USCIS has issued new guidance that could significantly affect how the Child Status Protection Act (CSPA) is applied to dependent children in green card applications. For families navigating the green card process, this change may alter whether a child can remain eligible as a derivative beneficiary. In this video, our attorneys break down what…
The process of bringing your fiancé to the US involves many steps and multiple phases. The process can be daunting and difficult to understand. One of the most common questions couples have is: What does the process entail? First, you must file a Form I-129F, Petition for Alien Fiancé(e). Along with the form, you and…
Employment When do I have to join my employer-sponsor? What work can I do for them? Where can I work after green card is issued? By pursuing the employment-based application, both you and your employer have declared your intentions of having you perform the services described in your I-140 (or on the I-485 Supplement J…
On Monday, June 7, 2021, the Supreme Court of the United Stated (SCOTUS) unanimously ruled that some Temporary Protected Status (TPS) recipients are not eligible for lawful permanent resident status, commonly known as green cards. It is important to note that this ruling does not apply to all TPS recipients. Specifically, the court made it…
Due to the backlog in applications, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that it will temporarily suspend the biometrics (commonly known as “fingerprinting”) requirement for certain applicants filing Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status. Timeframe for Biometrics Suspension The suspension goes into effect on May 17, 2021 and is expected to be in…
Everyone has been affected by the global COVID-19 pandemic in one way or another. When it comes to immigration, individuals seeking to come to the United States have also felt the impact. Travel has been restricted, while embassies and consulates are dealing with a backlog of immigrant visa applications. According to the Department of State…
DACA, also known as the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, is a program that has received much attention for almost a decade. Yes, DACA has been around for close to ten years! Yet the program is currently in limbo and is under scrutiny, leading Dreamers to wonder what will happen to them if they do…
A top priority for U.S. immigration authorities is keeping families together. When a U.S. citizen submits an I-130 visa petition on behalf of an immediate relative, the system is supposed to let immediate relatives obtain green cards quickly. While the immigration process favors immediate relatives over almost all other immigrants, it still takes far too…
Many compassionate American couples are motivated to adopt a child born overseas. But keep in mind that international adoption can be a very complex process. In fact, if you’re considering the adoption of a child from another country, you should seek the services of an experienced immigration attorney for Adoption and Immigration Law. A good…
The United States allows citizens and lawful permanent residents to act as sponsors for foreign-born family members, however, the government is very strict as to what relationship to the citizen or permanent resident the foreign citizen must have in order to be sponsored. Aunts and uncles, nieces and nephews, grandparents, cousins, and in-laws can’t generally…