Nonimmigrant Workers in AZ Should Carry Documents at All Times
June 26, 2012
In a slight nod to President Obama’s annoucement benefiting DREAMers, the U.S. Supreme Court yesterday struck down many of the provisions of Arizona’s 2010 anti-immigrant law — particularly those calling for criminal penalties. However, the Court disappointingly upheld the controversial provision that charges Arizona state law enforcement officials with determining the immigration status of anyone they stop or arrest if they have reason to suspect that the individual may be in the country illegally. As a result, and despite concerns about potentially losing original documents, it is a now a good idea for H-1B and other properly documented nonimmigrant workers to carry the following with them when in Arizona:
• Passports with white I-94 card showing entry stamp; and
• I-797 Approval Notices.
The Court’s decision sets the pace for major immigration debate this year.
