Dear Democrats in Australia,

Welcome to the September 2011 DA Australia Newsletter.

Happy ANZUS Anniversary

On 1 September 1951 Australia, New Zealand and the United States signed a treaty establishing the terms upon which the three nations would cooperate militarily in relation to security matters in the Pacific - though arguably the treaty today is understood to cover defence matters arising in any area of the globe.  The Wikipedia, Australian DFAT and US State Department websites can provide a summary of the terms of the treaty, but if you would like to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the treaty by reading the actual document in its entirety, you can find it here:  http://australianpolitics.com/...

The State Department released this statement on the 60th anniversary:  http://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/...

The I-130 Issue:  An Update

Those who are following the action of Democrats Abroad, in concert with American Citizens Abroad, Republicans Abroad, the Federation of Australian Women's Clubs Overseas, several American Chambers of Commerce operating outside the US, Australian American Association and others, will know that we are working to have a change in the process of filing an I-130 immigrant visa application overturned and the decades old process reinstated.  As of 15 August 2011 Americans filing immigrant visa applications for non-American family members can no longer lodge them in person at US Consulates and Embassies.  They must now file the application, with accompanying original copies of critical documents, via post to the Chicago lock box of the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service.  Immigration experts including the American Immigration Lawyers Association suggest the process for securing a visa will blow out from the 3 months it takes currently to 1-3 years.  This is clearly not acceptable and is likely to have the impact of separating families and causing economic and emotional hardship.

Through our investigations we have confirmed that the catalyst for the  rules change was the commencement in the last year of charges being issued by the State Department to the USCIS (part of the Dept of Homeland Security) for managing the application process.  The DOS has always processed the applications - tens of thousands per year - at no cost.  We support the DOS in its efforts to receive compensation for the valuable work it undertakes in relation to I-130 applications.  We object to efforts by DHS to trim its budget at the cost of separating American families.

This week DA Australia joined DA chapters around the world in hand delivering letters to US Consulates and Embassies to be forwarded to Secretary Clinton (see attached) that express our disagreement with the rules change and our request that it be rescinded. 

We are hopeful that we will succeed in this initiative.  We understand that the Director of USCIS, Alejandro Mayorkas, has been inundated with letters and emails from concerned citizens around the world (thanks to all you who sent emails!) and is framing the rules change as a 90 day trial.    

Democrats Abroad continues to lead on this issue and will not stop pushing until the rule change is reversed and there is, again, direct consular filing of the I-130 immigrant visa application.  I will bring you updates as they arise.

Action on new FBAR and FATCA IRS Filings: an Update

Many thanks to all those who responded to my email about the new IRS filing requirements and efforts by Democrats Abroad to, among other things, have the account balance thresholds for FBAR filings increased from $10,000 to $250,000 and to repeal FATCA altogether.  These are the substance of the DA Canada Resolutions I emailed you about last week.  They are now completed and attached below.

Democrats Aboad has formed a committee with suitably skilled members to put greater consideration into our lobbying on IRS filings.  Work by DA on these matters continues on behalf of our members and all overseas Americans.  We strongly urge you to pass this information on to other overseas Americans in your network.

If you are seeking advice on your IRS filing obligations this is a listing from the website of the Sydney US Consulate of tax consultants throughout Australia.  http://photos.state.gov/librar...

Commemorating the 10th Anniversary of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001

In Sydney there will be an Interfaith Service on Sunday 11 September 2011.  Click here for details:  http://www.democratsabroad.org...

In Melbourne 11 September 2011 will be a day of Service and Remembrance.  The Melbourne US Consulate has set a goal of 911 hours of community service on the day.  Click here for information on how to participate:  http://www.democratsabroad.org...

In Canberra there will be a memorial service on Sunday 11 September to remember the victims, volunteers, and first responders of September 2001 and all those who have served since.  Click here for information:   http://www.democratsabroad.org...

We will continue to keep an eye out for 9/11 commemorative events and will post details on them on the website.

DA Australia Service Project:  Blood Drive for Australian Red Cross

Our month-long blood drive for the Australian Red Cross started on 4 August, in honor of President Obama's birthday, and finishes on Sunday 4 September.  Thanks to all who have given and all who will before the end of the campaign. For more information on how to participate:  http://www.democratsabroad.org...

Social Media Job open at the Canberra US Embassy

Please follow this link to a posting about the position.  YOU MUST BE LOGGED IN TO THE DA WEBSITE TO ACCESS THIS POSTING.  http://photos.state.gov/librar...

Are you or do you know a US licensed Social Worker in Australia?

One of our members is seeking the services of a US-licensed social worker.  If you are one or know of one who might be interested in this work can you please contact me as soon as possible on 0403 897 489 or cpolce@tpg.com.au.

Coming events:

Sydney: Sydney-San Francisco Sister City Art Biennial - this month-long exhibition ends this weekend.   http://www.democratsabroad.org...

Canberra: Forum with Journalist Mark RIley on "9/11 and the 24/7 news revolution"  Tue 6 September  http://www.democratsabroad.org...

Brisbane:  Member Meet Up at the Pig N Whistle. Wed 7 September  http://www.democratsabroad.org...

Melbourne:  9/11 Commemorative Photo Exhibition and Book Launch.  Sun 11 September  http://www.democratsabroad.org...

Canberra:  US Embassy film screening - "The Big Energy Gamble"  Tues 20 September  http://www.democratsabroad.org...

Thanks and please send through any questions, comments or feedback.

Democratically yours,

Carmelan

Chair

DA Australia

0403 897 489