Gil Kerlikowske Confirmed as Head of Customs and Border Protection
The U.S. Senate has confirmed Gil Kerlikowske as the Commissioner of Customs and Border Protection. The Executive Director of the National Immigration Forum, Ali Noorani, has confidence in Kerlikowske’s capability.
“We hope he will bring additional transparency to Customs and Border Protection, especially when it comes to the agency’s use of force policy,” Noorani stated. “As bipartisan immigration reform moves forward this year, we look forward to working closely with the new commissioner on prioritizing a secure border within the context of immigration reform.”
*
Obama Administration Cracks Down on School Discrimination against Undocumented Students
The Latin Post reports that the Obama administration is cracking down on public schools that discriminate against undocumented children and the children of undocumented parents. During the 1982 case Plyler v. Doe, the Supreme Court ruled that federal law assigns undocumented children the right to attend public schools. Tough immigration laws, such as Arizona’s controversial SB 1070, made it difficult for children to pursue an education; some states began requiring documentation proving immigration status during school registration processes. The Obama administration recently issued a set of guidelines to prevent such practices. Attorney General Eric Holder and Secretary of Education Arne Duncan have released statements condemning immigration status-based discrimination.
*
Department of State Cable on DS-260 Rollout for DV-2015 Diversity Visa Program
The Department of State has announced that beginning with the 2015 Diversity Visa Program (DV-2015), all diversity visa applicants must use the electronic DS-260 form. DS-230, DSP-122, and all paper forms will no longer be accepted. The DS-260 form is accessible through the Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC) and will be available for public use on May 19, 2014.
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.