Dear Readers:
I hope everyone is having an enjoyable holiday season. Since our last issue, I spent a couple of weeks in India on a trip organized by the American Immigration Lawyers Association. We visited US consulates in Delhi, Chennai and Mumbai. Each on their own would be one of the busiest consulates in the world. Together, they say a lot about the growing importance of India to the US as a source of a great pool of talent as well as one of our most important trading partners.
While I have attended consular interviews with clients from time to time in my 23 years of practice, this trip was unique. We had the opportunity to get extensive behind the scenes tours of each consulate and also spend considerable time discussing processing issues with senior members of the consular sections in each city. The amount of information I learned was enormous and will no doubt give me additional insight as I prepare clients for non-immigrant and immigrant processing not just in India, but in consulates throughout the world.
I also had a chance to get to see the country and really experience India. Many people told me before the trip that it would be unforgettable and they were right. India is a fascinating place with extraordinary history and architecture, wonderful people, fabulous cuisine and an energy that is apparent everywhere you look. Many thanks to AILA for putting together the trip along with the many Indian lawyers and business professionals who showed such hospitality to our delegation.
On my way home from India, I spent a few days in London attending and speaking at the International Bar Association’s Global Immigration Conference. I’ve spoken at this biannual conference several times in the past and it is really an excellent program. Aside from informative sessions where we can compare what’s happening with immigration in multiple countries, the opportunity to network with fellow immigration lawyers from around the world is always great.
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In firm news, I’d like to welcome Cheryl Williams to our firm’s Nashville office. Cheryl has been practicing immigration law for 17 years and focuses on employment and family immigration, naturalization, employment verification matters and humanitarian cases. I’ve known Cheryl for many years and am really excited that she’s joining our team.
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Readers are reminded that they are welcome to contact my law office if they would like to schedule a telephone or in person consultation with me or one of my colleagues. If you are interested, please call my office at 901-682-6455.
Regards,
Greg Siskind
Disclaimer: This newsletter is provided as a public service and not intended to establish an attorney client relationship. Any reliance on information contained herein is taken at your own risk.