Dear Readers:

From time to time we depart from our normal ABCs feature and include a flow chart that helps explain immigration law in a more visually useful fashion. For the next several weeks, readers who like flow charts will be in for a treat. We have developed a series of new charts covering J-1 home residency waivers. The first one this week is a decision tree that helps one determine if the J-1 home residency requirement applies. In future weeks, we'll provide charts showing how to get waivers through hardship waivers, no objection letters, persecution claims and hardship claims.

Immigration has also been one of the week's major news stories in the US. As if Wal-Mart did not have enough to cover in its battle with the government on alleged immigration violations, now some of the workers picked up in the raids are suing Wal-Mart for labor law violations.

The US Supreme Court will hear a case involving the government's rights to detain alleged terrorists in Guantanamo without charge and without access to a lawyer. The decision could have a major effect on the ability of the government to exercise so-called "emergency" powers that restrict the rights of immigrants.

We also report on two inter-connected stories - the smuggling of children into the US and efforts to get real immigration reform in this country. In recent weeks, a great deal of attention has been focused on alien smuggling and the increasingly violent toll it is taking on the smuggled immigrants as well as the communities where the "coyotes" are operating. The smuggling problems are increasing support around the US for comprehensive immigration reform that would create a real system for immigrants to legally enter the US. Mexican government officials have been visiting with US officials in DC and in border states to promote this idea. While there will be no major changes in the next few months, real reform is starting to look like a real possibility.

We're pleased this week to carry a Gary Endelman column this week. Gary's columns are always insightful and we're sure you will enjoy reading his thoughts this week about illegal immigration.

Finally, as always, we remind readers that we're lawyers who make our living representing immigration clients and employers seeking to comply with immigration laws. We would love to discuss becoming your law firm. Just go to http://www.visalaw.com/intake.html to request an appointment or call us at 800-748-3819 or 901-682-6455.

Regards,

Greg Siskind