Pro-Immigration Video From Sarasota Immigrant

A friend of the attorneys at Jaensch Immigration Law Firm recently submitted a video he made about the life of undocumented immigrants in New York and the hope that immigration reform is giving them for achieving the American Dream.  

Partha first arrived from India to play tennis at IMG Academy.  He won a tennis scholarship to study at Lehigh University in Pennsylvania and obtained his degree.  He worked in investment banking for a while before deciding to follow his passion to become a filmmaker and moving to New York City.

Seeing the plight of undocumented immigrants in NYC and being an immigrant himself, Partha decided to add his voice to the call for reform through film.  As he put it, he wanted to differentiate himself from the many other films being done about this issue by making his a fiction piece, and incorporating more comedy.  By showing just how ridiculous the situation can be for some of the nation’s immigrants, he hopes to produce serious reflection on immigration law and its economic impact, healthcare and human trafficking.

Below you will find the first mini-promo Partha filmed.  He plans on filming two more.  He is using the promos to gather support for filming a full-length feature.  His goal is to raise $55,000 by January.  So far he’s raised $16,000.

Future plans include kicking off a Kickstarter campaign and continuing to raise funds through his network of friends, family, and colleagues.

To learn more and to donate follow this link.  Please enjoy the promo video below.

Hope for Immigration Compromise Amid Government Shutdown

We received this press release from the American Immigration Council yesterday.

House Democrats Unveil Comprehensive Immigration Reform Proposal

October 2, 2013

Washington D.C. – Today, in an important effort to keep the conversation and momentum on immigration reform moving forward in the House, a group of centrist Democrats introduced their version of the Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act. Although the full text has not yet been made available, it is said to be a modification of the bipartisan Senate bill of the same name adopted earlier this year. Among other reported changes, the House bill takes a different path on border security, incorporating a bill introduced by Republican Congressman Mike McCaul which passed unanimously out of the House Committee on Homeland Security in May of 2013. The House sponsors—including Representatives Garcia, Chu, Polis, DelBene, and Horsford—adopted provisions of the McCaul-Thompson bill as a replacement for the costly, controversial “border surge” strategy adopted by the Senate under the Corker-Hoeven amendment.  

Substantively, the comprehensive immigration reform bill introduced today reflects a series of bipartisan policy and political compromises made during deliberations in the Senate. The original co-sponsors represent diverse interests from within the Democratic Party, including the New Democrats Coalition, Congressional Hispanic Caucus, Congressional Black Caucus, and Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus.

The following is a statement from the American Immigration Council’s Executive Director, Benjamin Johnson:

“The introduction of a comprehensive immigration reform bill in the House presents an important opportunity for bipartisan cooperation and is a reminder that Congress can and must work on more than one issue at a time.  The bill’s co-sponsors have demonstrated a willingness to take a fresh look at the decidedly imperfect Senate bill and use it as a starting point for shaping truly bipartisan legislation.  To succeed, Republicans must either seize the opportunity to turn this into a truly bipartisan moment for moving immigration reform forward, or put forward an alternative vehicle for fixing our broken immigration system.”

Immigration Reform Update: Senator Rubio Urges Fellow Republicans to Act

Senator Marco Rubio, a Florida Republican and co-author of the immigration reform bill that the Senate passed in June, recently warned fellow Republicans in the House of the potential consequences of not acting on the CIR bill.

Senator Rubio argued that if the Congress does not act on Comprehensive Immigration Reform then President Obama will use an executive order to legalize the undocumented.  The President’s has already used an executive order to grant deferred action to the DREAMers and legalization by executive order would build on that precedent.  An executive order would legalize 11 million undocumented without including any of the provisions that Republicans believe should go with immigration reform, such as border security advances and E-Verify.

“I believe that this president will be tempted, if nothing happens in Congress, he will be tempted to issue an executive order like he did for the DREAM Act kids a year ago, where he basically legalizes 11 million people by the sign of a pen.  Now, we won’t get an E-Verify, we won’t get any border security.  But he’ll legalize them,” Rubio said  on Tuesday.

“Unless we’re going to try to round up and deport 11 million people — something that not even the most vociferous opponent of the [Senate] bill proposed — then we are going to have to at some point address this issue,” Rubio said. “We can’t leave, in my mind, the way it is.  Because I think a year from now we could find ourselves with all 11 million people here legally under an executive order from the president, but no E-Verify, no more border security, no more border agents, none of the other reforms that we desperately need,” he continued.

To read more: http://www.politico.com/story/2013/08/marco-rubio-immigration-executive-order-95487.html#ixzz2bxU4M895

What do you think of Senator Rubio’s warning?  Let us know in the comments below.

Immigration Lawyer Peter Jaensch Attends Pro-Immigration Rally in Sarasota

Immigration attorney of Sarasota, Peter Jaensch, attended the pro-immigration rally held in front of the V-Day statue on the Sarasota waterfront on Wednesday, July 24.  The rally was organized by the ACLU which chose Sarasota and Tallahassee as sites for a pro-immigration rally in order to send a pro-immigration message to Florida Congressional representatives Vern Buchanan and Steve Southerland.

The immigration lawyers at Sarasota’s Jaensch Immigration Law Firm learned of the rally earlier in the week and founding member, Peter Jaensch, decided to lend his support and attend.

The rally was a great success.  Dozens of people lined US 41 with signs and balloons, urging the cars passing by to honk for immigration reform.  The drivers were not afraid to show their support and the air was filled with the sounds of honking vehicles and cheers from the intrepid ralliers.  Immigration attorney Peter Jaensch took a few photos and was even featured in the Sarasota Herald-Tribune article covering the event.

Immigration lawyer Peter Jaensch (left) at pro-immigration rally

Jaensch Immigration Law Firm Prepares for Immigration Reform

Sarasota Immigration Attorneys Preparing for Increased Demand

Immigration Reform passed the Senate on Thursday, June 27 by a vote of 68-32.  It still has to go through committee and floor debate in the House of Representatives, reconciliation, and signing.  Nevertheless, Jaensch Immigration Law Firm is already preparing in case the bill becomes law.

Senator Marco Rubio, member of the Gang of Eight, after the bill passed the Senate

Last year the firm established a Latin American Division, managed by Cesar Gomez, former director of the Gulf Coast Latin Chamber of Commerce, to expand ties and establish strategic partnerships with the local Latin American community.  What’s more, over the last 6 months the firm has doubled its office space and increased staff by 20% with further increases planned.

“Comprehensive Immigration Reform could change almost every aspect of the immigration system.  It would create many new opportunities, not only for undocumented immigrants, but for investors, students, and workers as well,” says P. Christopher Jaensch, managing attorney of Jaensch Immigration Law Firm.  “Such a sweeping change would create new demand for our services and we want to be ready to handle that,” he adds.

The firm began disseminating information about the bill the moment it appeared.  They created a new website that collects and displays the latest immigration reform news.  They embarked on an informational campaign using emails, social media, and news articles.  The campaign educates the Sarasota-Bradenton area about the possibilities that immigration reform would bring.

Members of the firm traveled to Washington in April before the bill had entered the Senate.  Victoria Jaensch Karins brought letters from Sarasota area employers and individual immigrants demonstrating the need for immigration reform.  Soon after the Gang of Eight unveiled the legislation and submitted it to the Senate Judiciary Committee.

The firm is conducting bi-lingual seminars in Manatee and Sarasota Counties, as well as Arcadia, to explain the provisions of the bill.  They also created a fingerprint data collection center where individuals interested in obtaining information about their own criminal and immigration detention history can have their fingerprints taken and sent to the FBI for a records search. 

“It will be especially important for those who may wish to apply for legalization to demonstrate the absence of a criminal record,” says Mr. Jaensch, “and for that they need to have their fingerprints taken.”  He adds that in the past, “this could only be done through the local jail or police office.”

News on Comprehensive Immigration Reform, Amendments, DACA Statistics

Comprehensive Immigration Reform Survives Early Test:

On June 11th, the U.S. Senate voted to move the “Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act” (S. 744), the comprehensive immigration reform bill drafted by the “Gang of Eight,” to the floor for debate, where it is expected to face dozens of amendments in the coming weeks. The final vote to begin debate on the landmark legislation was 84 in favor and 15 against.

http://www.natlawreview.com/article/comprehensive-immigration-reform-proceeds-to-senate-floor-heated-debate-expected-to-

Sen John Cornyn (R-TX, Minority Whip) introduces “RESULTS” amendment which would have strengthened border security.  It is eventually opposed and dropped.

Mayor  Bloomberg announces support for immigration reform for students.

John Boehner and Marco Rubio met to discuss reform last week.

The divide between the Republican Party on immigration reform was highlighted on Friday during the annual Faith and Freedom conference in Washington, D.C.

Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush argued for immigration reform, stating that more legal immigration would add to the American workforce and create more revenues from payroll taxes.

However, U.S. Rep. Michelle Bachmann, R-Minn., argued at the same meeting that passing the immigration package currently on the table would be a mistake.

Meanwhile, on Saturday, the Obama administration celebrated the one-year mark of the Deferred Action announcement, an executive order that announced that thousands of undocumented youths would be allowed to stay and work in the U.S. if they met certain requirements.

New Deferred Action Statistics Released:

These newly-released USCIS statistics on DACA cases from August 15, 2012 to May 31, 2013 indicate a decline in DACA applications; the statistics show 520,157 DACA applications accepted for processing, 507,301 biometric services appointments scheduled, 365,237 requests approved, and 3,816 requests denied.

Immigration Reform at the Bradenton Multicultural Festival

Comprehensive Immigration Reform is coming and we want to make sure the Sarasota-Bradenton area is informed and prepared.  We began our informational campaign last week at the Multicultural Festival organized by the Manatee Technical Institute and Esperanza Gamboa.

The Annual Multicultural Festival features live music and performances by Latin dance troupes.  Businesses and organizations sponsor for a table and promote themselves to the public.  Jaensch Immigration Law Firm partnered with Manatee Community Federal Credit Union for a table.  We brought informational flyers advertising our upcoming joint seminar on June 19, at Suncoast Community Capital at 6pm.  Attorney Cesar Gomez spoke with interested attendees on a range of legal issues, mostly immigration related.  He was also invited to speak to the crowd at large.

Employees of Jaensch Immigration Law Firm produced a short slideshow explaining the possibilities of immigration reform and the program that Manatee Community is developing to help immigrants finance their journey through the possible legalization process.  You may view it below.

The event was a great success with the room full of attendees and businesses.  The dancers displayed incredible talent and a good time was had by all.  We want to take this opportunity to thank Manatee Technical Institute and Esperanza Gamboa for inviting us to the Multicultural Festival.  We look forward to working with you in the future.

Latin dancers show off their skills at the Multicultural Festival

Immigration Reform Means Economic Growth

Hidden Provisions of Senate Immigration Proposal Could Benefit Sarasota-Bradenton

5/6/2013

Sarasota, FL – Much of the recent discussion about immigration reform has centered on enforcement and legalization of undocumented aliens, but hidden in the Senate immigration bill are a number of proposals that could benefit the Sarasota-Bradenton area, including extended visitors visas for Canadians, a Retiree Visa, a short term visa for foreign executives and managers of companies with operations in the U.S. and a temporary visa and green card category for entrepreneurs.

Canadian Retirees (Sec. 4503)

It is important to note that the Senate bill is not the final word on immigration reform.  It must still go through the legislative process, which could cause it to be changed significantly.  Then, it must past the Senate.  At the same time, an immigration bill must also pass the House of Representatives and the two bills must be reconciled.  Supporters of these proposals should email Senator Marco Rubio (http://www.rubio.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/contact) and Senator Bill Nelson (http://www.billnelson.senate.gov/contact/email.cfm) to express their views and preserve these provisions.  To read the full text of the bill as it stands please visit http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/113/s744/text.

About Jaensch Immigration Law Firm: The law firm was established in Sarasota in 1984 and provides a wide range of immigration legal services to students, investors, entrepreneurs, professional and skilled workers, athletes, coaches, aliens with extraordinary and exceptional credentials and more.  The law firm is comprised of five immigration lawyers, Peter J. Jaensch, P. Christopher Jaensch, Victoria Jaensch Karins, and Kevin Runyan.  The main website of Jaensch Immigration Law Firm is www.VisaAmerica.com.  For more information contact marketing coordinator, Michael Marquet, at 941-366-9841 or send email to mmarquet@VisaAmerica.com.

Victoria Jaensch Karins Elected Chairperson of American Immigration Lawyers Association, Central Florida Chapter

Sarasota Immigration Attorney Victoria Jaensch Karins

Jaensch Immigration Law Firm is proud to announce that attorney Victoria Jaensch Karins has been elected chairperson of the American Immigration Lawyers Association, Central Florida Chapter (AILA-CFC).  The Central Florida Chapter includes over 300 immigration attorneys and, aside from southeast Florida, covers the entire state.  Previously Ms. Karins served as the Education Chair and the Vice Chair Tampa Region for AILA-CFC.  She is the first AILA-CFC chairperson ever from Sarasota.

As chair Ms. Karins will serve as the initial point of contact between AILA-CFC and outside organizations, companies, and agencies.  She will be in charge of the chapter’s general operations and communications to and from the national level.

“It is an honor to be elected to this post.  I look forward to serving my fellow immigration attorneys with enthusiasm,” says Ms. Karins, who obtained her law degree in 1994 and has been practicing immigration law ever since.  Together with her brother, managing attorney P. Christopher Jaensch, and the other attorneys at Jaensch Immigration Law Firm, she is part of the largest immigration law firm on Florida’s Gulf Coast.

“With major potential changes in immigration law on the horizon it is very important for immigration attorneys to work together for positive reform,” says Ms. Karins, referring to the Senate bipartisan immigration reform bill.  She herself has already been to DC to lobby for reform.  “The political climate seems amenable to immigration reform,” says Ms. Karins, “the bill still has to go through the committee process and floor debate and we look forward to helping shape it throughout the process,” she continued.  “That being said,” she added, “it is also important for us to educate the public to reduce the potential for fraudulent activities from unlicensed and fly-by-night organizations, otherwise known as notarios.”

Immigration reform could bring far-reaching changes such as the creation of a start-up visa, retiree visa, and most controversially, a path to citizenship for the 11 million undocumented immigrants living in the United States.  “Certain people are too focused on the provisions regarding the path to citizenship, the bill contains so much more,” says Ms. Karins.  “The creation of a start-up visa for foreign entrepreneurs, a W visa for foreign workers, the expansion of the H-1B visa program, and the creation of a retiree visa could all be very positive in terms of increased vitality and economic growth,” she continued.

For further questions Ms. Karins can be reached via her email – victoria@visaamerica.com – or by phone – (941) 366-9841.

Press Release: In Wake of Boston Bombings Congress Takes a Closer Look at Immigration Reform Bill

Download this press release in English and Spanish.

Sarasota, FL – On April 16 the long-awaited Comprehensive Immigration Reform Bill, written by the “Gang of 8″ – Senators Schumer, McCain, Durbin, Graham, Menendez, Bennet, Flake, and Rubio – entered Congress.

The bill makes border security a prerequisite to legalization and reform of the legal immigration system.  It seeks to achieve an Effectiveness Rate (the number of apprehensions and turn backs in a specific sector divided by the total number of illegal entries) of 90%. 

The bill would appropriate $3 billion for border security.  It asks for additional resources such as more border patrol agents, the use of the National Guard, and drones.  It would also appropriate $1.5 billion for additional fencing on the southern border.

The bill lists several border security measures it would enact including the creation of an exit visa system to track visitors who overstay their visas.

In the wake of the Boston bombings it’s likely that the bill will experience a few changes to its security measures.

“We expect to see more security measures added to the bill as it goes through the legislative process in response to the Boston bombings,” says Cesar Gomez of Jaensch Immigration Law Firm. “The revelation that the Boston bombers were foreign will cause many Congressmen to scrutinize the bill more closely but we do not foresee this tragedy completely derailing the possibility of reform.”

Jaensch Immgration Law Firm is working closely with Manatee Community Federal Credit Union to help area residents prepare for the potential changes in the law.  “We will continue to work together for as long as immigration reform stays alive in Congress,” says Sherod Halliburton, EVP of Strategic Initiatives.  “Reform has the potential of helping millions of hard-working folks in this country and, if it passes, we will be ready,” he continued.

The other day Marco Rubio made a statement reinforcing his commitment to immigration reform, using the Boston attacks as further justification of the need for reform, and asking for cooperation in his attempt to improve the immigration system so attacks like that are less likely to happen again.

Sarasota, FL – El 16 de abril, el “Gang of 8”, que incluye a senadores Schumer, McCain, Durbin, Graham, Menendez, Bennet, Flake, y Rubio, entrego su propuesta de reforma migratoria comprensiva.  El proyecto de ley entró en el Senate Judiciary Committee donde empezará el proceso legislativo.

Los senadores proponen que se fortalezca la seguridad en las fronteras antes de que se abra un camino hacía la legalización.  Si entrara en efecto, intentaría lograr una tasa de efectividad (el número de arrestos dividido por el número total de entradas ilegales) del 90%.

El proyecto de ley se utilizaría un presupuesto estimado en los $3 billones de dólares para medidas de seguridad en la frontera.  Para esto el Congreso pedirían recursos adicionales como agentes fronterizos (border patrol agents) adicionales, el uso de la guardia nacional, y drones.

También ampliaría la cerca que ayude a proteger la frontera del sur de los Estados Unidos.  Este proyecto usará un presupuesto estimado en $1.5 billones de dólares.

Medidas adicionales incluirán la creación de un sistema para asegurarse de que ningún extranjero con visado temporal se quede más de lo que su visado permite.

Debido al atentado en Boston, es probable que la reforma migratoria experimente algunos cambios.

“Creemos que veremos algunos cambios y medidas adicionales en cuanto a las propuestas de seguridad en la reforma migratoria,” dice Cesar Gomez de Jaensch Immigration Law Firm.  “La revelación de que los terroristas en Boston eran inmigrantes hará que muchos congresistas estudien la propuesta más cuidadosamente pero no creemos que esto sea negativo para la reforma.”

Jaensch Immigration Law Firm y Manatee Community Federal Credit Union se han asociado para ayudarles a las personas de los condados de Sarasota y Manatee prepararse para cambios potenciales en la ley.  “Vamos a continuar a trabajar juntos mientras este proyecto de ley se quede vivo en el congreso,” dice Sherod Halliburton, EVP de iniciativas estratégicas.  “La reforma tiene la posibilidad de ayudarles a millones de personas muy trabajadoras en este país y, si la aprueban, estaremos listos,” continuó.

De hecho, hace unos días, Marco Rubio salió con un mensaje para la prensa que manifestó su apoyo para la reforma y pidió cooperación con sus intentos de mejorar el sistema migratorio.

From “Credit Union Times”:

Florida Credit Union Reaches Out to Immigrants

Happy Easter – Look for an Immigration Reform Bill When Congress Reconvenes

Congress Should Show an Immigration Reform Bill After Easter Recess