Posted on February 14, 2024 in Immigration

If you have been the victim of a crime in the United States and cooperated with law enforcement in the investigation or prosecution, you may be eligible for a U visa. The U visa provides temporary legal status and work eligibility for victims of certain qualifying crimes who assist officials. A Texas immigration lawyer can help review your situation with you and see if you are a potential candidate for a U visa.

What Crimes Qualify for a U Visa?

The category of crimes that qualify a victim for a U visa is broad. Some examples of criminal activity could include domestic violence, sexual assault, kidnapping, felonious assault, human trafficking, involuntary servitude, and others. The most essential requirement is that the crime violated U.S. laws and occurred in the United States or its territories.

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 Posted on January 30, 2024 in Immigration

An employment-based green card allows foreign nationals to live and work permanently in the United States based on an offer of employment. However, only some are eligible to apply for this immigrant visa. Specific requirements regarding your employment, background, and relationship with the sponsoring U.S. employer exist. A Texas immigration lawyer can help determine if this is the best course of action for you and your situation.

The Employer Requirements

The employer petitioning for your green card must be a U.S. employer, entity, corporation, or organization. They must demonstrate that they can pay the offered wage and comply with immigration laws.

Sponsoring employers must also show they are still looking for qualified, willing, and available U.S. workers for the offered position. They must test the labor market through advertising, campus recruiting, job fairs, etc. There are exceptions for Schedule A occupations with a shortage of qualified workers.

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 Posted on January 16, 2024 in Immigration

When a non-citizen is detained by immigration authorities and placed in removal proceedings, one of the first steps is often requesting a bond. A bond hearing allows the detained individual to argue for release while their immigration case proceeds. A Texas immigration lawyer can help you understand what to expect at a bond hearing in removal defense.

The Basics of Bond in Removal Proceedings

A bond is an amount of money set by a judge to allow for someone’s release while their immigration case moves forward. The bond ensures that the person shows up for future court dates instead of remaining jailed or in detention. Immigration judges have broad discretion in deciding bond amounts and eligibility. Factors considered include family ties, criminal history, flight risk potential, and danger to the community.

The Purpose of the Bond Hearing

A bond hearing allows the detainee’s attorney to argue for their client’s release on bond. The immigration judge presides over the hearing. They hear arguments from both the detainee’s lawyer and government attorneys. The judge questions both sides before making a custody determination. If a bond is granted, a monetary amount is set. This allows the detainee to get out while fighting their removal case.

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 Posted on December 28, 2023 in Immigration

The E-2 “treaty investor” visa provides an exciting opportunity for eligible entrepreneurs and investors to grow a business in the United States. This special visa allows recipients to live and work in America while actively developing and directing a genuine commercial enterprise. With options for indefinite renewals, the E-2 offers ambitious foreign business owners a pathway to long-term residency tied to the success of their ventures. An Illinois immigrant lawyer can help you apply for this visa.

What is the E-2 Visa?

The E-2 visa allows eligible entrepreneurs and investors from designated treaty countries to enter and remain in the U.S. for up to five years, with indefinite renewals possible. You must commit to developing and directing an actual operating commercial enterprise that meets substantial investment and job and revenue creation requirements. It is an excellent option for ambitious business owners seeking hands-on managerial control and long-term residency.

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 Posted on December 14, 2023 in Immigration

Immigrants arrested on criminal charges often face additional hurdles in securing pretrial release. Language barriers, financial limitations, and immigration status issues compound standard release considerations. Uncertainty and anxiety heighten when detained far from family and friends. Gaining bond while fighting your criminal case is critical. So, can immigrants reasonably expect bonds? It can be less daunting with a Texas lawyer on your side.

Bond Eligibility Factors

Immigration status alone does not automatically determine whether or not you will get a bond. However, it may wrongly influence bond assumptions regarding flight risk and danger. Having an attorney present counterarguments minimizing such notions. Factors favoring immigrant bonds include:

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 Posted on November 29, 2023 in Immigration

Many excellent universities in Texas attract international students from across the world. To study in Texas as an international student, you must obtain a proper student visa by following some essential steps. It does not have to be overwhelming. A Texas lawyer can help you ensure you follow the appropriate steps.

Choose Your School

The first step is applying to and getting accepted into a Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) approved academic program at a Texas university, college, high school, private elementary school, seminary, conservatory, or language training program. The school will provide you with the necessary documents for the visa process.

Understand the Main Student Visa Types

The most common student visas obtained by foreign students in Texas are:

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 Posted on November 15, 2023 in Immigration

Houston’s world-renowned medical facilities and rapidly growing healthcare industry are powered by professionals from around the world. If you are a doctor, nurse, therapist, or other medical expert interested in working in Texas, using a non-immigrant work visa may enable you to practice legally in the United States. A Texas lawyer can help you with the process.

H-1B Visa

The H-1B visa program allows U.S. employers to temporarily hire foreign professionals in specialty occupations like medicine, nursing, and therapy.

To qualify for an H-1B as a healthcare worker in Houston:

• You must hold the U.S. equivalent of a bachelor’s degree or higher.
• The hiring employer must file an H-1B petition and prove you have the required credentials.

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 Posted on October 26, 2023 in Immigration

The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) offers protection for immigrant sufferers of sexual assault, domestic violence, and other abuses. This federal law allows certain abused immigrants to gain legal status without relying on the perpetrator. However, applying for VAWA immigration relief in Texas can be complex. Working with a Texas attorney is key.

VAWA Protections for Survivors

VAWA allows abused immigrant spouses, children, and parents of US citizens or permanent residents to “self-petition” for lawful permanent residency. This will enable them to gain legal status independently rather than relying on the abusive spouse or parent’s immigration application.

To qualify, the abuse must have occurred during the relationship, and there must be a substantial connection between the abuse and needing VAWA immigration relief. An approved VAWA self-petition provides temporary immigration status and work authorization while the abuse sufferer waits for a green card.

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 Posted on October 13, 2023 in Immigration

In Texas, one of the most common temporary work visas petitioned by employers seeking to hire foreign talent is the H-1B visa. From eligibility criteria to step-by-step application insights to key considerations for employers and workers, it is important to know what to expect. Working with a Texas lawyer can help you through the process.

What is the H-1B Visa Program?

The H-1B visa program provides a legal pathway for U.S. employers to hire professional foreign workers to fill specialty occupations that require expertise in specialized fields such as technology, engineering, accounting, architecture, and more. These visas authorize temporary employment for up to six years.

To qualify for an H-1B, beneficiaries must generally hold at least a bachelor’s degree or equivalent in a relevant specialty field. They must possess theoretical expertise and practical skills related to the professional occupation. Importantly, beneficiaries can only obtain H-1B status through sponsorship by a U.S. employer with an approved Labor Condition Application.

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 Posted on September 22, 2023 in Immigration

For U.S. citizens who have immediate relatives living abroad, the process of bringing them to America can be complex and overwhelming. However, the U.S. immigration system provides a special preference category for immediate relatives, making the path to obtaining an immigrant visa more straightforward. Suppose you need assistance in this area of law. In that case, experienced lawyers are ready to assist you, ensuring that you can pursue your legal goals with the guidance of a legal professional. 

Understanding Immediate Relative Classification

Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens include spouses, parents, and children under 21 years of age who are not married. Unlike other family-based preference categories, there are no numerical limitations on the number of visas available for immediate relatives. This means that once the eligibility requirements are met, the visa can be obtained without facing long waiting periods. 

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