October 28, 2024|Contributed by: Zachary New
When a religious organization wants to sponsor someone for a green card, there are a couple of options available to them. What might initially seem like the most straightforward choice is through the fourth preference employment-based immigrant visa category, or “EB-4,” which has a sub-category specific for “Religious Workers.” With a petition directly aimed at […]
October 25, 2024|Contributed by: Aaron C. Hall, Esq.
In June 2024, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the “Keeping Families Together” program, which allows certain noncitizen spouses and stepchildren of U.S. citizens to request parole in place. This provides an opportunity for these families to avoid deportation and remain together. By August 19, 2024, DHS officially began accepting applications for this program. […]
September 25, 2024|Contributed by: Jennifer Howard
Navigating the immigration landscape after the loss of a loved one can be an incredibly challenging and emotional journey. In our previous articles, we discussed two avenues that may allow eligible relatives to preserve their immigration benefits and continue their immigration journey in the face of this loss. In this third installment, we will explore […]
September 24, 2024|Contributed by: Aaron C. Hall, Esq.
Navigating the criminal justice system is challenging for anyone, but for noncitizen defendants, the stakes can be even higher. A criminal conviction can lead to severe immigration consequences, including deportation, inadmissibility, and denial of naturalization. Recognizing these high stakes, courts have established that defense attorneys have a duty to advise noncitizen defendants of the immigration […]
September 9, 2024|Contributed by: Luke Niermann
Navigating the U.S. immigration system can be a long and sometimes uncertain process. Whether you’re applying for a green card, citizenship, or any other benefit through U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), understanding the processing times and how to track your application is essential. This blog post will explain how long it typically takes for […]
August 26, 2024|Contributed by: Zachary New
As was widely anticipated, on Friday, August 23, 2024, 16 states filed a lawsuit in the Eastern District of Texas challenging the legality of the Biden-Harris Parole in Place policy. This is Texas v. United States Department of Homeland Security, case number 6:24-cv-00306. While the case has only just been filed, and is likely to […]
August 25, 2024|Contributed by: Luke Niermann
If you’re an immigrant child living in the U.S. without legal status, you might be eligible for a special form of immigration relief known as Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS). SIJS is designed to help children who have been abused, neglected, or abandoned by one or both parents obtain legal status in the United States. […]
August 23, 2024|Contributed by: Joseph & Hall P.C.
On August 19, 2024, USCIS finally released all of the details regarding the Parole in Place (“PIP”) program for the spouses of U.S. citizens. One of the lingering questions was whether individuals subject to the permanent bar under INA 212(a)(9)(C) would be eligible for the PIP program. In the details released, USCIS clarified some parts […]
July 26, 2024|Contributed by: Jennifer Howard
On June 14, 2024, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a pivotal decision in Campos-Chaves v. Garland, 602 U.S. ___ (2024). The Court held that a noncitizen who receives proper notice for their removal hearing, despite initially being served with a defective Notice to Appear (NTA) that did not specify the date and time of their […]
July 26, 2024|Contributed by: Zachary New
USCIS has updated the minimum investment amount required for immigrant investors to enter the United States under the “International Entrepreneur Rule.” This threshold has been increased, in most relevant part to $311,071 from $264,147. While this increase is notable, what perhaps is more notable is that this program is all but nonexistent. As USCIS statistics […]
