US Immigration News

As of March 1, 2006, the US Embassy in Muscat, Oman will only accept visa application forms that have been filled out online, printed, and signed, says a press note. The forms are the DS-156 (Non-immigrant Visa Application), the DS-157 (Supplemental Non-immigrant Visa Application) and the DS-158 (Contact Information and Work History for Non-immigrant Visa Applicant). Handwritten or typed DS-156/157/158 forms will not be accepted after March 1, 2006.

Two tunnels have been discovered under the US-Mexico border this week, American immigration agents say.

One was discovered in Arizona when border patrol agents spotted two men taking marijuana out of it.

The other one was found in California after it caved in. Officials said there was evidence it had been used recently.

The discoveries come amid diplomatic tension between Mexico and Washington over a proposal in the US Congress to build more border security fencing.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced last week that it is starting a second test of its electronic passport initiative next week, as it seeks to curtail the use of bogus passports at international airports.

Illegal immigration protests organized across the US drew small numbers, and some were outnumbered and out-shouted by those who support immigrant rights.

The so-called Stop the Invasion protests Saturday were organized in 19 states, demanding the government to increase border security and penalize employers who hire illegal workers.

Diplomats from Mexico and Central America on Jan. 9 demanded guest worker programs and the legalization of undocumented migrants in the United States, while criticizing a U.S. proposal for tougher border enforcement.

Meeting in Mexico's capital, the regional officials pledged to do more to fight migrant trafficking, but indirectly condemned a U.S. bill that would make illegal entry a felony and extend border walls.

"Migrants, regardless of their migratory status, should not be treated like criminals," they said.

Radio New Zealand International Online reports that the Samoan Government hopes to open its Consulate Office in American Samoa before the end of January.

Samoa's Chief Executive Officer for Immigration, Vaasatia Poloma Komiti says the US State Department gave approval for the office last month.

The office will issue entry permits for US nationals from American Samoa to visit Samoa and help citizens of Samoa who reside in American Samoa with immigration matters.

The office will also handle normal consular duties such as processing of Samoa passport applications.