Item: Law Offices of Jacob J. Sapochnick
Rating: 5
Author: Plinio Franca

September 2006

Thailand Coup - How it Can Affect Thai Visitors in the US?

September 19, 2006- In response to the crisis in Thailand, clients and our site visitors contact us with questions as to how this crisis can affect their status in the US. If the situation deteriorates in Thailand there could be special legislation passed to help Thai nationals currently in the US. Such legislation would direct the designation of Thailand on for TPS (Temporary Protected Status) based on the armed conflict under INA Section 244(b)(1)(A) and the existence of extraordinary and temporary conditions under INA Section 244(b)(1)(C). Such bill would allow Thai Nationals currently in the U.S. to remain in this country for an initial twelve-month period due to ongoing hostilities in Thailand. Political activist with Mr. Shinawatra’s part currently in the US might be eligible for political asylum if the coup is successful and a new government will be set in place.

Tanks and troops patrolled Bangkok early Wednesday after the chief of Thailand's army said the military was taking control of the country. Police were closing stores and directing traffic off Bangkok streets. The coup against the government of Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra is being led by Thai army chief Gen. Sonthi Boonyaratkalin and Thailand's opposition Party of Democratic Reform. Thaksin is in New York for the U.N. General Assembly meeting.

We suggest that clients that have F1 and H1B visa appointments at the US Embassy in Bangkok to hold off and reschedule until the situation is more certain. We will also update our K1 and marriage based clients as the procedures to take place in the next few days at the Embassy.

Please call or email our office at info@h1b.biz for more information.

★★★★★

Great immigration lawyer, very professional, knowledgeable and experienced. Jacob always answered my questions, e-mails and calls; great customer service from him and everybody at his office. I highly recommend Jacob, probably the best immigration lawyer out there. Plinio Franca

I trust you know how much all of us at the Spreckels Organ Society appreciate your incredible generosity in providing legal assistance with the visas required by the international artists last year during our International Summer Organ Festival. We consider it an honor that you and your firm provided this service, and were delighted to publicize your firm in our concert materials. George H.

That's good news on the approval of our 3 executive L1A visas. You fought a tough RFE, but we won. We are pleased to be working with you. KB is also bringing passports tomorrow again to the US Embassy in Tashkent for visa processing. We look forward to his arrival to the US. Sarvar

I wanted to thank again and again for obtaining my E1 Treaty Trader visa for me. The process was not easy, especially since our trade was all based on Technology. You knew the law, and was able to craft an outstanding file to be presented to Immigration. We are now ready to take the business to the next level. Toda Raba

Thanks for helping me with my marriage-based immigration case. You were very accessible - taking my calls, returning my messages and emails promptly. You answered all my questions. I was most impressed and relieved that you attended the immigration interview with me and my wife. You made the whole process streamline and simple. You really know your stuff, and you're a nice, friendly guy as well. Shane P.

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