The U Visa is unique among U.S. visas. It allows crime victims to receive a visa and eventually a green card so long as they cooperate with the criminal investigation. Yet, U Visas are subject to a yearly issuance limit of 10,000 visas. Because of this limitation, the typical U Visa processing time is several years long. While your...
Continue ReadingBeing placed in removal or deportation proceedings can feel like staring down the total upheaval of your life. However, the immigration court judge can terminate the proceedings against you without deporting you. With your removal proceedings terminated, what next? Your next step depends on the reasons for termination, like: If you are facing immigration court proceedings, contact Elliot, Morgan,...
Continue ReadingNo, la Administración de Seguridad del Transporte (TSA por sus siglas en inglés) no verifica el estatus migratorio para vuelos domésticos dentro de Estados Unidos. La principal responsabilidad de la TSA es garantizar la seguridad de los pasajeros y sus pertenencias durante los viajes aéreos. Sin embargo, los pasajeros aún deben presentar una identificación válida emitida por el gobierno...
Continue ReadingEl tráfico humano es una de las formas más desgarradoras de explotación en el mundo actual. Cada año, millones de personas, muchas de ellas mujeres y niños, son vÃctimas de este crimen atroz, siendo sometidas a la esclavitud sexual, el trabajo forzado y otras formas de explotación. Ante esta realidad alarmante, es crucial contar con medidas efectivas para proteger...
Continue ReadingEn un mundo donde las polÃticas migratorias a menudo enfrentan escrutinio y crÃticas, existe una vÃa legal que busca proteger a las vÃctimas de crÃmenes mientras aborda las necesidades de las comunidades inmigrantes: la visa U. Esta categorÃa de visa única proporciona un camino para que las personas que han sido vÃctimas de ciertos crÃmenes obtengan un estatus legal...
Continue ReadingIf you are a noncitizen who wants to become a U.S. citizen, it is natural to wonder, Do I need a lawyer to apply for citizenship? In short, you do not need a lawyer for naturalization, but there are many reasons you may want one anyway. This is especially true if you have a complicated immigration history or do...
Continue ReadingPeople come to the U.S. for all kinds of reasons—to study at world-class institutions, to work, to live, or to seek a better life for themselves or their children. Before they do, they generally seek immigration benefits. But what is an immigration benefit? In short, immigration benefits are legal entitlements to stay in the U.S. temporarily or permanently. If...
Continue ReadingApplying for permanent residency, also known as getting a green card, is an exciting time in any intending immigrant’s life. It means you are one step closer to being able to stay in the U.S. permanently. If you are applying for a green card when already in the U.S., you may submit Form I-485 with another form or on...
Continue ReadingFrom the moment the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) notifies you it intends to deport or remove you, your stress builds. Whether you were just placed in proceedings or have already presented your case to a judge, you may be wondering, How long does it take for an immigration judge to make a decision? Unfortunately, there is no easy...
Continue ReadingAccording to the U.S. Citizens and Immigration Services, the overall U Visa approval rate in 2020 was 77.1%, which means only 22.9% of U Visa applications were denied nationwide. In the same year, in North Carolina, the U Visa approval rate was 86%, with a denial rate of only 14%. Since 2016, North Carolina has achieved one of the...
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