Philippine Ambassador's Tour of Manila with President Arroyo

Robert J. DuPont hosted a seminar for immigrant and non-immigrant visa applicants at the AIM Center in Manila Philippines. The purpose of this seminar was to instruct intending immigrants in immigration fundamentals, from the types of available visas to the mechanics of visa processing including how to prepare for consular interviews, medical exams and being prepared.

High on the list of topics is the future of immigration reform. While many political observers believe that immigration issues will not be touched until after the 2008 elections, other immigration activists and corporate lobbyists are already discussing an a-la-carte approach seeking to obtain hikes in H-1b visa allocations, possible extensions of 245i waiver dates, “z-visa” as individual issues instead of a comprehensive bill involving everything from border enforcement to worker visa programs.

Also stressed is a return to immigration fundamentals. Now that the magic bullet of immigration reform, and elimination of long pending visa categories has proved itself to be an illusion, attorney DuPont is encouraging its clients and all intending immigrants to get back to basics, proven and reliable approaches to obtaining immigrant and non-immigrant visas.

E-2 visas will once again be a hot topic at our presentation. Available since September of 1955 the E-2 treaty investor visa may be one of the most viable and most neglected non immigrant visas which allow and individual with a viable business plan and $100,000 in seed money to obtain a two year term non-immigrant visa. This visa has risen to prominence especially in light of the collapse of the H-1B visa allocation which ran out in a matter of days and for those lucky enough to obtain approvals features an October 1 start date following filing of the application. In contrast with an effective E-2 application showing source of funds, business plan, proof of incorporation and capital investment, applications are processed in a matter of weeks and provide for entry of the E-2 principal employees and derivative family members.

Basic discussion of the consular procedures and tips for a successful interview is important for every visa applicant. Adequate preparation including a thorough knowledge of the purpose of your visa and an organized presentation of supporting documents is essential to a successful consular interview, whether you are applying for non-immigrant visas, fiancée or marriage based K-visas, or family based or employment based immigrant visas. Also to be covered is the importance of your medical exam, which must be conducted at an embassy licensed facility, and is a key element of Embassy based safe-guards with regard to admission of foreign nationals to the United States.

The seminar took place in the Banquet Hall of the AIM Center Conference Manila located at:

AIM Conference Center Manila: Benavidez cor. Trasierra Streets, Legaspi Village, Makati City 1260 Philippines http://www.accm.aim.edu.ph/

The seminar will include presentations from Robert J. DuPont founder of Law Offices of Robert J. DuPont with a question and answer forum to follow the main presentation.

Robert J. DuPont is the founding attorney for The Law Offices of Robert J. DuPont. Mr. DuPont graduated from Yale University and USC Law School. He is admitted to the California Supreme Court, Federal District Courts in the Central and Northern Districts of California, as well as the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals. Mr. DuPont has been a speaker at ILW, a leading immigration law publisher. He was the founder of the Immigration Law Committee with the Beverly Hills Bar Association. Mr. DuPont has risen to prominence with over a decade’s practice in the field of immigration law. He has brought cases to their successful conclusion before the EOIR, BIA, AAO, Federal District Court and 9th Circuit Court of Appeals.

A similar version of this article may have been published in the Asian Journal.