Becoming a U.S. citizen through the naturalization process takes many steps and years. But are there significant differences between U.S. citizenship vs. naturalization? In short, naturalization is one way to obtain U.S. citizenship. Naturalized citizens have essentially the same legal rights as those who obtained citizenship in another way. The primary difference, then, is the naturalization process. Contact EMP...
Continue ReadingMost people know noncitizens can get green cards and eventually citizenship through marriage. However, far fewer people know how to get a green card in the USA without marriage and how to get US citizenship without marriage. Many wonder, “Do you have to be married to get a green card?” Thankfully, the answer is no. You can also get...
Continue ReadingComing to or remaining in the United States without government permission violates U.S. immigration law and typically results in losing your right to immigration benefits. This rule can seriously harm many noncitizens who would otherwise qualify for lawful permanent resident (LPR) status. If you fall into this category, you may be able to convince United States Citizenship and Immigration...
Continue ReadingApplying for asylum allows individuals who cannot safely remain in or return to their home countries to start a new life in the U.S. You apply for asylum using Form I-589, Application for Asylum and for Withholding of Removal. When you submit your Form I-589 application for asylum, you ask the U.S. government for the right to live here...
Continue ReadingThe 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. U-visa processing takes several years due to a 10,000-visa annual cap and a backlog. The average processing time for Form I-918 is about 32.7 months. While your U Visa...
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 víctimas 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 políticas migratorias a menudo enfrentan escrutinio y críticas, existe una vía legal que busca proteger a las víctimas de crímenes mientras aborda las necesidades de las comunidades inmigrantes: la visa U. Esta categoría de visa única proporciona un camino para que las personas que han sido víctimas de ciertos crímenes 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 Reading