If you had trouble contacting your immigration lawyer last month, there's a good reason. Congress' decision not to extend Section 245i coupled with a provision that allowed anyone who filed immigration papers before January 14th to be covered by the old rule translated into a mad rush of last minute filings. Long lines and filings until the special midnight deadline made the news around the country. What may not make the news are the countless tragic stories of families that will be torn apart because of the new laws. In the past, a good immigration lawyer could usually come up with a visa strategy with at least some chance of success. Today, even the best attorneys are seeing clients where there is little or no hope to offer. The good news is that the tide appears to be turning. Public attitudes are becoming more tolerant and Congress and the President seem to be focusing on how to reverse the damage of the 1996 Immigration Act and Welfare Act. For a sampling of what's happening in Washington, check out this month's Legislative Update. 

This month we also report on dozens of other developments in immigration as well as covering our usual features - Immigration and the Internet, Consular Focus, Visa Spotlight and others. In fact, with 34 articles, this is our largest issue ever.

In firm news, we are pleased to report that Siskind, Susser, Haas & Chang's web site (http://www.visalaw.com) has been honored as the best law firm web site on the Internet by Legal.Online Magazine, a leading publication focusing on law and technology. More than 5,000 law firms now have web sites (including 200+ immigration law firms) so the award carries some weight. Check out the story at http://www.legalonline.com. But we are not content to ride on our success. The firm has elaborate plans for improving the site over the course of the year.

Finally, as always we remind readers that our twelve lawyers are able to serve immigration clients in any state or province in the US or Canada. You are always welcome to call us toll free at 800-748-3819. We also provide full-scale consultations via telephone. Just complete the appointment request questionnaire at http://www.visalaw.com/intake.html.