Dear Readers:

Occasionally we make mistakes in this publication and I try and correct them when they’re discovered. I made one last week in this very column when I discussed the Republican Party’s position on immigration in connection with the drafting of its Convention Platform. The Republican National Committee posted an old version of the platform on its web site and did not indicate that this was not the new language (even though the Platform had already been adopted). I should have immediately caught this and I apologize.

For the record, here’s the updated language:

“Supporting Humane and Legal Immigration

The Republican Party supports reforming the immigration system to ensure that it is legal, safe, orderly and humane. It also supports measures to ensure that the immigration system is structured to address the needs of national security. America is a stronger and better nation because of the hard work and entrepreneurial spirit of immigrants, and the Republican Party honors them. A growing economy requires a growing number of workers, and President Bush has proposed a new temporary worker program that applies when no Americans can be found to fill the jobs. This new program would allow workers who currently hold jobs to come out of the shadows and to participate legally in America’s economy. It would allow men and women who enter the program to apply for citizenship in the same manner as those who apply from outside the United States. There must be strong workplace enforcement with tough penalties against employees and employers who violate immigration laws. We oppose amnesty because it would have the effect of encouraging illegal immigration and would give an unfair advantage to those who have broken our laws.

To better ensure that immigrants enter the United States only through legal means that allow for verification of their identity, reconnaissance cameras, border patrol agents, and unmanned aerial flights have all been increased at the border. In addition, Border Patrol agents now have sweeping new powers to deport illegal aliens without having first to go through the cumbersome process of allowing the illegal alien to have a hearing before an immigration judge. We support these efforts to enforce the law while welcoming immigrants who enter America through legal avenues.”

This version of the platform contrasts sharply with the previous one. There are few details. The endorsement of the Bush plan is certainly encouraging, but the lack of specifics certainly supports the notion that the Republican Party is deeply divided on the immigration issue. The President is far closer to the middle on immigration issues than many vocal members of the Republican Party and the language finally adopted reflects that.

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A few weeks back reported that the H-1B quota for the new fiscal year, which starts October 1st, was already 2/3 of the way to being filled. In the last two weeks, another 5,000 cases have been filed and it is appearing that the quota will likely be filled by the end of October, just one month into the year. That is the earliest the H-1B quota will ever have been filled. Look for the H-1B cap to become a big issue AFTER the election when the pressure of politics will have eased and our Legislature and President will have a freer hand to make decisions that they deem necessary.

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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