Posted on January 24, 2023 in Immigration

In recent years, the technology industry has seen a great deal of upheaval, and the economy of the United States and the world as a whole has also undergone some major changes. As a result, many companies have taken steps to reduce their workforce and lay off workers. More than 150,000 tech employees were laid off in 2022, and more than 35,000 layoffs have already occurred in 2023. These layoffs have hit immigrant workers especially hard. For those who have entered the United States on employment-based visas, the loss of a job may affect their immigration status, and they may need to determine what steps to take to avoid being forced to leave the country.

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 Posted on January 16, 2023 in Immigration

Over the past several years, the United States has faced an immigration crisis. Thousands of migrants have attempted to enter the country on a daily basis, and millions of people have been deported or expelled. In many cases, these migrants have fled dangerous situations in their home countries, and they have sought asylum in the U.S. Unfortunately, due to the high number of both illegal border crossings and legal attempts to enter the United States, the immigration system has struggled to keep up, and many people have been forced to live in dangerous and unstable conditions. To address these issues and to attempt to help migrants enter and live in the U.S. legally, the administration of President Joe Biden is seeking to implement a number of reforms.

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 Posted on December 20, 2022 in Immigration

Immigrants who are victims of crime can face a variety of hardships, especially if they have limited options for leaving a dangerous situation and are concerned that they may face deportation. Fortunately, some victims can receive protection in the form of U visas. Understanding who is eligible for these visas and how they work can help those affected by crime know their rights and seek humanitarian relief.

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 Posted on December 13, 2022 in Immigration

Over the past several years, conditions in Haiti have become very volatile. An unstable political situation became much worse after the assassination of the country's president in 2021, and high levels of gang violence have put many people at risk. Environmental disasters have made problems even worse, leading to issues such as a lack of access to food, water, and medicine, as well as outbreaks of diseases such as cholera. Because of these issues, many people have fled the country and sought safety in the United States. Unfortunately, a large number of Haitian migrants have been deported or expelled, putting them at risk of further harm. 

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 Posted on November 28, 2022 in Immigration

On November 15, 2022, a federal judge in Washington, D.C. issued a ruling that will put an end to a policy that has been used by immigration officials over the past few years to expel immigrants without going through the typical deportation procedures. This policy, which is known as Title 42, was put in place by the Donald Trump administration, and its stated purpose was to protect public health and safety during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, it has continued to be used by immigration officials even as the dangers of COVID-19 have receded. Following this change, people who enter the United States may be able to avoid expedited expulsions, and they will be more likely to obtain humanitarian relief through asylum or other means.

Why Is Title 42 Ending?

The Trump administration's stated reasons for implementing the Title 42 policy were to prevent the spread of COVID-19 infections by migrants entering the U.S. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) put this rule in place, stating that quickly expelling immigrants from the country was necessary to protect public safety. However, many human rights advocates believe that the policy was actually a pretext to prevent immigrants from remaining in the United States. 

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 Posted on November 21, 2022 in Immigration

The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) allows certain immigrant victims of domestic violence to apply for a Green Card without the need to be sponsored by a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident. This can ensure that abuse victims will be able to leave dangerous situations, receive protection from law enforcement, and avoid being uprooted from their communities and deported from the United States. However, it is important to understand the criteria that a person will need to meet to be eligible to self-petition for a Green Card under VAWA.

Am I Eligible for a Green Card Through VAWA?

You may be eligible to self-petition under VAWA if: 

• You are married to or were married to a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, and your spouse abused you; OR

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 Posted on October 24, 2022 in Immigration

Refugees are people who have been forced to leave their home countries due to conflict or persecution. Every year, millions of people around the world are forced to flee their homes in search of safety. Many refugees end up in overcrowded and dangerous refugee camps, where they face starvation, disease, and violence. Others embark on treacherous journeys in an attempt to reach safety, often risking their lives in the process. 

For those who do manage to reach the United States, the challenges do not end there. The process of applying to enter the U.S. as a refugee can be long and complicated, and many refugees are uncertain of whether they will be able to stay in the country or be forced to return to their home countries. Reuniting with family members can also be difficult, as refugee family members are often spread out all over the world. Refugees and other immigrants who are seeking humanitarian relief will often need legal help as they navigate complex immigration laws and procedures, and a skilled and experienced attorney can provide invaluable assistance.

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 Posted on October 14, 2022 in Immigration

Immigrants who come to the United States often have the goal of obtaining a green card, which grants them legal permanent residency. The adjustment of status process allows a person to apply for permanent residency without having to leave the country. To be eligible for adjustment of status, immigrants must meet certain requirements, such as having a valid visa, being physically present in the United States, and having a qualifying immigrant petition. By understanding when adjustment of status may be available, immigrants can make sure they take the correct steps to become lawful permanent residents.

Eligibility for Adjustment of Status

A person can apply for adjustment of status if a visa is immediately available to them and they are eligible for a green card. There are multiple green card eligibility categories, including:

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 Posted on September 23, 2022 in Immigration

Every year, thousands of immigrants come to the United States because they fear that they will suffer harm if they remain in another country. In these situations, immigrants may be able to request asylum by demonstrating that they have a credible fear that they or their family members will experience persecution because of their race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group. While the process of seeking asylum can be daunting, it is important to know that there are two different types of asylum seekers in the United States: those who apply for asylum affirmatively, and those who apply for asylum defensively.

What Is Affirmative Asylum?

An individual may actively seek asylum by going through the proper channels at a port of entry or U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) office. A person can apply for asylum within one year after entering the United States. Applying for affirmative asylum is generally considered the best option, as it gives applicants the chance to explain their situation to an asylum officer, and it provides more flexibility in terms of timing and eligibility requirements.

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 Posted on September 09, 2022 in Immigration

When immigrants are detained by immigration officials, they and their loved ones may not only be concerned about the possibility of deportation, but they may be worried about their ability to be released, return to their daily lives, maintain employment, and take care of other responsibilities. In some cases, immigrants may be able to request that they be released, and they may be required to pay an immigration bond. In these situations, a bond hearing may be held, and an immigrant and their attorney will need to provide evidence and testimony showing that they are eligible to be released.

How Can a Person Show That They Are Eligible for an Immigration Bond?

When an immigration judge considers an individual case and determines whether an immigration bond should be granted, they will look at two primary factors: whether the person presents a danger to the community and whether they are a flight risk. When addressing the first issue, a judge will usually look at the person's criminal history and any indications that they may potentially harm others. During the hearing, the immigrant may need to answer questions about previous arrests or convictions, explain what happened in these situations, and show that they will not engage in criminal activity in the future. A person may provide evidence of rehabilitation, such as the completion of a prison sentence or diversionary program, as well as other steps they are taking to remain safe, such as receiving treatment for drug or alcohol abuse.

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