The Department of Homeland Security has released its compilation of statistics for 2003.  The document shows enforcement, benefits and other immigration-related figures and can be found at the following link: http://uscis.gov/graphics/shared/aboutus/statistics/2003Yearbook.pdf.

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AILA recently posted on its website that it is likely to be “several weeks” before the filing of cap-subject H-1B petitions is cut off for fiscal year 2005.  The reason it is not being cut off sooner is the recapture of unused Singapore/Chile free trade numbers.

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Labor certification applications pending at the Dallas and Philadelphia DOL regional offices are being transferred to the Backlog Reduction Centers in those cities.  As part of the data entry process at the Centers, letters are being sent to employers and their representatives to advise them that the applications have been transferred from the regional office to the Backlog Reduction Center and to request updated information.

Employers are given 45 days to respond to these letters.  According to DOL, an untimely an/or incomplete response will not be accepted and will result in the case being closed.