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# ~ # ~ # ~ # ~ # ~ # ~ # ~ # ~ # ~ # ~# ~ # ~ # ~ # ~ # ************ + + + + + + + ****************** Refer a friend to Crossing Borders! Click to
Recommend-It! Going to see your sweetheart? We’ll help you get a good
fare/package! + + + + + + + + + + + + + Last week, we packed up the whole family and took a short vacation to the mountains of Virginia. It was beautiful and the weather lovely, particularly at this time of year. Naturally, we had a great time and a well-needed break while our little princess received lots of love and cuddles from 2 grandmas and a great grandma. I think of what we would’ve missed and how we would’ve deprived our baby of this rare chance of having the two families together, if we’d been scared into staying at home instead. I’m glad we went ahead with our plans that were set months ago. Time and tide wait for no man and life continues without regard to how well we cope. I hope that you too have picked up the pieces and forged ahead despite the circumstances. “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27 ~Lynette Chandler + + + + + + + + + + + + + + In the aftermath of September
11th, this is one question all of us ask. In
all aspects of our lives, we find something has changed and we expect changes.
For international couples, some of us might be wondering about new immigration
policies and how it’ll affect their applications. We checked out the web in
search of news of new policies that will affect international couples. For the
mean time, there seem to be no changes to the I-130 family-based visa process or
the K-1 fiancé visa apart from the changes the LIFE Act had on it. Visible
changes were reflected on Border Crossing Cards. As of October 1, 2001, new
machine-readable cards with better security features are now being issued and
the old ones are no longer valid. So, for those who have loved ones hold such a
pass, be sure to obtain a new one. For information on how to obtain these new
cards, go to www.ins.usdoj.gov. At the time of writing, few
changes have been made to immigration procedures. Most changes are an outcome of
the INS’s ongoing efforts and not a result of the tragedy. However, in a
statement by the INS Commissioner at a recent Congressional Hearing (October
11), there are suggestions made that indicate what we can expect to come. These
are, more border patrol resources, increased inspections at all ports of entry,
submission of passenger information before boarding and making this information
easily accessible to law enforcement agencies. ***************** Student visas will most definitely be more closely scrutinized; more information will be collected on students and the manner how a student gains entry to the country will be revised. The automated entry-exit data collection system the INS has been working on will also be sped up. INS will also be moving ahead to integrate its fingerprint identification system with the FBI's automated fingerprinting system. For a complete transcript of the INS Commissioner's testimony, please go to www.ins.usdoj.gov/graphics/aboutins/congress/testimonies/2001/10_11_01.pdf. Though little mention is given regarding new or revised immigration procedures, it's believed much change will come in time. So what should you do if you are planning to file your petitions? As far as we can tell right now, it's file as per usual. Naturally, it would be good to check with the nearest INS service center and especially the embassy if you are filing from one. Since all embassies are on heightened vigil, you can and should expect office hour changes, unexpected closures and such. If you are in the middle of your application, continue doing all you need to do, including any new paperwork or amendments you are asked to complete if any. If you are in the midst of your application and have information to share with other Crossing Borders readers, send us your story by going to http://www.angelfire.com/ok2/kenandlynette/cb/feedback.html or e-mail us at thanx2godforus@hotmail.com and we will post it in the next issue. In the mean time, keep the faith and look ahead. *********************************************************************** |