Category Archives: General
Green Card Sponsors with Criminal Records
I’m a U.S. citizen and I have a criminal record. Am I allowed to sponsor my spouse for a green card? Disqualifying factors What would disqualify a green card sponsor? As part of the process of reviewing a marriage green card application, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) conducts background and security checks on… Read More »
What Israeli Entrepreneurs Need to Know about the New E-2 Visa
What Israeli Entrepreneurs Need to Know about the New E-2 Visa The E-2 visa will pave the way for business opportunities to Israeli-owned newly established companies in the U.S., as well as companies that are already operating and expanding in the U.S. In essence, the E-2 visa is designed for Israeli entrepreneurs who invest… Read More »
Collection of Social Media Identifiers from U.S. Visa Applicants
On May 31, 2019, the Department of State updated its immigrant and nonimmigrant visa application forms to request additional information, including social media identifiers, from most U.S. visa applicants worldwide. This update – which we initially announced last year in the Federal Register – is a result of the President’s March 6, 2017, Memorandum… Read More »
U.S. Citizenship Requirements for 3-Year Married Permanent Resident
As a permanent resident who is married to a U.S. citizen, you are eligible for naturalization after just three years. This is a significant benefit (as it normally requires five years as a permanent resident before applying for citizenship). To qualify, you must have lived in the U.S. continuously for the three years immediately… Read More »
Five Things You Need to Know About USCIS Delays Under the Trump Administration
Processing times for USCIS cases are delayed: According to a recent AILA Policy Brief, “USCIS Processing Delays Have Reached Crisis Levels Under the Trump Administration,” the overall average case processing time increased by almost 46% over the past two fiscal years. The processing times for 94% of USCIS’ form types (the different types of… Read More »
Employment Authorization as an F-1 International Student
As an international student there are restrictions on your ability to work while in the United States. However, there are employment options for students within the F-1 visa category. Most international students in the U.S. hold an F-1 visa. F-1 students are allowed to work in the U.S., but only under certain conditions and… Read More »
Is it legal to adopt from another country?
The international adoption process is governed by three different sets of laws: the U.S. federal adoption laws; the adoption laws of the country from which you are adopting; and the laws of where you live (U.S. state, territory, or country). What is the difference between Hague adoption and non-Hague adoption? The Hague Adoption Convention… Read More »
Five Years Passed Since Crime: Can You Apply for Naturalization?
To qualify for naturalization, the law requires that you show that you have resided in the U.S. for a specific period of time, and that for all of that time period you have been and continue to be “a person of good moral character.” If you are a green card holder (a lawful permanent… Read More »
VAWA: Battered Spouse, Children & Parent
Battered Spouse, Children & Parent As a battered spouse, child or parent, you may file an immigrant visa petition under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), as amended by the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). The VAWA provisions in the INA allow certain spouses, children, and parents of U.S. citizens and certain spouses and… Read More »
Questions & Answers: Asylum Interviews
Q: What Should I Bring with Me to the Asylum Interview? A: You should bring the following to the interview: A form of identification, including: any passport(s) you may have other travel or identification documents the Form I-94, Arrival-Departure Record, if you received one at the time of your arrival in the United States… Read More »