Author Archives: 500law
Asylum Seekers Face New Challenges in US
Once again U.S. immigration is in the news regarding domestic violence and gang-violence related to asylum seekers. The turmoil came from the speech made by attorney General, Jeff Sessions’ opening remarks to the House Judiciary Committee’s Oversight of the Department of Justice regarding asylum. Mr. Sessions has not created a new rule of law or stepped beyond the current regulations. Instead, he stated that the law should be applied according to his Session’s and the Trump Administration’s interpretation of the Legislators’ intention. The Trump/Sessions interpretation includes separating children from parents suspected of illegally crossing the border.
The fact is, there have been allegations of abuse of the asylum application process related to domestic violence, gang-violence and other type is issues. Sessions is now requesting that Judges be more restrictive regarding these matters. However, that does not mean that qualified applicants cannot file for asylum, even on these grounds.
For example, someone that has been a victim of domestic violence in X country, is not necessarily a victim for asylum in U.S. because, under the Trump/Sessions interpretation, the crime of domestic violence should be resolved within the legal system of that country, and/or maybe that victim can move to other areas within the country in order to find safety. For this person, the asylum application would not be approved. Nevertheless, if a victim of domestic violence is married to a military or governmental official, and the victim neither can be protected by the country’s legal system nor will (s)he be protected by moving to a different area within the country, then this person could have an asylum application approved. In the case of gang-violence, if the victim is in, or married to someone in a gang, and same as above, cannot find recourse within the country’s own legal system or protection anywhere in his or her home country, it is plausible to file for an asylum application.
It is also important to understand that there are other ways to protect foreign nationals that are victims of domestic violence or gang violence, other than through asylum, especially if they are already in the United States.
Feel free to contact our office with any questions.
Solita Chocron, LL.M.
immigration@500law.com
Become a sponsor for the 2018 Taste the Islands Experience and help to Save the Twinz!
CALLING ALL BUSINESSES AND SPONSORS!
On June 2nd, 2018 the Fort Lauderdale Historical Society will find itself in the midst of Caribbean-style celebrations with the second annual Taste the Islands Experience. “Taste the Islands” is a travel and culinary series airing nationwide on PBS stations, hosted by acclaimed chefs, Cynthia “Chef Thia” Verna and Hugh “Chef Irie” Sinclair. The event is an annual fixture that brings tropical Caribbean food, spirits, music, and entertainment to Fort Lauderdale. Other TTIX events have been hosted in both Manhattan and Washington DC.
This year, TTIX is pleased to announce a partnership with Save the Twinz!, a South Florida breast cancer charity organization. Twenty percent (20%) of designated sponsorship funds for this year’s Taste the Islands Experience will be donated to Save the Twinz!
Past and current collaborators and attendees have included brands such a Sandals, Jamaica Tourist Board, Grace Foods, Barbados Tourism Marketing and Sunny.org. Non-profit partnerships have included international charity Food for the Poor and South Florida PBS.
1,500 attendees are expected at this all-inclusive, VIP event, which will feature:
- ■ Tropical ambiance
- ■ Authentic Caribbean cuisine from South Florida restaurants
- ■ Chefs and mixologists visiting from the Caribbean
- ■ Open bar
- ■ Live DJs
- ■ Live culinary demos
- ■ Caribbean culinary theater and culinary museum
- ■ Other island-chic elements
Sponsorship packages currently available include:
- ■ A $2,500 “Community Sponsor” package with benefits including advertising in 20,000 copies of Island Origins Magazine, full page event program ad, tickets and on-site branding
- ■ A $1,000 “Corporate Supporter” package including 10 tickets, full page event program ad, on-stage recognition and discounts on Island Origins Magazine advertising
- ■ $500 full page event program ad (includes 2 tickets) or $250 half page event program ad (includes 1 ticket)
To become a sponsor for this tasty and exciting event, and help beat breast cancer, call (417) 812-5663 or email support@islandsyndicate.com
2018 Annual Reports are Due!
The Annual Report is used to update or confirm the Florida Department of State, Division of Corporations’ records. The data displayed on the entity’s online Annual Report form is the most current data on file with the Division of Corporations. An Annual Report must be filed each year for a business entity to maintain an “active status” with the Department of State. The Annual Report is required regardless, whether a business needs to make changes or not. All filing data must be reviewed for accuracy, even if the structure or individuals associated with the entity have not changed.
Annual Reports are due each year between January 1st and May 1st. All Florida profit corporations, limited liability companies, and limited partnerships will be assessed a $400.00 late fee after May 1st which cannot be waived. Go to the Division of Corporations’ website, www.sunbiz.org and file today.
If the report is filed by May 1st, the Annual Report filing fee is as follows: $150 for a profit corporation; $61.25 for a not for profit corporation; $138.75 for a limited liability company; and $500 for a limited partnership or limited liability limited partnership. If paying by check or money order, the payment voucher and check or money order must be postmarked and mailed on or before May 1st. Payment may be made online by credit card (VISA, MASTERCARD, AMERICAN EXPRESS or DISCOVER), debit card (with a VISA or MASTERCARD logo), or Sunbiz E-file Account (a pre-established Department of State payment account).
Failure to file an Annual Report by the 3rd Friday of September will result in the administrative dissolution or revocation of a business entity at the close of business on the 4th Friday of September. Administratively dissolved or revoked entities may be reinstated by submitting the appropriate reinstatement application and the appropriate fees due at the time the entity applies for reinstatement. Names of administratively dissolved or revoked business entities are made available to other parties after one calendar year.
If you need assistance, we offer Annual Report preparation and filing as well as full corporate services to businesses of all sizes. Please call today or contact our office to schedule an appointment for a FREE CONSULTATION for select matters.
