Las Vegas Immigration & Naturalization Law Blog

In a surprising turn of events, a recently released population analysis shows that undocumented immigrants in the U.S. are going back to Mexico because of the distressed economy and increased deportation. The news comes amid a heated debate undertaken by the Supreme Court about whether Arizona's immigration enforcement law is constitutional.

Immigrants also say that they are unable to muster deportation defense strategies. Border Patrol resources have been allocated more effectively, they say, which is resulting in more arrests and deportations. Stiffer penalties for repeat offenders have further contributed to the return to Mexico, according to some groups, while others blame the increasingly violent drug cartels that patrol the Mexican side of the border.

In a suit filed earlier this month, immigration advocates are suing the federal government on behalf of five gay individuals who are seeking green-card status for their same-sex spouses. The family immigration complaint is intended to challenge the federal Defense of Marriage Act. That legislation prevents same-sex partners from receiving the same federal benefits as those afforded to heterosexual pairs.

Since the federal government refuses to acknowledge same-sex marriage, many of the people involved in the lawsuit were denied green cards. All of the couples named in the suit had been married in states that sanctioned gay unions, according to official reports. Lawyers for the couples say that the potential immigrants meet all established standards for entry into the U.S., except for the fact that they happen to be in homosexual relationships.

When people think of immigration they often think of the problems Latinos face. But people don't realize the U.S. immigration system is flawed for applicants from most countries. The growing population of Indian professionals seeking work in the United States has prompted one U.S. senator to push for employment immigration changes. Sen. Chuck Schumer is collaborating on a bill with Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid of Nevada that would loosen immigration requirements, allowing more Indian citizens to come to America.

The primary concern for Indians attempting to immigrate is the lack of H-1B and L-1 visas for employment. Although individuals face challenges in this forum, companies seeking visas for their employees are at an even greater disadvantage. The senators say that not only are Indians interested in working in America, but they also contribute to the economy through tourism. Expanded visa programs would allow more Indian citizens to visit the U.S., which could improve international relations. The proposed measure also includes accommodations for Russians and Chinese who are interested in visiting and working here.

Although the Latino vote could be influential enough to sway the results of the upcoming presidential election, many Hispanic voices will not be heard this year. A large number of Latinos living in the United States are not yet citizens, which limits their ability to vote. This population's voice will not be heard unless members are able to obtain citizenship, a situation that has inspired Las Vegas advocates to take action.

Many Latinos in the area are eligible for citizenship, but they may not understand the process or have access to resources. That's why The Citizenship Project was established in Las Vegas, to serve as an educational campaign designed to improve candidates' ability to earn their citizenship. The project, which currently boasts 20 students, increases participants' knowledge about American history and the English language.