When the US government concludes you are in the country without authorization or violated the terms of your status, it may place you in removal or deportation proceedings. These proceedings are how the government determines whether non-US citizens have the legal right to come to or stay in the US. A Master Hearing is the first step in the Immigration Court...
Continue ReadingAre you welcoming a new child into your family? If you are, you are probably full of excitement and questions. The big question is, How do you balance work with pregnancy or a new baby? Many employees have rights to unpaid leave and job protection, while others have rights to North Carolina paid family leave. Understanding your rights as...
Continue ReadingWork is rewarding, but it can also be exhausting. So what do North Carolina labor laws say about breaks during the workday? Unfortunately, there are very few federal or NC labor laws about breaks at work. In fact, neither federal nor North Carolina labor laws require employers to give employees rest or meal breaks if they are over the...
Continue ReadingIf you are injured at work, you will quickly become familiar with the different exams and evaluations likely required to return to work, including the functional capacity evaluation. FCE (Functional Capacity Evaluation) is an objective test that assesses your ability to perform specific tasks during a workers’ compensation claim. An FCE evaluates your ability to return to work and...
Continue ReadingAsylum is one of the most important ways for individuals fleeing danger to find a safe new home. Asylees—individuals who have been granted asylum protection—must wait at least one year after being granted asylum before applying for a green card—lawful permanent resident status. Once that year passes, how long it takes to get a green card after asylum approval...
Continue ReadingDo illegal immigrants have constitutional rights? Does the Constitution apply to illegal immigrants? Do illegal immigrants have rights? What rights do illegal immigrants have? While we object to calling undocumented individuals “illegal immigrants,” we understand that many people wonder, What rights do immigrants have in the United States? While undocumented individuals do not have the same rights as U.S....
Continue ReadingHiring an immigration lawyer is often necessary when navigating U.S. immigration law, which can involve complicated paperwork, strict deadlines, and issues that require an understanding of the law to resolve. Once you find a candidate, you may wonder what questions to ask an immigration lawyer when you first meet them. Asking the right immigration lawyer questions during an initial...
Continue ReadingFor many noncitizens, obtaining a green card represents stability and security in the U.S. Can undocumented immigrants get a green card? Yes, but qualifying without first leaving the U.S. is often challenging. At EMP Law, we understand the challenges undocumented immigrants face. Our team is dedicated to helping individuals navigate the U.S. immigration system. If you or a loved...
Continue ReadingDeportation—referred to as “removal” in U.S. law—is the legal process of removing a non-citizen from the country for violating immigration laws. What is the most common reason for deportation? The most common reason is criminal activity. Other common reasons include being unlawfully present in the U.S., committing fraud, violating the terms or conditions of a visa, and failing to...
Continue ReadingWhen you put in long hours doing productive work out in the workplace, you want to feel welcome and respected. At the very least, employees expect fair treatment. Unfortunately, some employers fail to provide such a healthy workspace, and examples of unfair labor practices by unions and employers abound. Federal and state employment laws protect workers’ rights. But not...
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