MS-1, a light sport aircraft with the potential to revolutionize the personal aviation industry.  Mr. Canje came to our office with a need to remain in the country past his period of authorized stay in order to oversee and protect his substantial investment in the MS-1.  The attorneys at David F. Vedder, P.A. quickly developed a case plan to fit Mr. Canje’s needs and promptly obtained an extension of status on his behalf.  The law firm went on to successfully prosecute a new E-2 visa application at Embassy Frankfurt.  As a result, Mr. Canje was able to remain in the country and protect his investment before traveling to Germany at his convenience to obtain a new visa.

Information about the state of the art MySky MS-1 can be found at http://www.mysky.aero/.  The attorneys at David F. Vedder, P.A. are experienced in providing individualized immigration solutions to foreign investors, and we encourage anyone needing assistance to contact our office today.

Information about the state of the art MySky MS-1 can be found at http://www.mysky.aero/  
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Based in Volusia County, Florida, immigration attorneys at the firm of David Vedder, P.A. have global reach and the proven ability to handle matters at all levels of complexity. We welcome inquiries from clients of all cultural backgrounds and referrals from other lawyers. To request an initial consultation or more information on our firm's range of services, call 386-274-0044.

AP: Obama Foresees A Three-Month Window to Pass Immigration in 2014

The Associated Press reports that President Obama says there is a two to three month window for an immigration overhaul bill to pass Congress this year before midterm elections take over.

Read more 
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Based in Volusia County, Florida, immigration attorneys at the firm of David Vedder, P.A. have global reach and the proven ability to handle matters at all levels of complexity. We welcome inquiries from clients of all cultural backgrounds and referrals from other lawyers. To request an initial consultation or more information on our firm's range of services, call 386-274-0044.

Washington Post: DHS Secretary Says "Fresh Start" Is Needed for Secure Communities

The Washington Post reports that earlier this week, DHS Secretary Jeh Johnson told police chiefs at a White House meeting that the Obama administration is likely to overhaul Secure Communities, which pairs local law-enforcement agencies with federal authorities to identify undocumented immigrants for removal. Read this story
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Based in Volusia County, Florida, immigration attorneys at the firm of David Vedder, P.A. have global reach and the proven ability to handle matters at all levels of complexity. We welcome inquiries from clients of all cultural backgrounds and referrals from other lawyers. To request an initial consultation or more information on our firm's range of services, call 386-274-0044.

H-1B Visa Program and its Impact on Wages

High-skilled foreign-born workers contribute to places throughout the country and to America’s innovation economy. A new report from the American Immigration Council (AIC) provides an overview of recent research about the H-1B visa program and its impact on wages, jobs, and the economy. As the report states, “every year, U.S. employers seeking highly skilled foreign professionals have rolled the dice on April 1 and submitted their applications for the limited pool of H-1B visas available each fiscal year. With only 65,000 visas available for new hires—and 20,000 additional visas for foreign professionals who graduate with a Master’s or Doctorate from a U.S. university—in recent years demand has far outstripped the supply and the cap has been quickly reached. In 2013, the H-1B visa cap was reached within a few days. Understanding the H-1B process is important to understanding the vital economic role that higher-skilled immigration plays in growing our economy and creating new opportunities for native and foreign-born workers alike.” An April 7 post on Immigration Impact noted that the H-1B cap for Fiscal Year 2015 was reached within the first week of the filing period.

Read more

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Based in Volusia County, Florida, immigration attorneys at the firm of David Vedder, P.A. have global reach and the proven ability to handle matters at all levels of complexity. We welcome inquiries from clients of all cultural backgrounds and referrals from other lawyers. To request an initial consultation or more information on our firm's range of services, call 386-274-0044.

Vedder Case Update

Daniel C. Ross, Associate Immigration lawyer, recently attended a long delayed naturalization interview at CIS/Jacksonville.  The case had been pending for years before we filed an appearance in the case.  The client was well prepared for the interview and presented himself well.  Mr. Ross convinced the Immigration Officer to grant naturalization without further delay.

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Based in Volusia County, Florida, immigration attorneys at the firm of David Vedder, P.A. have global reach and the proven ability to handle matters at all levels of complexity. We welcome inquiries from clients of all cultural backgrounds and referrals from other lawyers. To request an initial consultation or more information on our firm's range of services, call 386-274-0044.

All the Action on Immigration is (Still) in the States

Although their fate ultimately likes in federal immigration reform, unauthorized immigrants are getting much help from state and local officials who are taking pragmatic steps to allow undocumented immigrants to pay in-state tuition and to limit local law enforcement from honoring immigration detainers issued by federal immigration authorities
Read more
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Based in Volusia County, Florida, immigration attorneys at the firm of David Vedder, P.A. have global reach and the proven ability to handle matters at all levels of complexity. We welcome inquiries from clients of all cultural backgrounds and referrals from other lawyers. To request an initial consultation or more information on our firm's range of services, call 386-274-0044.

Vedder Case Update

Attorneys David F. Vedder and Silvia Manzanero recently conducted an individual hearing before an Immigration Judge in Orlando on an application for a waiver of the requirement of a conditional resident to file a petition to remove the condition of residency (I-751).  Our client had signed a statement before two CIS officers, under oath, that he had not lived with his wife and had not consummated the marriage.  The attorneys presented evidence that the marriage was entered into in good faith.  The Immigration Judge granted our client’s waiver removing the condition of residency.


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Based in Volusia County, Florida, immigration attorneys at the firm of David Vedder, P.A. have global reach and the proven ability to handle matters at all levels of complexity. We welcome inquiries from clients of all cultural backgrounds and referrals from other lawyers. To request an initial consultation or more information on our firm's range of services, call 386-274-0044.

Attorneys David F. Vedder and Silvia Manzanero Assisted Victim of Domestic Abuse In Obtaining Immigration Relief

On February 2014, after a year and a half of suffering physical and psychological abuse at the hands of her United States citizen husband, a Jamaican national immigrant woman was granted immigration relief under the Violence Against Women Act of 1994 (VAWA).

VAWA was enacted to provide immigration protection for abused spouses, children and parents of United State citizens or lawful permanent residents, allowing the victim (or survivor) to self-petition based on the abuse they have endured. VAWA self-petitioners may also concurrently or subsequently apply for lawful permanent status.

Attorneys David F. Vedder and Silvia Manzanero worked relentlessly with the victim in this case to obtain the relief that she deserves.  The attorneys presented a compelling case, demonstrating that their client had suffered both battery and extreme cruelty by her abuser. In addition, Vedder and Manzanero identified a rare agency error that threatened their client’s eligibility for protection.  The attorneys successfully convinced immigration officials to correct their mistake, and their client obtained her immigration benefit shortly thereafter.

“Our client was trapped in an abuse relationship. She courageously reached out for help, and we are very pleased we could help”  Manzanero said.



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Based in Volusia County, Florida, immigration attorneys at the firm of David Vedder, P.A. have global reach and the proven ability to handle matters at all levels of complexity. We welcome inquiries from clients of all cultural backgrounds and referrals from other lawyers. To request an initial consultation or more information on our firm's range of services, call 386-274-0044.

David F. Vedder, P.A. Co-sponsors Citizenship Day in Daytona Beach, Florida.

Daytona Beach, Florida: On Saturday, April 26, 2014, the immigration law firm of David F. Vedder, P.A., in collaboration with Community Legal Services of Mid-Florida and The American Lawyers Immigration Association (AILA), hosted a Citizenship Day 2014 workshop.  The program was part of an annual national outreach effort by AILA attorneys and local community associations to assist eligible lawful permanent residents obtain U.S. citizenship.

Citizenship Day 2014 - Daytona Beach was held at Community Legal Services of Mid-Florida, Inc. in downtown Daytona Beach, Florida.  During the program, David F. Vedder, P.A. attorneys Silvia Manzanero and David C. Ross, and local attorneys Georgina Roman-Secor, James Vincent, and Matthew Thompson assisted citizenship applicants with completing their application materials and provided individual guidance on a pro bono basis.  The immigration attorneys also discussed the naturalization process with the participants, and addressed their questions and concerns.
Community Legal Services’ volunteer attorneys, paralegals, and administrative personnel similarly assisted the attendees, ensuring a smooth and successful event.

Mrs. Manzanero and Mr. Ross also volunteered at the Citizenship Day clinic held last April 5, 2014, at the Florida Coastal School of Law,  which was co-sponsored by Jacksonville Area Legal Aid and AILA.

David F. Vedder, P.A. is committed to pro bono service in our community and welcomes the opportunity to make informational presentations in all areas of U.S. immigration law.

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Based in Volusia County, Florida, immigration attorneys at the firm of David Vedder, P.A. have global reach and the proven ability to handle matters at all levels of complexity. We welcome inquiries from clients of all cultural backgrounds and referrals from other lawyers. To request an initial consultation or more information on our firm's range of services, call 386-274-0044.

Successful L-1A Visa Extension

David F. Vedder, P.A. recently secured an extension of L-1A status for longtime client, Dennis Hockley.  Mr. Hockley is the President of Ultimate Seats USA, LLC.  His company designs, manufactures, and sells custom motorcycle seats that have a reputation as the most comfortable seats on the market.  The business originated in Canada, but when plans were made to begin a U.S. based company in 2009, Mr. Hockley needed an immigration status that would allow him an active, prolonged role in the United States company.

After consulting with Mr. Vedder, an L-1A case plan was put into action which allowed Mr. Hockley to transfer to his American company in his executive capacity.  The firm seamlessly led Mr. Hockley through both the initial visa process and the subsequent extensions.  Ultimate Seats USA, LLC, is open for business and located at 348 Destination Lane, Ormond Beach, Florida.

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Based in Volusia County, Florida, immigration attorneys at the firm of David Vedder, P.A. have global reach and the proven ability to handle matters at all levels of complexity. We welcome inquiries from clients of all cultural backgrounds and referrals from other lawyers. To request an initial consultation or more information on our firm's range of services, call 386-274-0044.

Obama administration may unveil new deportation policy in two stages

Credit:Reuters

(Reuters) - The White House is considering small steps in the near term to ease the threat of deportation for some undocumented immigrants, but advocates in communication with the administration expect President Barack Obama to make bigger changes later in the year.

With legislation to reform U.S. immigration policy stalled in Congress, Obama has come under increasing pressure from the immigrant community to take executive action to curb the rate of deportation that has reached a record level under his presidency.

Read more from Reuters

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Based in Volusia County, Florida, immigration attorneys at the firm of David Vedder, P.A. have global reach and the proven ability to handle matters at all levels of complexity. We welcome inquiries from clients of all cultural backgrounds and referrals from other lawyers. To request an initial consultation or more information on our firm's range of services, call 386-274-0044.

No Action Taken: Lack of CBP Accountability in Responding to Complaints of Abuse

May 6, 2014

Washington D.C. - Today, the American Immigration Council releases No Action Taken: Lack of CBP Accountability in Responding to Complaints of Abuse, by Daniel E. Martinez, Ph.D., Guillermo Cantor, Ph.D., and Water A. Ewing, Ph.D., a report that analyzes complaints filed with U.S. Customs and Border Protection between 2009 and 2012. The analysis is based on information received through Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) litigation. The report examines one of the few avenues available for people to report mistreatment by Border Patrol agents - namely, the complaint system. For a long time, advocates and legal providers on the border have highlighted the flaws in the complaint system. This report is the first systematic attempt to document the problem in a rigorous way. In addition, a coalition of immigrants' rights groups has developed and released recommendations to DHS to address the CBP Complaint Process.

"CBP has long been suspected of routinely violating individuals’ rights, and the fact that 97 percent of the cases in which a formal decision was issued resulted in 'No Action Taken,' raises a red flag. We don’t really know how serious CBP is about investigating the complaints, but given the seriousness of the allegations, the majority of which involve either physical abuse or excessive use of force, the lack of responsiveness that the numbers show is indeed worrisome," said Guillermo Cantor, Senior Policy Analyst at the American Immigration Council and one of the report authors.

"These stark findings exemplify the culture of impunity that prevails at CBP. Given the tremendous resources appropriated to CBP, the agency must do a better job of holding its officers accountable for misconduct," said Melissa Crow, Director of the Council's Legal Action Center, which filed the FOIA litigation.

To view the report and recommendations in their entirety, see:

No Action Taken: Lack of CBP Accountability in Responding to Complaints of Abuse (Immigration Council Special Report, May 2014)

Recommendations to DHS to Improve Complaint Processing (Women's Refugee Commision, May 2014)

To listen to a recording of a tele-briefing on the report, visit:

No Action Taken: Telebriefing (May 6, 2014)

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Based in Volusia County, Florida, immigration attorneys at the firm of David Vedder, P.A. have global reach and the proven ability to handle matters at all levels of complexity. We welcome inquiries from clients of all cultural backgrounds and referrals from other lawyers. To request an initial consultation or more information on our firm's range of services, call 386-274-0044.