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A MESSAGE FROM SISKIND, SUSSER, HAAS & DEVINE
Dear Readers: 
Again this week we must report on newly uncovered instances of misconduct and abuse of power by officials of the Immigration and Naturalization Service, the agency that administers the US  immigration system. Perhaps the situation is not getting worse and simply that such matters are getting better coverage. Or maybe the situation is getting worse. As the INS has been in meltdown for the last few years, we have heard over and over again from employees of the agency that morale is suffering. Perhaps it is this discontent that most contributes to the problem. 
This week we write about two such incidents. In Portland, INS officials who felt her authentic passport was really a fraud jailed an innocent Chinese businesswoman for two days. The manner in which she was treated was incredibly shabby and is even more shameful given the recent history of abuse and harassment shown by immigration officials at the Portland Airport. The conduct of these officers may actually cost Portland important air routes to Asia since Delta Airlines has apparently had enough of the nonsense. 
This week a Border Patrol officer was arrested in Arizona for allegedly raping a young Mexican woman he was detaining. In recent weeks, we’ve reported on similar stories at the INS’ Krome Detention Center in Miami. Congress has mandated a massive increase in hiring at the Border Patrol. Many believe the rush to increase numbers has resulted in a poorly trained, undisciplined border force. Unfortunately, aside from a publication like this one, the national media seems to be paying little attention. Hopefully, this will begin to change. 
This week we report on a number of other news items. Mexico’s new President-elect Vicente Fox met with Al Gore and George Bush to discuss the possibility of opening up the US-Mexican border for the free movement of people back and forth. The Department of Labor issued long-awaited regulations for the H-1C nurse visa category. The agency also issued a memorandum outlining its plans for replacing the current labor certification process. 
This week we also introduce a new feature - Campaign 2000. Immigration promises to be an important issue in this year’s elections. We’ll be covering how the candidates approach the issue and what changes we may see depending on who is elected. 
Aside from Campaign 2000, we have most of our regular features this week – Border News, News Bytes, Government Processing Times and Legislative Update. You may notice that News from the Courts and the ABCs of Immigration are absent this week. Amy Ballentine, my co-editor who regularly writes those columns, is taking a well-deserved vacation this week. Those features will return next week. 
And finally, as always, we remind readers that a law firm that represents clients throughout North America publishes this newsletter. If you are interested in scheduling a telephone consultation to discuss immigration questions you may have or to discuss the possibility of Siskind, Susser, Haas & Devine handling your immigration case, please go to http://www.visalaw.com/intake.html. In most cases, we are able to schedule a consultation within two days and we can often accommodate evening and weekend appointments.

Thanks again for you continued loyalty,

Greg Siskind 
 
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Disclaimer: This newsletter is provided as a public service and not intended to establish an attorney client relationship. Any reliance on information contained herein is taken at your own risk.