Database Crash at Department of State - Anticipate Major Delays in Visa and Passport Issuance
The U.S. Department of State's global database for issuing travel documents such as visas and passports experienced a significant outage this week. This will result in world-wide delays in visa applications and passport issuance. The database, known as the "Consular Consolidated Database" (CCD) contains information on applications for passports, visas, and reports of Americans born abroad. It also contains photographs and links to other federal agency security databases whi


Pro Bono Work for Victims of Domestic Violence
As a part of our firm's ongoing pro bono work, Ms. Heetderks attended a fund raiser for the Compass Center for Women and Children in Chapel Hill. Ms. Heetderks will give a free information session there in September for immigrant victims of domestic violence relating to U visas and VAWA petitions. Brenman Law Firm has partnered in the past with Chatham County Family Violence and Rape Crisis Center and now has over 50 clients granted U visa status and Deferred Action status w