<PRESS RELEASE>

IMMIGRATION STEPS UP ARRESTS OF OVERSTAY TOURISTS AND STUDENTS

Sherman Oaks, CA – August 9, 2006 – Since 9/11, the Department of Homeland Security has implemented new strategies to secure U.S. borders and reduce visa violators.  Earlier this month, the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) added seven new Fugitive Operations teams make the nationwide total to 45.  The teams are collectively making more than 1,000 illegal alien arrests a week.  Immigration attorneys have noticed this sudden increase in arrests of visa violators, specifically tourists that overstay or students that are no longer full-time students.

Previously, ICE seemingly did very little to enforce departure of status violators.  However, there has been a sudden turnaround in which a surge of arrests and contacts are being made by ICE officers.

“This week alone, several of my clients have informed me that ICE agents have contacted them to question them about their status.  One client overstayed his visa about 5 weeks and shortly after, ICE special agents arrived at his house.  Another client was here as an F-1 student, but was only enrolled in 9 units, making him out of status because he was not considered a full-time student enrolled in at least 12 units.  An agent visited his uncle’s home, where the student indicated he was staying, and demanded that he speak with the student immediately,” said Philip Abramowitz of ASK Law Group .

When applicants met with agents, all were arrested and taken into custody for processing.  They were required to pay a bond of $1500 for release and given a hearing date to determine when they would be deported.

ICE Fugitive Operations teams have federal authorities and nationwide jurisdiction. Though based in specific regional offices, the teams can be deployed to conduct operations anywhere fugitive alien populations are located in the United States.  By the end of September, a total of 52 Fugitive Operations teams are scheduled to be operational nationwide.  These Fugitive Operations teams are a crucial part of ICE’s interior immigration enforcement strategy to identify and remove criminal aliens, fugitives, and other immigration violators from the United States.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

CONTACT:
ASK LAW GROUP
Phone:  (818) 788-1914
Fax:  (818) 905-8195
www.ASKLawGroup.com

ASK LAW GROUP WELCOMES NEW PARTNER THOMAS J. STEFANSKI

Sherman Oaks, CA – June 21, 2006 – After nearly twenty-five years of distinguished practice in the field of immigration law, Korenberg and Abramowitz announced that Thomas J. Stefanski has joined the firm as a new partner.  The new partnership will herein be known as ASK LAW GROUP. 
As a former partner at the well known immigration law firm Frank, Greenberg, Simone & Stefanski of Los Angeles, Mr. Stefanski brings over twenty-five years of experience in immigration law with him to ASK LAW GROUP.  He has experience in all aspects of immigration law, including non-immigrant visa applications, adjustment of status, asylum, deportation hearings, appellate review, and Federal Court litigation.
“I have known Tom for over twenty-five years and he is the most knowledgeable and aggressive, yet sympathetic attorney I know.  He is admired by his peers, respected by the USCIS, and well-liked by all his clients.  I am honored to welcome him to the firm and I know he will be a tremendous asset,” said Philip D. Abramowitz, a partner at ASK LAW GROUP.
Mr. Stefanski is admitted to the United States Supreme Court, all California State Courts, as well as U.S. Courts.  He is also an active member of the immigration section of the L.A. County Bar Association, as well as the American Immigration Lawyers Association.  In addition, Mr. Stefanski has personally appeared at over eighteen Embassies worldwide on behalf of his clients.  He is also a well-known and respected attorney in the Pilipino community and has dedicated many years to helping them achieve their goals in the United States.
Mr. Stefanski earned his J.D. from San Fernando Valley College of Law in Woodland Hills, CA.

ASK LAW GROUP is dedicated to immigration and naturalization law and its partners have over twenty-five years of experience.  Based in Sherman Oaks, CA, ASK LAW GROUP has additional offices in Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, and Las Vegas.