You mailed your green card or waiver application to USCIS, you have your receipt and had your biometrics appointment. Great! Now all you have to do is wait for the Interview date, right? Not exactly… What I will discuss here applies to most types of applications: changes or extension of non-immigrant status, renewals of work permit, petitions for alien relatives, green card applications, waivers, VAWA, removal of Read More
The #1 Mistake that Can KILL Your Immigration Application
In September 2018, USCIS changed one of its policies and now can deny your application for making mistakes on your paperwork. Before then, if there was an issue with your application, they could reject the file and return it to you. You would then fix whatever they asked for and resubmit it. If USCIS accepted your application instead, but upon review, it determined it was missing something (a simple “x”, wrong Read More
How To Get Your Naturalization Application Approved
If you have been a permanent resident for five years, you can apply for naturalization to become a US citizen. You are eligible after three years if you received your permanent residency under VAWA, or through marriage and you are still married and living with your US citizen spouse. Having a positive naturalization interview, and as a result, a positive outcome, starts at the beginning of the application process, Read More
What is VAWA & How Can It Help You?
The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) is a way for battered and abused spouses (and in certain cases, parents and children) to get permanent residency (green card) without the help of the abusive spouse. Despite its name, VAWA benefits both men and women. You may qualify if: You are married to a US citizen or lawful permanent resident and your spouse abused you or your child; Your US citizen or lawful Read More
What To Do If ICE Shows Up
How to Handle Interactions with ICE If you are not a US citizen, you are not protected from the actions of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). However, regardless of your status, you do have Constitutional rights. Here are some basic ways to express them if the situation arises: What to do if ICE comes to your door Stay calm. Keep the door closed. Start recording everything with your phone! (it will Read More
What Happens To My Current Green Card Application or Removal Case If I Worked Without Authorization & Did Not Pay Taxes?
Recent decision trends show that immigration officers are increasingly concerned with tax reporting and tax payments made on earned income, regardless of whether the employment was authorized or not. As such, immigration applications are being reviewed more closely, resulting in ever-increasing requests for additional financial information before making a final decision in an application. We strive to stay on top of Read More
How does Parole work for Immigration purposes?
Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has the authority to grant “parole” to allow noncitizens to enter or remain on the US for specific reasons, for a limited period of time. Parole is neither a status nor an admission, which makes a huge difference in terms of options available under immigration law. How is the decision made? In deciding whether to favorably exercise discretion, the immigration officer Read More
Citizenship in the USA & Medicare – What You Need To Know
Click photo Immigrating to the USA is a long and tedious process, but once it’s behind you, there are many opportunities that can open up for you. Once you are settled, one of the first things that many people care about squaring away is health insurance. If not yet retired or over age 65, lawfully present immigrants can get health insurance coverage through an employer. If not employed or if Read More
What if Love Hurts? Relationships & Your Immigration Status
The relationships we form with others are a vital part of our emotional and mental wellbeing - some would argue that they are essential to our survival. They definitely play an important role in one’s immigration status in the U.S., as marriage or a family connection to a citizen or lawful permanent resident affects the terms of one’s residency. What happens if that relationship is difficult or even dangerous? Read More
How to Start Building a Life with Your Loved One in the U.S.
You are getting away from the Polar Vortex and are on vacation in Florida or a nice tropical island when Cupid strikes and you meet the love of your life. You cannot imagine living without your LOVE and your LOVE feels the same. But wait, your LOVE does not have a visa to get to the United States or is already here but without status. How do you make this happen? If your loved one is already in the United States, Read More
