Thoronka Law Offices

10/30/2020

Biden if elected will form task force to reunite 545 separated immigrant children with family, campaign says

Joe Biden is pledging that if he's elected president, he will sign an executive order to form a task force that will focus on reuniting the 545 immigrant children who've been separated from their families.

Let us know your thoughts in the comments!

https://www.cnn.com/2020/10/29/politics/biden-immigrant-children/index.html

Joe Biden is pledging that if he's elected president, he will sign an executive order to form a task force that will focus on reuniting the 545 immigrant children who've been separated from their families.

10/29/2020

Newly confirmed Justice Barrett worries immigrant advocates

Newly confirmed Justice Barrett worries immigrant advocates

Justice Amy Coney Barrett’s confirmation on the U.S. Supreme Court Monday creates uncertainty for mixed status and undocumented families, according to experts...

https://nmpoliticalreport.com/2020/10/28/newly-confirmed-justice-barrett-worries-immigrant-advocates/

Justice Amy Coney Barrett’s confirmation on the U.S. Supreme Court Monday creates uncertainty for mixed status and undocumented families, according to experts. Felipe Rodriguez, campaign manager fo…

10/29/2020

Trump Will End H-1B Visa Lottery

Trump Administration Proposes Eliminating H-1B Visa Lottery

The proposed regulation to eliminate the lottery may violate the statute, say attorneys, and also raises questions as to its impact on international students, information technology professionals, physicians and others with less experience who could be shut out of obtaining H-1B petitions.

https://www.forbes.com/sites/stuartanderson/2020/10/29/trump-will-end-h-1b-visa-lottery/#523a47dc351f

A court may decide whether the Trump administration can award H-1B visas based on highest salary.

10/23/2020

Biden Hits Trump on Migrant Family Separation, Asylum Policies While Trump Touts Border Record

Biden Hits Trump on Migrant Family Separation, Asylum Policies While Trump Touts Border Record

VICE PRESIDENT JOE Biden on Thursday night hammered President Donald Trump on his immigration agenda but was forced to defend his own record on the issue and largely sidestepped questions about actions taken when he was vice president.

https://www.usnews.com/news/elections/articles/2020-10-23/biden-hits-trump-on-migrant-family-separation-asylum-policies-while-trump-touts-border-record

The sharp exchange during the final presidential debate was by far the most substantive conversation between the candidates on immigration.

10/22/2020

Senate committee OKs Amy Coney Barrett. Here's what happens next in her Supreme Court confirmation

Senate committee OKs Amy Coney Barrett. Here's what happens next in her Supreme Court confirmation

But it wasn’t without drama. Democrats boycotted the hearing, hoping to stall the process by withholding a quorum. The panel’s rules dictate that at least two members of the minority – in this case Democrats – needed to be present to approve her nomination, but Republicans cast aside the effort and voted without them.

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2020/10/22/amy-coney-barrett-what-happens-next-her-supreme-court-confirmation/5990435002/#

The Senate Judiciary Committee approved Amy Coney Barrett's nomination to the Supreme Court. Here's what happens next.

10/21/2020

AILA - AILA’s Advocacy Action Center

Take Action Now: Tell the Government Not to Obstruct Court Hearings for Asylum Seekers

The Department of Justice (DOJ) Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) proposed a new regulation which, if implemented, will drastically limit the ability of individuals to obtain asylum and withholding of removal in the United States. The regulation was published in the Federal Register on September 23. The public has 30 days – until October 23 – to comment on the proposed rule.

https://t.co/tQpP4f3ttf?amp=1

AILA’s Advocacy Action Center allows you to advocate for legislative and policy reforms consistent with AILA’s principles and priorities.

10/20/2020

Supreme Court to Review 2 of Trump’s Major Immigration Policies

Supreme Court to Review 2 of Trump’s Major Immigration Policies

The Supreme Court agreed on Monday to review two major Trump administration immigration initiatives, adding them to a docket now crowded with cases that will test President Trump’s agenda and policies.

https://www.nytimes.com/2020/10/19/us/supreme-court-trump-wall-asylum.html?searchResultPosition=5

The court adds to a docket of cases that will test the president’s agenda.

10/16/2020

Children From Immigrant Families Are Increasingly the Face of Higher Education

Children From Immigrant Families Are Increasingly the Face of Higher Education

"U.S.-born children of immigrants or immigrant students raised in the United States accounted for nearly 60 percent of the growth in university enrollment since 2000."

An extraordinary demographic shift is sweeping through U.S. university campuses as immigrants and children of immigrants become an ever-larger share of student bodies, with implications for the future of the country’s work force, higher education and efforts to reduce racial and economic inequality.

https://www.nytimes.com/2020/10/15/us/immigrant-families-students-college.html?searchResultPosition=2

U.S.-born children of immigrants or immigrant students raised in the United States accounted for nearly 60 percent of the growth in university enrollment since 2000.

10/16/2020

Rules for Blocking Deportation Debated at Supreme Court

Read: Rules for Blocking Deportation Debated at Supreme Court

The Justice Department argued in a virtual Supreme Court hearing Wednesday that the burden of proof for a request to cancel an undocumented immigrant’s removal lies with the person facing deportation, not the government.

https://www.courthousenews.com/rules-for-blocking-deportation-debated-at-supreme-court/

The Justice Department argued in a virtual Supreme Court hearing Wednesday that the burden of proof for a request to cancel an undocumented immigrant’s removal lies with the person facing deportati…

10/12/2020

LIVESTREAM: Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg will lie in repose at US Supreme Court - CNN

WATCH LIVE: The Senate Judiciary Committee launches the first day of confirmation hearings for Amy Coney Barrett, President Trump's nomination for Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States.

https://www.cnn.com/specials/live-video-1

Friends and family of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg pay their respects as her casket arrives at the US Supreme Court. Later, her casket will lie in repose.

10/02/2020

Federal Court Temporarily Halts Immigration Fee Hike

READ: "A federal judge on Tuesday temporarily blocked U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) from increasing fees for green card and U.S. citizenship applications, just days before the new fees were scheduled to take effect."

Why was the rule blocked?

“Plaintiffs persuasively argue that the public interest would be served by enjoining or staying the effective date of the Final Rule because if it takes effect, it will prevent vulnerable and low-income applicants from applying for immigration benefits, will block access to humanitarian protections, and will expose those populations to further danger.”

Follow this link for more information:
https://www.boundless.com/blog/uscis-fee-increase-blocked/

10/02/2020

Trump Tests Positive for the Coronavirus

BREAKING NEWS: TRUMP TESTS POSITIVE FOR COVID-19

“Tonight, @FLOTUS and I tested positive for COVID-19,” the president tweeted just before 1 a.m. “We will begin our quarantine and recovery process immediately. We will get through this TOGETHER!”

https://www.nytimes.com/2020/10/02/us/politics/trump-covid.html

The president’s result came after he spent months playing down the severity of the outbreak that has killed more than 207,000 in the United States and hours after insisting that “the end of the pandemic is in sight.”

09/30/2020

Election live updates: Debate commission says it will change structure to ensure more ‘orderly discussion’

RAD: RECAP OF FIRST PRESIDENTIAL DEBATE:

Let us know your thoughts in the comments below

https://www.washingtonpost.com/elections/2020/09/30/trump-biden-live-updates/?outputType=amp

Biden has launched a train tour through the battlegrounds states of Ohio and Pennsylvania, while Trump is heading to Minnesota, a state he narrowly lost four years ago.

09/25/2020

HAPPY 8TH ANNIVERSARY AT TLO!
(tambien version en espanol abajo)

"18 years ago, I too came to the US as an immigrant from Peru with huge hopes and dreams. My mother worked for a top law firm in Peru for many years and I always admired her work. She inspired me to work in the legal field.

My name is Monica Castillo and I have been a Paralegal at Thoronka Law Offices for the past 8 years. I have enjoyed every moment of helping our clients get their green cards and become US citizens. I am grateful to Thoronka Law Offices for giving me the opportunity to serve my community and the people of Northern Virginia.

Through my work, many people have found hope and achieved success. I look forward to many more years of successfully serving my community.
As I celebrate my anniversary, I want to send a shout out to my entire family for all their support. Love you guys!
Happy Friday everyone!

PS: Do you like my TLO t-shirt?" 😊


"Mi nombre es Monica Castillo. Soy asistente legal en Thoronka Law Offices durante los últimos 8 años. Disfruto cada momento ayudando a nuestros clientes a obtener sus tarjetas de residencia y convertirse en ciudadanos estadounidenses. Agradezco a Thoronka Law Offices por darme la oportunidad de estar al servicio de la comunidad del norte de Virginia.

Hace dieciocho años, yo también vine a los Estados Unidos como inmigrante de Perú y tenía grandes esperanzas y sueños cuando vine. Mi madre había trabajado para un bufete de abogados de primer nivel en Perú durante muchos años. Siempre admiré su trabajo. Ella me inspiró a trabajar también en el campo legal.
A través de mi trabajo, muchas personas han encontrado esperanza y éxito. Espero tener muchos años más sirviendo con éxito a nuestros clientes.

Al celebrar mi aniversario, quiero agradecer a mi familia por todo su apoyo. ¡Los quiero!
¡Feliz Viernes a todos!

PD: ¿Les gusta mi camiseta de TLO? 😊"

09/22/2020

Trump officials rush to make it tougher for skilled foreign workers to gain visas

READ: Trump officials rush to make it tougher for skilled foreign workers to gain visas

https://www.reuters.com/article/usa-election-immigration-workers/trump-officials-rush-to-make-it-tougher-for-skilled-foreign-workers-to-gain-visas-idINL1N2GF11Q

The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump is racing to toughen the process for U.S. companies to hire skilled foreign workers before the end of the year, changes top Trump officials argue will preserve jobs for Americans amid high unemployment and be politically...

09/21/2020

US Immigrant And Non-Immigrant Visa Suspended For Sierra Leoneans - Sierra Network

READ: US Immigrant And Non-Immigrant Visa Suspended For Sierra Leoneans

https://snradio.net/us-immigrant-and-non-immigrant-visa-suspended-for-sierra-leoneans/

Almost all immigrant and nonimmigrant visas other than those covered by limited exceptions will not be issued to Sierra Leonean citizens applying to the U.S Embassy in Freetown. This is due to the continued delay on the part of the government to accept the return of its deported citizens according t...

09/21/2020

Trump and Democrats Brace for Showdown Over Supreme Court Seat

Trump and Democrats Brace for Showdown Over Supreme Court Seat

READ: "The political maneuvering took place even as the nation was mourning Justice Ginsburg, a champion of women’s rights and a hero to the left who died at age 87 on Friday night."

https://www.nytimes.com/2020/09/20/us/politics/trump-supreme-court-rbg.html

The president’s determination to confirm a replacement for Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg before the election set lawmakers on a collision course as Congress deals with other major issues.

09/21/2020

Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Champion Of Gender Equality, Dies At 87

Rest in Peace Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg, "Our nation has lost a justice of historic stature."

READ:

https://www.npr.org/2020/09/18/100306972/justice-ruth-bader-ginsburg-champion-of-gender-equality-dies-at-87

Ginsburg, the second woman to serve on the Supreme Court, died from complications from cancer. Her death will set in motion what promises to be a tumultuous political battle over who will succeed her.

09/10/2020

Mrs. Kamah Thoronka! We all wish you a very very Happy birthday. May your day be filled with laughter and joy. God bless you 💕

08/21/2020

Hits and misses from final night of the Democratic National Convention

THE 2020 NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC CONVENTION

Yesterday was the fourth and final day of the 2020 NDC.
Here's a rundown of what happened.

Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

https://www.cnn.com/2020/08/20/politics/democrats-analysis-best-worst-dnc/index.html

The Democratic National Convention is now officially over.

08/18/2020

USCIS furloughs of 13,000 now likely as bailout funds stall

USCIS furloughs of 13,000 now likely as bailout funds stall

How this may impact you?

READ: If furlough does happen there will be even more delays in the overburdened US immigration system...
https://workpermit.com/news/uscis-furloughs-13000-now-likely-bailout-funds-stall-20200814

United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) once again faces furloughing about 13,000 US visa staff as bailout funds stall. Full story, here.

08/13/2020

ICE Can't Move Detainees In Or Out Of Coronavirus Hot Spot - Law360

LOCAL NEWS:

READ: Immigration officials are forbidden from transferring anyone in or out of its Farmville, Virginia, detention center, where more than 80% of the population has tested positive for the coronavirus, a federal judge has declared.

https://www.law360.com/immigration/articles/1300713/ice-can-t-move-detainees-in-or-out-of-coronavirus-hot-spot

Immigration officials are forbidden from transferring anyone in or out of its Farmville, Virginia, detention center, where more than 80% of the population has tested positive for the coronavirus, a federal judge has declared.

08/13/2020

Presidential Proclamation Temporarily Suspending the Entry of Certain Nonimmigrants – What You Should Know

08/12/2020

Kamala Harris Is Biden’s Choice for Vice President

Kamala Harris Is Biden’s Choice for Vice President

Read: "She will be the first woman of color to be nominated for national office by a major political party."

Joseph R. Biden Jr. selected Senator Kamala Harris of California as his vice-presidential running mate on Tuesday, embracing a former rival who sharply criticized him in the Democratic primaries but emerged after ending her campaign as a vocal supporter of Mr. Biden’s and a prominent advocate of racial-justice legislation after the killing of George Floyd in late May.

https://www.nytimes.com/2020/08/11/us/politics/kamala-harris-vp-biden.html

A former rival for the Democratic presidential nomination, she will be the first woman of color to be nominated for national office by a major political party.

08/10/2020

Opinion: Amid Covid-19 pandemic, immigrant children and parents must be released from detention -- together

Amid Covid-19 pandemic, immigrant children and parents must be released from detention -- together

READ: Children and parents currently languishing in federal immigration detention facilities cannot follow these protocols because they are confined in conditions that exacerbate the potential spread of Covid-19.

Let us know your thoughts in the comments!

cnn.com/2020/08/06/opinions/covid-19-immigrant-children-and-parents-release-from-detention-opinion-goza/index.html

There is nothing standing in the way of our federal government doing what is right for detained immigrant families. Children and parents must be released into the communities and they must be released together.

08/07/2020

'A Naturalization Crisis': 10,000 Would-Be Voters In Mass. Might Miss Out In November

'A Naturalization Crisis': Many Would-Be Voters will not get to vote in November

The federal agency in charge of naturalizing new U.S. citizens is in turmoil, with furloughs, budget shortfalls and paralyzing backlogs.

https://www.wbur.org/news/2020/08/06/naturalization-us-voters-november

The federal agency in charge of naturalizing new U.S. citizens is in turmoil, with furloughs, budget shortfalls and paralyzing backlogs.

08/06/2020

New USCIS Immigration Fees Hit Businesses, Citizens And Students

Read: How New USCIS Fees are impacting Businesses, Citizens/Non-Citizens, & Students

https://www.forbes.com/sites/stuartanderson/2020/08/03/new-uscis-immigration-fees-hit-businesses-citizens-and-students/#7fe8964977e2

Imposing higher fees is the latest Trump administration action to restrict immigration and burden businesses and potential citizens.