5. News from the Courts:

U.S. judge orders agency to rule on green card for Iraqi

The McClatchy Newspapers report that there are around 7000 refugees and political asylum seekers in legal limbo in the USA. Many are deemed ineligible to become permanent residents, despite the fact that many actively fought against despotic regimes and terrorist groups in their home countries. This stems from the current administration’s interpretation of the Patriot Act, which they say claims that refugees and asylum seekers are barred from living and working in the US if they had supported or were ever members of armed groups in their homelands. The same groups often fought alongside or aided US troops, and fought tyrannical dictators and terrorists.

A ruling issued recently from a US District Court judge in Colorado ruled that in the case of Sami Alkarim, an Iraqi refugee, DHS must process Mr. Alkarim’s green card request within 30 days, claiming that DHS’s arguments were not valid, and that the legal limbo had put the plaintiff into a situation of great stress and anxiety.

It is unclear now, whether based on the current interpretations of the law, DHS will be forced to deny Mr. Alkarim’s request, or if he will be approved. If denied, he and his attorney have announced they will continue to fight until Mr. Alkarim and his four children are given permanent residence and work eligibility.

http://www.kansascity.com/2010/03/30/1846900/us-judge-orders-agency-to-rule.html

* * * * * *