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May 1, 2002
Status Counts, Now More Than Ever
In a meeting with the American Immigration Lawyers Association on April
17, the INS Vermont Service Center advised that the INS has begun to institute
a zero tolerance policy toward applicants who file for benefits while out
of status. If an applicant or beneficiary is out of status, adjudicators
will not be exercising discretion to “overlook” the status violation and
approve the benefit being sought. There is tremendous pressure being brought
to bear by the Administration, the Congress, and the INS itself to ensure
that the present state of the law is being followed precisely. GT recommends
that you consult with counsel regarding your status and the effect of filing
any requests for changes or extensions of status before filing any request
for a benefit or change of status.
We will provide further clarification as it becomes available.
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