We received excellent feedback on our new fashion, arts and sports immigration law newsletter. If you missed it, you can see it at our new FAS portal at www.visalaw.com/resources.html.  

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Despite an absence of headlines, there have been developments on comprehensive immigration reform in the last week.  

First, Congress passed one measure separately that was part of the Senate immigration reform bill last year. The measure was included in the minimum wage bill introduced in the opening hours of the Congress. Employers who have hired illegal workers will be barred from federal government contracts for seven years (ten years if they had government contracts while they were employing illegal workers). The Senate version has an exemption if an employer participates in the BASIC pilot program for employer immigration compliance. We’ll need to see if the House agrees to accepting this variance.  

Senator Kennedy tried to attach to the minimum wage bill the entire comprehensive immigration reform bill passed last year, but the measure was tabled. We were somewhat amused to see certain anti-immigrant bloggers mistakenly read the congressional record to show that the Kennedy amendment was passed unanimously. A near hysteria followed before people realized the error. We tend to think this is typical of this community – quick to get hysterical without checking the facts.  

There was also other important news on the Hill. We were pleased to learn that our friend Blake Chisam, the author of a highly regarded immigration law treatise and a well-respected immigration lawyer from Oklahoma , will be assuming the position of chief counsel to the House Immigration Subcommittee. Blake will bring a depth of knowledge to the immigration reform process that will be greatly needed this year. Good luck Blake!  

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In firm news, we are pleased to welcome Elissa Taub, our newest attorney in our Memphis office. Elissa recently relocated from Miami where she was an attorney with White and Case. Prior to that, she was an attorney at Dechert Price and Rhoads in Philadelphia . Elissa can be reached at etaub@visalaw.com. Welcome Elissa!  

We also have made the decision to convert Siskind’s Immigration Professional, our announcements newsletter, into a blog. This will allow us to get information out in a more timely manner and we think people will find it an easier way to get the latest information on new immigration law books, seminars, employment opportunities, etc. You can see the SIP blog at sip-visalaw.blogspot.com.  

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Finally, as always, if you are interested in becoming a Siskind Susser Bland client, please feel welcome to contact us at 800-748-3819 to arrange for a telephone or in person consultation with one of our lawyers.  

Kind regards,  

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.