Timothy R Bakken
Not only is DACA good for the economy and family unity, but it’s also constitutional. We must never stop reminding our elected representatives at all levels that DACA reflects positive American values – compassion, positive exercise of discretion for deserving individuals, rewarding ambitious and responsible young people, and keeping families intact. Read The New York Times' article here.
Timothy R. Bakken
Founder
A recent poll confirms that Trump’s views on immigration are not supported by most Americans. A large majority want legal immigration levels to remain where they are or increase. Most don’t want a wall and a large majority (almost 60%) do not like Trump’s handling of immigration issues.
Timothy R. Bakken
Founder
The Washington Post analyzes Trump's immigration proposal.
Canada is looking better and better to immigrants turned off by the anti-immigrant rhetoric and policies of the United States. As Trump rolls out stricter and stricter immigration policies he diminishes U.S. standing in the international community, while Canada streamlines (and speeds up!) the process for technology workers and other highly-skilled workers to immigrate and contribute to the Canadian economy and culture. Read the full article here.
Timothy R. Bakken
Founder
A recent story caught my eye because it perfectly portrays the uninformed basis of so much of the current anti-immigrant rhetoric and policy infecting our country. U.S. Senator Grassley, from Nebraska, wrote a letter to the head of the Department of Homeland Security in which he implies that Citizenship and Immigration Services (CIS) is improperly granting O-1 visas to people trying to circumvent H-1B visa restrictions. As an immigration attorney and an officer of the court, I take seriously my oath to uphold the law and I am 100% against the misuse of our immigration laws by those who commit fraud to attempt to qualify for visas to which they are not entitled. However, it is simply inaccurate to denigrate the accomplishments and talents of legitimate O-1 visa holders whom our government has determined satisfy the rigorous O-1 requirements for proving extraordinary ability in a particular field.
Our firm frequently prepares and files successful O-1 visa petitions on behalf of clients who have demonstrated extraordinary abilities in music, art, athletics, and engineering, among other fields. Some of these clients may also qualify for other visa statuses but have legitimate reasons for selecting the O-1 category. Likewise, some individuals may qualify for O-1 status but decide to apply for a different nonimmigrant visa category for which they also qualify. I trust that the CIS and Senator Grassley understand that an individual who meets the statutory and regulatory requirements for a particular visa status should be granted that status after a careful review of the applicant’s qualifications.
The problem with Senator Grassley’s letter is a common problem in today’s hysterical anti-immigrant climate, i.e., unfounded allegations and rumors are used to feed the false narrative that immigrants are hurting our country. Try telling that to the multitudes of highly educated and extraordinarily talented musicians, artists, engineers, authors, athletes and many others (as well as their American audiences and employers!) who have chosen to enrich our country with their unique talents. Anti-immigrant hysteria and paranoia only weakens our country’s cultural excellence and economic prominence.
Timothy R. Bakken
Founder
While many had thought DACA was safe despite many of President Trump’s immigration crackdowns, not to mention Trump’s repeated assertions that DACA recipients won’t be deported, as explained by Vox, this is no longer the case. Attorneys General in several states are threatening to sue the Trump Administration to force an end to DACA. This could put the matter in the hands of Jeff Sessions, possibly the most anti-immigrant member of Trump’s cabinet. We should stop and remember that the overwhelming majority of DACA recipients came to the U.S. as very young children, have graduated from high school, have no criminal backgrounds, and are using DACA to work lawfully, attend college, support families, and contribute positively to our communities and our country. Eliminating DACA would take Trump’s harsh anti-immigrant, anti-family actions and policies to an entirely new low.
Timothy R. Bakken
Founder
