Yearly Archives: 2019
Receiving Green Card under Section 13 (Diplomat)
Section 13 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) of Sept. 11, 1957 was created by Congress to allow individuals who entered the United States under diplomatic status to obtain a Green Card (permanent residence). Eligibility Criteria You may be eligible to receive a Green Card under Section 13 if you can establish that:… Read More »
Bringing Your Internationally Adopted Child to the United States
There are three similar but distinct paths to bringing your adopted child to the United States. Which path your adopted child follows will depend on his or her individual circumstances. Hague Process If you filed Forms I-800A and I-800 in order to adopt, then your child is from a country that has implemented the… Read More »
Step-by-Step Guide on How to Get a Green Card Through Marriage
Are you married to a US citizen or lawful permanent resident? Are you planning to marry a US citizen or lawful permanent resident? If so, you should know that you are eligible for a green card based on your marriage to a US citizen or lawful permanent resident. In this guide, you will find… Read More »
A green card through marriage to a US citizen
A green card through marriage to a US citizen is the most common way to become a permanent resident. The spouse of a US citizen is an “immediate relative”. There is no limit on the number of people who can obtain a green card through marriage to US citizens. The US citizen starts the… Read More »
Acquiring or Deriving U.S. Citizenship by Birth or Through Parents
If you were born on U.S. soil, were born to U.S. citizen parents, or became a naturalized U.S. citizen and have been living in the United States, you clearly have U.S. citizenship. However, many other people are U.S. citizens and don’t know it. For instance, you may be a U.S. citizen if you have… Read More »
Public Charge Rule
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) posted for public inspection in the Federal Register a final “public charge” rule that will dramatically expand the number of immigrants that DHS could deem ineligible for green cards and admission to the United States on account of income level and prior use of certain public benefits such… Read More »
How the Elimination of the 30/60 Day Rule (And the Replacement with the 90-Day Rule) May Affect Your Adjustment of Status to Permanent Resident
In September of 2017, the Department of State made changes to the “Rule Book” (Foreign Affairs Manual), which had a big effect on new applications for adjustment of status. The change included getting rid of the 30/60 Day Rule and instead using the 90-Day Rule. What was the 30/60 Day Rule? General rule: A… Read More »
The New Expedited Removal Rule Gives ICE More Power — Here’s How You Can Protect Yourself
On July 23rd, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced a new expedited removal policy change that could put more undocumented immigrants at risk of deportation. This rule also means that U.S. citizens could potentially be erroneously detained if they’re questioned by immigration officials and don’t have sufficient proof of citizenship on them. Overall,… Read More »
Treaty Trader and Investor Visas
E-1/E-2 visa eligibility generally requires: A treaty between the U.S. and a foreign country or Congressional act; That majority ownership or control of the trading/investing company is held by treaty country nationals; and That each employee or principal of the company seeking E status is a treaty country national. Dependents (spouses and unmarried children… Read More »
The Challenges of Visa Waiver Overstays
This program allows citizens and nationals of various countries who meet certain conditions to travel to the U.S. for business or pleasure reasons, without first obtaining a visa. However, individuals who wish to enter the Visa Waiver Program must sign an agreement that they will not challenge a decision that prevents them to enter… Read More »