Consular Processing, and 99 State - Thailand
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Consular officers and immigration attorneys in Thailand are not supposed to act as adversary counsels during the consular processing.
This is a common misconception that needs to be straightening out to maintain a harmonious relationship between the two sides. In consonance with this objective several governmental issuances had been conveyed to discuss the issue and “99 state” is an illustration of that.
99 state refers to the State Department Cable 99 State 21138 delivered by U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright in February 4, 1999. The cable discussed the nature of relationship of US immigration lawyers and consular officers. The following points have been highlighted by through the declaration of the State Secretary:
“The employment of lawyer does not constitute red flag or signal the existence of problem in the case…”
Consular officers do not pre-judge the visa applications on the basis of appearance of lawyers in behalf of the applicants. They are already accustomed to immigration lawyers doing the filing and follow ups. Applicants need not be afraid of having one to assist them in the consular process.
“One very important service that attorneys provide to their clients is making sure that attorneys provide to their clients is making sure that forms are completed and necessary supporting documentation presented at the time of the interview…”
The secretary herself recognized the value of having immigration lawyers handle clients’ applications. A seasoned attorney already knew what documents are required, where to file and the steps to be taken in the process. The interview is also made easier due to proper orientation conducted with the client.
“The best immigration attorneys know the law very well...”
Provided the immigration attorneys know what they are doing, through their continuous support and suggestions to the Department of State, the immigration rules and procedures would improve for the benefit of the applicants, consular officers and themselves as well.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Dennis P. Ramm
Dennis P. Ramm is Partner with Siam Legal International which is Thailand Largest Legal Services Network with offices in Los Angeles, London, Manila and Bangkok. Dennis works with American Attorneys, UK Solicitors & Barristers, German Lawyers, and Australian Solicitors providing global immigration services including K1 Visa Thailand, K3 Visa Thailand and US Visa Thailand. Dennis has over 19 years of experience assisting persons in applying for US Visas from Thailand. Dennis has written numerous publications on Thai Fiancee Visas, US Visas for Thai Nationals and K3 Marriage Visa from the US Embassy in Thailand.
Copyright Siam Legal International
More information about Siam Legal International
Disclaimer: While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this publication, it is not intended to provide legal advice as individual situations will differ and should be discussed with an expert and/or lawyer. For specific technical or legal advice on the information provided and related topics, please contact the author.
99 state refers to the State Department Cable 99 State 21138 delivered by U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright in February 4, 1999. The cable discussed the nature of relationship of US immigration lawyers and consular officers. The following points have been highlighted by through the declaration of the State Secretary:
“The employment of lawyer does not constitute red flag or signal the existence of problem in the case…”
Consular officers do not pre-judge the visa applications on the basis of appearance of lawyers in behalf of the applicants. They are already accustomed to immigration lawyers doing the filing and follow ups. Applicants need not be afraid of having one to assist them in the consular process.
“One very important service that attorneys provide to their clients is making sure that attorneys provide to their clients is making sure that forms are completed and necessary supporting documentation presented at the time of the interview…”
The secretary herself recognized the value of having immigration lawyers handle clients’ applications. A seasoned attorney already knew what documents are required, where to file and the steps to be taken in the process. The interview is also made easier due to proper orientation conducted with the client.
“The best immigration attorneys know the law very well...”
Provided the immigration attorneys know what they are doing, through their continuous support and suggestions to the Department of State, the immigration rules and procedures would improve for the benefit of the applicants, consular officers and themselves as well.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Dennis P. Ramm
Dennis P. Ramm is Partner with Siam Legal International which is Thailand Largest Legal Services Network with offices in Los Angeles, London, Manila and Bangkok. Dennis works with American Attorneys, UK Solicitors & Barristers, German Lawyers, and Australian Solicitors providing global immigration services including K1 Visa Thailand, K3 Visa Thailand and US Visa Thailand. Dennis has over 19 years of experience assisting persons in applying for US Visas from Thailand. Dennis has written numerous publications on Thai Fiancee Visas, US Visas for Thai Nationals and K3 Marriage Visa from the US Embassy in Thailand.
Copyright Siam Legal International
More information about Siam Legal International
View all articles published by Siam Legal International
Disclaimer: While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this publication, it is not intended to provide legal advice as individual situations will differ and should be discussed with an expert and/or lawyer. For specific technical or legal advice on the information provided and related topics, please contact the author.
