This regularly scheduled sponsored column is written by Eli Tucker, Arlington-based Realtor and Arlington resident. If you would like to work with Eli and his team in Northern Virginia and the greater DC Metro area, you can reach him directly at Eli@EliResidential.com.
Eli and his team believe that your real estate needs should be managed by advisors, not salespeople. Their mission is to guide, educate, and advocate for their clients through real advice, hands-on support, and personalized service.
Question: What do my six-year-old son and I have in common?
Answer: Yesterday was our first day of school!
Yesterday at 8:30 a.m., Jackson climbed aboard the bus for his first day of 1st grade at Barcroft Elementary and yesterday at 4 p.m. I walked through the doors of George Mason’s Arlington Campus for my first day of class for my Master’s in Real Estate Development!
First Day
I’m still planning to be a local real estate agent for Arlington and the surrounding Northern Virginia/D.C. Metro communities (and your weekly ARLnow real estate columnist!), but I’ve always wanted to expand and deepen my real estate knowledge and the George Mason MRED offers a fantastic master’s program for regional residential and commercial real estate. I’m excited to broaden and deepen the range of topics I write about in my weekly Ask Eli column and for the new expertise and services I’ll be able to offer clients.
It’s been 15+ years since I graduated from the University of Maryland and took my last test, so wish me luck in getting back into the habit of homework assignments, group projects, and pop quizzes!
If you’d like to discuss buying, selling, investing, or renting, don’t hesitate to reach out to me at [email protected].
If you’d like a question answered in my weekly column or to discuss buying, selling, renting, or investing, please send an email to [email protected]. To read any of my older posts, visit the blog section of my website at EliResidential.com. Call me directly at (703) 539-2529.
Eli Tucker is a licensed Realtor in Virginia, Washington DC, and Maryland with RLAH Real Estate, 4040 N Fairfax Dr #10C Arlington VA 22203. (703) 390-9460.
The Arlington Civitan Open Air Market advertises itself as “a lovely open-air flea market with the best finds.” But it’s also a place that brings people together in the community while also serving the community.
I spoke with Patricia Koepsel, a long-time coordinator of the Arlington Civitan market, about how the event came to be. This is personal to me because I’ve been one of the thousands of Arlington residents who make an annual trek to the Civitan’s flea market to find a new life for old things from my home, earning a little money and making new friends along the way.
The market was founded in 1986 as a collaboration between Arlington County and the Civitans as a way to reduce congestion on narrow streets caused by neighborhood yard sales. Originally, the market charged buyers a quarter to enter the market, and it quickly became a popular gathering spot on the first Saturday of the month from April to November.
The recent pandemic hit the flea market hard, shutting down to the public for two years. It didn’t help that VDOT work in the garage and inclement weekend weather has complicated logistics this year, but Koepsel said each month they continue to grow their foot traffic.
More than 200 vendors — Koepsel said it’s a 50-50 mix of professional sellers and local folks clearing out their homes of unneeded items — arrive overnight Friday or during Saturday’s pre-dawn hours to set up in the multi-level garage adjacent to Washington-Liberty High School and the Arlington Planetarium. Sellers pay $20 for each parking spot they use as their “sales booth” (about 9’ x 18’) and the sale officially runs from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m., although it’s not unusual to see bargain hunters out with flashlights as sellers are unpacking and setting up, like little Arlingtonian Jawas on a scavenger mission.
“Anything you want, somebody will have,” assured Koepsel, and that’s precisely what keeps shoppers flocking back month after month. For example, just last month a vendor showed up with loads of farm equipment, something Koepsel said she hadn’t seen before.
My very first visit to the Civitan sale in 1999 ensured I would be back for more in the decades to come. It was a beautiful spring Saturday and my friend and I were selling things we’d cleaned out of our closets. We were late to set-up so decided that rather than unloading into the space, we’d just park her husband’s very vintage and beat-up truck and sell from there. We were a real-life Sanford & Sons! One shopper took a liking to one particular item and asked, “Do you have this in anything smaller?” My friend cocked her head, smiled and said, “Honey, this ain’t Macy’s. We’re selling things out of the back of a truck!” At that moment, we all burst into laughter, and it remains one of my favorite memories of the market.
Every dollar made at the Arlington Flea Market — from the rental spaces to refreshment sales — goes to support the causes espoused by the Arlington Civitans. Koepsel said the organization serves many different 501C(3) and non-profit organizations, including several that support people with intellectual and developmental challenges. Some of those local groups benefiting from the Civitan’s work include SPARC (Specially Adapted Resource Clubs), Community Residences Inc., and the Virginia Special Olympics.
Koepsel shared a story about one vendor who made sure the Civitans and their network were the beneficiaries of his hard work. This vendor had been selling at the flea market almost since its inception, and when he passed away in 2021, his family returned to the market and took up the 3-4 spaces that he’d normally use. The family sold his items or gave them away to other vendors, and donated the money raised to the ENDependence Center of Northern Virginia (ECNV), one of the organizations supported by the Civitan market’s proceeds. ECNV was able to buy new printer equipment with the $500 raised and the group proudly hangs a plaque honoring his donation.
“It was a really good deal of money for us, especially coming from an individual,” said Tim Fuchs, Deputy Executive Director of ECNV. “We also really appreciate the gesture from his family because it enables us to provide additional services to the people of Northern Virginia.”
Since its establishment in 1917 in Alabama, Civitan clubs can now be found around the world as a way to “seek out and fulfill community needs.” To learn more about getting involved with the group or to participate in the monthly market, visit Arlington-FleaMarket.com… and bring a shopping cart or two when you visit!
For 40 years, McEnearney Associates has been a premiere residential, commercial and property management firm with 11 offices located in the Washington metro region. With service excellence, hyper-local expertise, powerful data insights, innovative technology and cutting-edge marketing, McEnearney Associates have helped their clients make informed decisions on their most valuable real estate investments. There is an important difference at McEnearney: It’s not about us, it’s about you. To learn more, visit us at www.McEnearney.com.
Each week, “Just Sold Condos” spotlights condos in Arlington that have sold over the previous week. The market summary is crafted by Rick Bosl, the Arlington Condo Expert, founder of ArlingtonCondo.com, and an agent with KW Metro Center. Contact Rick and make your next move the right move.
Welcome to Just Sold Condos in Arlington!
Last week, August 12-18, we had 33 condos and co-ops that went to settlement, ranging in price from $145,000 to $1,040,000. The median price was an even $417,000 and the median days on the market were 7 days.
What can you get around the median price of $417,000? In Arlington, you can get:
2 BR/1 BA condo at Colonial Village: 1748 N Rhodes Street #319, built in 1940 for $417,000 and a condo fee of $464/month. Located in the Courthouse area, this is a short walk to the metro.
1 BR/1 BA condo at West Village of Shirlington for $377,000. The complex of the West Village of Shirlington was originally built in 1966 as rental apartments and then completely gutted in 2005 and converted to condos.
2 BR/2 BA condo at the Carlyle House at 5300 Columbia Pike #1007 for $375,000. This Penthouse level unit boasts a large 1,325 square feet plus an extended balcony.
If you are following the real estate market, while it is important to watch what sells, it is also important to watch what doesn’t sell. Last week there were 8 condos removed from the market. Four were withdrawn, 1 expired, and 3 cancelled. When a listing is removed, it can have one of three status’:
Expired – The listing term has reached its end and the listing agreement is over.
Cancelled – The listing term hasn’t reached its end, but the seller decided to cancel the agreement with the agent.
Withdrawn – There is still a listing agreement in place but the seller has decided to take it off the market. A number of listings will be withdrawn in December around the holidays and then put back on the market a few months later.
Selling Your Condo in the Fall: Smart Move or Missed Opportunity?
If you’re considering selling your condo in Arlington, you might be wondering if the fall is the right time to do so. While most people associate spring with a bustling real estate market, fall has its own unique advantages that can make it an ideal season for selling.
Understanding Market Trends
One of the key trends to note is the uptick in activity after Labor Day. Historically, there is a noticeable jump in new listings come September, as evidenced by market data. This increase in listings suggests that sellers are capitalizing on the heightened buyer interest returning from their summer hiatus.
The chart below shows the number of new condo listings by month for the past ten years. The red arrows point to the bar for September and, as you can see, there is a noticeable jump.
New Listings
Benefits of Selling in the Fall
Motivated Buyers
Come September, buyers who delayed their home search during summer vacations are back in action. They are often motivated to close deals quickly, especially before the holiday season sets in, making them more likely to make competitive offers.
Moreover, fall is also a transitional period when people start planning for the upcoming holiday season. This creates a sense of urgency among buyers who want to finalize their housing situation before the busy holiday season begins. As a seller, this means you have a higher chance of attracting serious and motivated buyers who are looking to make a move quickly.
Be sure to try the short assessment to test your readiness.
Please note: While ArlingtonCondo.com provides this information for the community, they may not be the listing agent of these homes. Equal Housing Opportunity.
We’ve all heard the warnings: Don’t pour grease down the drain… don’t put batteries in the trash… But where do these items really belong? The Arlington Art Truck’s fall installation, “Let It FLOW!” by artist Scott Pennington, turns a classic bean bag toss into an educational experience, showing you the right way to dispose of common household waste.
This interactive art piece mimics carnival games, inviting participants to toss bean bags with images of cotton swabs, food scraps, cat litter, cigarette butts, “flushable” wipes, dental floss and more into the appropriate disposal bin — whether it’s the sink, toilet, trash can or food scraps collection bin.
Designed for two to three players, this activity teaches participants how household waste can affect Arlington’s wastewater systems and how they can help prevent clogs and damage.
The Water Pollution Control Plant, the project’s community partner, will have representatives at Arlington Art Truck locations to educate residents on protecting our wastewater infrastructure and environment. They will also discuss upcoming plant upgrades and inform residents about food scrap drop-off sites, including 4300 29th Street South, Columbia Pike Farmer’s Market, and seven new on-street collection points for multi-family residents.
Launched in 2018 with support from the National Endowment for the Arts, the Arlington Art Truck was a finalist for Americans for the Arts’ 2019 Gard Award for Arts and Community Life. This innovative mobile art venue blurs the line between participant and presenter, featuring digital and traditional creative tools and hosting three artists-in-residence from April through November.
About the Artist: Scott Pennington is a Baltimore-based artist known for his large-scale participatory installations and sculptural assemblages. With a background in furniture and cabinetmaking, Pennington crafts intricate, vibrant works that engage diverse audiences and enliven public spaces. His art often explores themes of labor, consumer culture, and the pursuit of simple pleasures, creating connections that are both nostalgic and thought-provoking.
About the Community Partner: The Water Pollution Control Plant, located in South Arlington, treats 23 million gallons of wastewater daily from local residences and businesses. Its mission is to process wastewater safely and efficiently, protecting the environment, especially the Four-Mile Run, the Potomac River and the Chesapeake Bay. Future upgrades will focus on enhancing solids handling, resource recovery, and reducing Arlington’s reliance on fossil fuels.
“Let It FLOW!” debuted at the Arlington County Fair earlier this month and runs through October 26, 2024. Upcoming Arlington Art Truck activations include:
Rosslyn Jazz Fest: Saturday, September 7, 1-7 p.m., Gateway Park (1300 Langston Boulevard)
Rock ‘n’ Recycle: Saturday, September 14, 1 p.m., Trades Center (4300 29th Street South)
Each week, “Just Reduced” spotlights properties in Arlington County whose price have been cut over the previous week. The market summary is crafted by Arlington Realty, Inc. Maximize your real estate investment with the team by visiting www.arlingtonrealtyinc.com or calling 703-836-6000 today!
Please note: While Arlington Realty, Inc. provides this information for the community, it may not be the listing company of these homes.
As of August 19, there are 118 detached homes, 32 townhouses, and 152 condos for sale throughout Arlington County. In total, 18 homes experienced a price reduction in the past week, including:
Please note that this is solely a selection of Just Reduced properties available in Arlington County. For a complete list of properties within your target budget and specifications, contact Arlington Realty, Inc.
Ravel and Royale is a duo of naturally inspired apartment communities, where a truly balanced lifestyle takes form.
Grab a carefree lease on life and live nestled among lush landscaping with an incomparable front yard — Strathmore Square.
Explore our greenery, paths, and trails with proximity to Beach Drive in Rock Creek Park and the Strathmore lawns. Relax in a brand-new sophisticated residence with European finishes, generously landscaped terraces, entertainment-focused living spaces, and floor-to-ceiling windows for light-filled rooms overlooking the park. Let our incredible management team take care of the details so you can enjoy your new home stress-free.
Whether you’re absorbed in a new book, enjoying a refreshing swim, or lounging in the sun under the cool shade of the umbrellas, find serenity and relaxation at your on-site pool. Nourish your mind, body, and spirit in your dry sauna, wellness rooms, two-story fitness center with separate yoga space, and our uniquely landscaped courtyards.
Form deeper connections with loved ones as you host memorable dinner parties on your spacious private terrace or within our shared luxury dining spaces, presentation kitchens, and lavish lounges.
The green stop on the redline at the Grosvenor Strathmore Metro Station presents an opportunity for stress-free luxury living inspired by nature in an art-inspired community. Enjoy access to more, including the nightlife and shopping destinations at Pike and Rose and Downtown Bethesda, plus all the benefits of membership at Strathmore, the amazing shows at The Music Center, exhibits at The Mansion, summer concerts and outdoor art on the Strathmore Lawn and Sculpture Garden, and our own Strathmore Square music and community events.
Through a one-of-a-kind partnership with Strathmore, residents receive exclusive and diverse Strathmore programming. Enjoy bi-annual sessions with a Curator Concierge, culturally rich performances, and early offerings for premier seats.
Close to Rockville Pike and I-495/I-270, yet tucked away in a neighborhood to call your own home to world-class arts and culture — this is Ravel and Royale, where style, connectivity, and serenity meet.
With more to see and more to do, these artful residences are accompanied by extensive amenity spaces, opening the door to exploration and neighborly connection.
This regularly scheduled sponsored column is written by Eli Tucker, Arlington-based Realtor and Arlington resident. If you would like to work with Eli and his team in Northern Virginia and the greater DC Metro area, you can reach him directly at Eli@EliResidential.com.
Eli and his team believe that your real estate needs should be managed by advisors, not salespeople. Their mission is to guide, educate, and advocate for their clients through real advice, hands-on support, and personalized service.
Question: How has the rental market performed so far in 2024?
Answer:
Rent vs Buy — Nowhere to Hide
The unfortunate truth these days is that if you need housing, there’s nowhere to find safety. Prices on single-family homes and condos are up significantly, higher interest rates have pushed monthly payments to uncomfortable levels, and, as you’ll see below, the rental market is competitive and expensive.
Over the past five years, the average rent price in Arlington is up 21.6% across all property types and 27.1% for single-family home rentals. So far in 2024, about half of homes listed for rent are rented within the first ten days on market and tenants have little room for negotiation, with the average property renting for just .2% less than the original asking price. Properties that are rented within the first ten days on market (about half) are going for an average of 1.4% above the asking price.
About the Data
The data below is rental data from the MLS in Arlington over the last five years. Note that very few commercial apartment buildings list in the MLS so this data is limited to non-commercially owned rentals (for apartments, that is mostly individually owned condos).
Further, it’s difficult to say what percentage of non-commercially owned properties go through the MLS for rent but I would guess that it’s about half of rented apartments (condos), but likely a majority if detached and townhouse properties. Despite the limited data set, we still have more than enough information available through the MLS to generate outputs that represent the true rental market.
Highlights and Data Table
Here are some highlights from the data table (keep in mind that 2020-2023 includes 12 months of data, but 2024 is just 7.5 months of data):
The average rent for an apartment (condo) is up 3.1% this year compared to last and the average rent for a single-family home and a townhouse/duplex is up 8.7% and 6.2%, respectively
Average rental prices in Arlington are up 21.6% over the past five years
The average rent price of an apartment (condo) has increased 17% in the past five years, a bit higher than the 14.3% increase to the average cost of buying a condo during that same period
The average rent price of a single-family home has increased 27.1% in the past five years, a bit higher than the 24.9% increase to the average cost of buying a single-family home during that same period
The 2024 rental market, across all property types, has been more competitive than it’s been during any other year going back to 2020, with properties renting at prices closer (or above) to the original asking price and properties accepting a tenant faster than any previous years. Note that these numbers might drop to be more in line with previous years once the slower months of 2024 (fall/holidays) are included.
Roughly 50% of properties accept a tenant within ten days of being listed for rent
Rental Chart
For further questions about the Northern Virginia rental market, Eli Residential Group’s rental specialist, Carolanne Korolowicz is available at [email protected].
If you’d like to discuss buying, selling, investing, or renting, don’t hesitate to reach out to me at [email protected].
If you’d like a question answered in my weekly column or to discuss buying, selling, renting, or investing, please send an email to [email protected]. To read any of my older posts, visit the blog section of my website at EliResidential.com. Call me directly at (703) 539-2529.
Eli Tucker is a licensed Realtor in Virginia, Washington DC, and Maryland with RLAH Real Estate, 4040 N Fairfax Dr #10C Arlington VA 22203. (703) 390-9460.
Each week, “Just Sold Condos” spotlights condos in Arlington that have sold over the previous week. The market summary is crafted by Rick Bosl, the Arlington Condo Expert, founder of ArlingtonCondo.com, and an agent with KW Metro Center. Contact Rick and make your next move the right move.
Welcome to Just Sold Condos in Arlington!
Last week, August 5-8 and 11, we had 21 condos and co-ops that went to settlement, ranging in price from $135,000 to $1,100,000. Price is one thing to consider when buying a condo, but don’t forget about the condo fee. The important number to look at is the total monthly payment, which is the mortgage + condo fee + taxes + insurance.
The condo fees for the units that sold last week ranged from:
$361/month for a 2 BR/1 BA unit at Palisade Garden
$2,132/month for a 3 BR/3 BA unit at the Waterford House
And the Median condo fee for units that sold last week was:
$501/month for a 2 BR/1 BA unit at Rosslyn Heights
Another way to compare condo fees is by condo fee per square foot. That is a more consistent approach when you are dealing with condos of various sizes. Calculating it this way gives a range of:
$0.39 per sq. ft. for a 941 sq. ft. condo at West Village of Shirlington (4179 S Four-Mile Run Drive # 401)
$1.20 per sq. ft. for 3 BR/3 BA unit at the Waterford House (1200 Crystal Drive # 1513)
Why such a discrepancy? Read below on what the condo fee covers.
This is a sponsored column by attorneys John Berry and Kimberly Berry of Berry & Berry, PLLC, an employment and labor law firm located in Northern Virginia that specializes in federal employee, security clearance, retirement and private sector employee matters.
By John V. Berry, Esq
Our lawyers represent federal employees, government contractors, and military personnel in security clearance cases.One of the most frequent questions they ask is when they should hire a security clearance lawyer.
The usual answer that we give is that clearance holders and applicants should consult with a knowledgeable lawyer as soon as they anticipate having security clearance issues. It is generally easier to fix security clearance problems (or avoid them) as early in the process as possible.
Most individuals have a good sense as to whether or not they may have a security concern (e.g., drug use, financial issues, accurate completion of forms) as they apply for positions or when they fill out security clearance forms like the e-QIP, SF-86 and/or different versions of the SF-85. Sometimes, individuals don’t consider how much a potential security issue can affect their ability to obtain or retain a security clearance. Having a security clearance attorney advise a person about the process can be invaluable.
Some areas where a security clearance lawyer can help include:
Getting Advice Before Completing Security Clearance Forms
When there is a potential security concern, consulting with a security clearance lawyer can help get ahead of potential security clearance concerns. One of the major problems that we see in the clearance process is when a person comes to us too late for advice to potentially correct a security issue. Getting advice prior to submitting security clearance forms, where there are potential issues, is the best advice.
A security clearance lawyer can go over the risks of applying for a security clearance. They can also help review an individual’s security clearance forms to ensure that they are accurate and responsive. It is critical, if you apply, to disclose all information accurately on these forms. Not doing so can form the basis for a denial based on a lack of candor or honesty.
Consulting/Representation Once the Security Clearance Process Begins
It is also important to have the guidance of a security clearance attorney when the security clearance investigative process begins. At this point, the security clearance forms in such a case have been submitted, and the individual is in the process of being scheduled for an investigative interview. In such a situation, it is important to go over any areas of concern with a client that are likely to come up in the interview. There are often ways of responding during an interview that can clear up any misperceptions by the investigator or perhaps mitigate these concerns in advance.
Again, it is extremely important to be honest and accurate during the clearance interview process and sometimes to even disclose concerns before the interview begins in certain cases. However, getting advice before doing so is crucial.
Representation in Security Clearance Denials or Proposed Denials
An individual will definitely need a security clearance lawyer if they receive a denial or proposed denial of their security clearance. Each federal agency is different, and there are different security clearance processes for each federal agency.
Drafting the Written Response to the Statement of Reasons
The typical first step in the security clearance denial process is to provide a written response to the security concerns (often known as the Statement of Reasons) to the clearance review authority. The first step is to obtain a complete fact set from the individual regarding the security concerns at issue and work to determine the best possible methods of rebutting and/or mitigating them. There is also a whole-person concept evaluation where attorneys can assist individuals in explaining their good character, prior performance, and/or background, which can also help mitigate clearance concerns.
The written response usually takes the form of a written submission by counsel, exhibits, and an affidavit or declaration. It is not uncommon for such responses to be 15 to 70 pages in length, with exhibits. The length of a submission depends on the security concerns at issue and the type of mitigating documents that are available for a case.
Representation During Personal Appearance or Hearing Stage
While it is very important to provide a detailed written response to security clearance issues, it is even more important to present a thorough oral presentation where the opportunity to do so arises. We almost always recommend that an individual elect an administrative judge hearing or personal appearance in security clearance cases. Each federal agency is different and has different procedures for personal appearances and hearings. We have found that personal appearances/hearings have the greatest potential to reverse negative findings.
Contact Us
When an individual is facing concerns about security clearance issues, it is important to obtain legal advice early. Our law firm advises individuals in the security clearance process. We can be contacted at www.berrylegal.com or by telephone at (703) 668-0070.
This sponsored column is by Law Office of James Montana PLLC. All questions about it should be directed to James Montana, Esq., Janice Chen, Esq., and Austen Soare, Esq., practicing attorneys at The Law Office of James Montana PLLC, an immigration-focused law firm located in Falls Church, Virginia. The legal information given here is general in nature. If you want legal advice, contact us for an appointment.
[Note: Parole in Place applications should open on Monday, August 19. As part of the Department of Homeland Security’s ongoing campaign to make Statutes of Liberty’s advertisements harder to draft, no guidance for this important program has been issued as of our publication date, August 15. We refer our readers to our predictions about what that guidance will say.]
Americans are, and always have been, a litigious people — always appealing to our Constitution to support our opinions, and always ready to go to court to right real, or imagined, wrongs. But, as the Supreme Court explained this term in Department of State v. Muñoz, the right to have your day in court stops at our borders. No non-citizen can challenge a consular officer’s decision to deny a visa.
In this advertorial, we’ll explain how the doctrine of Consular Non-Reviewability works, and then provide information about the rare exceptions to the doctrine.
This is a computer game about visa issuance. It’s a great game, you should play it!
The facts of Department of State v. Muñoz show a typical application of consular non-reviewability. A U.S. citizen, Sandra Muñoz, married a Salvadoran man, Luis Asencio-Cordero. Asencio-Cordero had previously entered the United States illegally, so Muñoz had to file several applications inside the United States.
First, Muñoz filed a petition seeking recognition of the validity and good-faith nature of her marriage, which USCIS approved. Then, Muñoz filed a waiver application seeking the government’s agreement that separating her and her husband would result in “extreme hardship”; again, USCIS approved. Having obtained both of these approvals, Asencio-Cordero was able to leave the United States to apply for an immigrant visa, which, if granted, would have allowed him to re-enter the U.S. as a permanent resident.
Applications for immigrant visas are handled by the U.S. embassies and consulates abroad. Asencio-Cordero attended an interview at the U.S. Embassy in San Salvador and was denied an immigrant visa. What was the reasoning? Asencio-Cordero was not told. At this point, Muñoz and Asencio-Cordero filed a lawsuit.
In the absence of an explanation from the State Department, they guessed (accurately) that the State Department believed him to be a member of a Central American street gang, and guessed (again accurately) that the reason they believed this was his tattoos, which included Our Lady of Guadalupe, the face of Sigmund Freud, a ‘tribal pattern’ with a paw print, and a theatrical mask with dice and cards.
Muñoz’s lawsuit alleged that the State Department had deprived her, as a United States citizen, of a protected liberty interest, namely living with her husband in the United States.
The Supreme Court ruled — effectively, 9-0 — that Muñoz could not appeal to the federal courts for a review of the Embassy’s decision. A majority of six justices found that Muñoz was not even entitled to an explanation of the denial beyond a bare statutory citation; the dissenting three held that the State Department could deny visa applications without judicial review, but should be required to provide a “facially legitimate and bona fide reason” for the denial.
This doctrine of consular non-reviewability is, with rare exceptions, absolute. The exceptions embrace classes, not individuals. For example, in Trump v. Hawaii, the Court allowed plaintiffs arguing against the Trump Administration’s travel ban — which embraced entire nationalities — to proceed despite the doctrine of consular non-reviewability.
And, in Kleindienst v. Mandel, the Court allowed a group of professors to at least receive a reasoned explanation for the denial of a visa application by a colleague who had been barred from entering the United States as a Marxist. But these exceptions are narrow, rare, and rarely substantive. If your visa application is denied, there is rarely an opportunity to apply again.
As a footnote, we would like to note that the non-citizen in Muñoz would almost certainly have qualified for parole in-place if he had remained in the United States and had been present on June 17, 2024. But, of course, the non-citizen had no way of knowing that parole in place would be offered in the future. The Muñoz decision was issued on June 21st, 2024.
As always, we are grateful for your questions and comments, and will do our best to respond.
One of AIRE’s efforts to improve the community is through execution of the Community Energy Plan (CEP), through the implementation blueprint of the CEP Roadmap. Understanding Arlington’s CEP and CEP Roadmap is important for you and your community, since the initiatives directly affect daily life.
Here’s why you should care:
Healthier Environment: From reducing energy costs to improving air quality, the CEP Roadmap strategies aim to create a healthier, more sustainable environment for you and your community.
Community Benefits: By supporting the CEP, the AIRE team is contributing to a collective framework for mitigating and adapting to climate change. The Roadmap identifies and interconnects strategies that will continue to position Arlington as a leader in sustainability, attracting like-minded businesses and community members.
Flexibility: The CEP Roadmap is designed to be flexible and elastic, ensuring that Arlington can stay ahead of technological advancements and fiscal, political, and legislative changes. This means a more resilient community that can better handle future challenges.
Accountability and Transparency: The detailed timelines, assigned responsibilities, and impact tracking frameworks of the Roadmap ensure that you can see exactly how the plan is progressing. This transparency builds trust and allows you to hold local leaders accountable.
Check out the updated Roadmap on our website next month to see AIRE’s goals for years 2024-2026.
The city’s strong ties to the tech industry and entrepreneurial community make it a natural fit for coworking. This setting, rich with creativity and collaboration, is the perfect launchpad for startups and freelancers alike.
Take The AAKOMA Project, for example. Founded by Dr. Alfiee Breland-Noble, the nonprofit is dedicated to the mental health of Youth and Young Adults of Color (YYAC). Drawing on her groundbreaking research at Duke and Georgetown Universities, Dr. Breland-Noble empowers YYAC and their caregivers to seek help and manage mental health, advocating for systemic changes to better serve their needs.
As Dr. Alfiee puts it, “The AAKOMA Project grew much faster than I expected. Our shared coworking space in Ballston was a great start, but it soon became clear we needed our own dedicated space. The Arlington Economic Development team and our commercial realtor helped us find a space that accommodates our growing team and aligns with our mental health mission. Staying in Ballston was an easy choice, — it’s an ideal location for us to continue expanding, close to key resources and has a vibrant atmosphere that celebrates diversity.”
Then there’s Cyberspatial, an emerging defense contractor led by Founder and CEO Lawrence Nunn. Starting in a simple coworking office, the National Landing-based company has since moved to a dedicated office space. Nunn had this to say when reflecting on the company’s choice to stay in Arlington: “Arlington’s vibrant community and strategic location made it the perfect launchpad for our growth, with its robust cyber nexus providing unparalleled access to talent and innovation.”
As organizations grow, their needs evolve. They may seek a traditional office setting to accommodate expansion, foster company culture and create a dedicated space where employees can thrive. Arlington Economic Development (AED) is here to support businesses at every stage, offering tools and resources to help you find the right space, whether it’s a coworking office or a larger, dedicated footprint.
If your organization is ready to take the next step, let the Business Investment Group provide the boost you need to flourish.
Get in touch with AED today to explore how you can maximize your potential in Arlington.
