The U.S. Department of State (DOS) sent instructions last week to all U.S. embassies and consular posts advising that visa processing is to continue as usual after the WTC tragedy. The DOS further advised the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) that "virtually all posts are open for full consular services." The Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) has re-opened domestic offices affected by the WTC tragedy, and continues to process pending cases, as does the Department of Labor.

While additional security procedures may result in increased delay at U.S. airports, neither the INS nor the DOS has discouraged individuals with valid travel documentation from undertaking international travel. With respect to domestic travel, we have received reports of isolated incidents where foreign nationals on domestic flights have been asked by INS airport staff to produce valid immigration documentation. Therefore, Berry, Appleman & Leiden advises that, to be on the safe side, foreign nationals proactively carry passports and original INS approval notices to avoid problems with domestic air travel.

While abroad, the DOS urges U.S. citizens to "maintain a high level of vigilance and to increase their security awareness." Current DOS updates on worldwide security conditions are available at http://www.state.gov. Berry, Appleman & Leiden will provide notice of any substantive changes in immigration and visa processes due to the WTC tragedy as they arise, but at this point there is nothing substantive to report.

--Larry L. Drumm, San Francisco Office