This event will include a unique opportunity to tour the California Service Center (CSC). The CSC is one of four regional immigration service centers responsible for processing and adjudicating immigration applications and petitions. The CSC is also the center where the majority of religious worker immigration petitions and applications are processed.

This one day training will discuss: basic concepts of immigration law, applicable laws and regulations, changes to the regulations published in November of 2008, and issues related to concurrent filing. Specifically we will discuss I-129 nonimmigrant petitions, R-1 nonimmigrant visas, I-360 special immigrant petitions for religious workers, and I-485 adjustment of status applications. Trainers will describe representation strategies and practice pointers in preparing and assembling religious worker petitions.

On the second day, the tour will give an overview of the work of the CSC. The CSC adjudicates I-129, I-360 and I-485 applications for religious workers. No specific case issues may be raised. Please bring photo identification and wear comfortable shoes.

The training will be presented by attorneys who are expert practitioners in the area of religious worker immigration law. Trainers from CLINIC's Center for Religious Immigration and Protection include: Anne Marie Gibbons, Director; Albert Naranjo, Managing Attorney; Nina McDermott, Senior Attorney; and Sairah Saeed, Senior Attorney.

This training is designed for the staff of Catholic dioceses and religious communities, the staff of Catholic Charities and other community-based organizations with IRS 501(c)(3) status, and attorneys and legal staff of private law offices. As a requirement of registration, if you are registering as staff of a community-based organization, fax a copy of your IRS 501(c)(3) letter designating your agency as a nonprofit entity to CLINIC at 202-756-5547 to the attention of "Religious Immigration, California Training, September 14, 2010." Registration will be confirmed upon receipt of this letter. Payment is by credit card only.

Cost:

$155 per person from CLINIC Affiliates; other nonprofit programs and CLINIC clients; $390 cap ($45 materials fee per person for more than 3)

$265 per person for private attorneys and their staff.

The fee includes the training materials, lunch on the first day of training (September 14), and transportation fee for the tour at Laguna Niguel.

For more information and to register: www.kintera.org/AutoGen/Register/Register.asp

Space is limited to 50 participants. The deadline for registration is August 29, 2010 or sooner if registration is filled. For more information, e-mail Sairah Saeed at ssaeed@cliniclegal.org.