Rule of Law: Government in all of its actions is bound by rules fixed and announced beforehand - rules which make it possible to forsee with fair certianty how authority will use its coercive powers in given circumstances and to plan one's individual affairs on the basis of this knowledge.
(F.A. Hayek) The Road to Serfdom

Friday, December 16, 2016

What effect will Donald Trump's Presidency Have on Immigration?

During his campaigning, President Elect Trump held a hard line on immigration. He claimed a desire to repeal the Dream Act, better known as DACA. There is a chance he will use the information gathered through DACA against immigrants who applied through the program. More likely though, he will simply discontinue the program, therefore disallowing current DACA recipients from renewing their benefits. What does this mean for the country? Those employees who are legally working through their DACA benefits will no longer be able to work. This will create a gap in the labor market, driving up the price of goods and creating a gap in the employment market. This will also decrease the amount those immigrant families have to spend, brining down the domestic demand in general. Additionally, it is likely he will increase prices in the way of filing fees for immigration applications. This will reduce those who can legally apply for immigration benefits, making immigration harder. Ironically, this will also increase the number of individuals who illegally immigrate, owing to their inability to pay for legal immigration.

Wednesday, June 20, 2012

Oak Lawn Immigration Attorney | Dream Act


THE LAW OFFICE OF JONATHAN W. COLE WELCOMES DEFERRED ACTION ANNOUNCEMENT, WARN OF POTENTIAL FRAUD BY SO-CALLED "NOTARIOS"
OAK LAWN, ILLINOIS - THE LAW OFFICE OF JONATHAN W. COLE welcomed the Administration's recent announcement that younger immigrants may be eligible for "Deferred Action" and work authorization. The policy will grant qualified immigrants the opportunity to live free from fear of deportation and allow them to work legally. This exciting new development brings hope to immigrants and their families. It is not, however, a permanent fix and does not grant permanent legal status to anyone.
To qualify, an individual must:
  • have arrived in the U.S. when they were under the age of sixteen;
  • have continuously resided in the U.S. for at least five years prior to June 15, 2012 and have been present in the U.S. on June 15, 2012;
  • currently be in school, have graduated from high school, have a GED, or be an honorably discharged veteran of the U.S. Coast Guard or the U.S. Armed Forces;
  • not have been convicted of a felony offense, a "significant misdemeanor offense," three or more non-significant misdemeanors, or otherwise pose a threat to national security or public safety; and
  • have been under thirty-one years old on June 15, 2012
The deferred action offer will be available to those in proceedings, those with final removal orders, as well as to those who apply affirmatively.

The Administration is not yet accepting applications for this action. Within sixty days - by the middle of August - the Administration expects to issue guidance and information about how eligible individuals can request deferred action and work authorization.

Unfortunately, this policy may open the door for fraud and deception by so-called "Notarios." In the United States, notarios have no legal background and cannot legally practice law or represent you. Anyone claiming they can submit an application or charging a fee for applying for deferred action should NOT be trusted until the process has been announced by the federal government. An immigrant's case can be delayed by notarios acting in bad faith, resulting in penalties and even deportation.

For more information, contact your the Law Office of Jonathan W. Cole at jwcolelaw.com or 708-529-7794.

Monday, March 5, 2012

Oak Lawn Attorney | Illinois Eavesdropping Law

A recent Cook County decision declares the Illinois eavesdropping law unconstitutional. The major impact in this decision comes to those who would like to video record police in public places or on their private property. This law was declared unconstitutional and is the start to having the law completely removed from the books. Ultimately, this issue should make it to the Illinois Supreme Court. Attorney Jonathan W. Cole said that "this is a major step to public accountability." This ruling makes it more likely that you can video record the police without harassment and even more important, without court interference.