Week after Sept 11, 2001

Just a week ago, at this time, most of us were blissfully unaware of the terrible tragedy that was to take place the following morning. We, at The Law Office of Sheela Murthy, P.C. have also been affected by the tragic events witnessed in the U.S. on Tuesday, September 11, 2001. Our deepest sympathies, thoughts, and prayers go out to those whose families have lost loved ones. 

Many of you have called or eMailed our office to voice your concerns about the tragic events of that day and also your concerns about being immigrants in this country and possibly being targeted because of race, ethnicity, or religion. We have been heartened by the many interfaith worship services around the country and statements by President Bush and the U.S. Senate, among others, reminding the public that it is wrong to stereotype and target Arab-Americans and Muslims in the U.S., and that no ethnic group is more "American" than any other. Indeed many of the people killed in the WTC on September 11, 2001, themselves represented a broad cross section of diverse races symbolic of the U.S., our melting pot.

Some of you are calling to enquire on the impact of the many rumors about the INS and other federal governmental agencies screening tourist or student cases more carefully. It is too early to comment on the impact of that day that will live in infamy but we should reasonably expect more scrutiny on some types of visa applicants.
 
In an article in this week’s MurthyBulletin, we will include an update on the flexibility that the INS and other agencies are exercising to help applicants whose cases may have been delayed in the mail or otherwise affected by the tragic events of September 11, 2001.