Dear Readers:

This week we expected the State Department to announce rules on applying for the 2004 diversity visa lottery. Unfortunately, while a lottery rule was announced, it dealt only with a few technical changes regarding the use of work experience as the equivalent of a high school education and with the photographic requirements. However, we have heard from one source that the applications will be accepted between October 7 and November 6. We cover the new rules this week and hope that application rules will be announced next week.

In other news, we cover a report showing that the number of immigration related prosecutions has steadily increased since 1996.  This increase has had a significant impact on the US prison population, and on the ability of certain federal districts to deal with the rapidly increasing caseload.  We also report on the impact a recent Social Security Administration effort to verity names and numbers in its records is having on undocumented workers.  Our ABC’ of Immigration is a guest piece on the availability of parole to undocumented immigrants who are married to US citizens.  We also have all our regular features.

As we note each week, there are various ways you can communicate with us if you have questions:

- email at gsiskind@visalaw.com

- if you need a telephone or in person consultation go to http://www.visalaw.com/intake.html or call 800-748-3819 or 901-737-3194  and request an appointment

- online individual chats (go to http://www.visalaw.com/chatlive.htm)

- weekly group chats at Monster.com

Many people also do not realize that our law firm is typically capable of handling immigration matters anywhere in North America so please don't assume that just because we don't have an office in your home town we can't handle your work.

Hope you have a great weekend,