International Roundup

U.S. Customs and Border Protection will begin working with air carriers that provide service to Guam and Commonwealth of Northern Marina Islands. According to a press release issued by the Customs and Border Protection, the agency will aid air carriers in updating their visa waiver agreements. Thanks to the Consolidated Natural Resources Act of 2008, U.S. immigration laws will extend to the Commonwealth of Northern Marina Islands and a new visa waiver program will be extended towards Guam. Visitors will be allowed a visa free entry into Guam and the Northern Marina Islands for up to 45 days as long as they carry a valid passport, have not violated any immigration laws and complete an I-94. The new provisions take effect November 28, 2009. Source:U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Press Release

As of May 4, 2010, every person who gives advice on New Zealand immigration must be licensed with New Zealand’s Immigration Advisors Authority. The New Zealand Immigration service will no longer accept application filed by unlicensed immigration advisors after that date. This new law applies to all equally, whether you are living in or outside of New Zealand. Violators will be punished severely under the new law; the government has imposed heavy penalties including seven years of imprisonment and/or $100,000 in fines.

Source: Sindh Today; New Zealand's Immigration Advisors Authority

September 9, 2009 turned out to be the perfect day for a wedding for thousands of couples around the world. Why 9.09.09? In the Chinese culture, the word “nine” sounds very much like the word “forever”. Therefore, many believe that getting married on this date will ensure a long and healthy marriage. According to the official Chinese news agency, Xinhua, 18,979 couples were married or received their marriage license on this lucky day. Congratulations to all the married couples and good luck for years ahead.

Source: The New York Times
 

The Department of Homeland Security has extended Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for nationals of Somalia from its current expiration date of Sept. 17, 2009 through March 17, 2011. The ongoing armed conflict in the region has prompted the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of State to grant an 18 month extension. Both agencies determined that the extraordinary and temporary conditions that prompted the last TPS designation of September 4, 2001 still existed. Individuals who have already been granted TPS are eligible to re-register and maintain their status for an additional 18 months. Please keep in mind that Temporary Protected Status does not extend to Somalian nationals who entered the United States after September 4, 2001. Source: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service: Press Room

Effective August 26, 2009, the U.S. Department of State has suspended non-immigrant, non-emergency visa services at the U.S. Embassy in Honduras. Organizations of American States (OAS) Foreign Ministers Mission have been in Honduras negotiating with the de facto government urging them to sign the San Jose Accord. The San Jose Accord prepared by Costa Rican President Oscar Arias, calls for, in part, the reinstatement of ousted President Zelaya and early elections. The Department of Status has decided to conduct a full review of its immigration visa policies relating to Honduras and has suspended all non-emergency, non-immigrant visa services until further notice. For more information regard the Organizations of American States and its missions visit:www.oas.org. Source:Department of State, Press Release