The Immigration Lawyer & State Legislation

Changes in state legislation bring more need for the immigration lawyer. Radical changes and new laws mean confusion and red tape to individuals trying to jump through the hoops of visas and citizenship. Because so many states are in trouble financially, they are looking to cut costs by tightening up on who is in their state. Some states that are especially in the spotlight are Arizona, California, and Georgia. Here are some things to think about:

- Arizona: Arizona is a state in the southwest region of the United States of America. A few years ago it was prospering and the housing market was expanding like wildfire. Homeowners watched their property values rise daily and were using their home equity like jackpots won. Granite countertops and vacations to Maui were all financed ala fat equity. Because Arizona borders Mexico, there has always been lots of traffic going back and forth over the border, some legally and some not. These Mexican nationals have played an important part in the Arizonan economic fabric. Up until a short time ago, many were working jobs successfully due to their dedicated work ethic, non-complaining nature and commitment to supporting their families both in the states and back home in Mexico. When the economy soured, some individuals thought it was due to these immigrants being costly burdens on the public welfare system. When Governor Janet Napolitano took a position in Washington, this left the governorship in the hands of the Secretary of State, Republican Jan Brewer. Brewer decided to get tough on immigration and with the backing of conservative good old boys of AZ who signed legislation that some have claimed to be unconstitutional. Even though she wasn’t elected governor, she seemed to enjoy her powerful new position. Because so many individuals in AZ were hurting financially, they were willing to try anything and follow her lead. To many Arizonans dismay, Jan Brewer was reelected. Some residents are considering relocating to other states.

- California: California is another state nestled next to Mexico and so has had its share of immigration issues. The governor of California is Arnold Schwarzenegger, formerly a body builder and star of movies such as The Terminator and Kindergarten Cop. He married a Kennedy woman and was able to work his way into politics.

- Georgia: Georgia is a southern state that has initiated a new law similar to AZ’s one from April 2010. This law states that individuals must prove their citizenship upon demand. Like Brewer’s law, this has been deemed unconstitutional by many.
- Immigrants under pressure: Due to all these new laws and finger pointing at immigration issues as possible ways of balancing budgets, many people who are trying to gain entry into the country, extend visas or bring family members over the border are having more trouble than ever before. Legal representation often helps clear these hurdles.

An immigration lawyer can help individuals navigate the complicated process of naturalization, obtain visas, green cards and more. Individuals who are trying to bring relatives over the border can do this more easily with the help of a competent attorney.