Posted on June 22, 2023 in Immigration

The dream of working in the United States is common among many people in other countries, and foreign workers may pursue employment opportunities that will allow them to support themselves and their families. In many cases, foreign workers may qualify for non-immigrant visas that will allow them to live and work in the U.S. temporarily. For some immigrants, this may serve as a stepping stone to permanent residence and eventual U.S. citizenship. Foreign workers will need to understand the different types of employment-based non-immigrant visas that may be available and the requirements they must meet when applying for these types of visas.

Types of Temporary Work Visas

Employment-based visas will require sponsorship from an employer in the United States, and they will provide a person with authorization to enter the U.S. and remain in the country for a certain period of time. Some common types of employment-based non-immigrant visas include:

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 Posted on June 14, 2023 in Immigration

Immigrants who come to the United States often face many challenges as they try to reunite with their families, establish living arrangements, find work, and maintain a legal immigration status. In some cases, criminal convictions can impact an immigration case, and they may play a role in determining whether a person will be eligible to receive a visa or Green Card and whether any issues related to inadmissibility will need to be addressed. By understanding how different types of convictions may be addressed during immigration proceedings, immigrants and their family members can take steps to protect against deportation and make sure they will be able to enter or continue living in the United States.

Criminal Convictions as Grounds for Inadmissibility

There are a variety of issues that could cause a person to be deemed inadmissible to the United States. If a person is inadmissible, they will not be permitted to enter the U.S., and an application for a visa may be denied. For immigrants who are currently living in the United States, grounds for inadmissibility may be reasons for immigration officials to pursue deportation or to deny any forms of relief that would allow them to avoid leaving the country.

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 Posted on May 22, 2023 in Immigration

Facing the possibility of deportation can be a daunting experience for any immigrant. The thought of being forced to leave the United States and return to a potentially unsafe country while being separated from one's family and community can be incredibly frightening. However, the U.S. legal system provides multiple ways for immigrants to fight against deportation. In many cases, this will involve making an argument to an immigration judge for why a person should be allowed to remain in the United States. However, even if a judge rules against a person and puts a deportation order in place, it may still be possible to appeal this decision.

Understanding the Immigration Appeals Process

A ruling by an immigration judge can usually be appealed, and a person can request to have their case reviewed by the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA). However, it is important to note that there are strict deadlines for filing an appeal with the BIA. Appeals must be made within 30 days after the immigration judge's decision, and the Board must receive a Notice of Appeal within the applicable 30-day deadline. If an oral decision was issued in immigration court, a Notice of Appeal must be received within 30 days after the date of the decision. If a written decision was issued, a Notice of Appeal must be received within 30 days after the date the decision was mailed to the immigrant.

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 Posted on May 12, 2023 in Immigration

Over the past several years, immigration officials in the United States have used a policy known as Title 42 to expel many immigrants who entered the country without authorization. Title 42 was implemented in 2020 by the administration of President Donald Trump, and it was meant to help limit the spread of COVID-19 by immigrants entering the U.S. As of May 11, 2023, the United States has officially ended the COVID-19 public health emergency, and this means that Title 42 will no longer be in effect. As more immigrants continue to attempt to enter the United States, lawmakers and other officials are looking to implement reforms that will address ongoing concerns about immigration.

Policies That Address Increases in Migrants Seeking to Enter the U.S.

The Department of Homeland Security has emphasized that the end of Title 42 does not mean the United States has "open borders." However, misinformation about U.S. immigration policies has led many migrants to leave their home countries and seek to enter the United States. Currently, border officials apprehend several thousand people each day as they attempt to enter the country without authorization.

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 Posted on April 25, 2023 in Immigration

Immigration to the United States can be a complex journey, especially for children who make the journey alone and those who have experienced abuse or been abandoned by their parent(s). Fortunately, minors who have been affected by these issues may receive protections, and they may be able to apply for humanitarian relief. Special Immigrant Juvenile (SIJ) status can provide children with Green Cards, and it may also protect them against deportation.

What Is Special Immigrant Juvenile (SIJ) Status?

SIJ status provides a pathway to permanent residency for some children who have been abused, neglected, or abandoned by their parents or guardians. If a court determines that a child cannot be safely reunited with their parents and that it is not in the child's best interest to return to their country of origin, the child may apply for SIJ status by filing Form I-360 with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). If their application is accepted, they will be able to apply for a Green Card once an immigrant visa becomes available.

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 Posted on April 13, 2023 in Immigration

Immigrating to the United States is a dream for many people around the world. However, the immigration process can be long and complicated. One of the options for immigrants to obtain a Green Card is consular processing. This process involves applying for an immigrant visa and Green Card through the U.S. embassy or consulate in a person's home country. There are several options for obtaining authorization to enter the United States and live in the country permanently through consular processing, including:

Family-Based Immigration

Consular processing is frequently used in family-based immigration to the United States. When a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident has qualifying family members outside the U.S. who want to come and live in the country, they can submit a petition on behalf of their loved ones. If the petition is approved, the beneficiary can then attend a visa appointment at a U.S. consular office abroad. Consular processing is advantageous because it streamlines the process of obtaining family-based immigration visas for those who are located outside of the United States.

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 Posted on March 21, 2023 in Immigration

The United States is often seen as the land of opportunity, attracting thousands of foreign workers each year who hope to establish and advance their careers. Employment-based visas and Green Cards are one of the most sought-after avenues to achieve this dream, offering permanent residency in the U.S. However, obtaining an employment-based Green Card can be a complex and lengthy process. For those who wish to immigrate to the United States, it can be helpful to understand the different categories of workers who may qualify for Green Cards and the annual quotas for each type of employment-based Green Card.

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 Posted on March 07, 2023 in Immigration

For many immigrant families, the ability to live together in the United States is essential, and it may be a goal that can take years to achieve. In some cases, family members may be fleeing dangerous situations, or some family members may have already settled in the U.S., and they may wish to bring their loved ones to live with them. However, there are many issues that can impede the immigration process, including when a person is determined to be inadmissible to the United States.

Fortunately, waivers of inadmissibility may be available in certain situations. These waivers allow immigrants to overcome a finding of inadmissibility and ensure that they can receive visas and Green Cards. To qualify for a waiver of inadmissibility, a person will need to meet several criteria, and one of the most important involves showing that if they cannot enter or remain in the U.S., their family members may suffer hardship. Understanding what types of hardship may qualify and how to demonstrate this to immigration officials is not always easy, but with the assistance of a skilled immigration attorney, families can provide the necessary evidence and address any other issues that may arise in their case.

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 Posted on February 28, 2023 in Immigration

For those who are seeking to come to the United States, the immigration process can be difficult.  In many cases, immigrants are fleeing dangerous situations in their home countries due to issues such as political unrest, natural disasters, or persecution, and they often face uncertain futures. For some, the only hope may be to seek asylum and receive humanitarian relief that will allow them to remain in the U.S. rather than being returned to situations where they would be at risk of suffering serious harm. However, proposed changes to the rules followed by immigration officials may limit people's ability to obtain this vital form of protection.

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 Posted on February 16, 2023 in Immigration

Family-based immigration provides the opportunity for family members to be together and build a life in the United States. Family-based visas are often the most efficient way to immigrate to the U.S., as they can usually be granted more quickly than other types of visas. There are multiple types of visas available depending on the relationship between family members and a sponsor's status as either a U.S. citizen or Green Card holder. In addition to the ability for families to complete the immigration process as quickly and easily as possible, family-based visas offer a number of other benefits:

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