Those with H-1b status might be interested in knowing that the New Jersey Motor Vehicles Commission recently issued new guidance for individuals seeking to extend their driver licenses after having filed for an extension. If an extension for H-1b status is timely filed, an individual is authorized to work up to 240 days while the extension is pending. The New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission now recognizes this and has implemented instructions that allow H-1B holders under extension to present a specific certificate. The link can be found here: http://www.nj.gov/mvc/Licenses/LicensesNon-Citizens.htm.
Rutgers Citizenship Day
Last Saturday, Partner Angie Garasia participated again in Rutgers Citizenship Day over in Newark. For anyone interested in pursuing or learning whether he or she is eligible for naturalization, we encourage you to check these information sessions out. The program provides free assistance to the public. The next session is scheduled for April 29, 2012 over at the Rutgers-New Brunswick campus.
Questions and Answers for Provisional Stateside Waivers
There is an excellent Questions and Answers available on the USCIS website regarding the Provisional Unlawful Presence Waivers, which to date, is still not yet in effect. At this stage, USCIS is encouraging the public to submit comments. The comment period runs from April 2, 2012 to June 1, 2012.
123 illegal immigrants arrested by ICE in New Jersey
According to the Associated Press, more than 100 illegal immigrants were apprehended in New Jersey last week as a result of a recent sweep by ICE, or Immigration and Customs Enforcement. According to Mr. Tsoukaris, the vast majority of those caught had criminal convictions, with 82 individuals guilty of felonies and 14 for sex crimes. Most of the arrests were in Essex County, followed by Hudson and Middlesex Counties. These figures underscore just how important it is for any out of status or undocumented alien who is accused of a crime to vigorously contest those charges and retain both qualified criminal and immigration counsel....