The U.S. State Department of State has unveiled “Secure Borders. Open Doors,” a new effort to better communicate changes in U.S. visa procedures. Heightened concerns about security in the wake of the September 2001 terrorist attacks and subsequent United States government reorganization to address homeland security have led to a variety of changes in the visa policies. The program will initially utilize a new web site (www.UnitedStatesVisas.gov) and a customizable brochure. Additional materials will be developed in consultation with U.S. embassies and consulates around the world.

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The following organizations have been barred from applying for immigrant and nonimmigrant visas for periods up to two years. As a result, immigrant and nonimmigrant petitions filed by them will not be approved. 

1.  Academy of Chinese Culture & Health Sciences - Oakland, California

2.  View Systems Inc. - Baltimore, Maryland

3.Global Infonet International, Inc. - Woodbridge, New Jersey

4.  Verma Labs, Inc - Woodbridge, New Jersey

5.  Integrated Mental Health Service, S.C. - Marinette, Wisconsin

6.  Steeltech 2000 - Covina, California

7.  Yano Enterprises d/b/a Shogun Japanese Steakhouse - Lakeland, Florida

8.  Millennium Worldwide Consulting - Westerville, Ohio

9.  Deftcom, Inc. - Tucson, Arkansas

10.  Green Master, Inc. - Apopka, Florida

11.  ACI Manufacturing Company LP d/b/a/ AAA Furniture Wholesale, Inc. - Houston, Texas

12.  Plutus Environmental Technologies, Inc. - Sevierville, Tennessee

13.  Sunfresh, Inc. - Royal City, Washington

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The Department of Homeland security will no longer waive the I-90 and Form I-551 photograph requirements for religious reasons. On February 14, 2003, The Department of Justice issued a field memorandum stating that in light of national security related to the events of September 11, 2001, there will no discretionary waivers of the photograph requirement except for those specifically provided to accommodate advanced aged or physical infirmity. 

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Effective April 1, 2003, legal immigrants with 5 years of residence in the United States will be eligible for food stamps. On October 1, 2003, legal immigrant children will be eligible for food stamps without a waiting period.

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On March 21, 2003, the Department of Justice officials say that former U.S consulate employees in Nuevo Laredo, Mexico have plead guilty to conspiracy to commit visa fraud. More information on the case can be found in our February 7, 2003 newsletter at http://www.visalaw.com/03feb1/13feb103.html. 

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U.S. District Judge R. Allen Edgar, in the Tyson Foods immigrant case, has dismissed the immigrant smuggling charges against the company. Other serious immigration charges, however, remain outstanding against the food company.