May 3, 1999, tornado revisited at Oklahoman online

The Oklahoman online has put together a look back at the May 3, 1999, tornado that cut a path of destruction through Oklahoma.

Part of this destruction occurred in Moore, OK, whose state legislator, Rep. Randy Terrill, has been the main proponent of harsh state based immigration laws in Oklahoma. The destruction created two things that greatly boosted the economy of central Oklahoma. First, the rebuilding of so many homes and other structures created an economic stimulus that has helped insulate the Oklahoma City metro area from the harsh realities of the worldwide recession we are currently experiencing. Second, the desperate need for construction workers brought in unprecedented numbers of Hispanic workers (citizens, lawful permanent residents, and those unlawfully present in the USA) to help rebuild Oklahoma City, including Moore. Looking back 10 years, I wonder. Is it irony? Is it bad form? Whatever it is it is disturbing that the champion of anti-immigrant state laws (and those who so proudly support him in great numbers) should come from a town which so greatly benefitted from immigrant labor.

The important, lasting thing about the May 3, 1999, tornado has been the rebuilding effort. As it does many times, the Oklahoman gets part of it right but fails to see the two big elephants in the room: 1. The stimulus the rebuilding gave to Oklhoma City; and 2. The immigrant influx that came about due to the overwhelming demand for workers to help rebuild.

Cases of note

August 2015

Child born in foreign country. US citizen father used a false ID for foreign birth. Father failed to register birth at US consulate. Child brought to USA by father. Child is now an adult. Adult child came to my office to obtain permanent residence through husband. I suggested the adult child file for a Certificate of Citizenship as she had a good-faith argument for being a US citizen. USCIS agreed. Application approved.

Citizen of Guatemala provisional waiver application approved.

November 2014

With her mom deported, child was left with her aunt. Aunt desperately tried to reunite child with her mom but mom missing in Mexico. Guardianship obtained for aunt. Permanent resident application filed. RESULT: Child is now a permanent resident.

Mother and children given intent to deny letters as they were not eligible to adjust status because the father was a Lawful Permanent Resident. Solution: Naturalization application for dad filed by our firm. USCIS agreed to delay green card cases for father's case to be adjudicated. Father passed exam and became a US citizen. Mom and all the minor children became permanent residents. The children under 18 became US citizens upon application with the youngest taking her citizenship oath this month.

October 2014

On a second appeal, the Board of Immigration Appeals remanded case to Immigration Court involving detainee denied the opportunity to request relief that arose while his first appeal was pending. Order for the immigrant on all issues.

Obtained dismissals from Immigration Court in cases involving unaccompanied children so the children can file with USCIS to obtain lawful permanent residence.

September 2014

Grant of permanent residency by an Immigration Judge under INA sec. 245(i) after over four years of the matter being contested in Immigration Court.

The adult child of a Lawful Permanent Resident had waited since 1993 for her visa to be current. Unfortunately, in 1997, she had left the USA on a voluntary return after being arrested for working without authorization. Seven other immigration law firms said her green card application would be denied. RESULT: GRANTED.

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Cases of note

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