On the heels of yesterday’s post about the the Arizona immigration law and the controversy surrounding it, here is an example of the federal government’s efforts to focus immigration enforcement on those areas that are likely to have a greater impact on immigration control, rather than focusing on those areas that create controversy and publicity.

Secure Communities is a high tech program that is designed to identify unauthorized immigrants by scanning the fingerprints of everyone who is booked into a jail. Those fingerprints are run through both FBI criminal history and Department of Homeland Security immigration databases. This program is in place in 467 jurisdictions in 26 states and Immigration and Customs Enforcement plans to have this program in every jail in the country by 2013. As opposed to the Arizona law, this program focuses on those accused of committing crimes and, perhaps even more importantly, screens everyone instead of relying on “reasonable suspicion” that a person is an unauthorized immigrant.

This is an effort to narrow the focus of immigration control so as to minimize the possibility of racial profiling and the intrusion into the lives of U.S. citizens and immigrants/tourists with proper documentation. It also minimizes the problem of disenfranchising crime victims and witnesses (the disincentive to report illegal activities for a victim or witness who is an undocumented immigrant, based on the belief that contact with law enforcement may have negative consequences for the person reporting).

Arizona’s harsh new immigration law is set to take effect in three days, unless it is stopped by a federal judge who has heard the preliminary arguments in the many lawsuits filed by opponents of the law. As this drama unfolds, it is interesting to note that the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency is on track to deport approximately 10 percent more people this year than the number deported during the last year of the Bush administration (2008) and 25 percent more than the year before that. Moreover, the current administration has increased by 400 percent the number of companies who have undergone review for the hiring of undocumented workers.

The statistics from the FBI and US Customs & Border Protection indicate that both illegal crossings and violent crime are in decline. Violent crime is down by 1500 incidents between 2005 and 2008. Property crimes have dropped as well, from 287,000 to 279,000. All while the state’s population grew by 600,000. Meanwhile, back at the border, the number of CBP apprehensions peaked in 2000 at 600,000 and have steadily dropped in the nine years to 241,000 in 2009.

In light of both the foregoing statics and the overarching interest of the federal government to have immigration enforcement that is both consistent among the states, enforced with manner that is consistent with our international interests and treaties, and performed by highly trained personnel, it will be interesting to see how the federal judge determines the constitutionality of the Arizona immigration statute.

• Although you see Fido as your child, the court will only see your furry friend as another possession to be divided as property in the divorce decree.
• If the animal was yours prior to the marriage and you were the primary caretaker of the animal during the marriage, you have a greater chance of being awarded possession.
• Don’t be afraid to let your lawyer know how important Ms. Kitty is to you and make sure he/she treats this priority like the cat’s meow.
• Try to avoid separating pets because this could cause anxiety or depression for the animals.
• Overall, show the court that you are the best person to care for the pet. This can be done by emphasizing that you have ample space in your home, you are able to play with it, and provide the best environment for your pet.

By following these suggested tips, you may be able to convince the court to leave your beloved friend within your care.

A prenuptial agreement is a contractual agreement between a couple about to wed that determines how assets will be distributed if a divorce were to take place. Prenuptial agreements are not just for the super wealthy.  You may consider having a prenuptial agreement if you:

• Own a home, stock, or other retirement funds
• Own part or all of a business
• Receive an inheritance or other substantial funds

If you are considering a prenuptial agreement, communication between you and your future spouse is key.   The two of you should sit down and discuss what the agreement would cover. Overall, honesty concerning one another’s assets is vitally important. Also, a prenuptial agreement cannot waive rights to child support.

As difficult as it may be to discuss money prior to marriage, the conversation may save you some headaches and heartache in the long run. While a prenuptial agreement may not be the ideal document for every couple, it is definitely encouraged that couples discuss financial arrangements prior to saying ” I do”.

If you are in need of a prenuptial agreement form for your state, visit MyLegalEdge.com.

There are currently seven states where a series LLC can be formed:

• Delaware
• Iowa
• Illinois
• Nevada
• Oklahoma
• Tennessee
• Utah

In theory, only assets owned by a particular LLC of the series would be subject to the claims against the particular LLC in the series.  A series LLC is definitely a planning tool for future company growth. Complex business arrangements may benefit from the establishment of a series LLC.

If you are in need of a series LLC document preparation service, contact MyLegalEdge.com or call us at 1-888-770-7198.

The means test is used to determine eligibility to file Chapter 7 bankruptcy. If you are in need of a Chapter 7 bankruptcy preparation service, contact MyLegalEdge.com at staff@mylegaledge.com or call 1-888-770-7198.

To apply, the individual must complete Form DS-156, the “Nonimmigrant Visa Application.” The application fee for the visa is $131.00. Also, a visa issuance fee of $131.00 is required as well. You may want to check to see if your country has visa reciprocity with the United States. If so, you will not have to pay the visa issuance fee.

Remember, if you are in need of immigration forms, check out MyLegalEdge.com. Can’t find a form? Give us a call at 1-888-770-7198.