Post 9/11 Issues IIRAIRA Illegal Immigration Reform And Immigrant Responsibility Act Widened the scope of what is considered an aggravated felony under immigration law by completely barring anyone convicted of an aggravated felony from applying for relief from deportation. Call-In Registration In 2002, the government initiated NSEERS: National Security Entry/Exit Registration System. Individuals, starting at age 16, were instructed to report to the local U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Office and register Program withdrawn by DHS in 2004

Post 9/11 Issues INS was abolished in March 2003 and replaced with the following: Department Of Homeland Security (DHS) Citizenship & Immigration Service (CIS) “Good Branch” naturalization, green cards, work authorization, Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE) “Bad Branch” Investigations, Removal, Deportation, Detention Customs & Border Protection (CBP) Prevents Terrorists & Terrorist Weapons from Entering the U.S.

Post 9/11 Issues VISIT (Visitor & Immigrant Status Indication Technology System) This new program will allow biometrically authenticated documents to be used to allow individuals to enter the country. CHANGES TO VISA ISSUANCE AT U.S. CONSULAR POSTS ABROAD Visa Condor Program- Implemented in January 2002, as an in- depth security check system wherein the name of the applicant for a visa is sent to the State Department for analysis Enhanced Border Security & Visa Entry Reform Act of Requires consular offices at U.S. consulates to implement new security measures in reviewing applications. Form DS-157- all males from must complete this form

Post 9/11 Issues The Patriot Act-Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act This is an act of Congress that Pres. Bush signed into law on the Act increased the ability of law enforcement agencies to search telephone and records, medical, financial, and other records; eased restrictions on foreign intelligence gathering within the U.S. expanded the Secretary of the Treasury’s authority to regulate financial transactions (particularly those involving foreign individuals and entities) enhanced the discretion of law enforcement and immigration authorities in detaining and deporting immigrants suspected of terrorism-related acts.

Post 9/11 Issues Airport Security Starting Sept. 26, Air travelers can now carry liquids, gels and aerosols in their carry-on bag when going through security checkpoints. All liquids, gels and aerosols must be in three-ounce or smaller containers All liquids, gels and aerosols must be placed in a single, quart-size, zip-top, clear plastic bag “Air Puffer Bomb Dector” With a puff of air and a sniff, the newest security machine checkpoints act as robotic bomb-sniffing dogs -- and reduce the need for invasive pat-downs

Post 9/11 Issues CHANGES REGARDING STUDENT VISAS S.E.V.I.S. (Student & Exchange Visitor Information System) The SEVIS requires authorized educational institutions, such as universities, laboratories, non-profit organizations and secondary schools, to monitor international students and scholars and maintain their records. The SEVIS can only be accessed by the Designated School Officials (DSOs), who are authorized by DHS to use the system. The SEVIS tracking must be done within 3 days of the beginning of the semester.

Post 9/11 Issues M-Visa Used for an approved course of study leading to a specific educational or vocational objective. (9/11 Terrorist in FL flight school) The M-1 visa holders can: travel in and out of the U.S. (on short trips and return) or remain in the country continuously until the completion of their study program; transfer from one college to another; work lawfully on-campus on a part-time basis; work lawfully off-campus on a project study that's related to their area of study; and apply for an “M2 visa’, for family members (spouse and kids under 21) accompanying them to the U.S.

Post 9/11 Issues CHANGES REGARDING INDIVIDUALS WHO HAVE COMMITTED CRIMES Any and all criminal arrests or convictions or detentions inside or outside of the U.S. must be reported. CHANGE OF ADDRESS Form AR-11 Must be submitted USCIS must be notified within 10 days of any change of address

Post 9/11 Issues The Iraq War One of the most profound “Post 9/11” issues is the Iraq War. The War began on March 20, 2003 President Bush has stated that the reason for the invasion was that Iraq possessed, and was actively developing, weapons of mass destruction in violation of a 1991 agreement.

The Dream Act The Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors Act is a piece of proposed federal legislation that would provide high school students who are illegal immigrants who wish to attend college or serve in the armed forces with eligibility for legal status. Requirements Proof of having arrived in the United States at age 15 or younger. Proof of residence in the United States for a least five (5) consecutive years since their date of arrival. Must be between the ages of 12 and 30 at time of bill enactment. Graduation from an American high school, or obtained a GED. Good Moral Character