Immigration Consequences of Minor Criminal Charges
As an immigrant, it is important to understand that encounters with the criminal justice system can have immigration consequences. This is particularly important when dealing with charges that may appear relatively minor. Depending on the specific offense, the facts of the case, and its ultimate disposition, even a misdemeanor can potentially affect a person’s immigration […]
Bona Fide Marriage in the United States: Requirements and Evidence
Introduction Marriage is a legally recognized union that creates important rights and responsibilities. In the immigration context, marriage to a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident may provide a basis for a foreign national to seek lawful permanent residence in the United States. For immigration purposes, however, simply having a valid marriage certificate is not […]
Navigating the Legal Maze: Deportation Orders in the U.S.
A deportation order, more commonly called a removal order under current U.S. immigration law, is a legal determination requiring a noncitizen to leave the United States. Removal proceedings are generally handled by immigration judges within the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR), while the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), including Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), […]
How to Obtain a Work Permit in the United States: A Complete Guide
In the United States, a work permit, commonly known as an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), provides evidence that certain noncitizens are authorized to work in the country for a specific period of time. Obtaining an EAD can be an important step for people whose immigration status or circumstances make them eligible for employment authorization. In […]
Understanding Priority Dates: A Key Factor in Immigration Applications
As an immigrant, one of the biggest challenges you may face is understanding the complex immigration application process. One of the most important aspects of that process is understanding priority dates. In this article, we’ll explain what priority dates are, how they affect different types of immigrant visas, and how to navigate the Visa Bulletin. […]
Form I-130: The Key to Family-Based Permanent Residence
Form I-130, officially known as the Petition for Alien Relative, is an important first step in many family-based immigration cases in the United States. A U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident generally files this petition with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to establish a qualifying family relationship with a foreign national who may seek […]
Conditional Permanent Residence in the United States: A Comprehensive Guide
Conditional Permanent Residence is an immigration status granted to certain individuals who qualify for permanent residence in the United States under specific provisions of U.S. immigration law. Unlike a standard 10-year Green Card, conditional permanent residence generally lasts for two years and requires the resident to take additional steps to remove the conditions. This guide […]
Obtain Humanitarian Parole: The Family Reunification Process
Family Reunification Parole (FRP) processes provide a special pathway that may allow certain petitioners and beneficiaries to request temporary parole into the United States while waiting for a family-based immigrant visa to become available. These processes can provide an opportunity for qualifying families to reunite in the United States while their immigration cases continue. Below, […]
DACA Program: History, Requirements, Benefits, and Future
History of DACA Origins Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) resulted from years of efforts to address the circumstances of certain undocumented immigrants who came to the United States as children. With Congress unable to enact broader immigration reform, many of these young people grew up in the United States without permanent lawful immigration status. […]
Master the Process: Filing an Effective Family Petition in the United States
Family reunification is one of the fundamental pillars of any society, and the United States, with its rich history of immigration, is no exception. Every year, thousands of people seek to reunite with their loved ones, whether to reconnect after years of separation or to build a new future together on U.S. soil. But the […]
