The USCIS has revised and posted forms N-336 (Request for Hearing on Naturalization under section 336), I-730 (Refugee/Asylee Relative Petition), I-361 (Affidavit of Financial Support and Intent to Petition for Legal Custody of Amerasian), and G-639 (FOIA/Privacy Act Request).  The new forms are located at http://uscis.gov/graphics/newforms.htm. 

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The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) last week implemented exit procedures for foreign visitors departing from Fort Lauderdale -Hollywood International Airport. 

The exit procedure requires foreign visitors to check out of the country at exit stations located within the airport.  A visitor’s travel documents will be read, his or her index fingers will be scanned at the exit station, a digital picture will be taken and he or she will receive a printed receipt that verifies that he or she has checked out.  Workstation attendants will be available to help with checkout.  US Customs and Border Protection Officers will provide foreign visitors with a card explain the exit requirements when they arrive in the United States. The distribution of the cards will take place at strategically located spots throughout their airport and the cards will direct the visitors to exit stations.  

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A Mexican consulate is scheduled to open in the fall in Little Rock, Arkansas.  Arkansas has the second-fastest-growing Hispanic population in the country, according to The Dallas Morning News.  Since 1990 the Hispanic population in Arkansas has risen nearly 437 percent.   

Mexico is negotiating to lease a building in a strip mall near the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.  The consulate will be one of only two that Mexico is opening in the U.S. this year.  Another recently opened in Minneapolis. 

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According to a press release from U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the agency has begun a recruiting campaign to find and hire 170 new Border Patrol agents by the end of fiscal year 2006.  Funding for the new agents come partly from the Department of Homeland Security’s $41.1 billion budget for fiscal year 2006 and from the Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act. 

CBP’s recruitment and hiring efforts will include visiting military bases and colleges throughout the country, increased advertising efforts, and expedited hiring process. 

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