Immigration Law blog
The journey to marriage is exciting, but when that journey crosses international borders, it can come with unique challenges and vulnerabilities. For noncitizen spouses and fiancé(e)s entering the United States, understanding your rights and the protections available to you is crucial. The International Marriage Broker Regulation Act (IMBRA) ensures your safety during the immigration process. It also promotes transparency and empowerment. Let's explore how IMBRA protects noncitizen spouses and fiancé(e)s. Understanding IMBRA: Safety Measures for Noncitizen Spouses The U.S. enacted IMBRA, or the International Marriage Broker Regulation Act, to address safety concerns for noncitizen spouses and fiancé(e)s immigrating. IMBRA immigration…Read More
If you’re an immigrant in the United States, having a Social Security Number (SSN) can open many doors, from getting a job to accessing key services. A Social Security Number for immigrants in the U.S. is essential for navigating various aspects of daily life. The process of applying for an SSN can feel complex, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the U.S. system. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about getting an SSN as a noncitizen—including eligibility, the process, and key resources to make it easier. Benefits of a Social Security Number for Immigrants…Read More
Navigating immigration appeals can be challenging, especially when multiple agencies are involved. Two key players in this area are the Administrative Appeals Office (AAO) and the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA). Understanding their roles and differences is essential for anyone dealing with immigration-related decisions. What Is the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA)? The Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) is the highest administrative body for interpreting and applying immigration laws. It falls under the U.S. Department of Justice and hears appeals from decisions made by immigration judges and certain Department of Homeland Security (DHS) decisions, such as removal orders, asylum applications,…Read More
The Administrative Appeals Office (AAO) plays a significant role in the U.S. immigration system, allowing applicants to appeal certain unfavorable decisions made by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). But what kinds of cases does the AAO handle? Understanding the AAO's jurisdiction is crucial for those considering an appeal and wanting to ensure their case is eligible for review. Types of Cases Handled by the AAO The AAO handles a variety of immigration-related appeals, including: Employment-based immigrant and nonimmigrant visa petitions (Forms I-140 and I-129) EB-5 immigrant investor petitions (Form I-526) and Regional Center applications (Form I-924) Temporary…Read More
It can be daunting to face a denial from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Understanding the common grounds for appeals is essential for building a successful case. The Administrative Appeals Office (AAO) reviews many types of appeals, each with unique challenges and lessons. This article provides insights into common grounds for appeals based on real AAO decisions, offering guidance for applicants and their representatives. Importance of AAO Decisions AAO decisions play a critical role in shaping immigration policy by setting precedents and providing clarity in interpreting immigration laws. A favorable AAO decision can open doors for others…Read More
Navigating the immigration process can be challenging, especially when an application or petition is denied. If USCIS denied your application, you may be able to appeal the decision. Submit your appeal to the AAO. Let's break down the AAO appeals process and how to prepare your case. What Is the AAO? The Administrative Appeals Office (AAO) is responsible for reviewing appeals of certain unfavorable USCIS decisions. The AAO reviews various immigration cases, such as employment-based visa petitions and waivers of inadmissibility. It ensures consistency with immigration laws and USCIS policy. When you submit an appeal, the AAO conducts a fresh…Read More
Imagine making one small decision that sets off a chain reaction of events with serious consequences. That’s exactly how the relationship between criminal law and immigration law feels for noncitizens in the United States. These two fields don’t just intersect—they collide, and the result can significantly alter someone's life. In this blog, we’re diving into this complex world where criminal justice and immigration enforcement meet, and what that means for those who are caught in between. Criminal Law and Deportability: The Domino Effect You might think that only major crimes threaten someone's ability to stay in the U.S., but that’s…Read More
Changes from USCIS and the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) have significantly updated how unlawful presence bars are treated. These changes may simplify the immigration process for many individuals affected by the three- and ten-year unlawful presence bars. Let’s explore what has changed and who stands to benefit. What Are the Three- and Ten-Year Unlawful Presence Bars? Under U.S. immigration law, individuals who stay beyond their authorized period in the United States may accrue unlawful presence. If they leave the country, they could trigger either a three-year or ten-year bar from re-entering. Here's a summary of how these bars work:…Read More
Life is full of unexpected twists. You may feel overwhelmed if your immigrant visa expires before you can travel to the United States. However, don't worry—you are not alone. There are steps you can take to resolve this issue. Here’s what you need to know about how to move forward if your immigrant visa expires before you can make the journey to the U.S. Contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulate First, contact the Immigrant Visa Unit of the U.S. Embassy or Consulate that issued your visa. They will guide you through the steps needed for visa reissuance. The good news…Read More
When individuals are in imminent danger and need urgent travel to the United States for their safety, parole can be a critical option. Parole authorization allows swift entry when traditional visa or refugee processing is not feasible. This guide explores the circumstances under which parole may be used for protection cases, eligibility criteria, and how to apply. What Is Parole for Protection Cases? Parole for protection cases is a humanitarian measure that allows individuals in imminent danger of serious harm to enter the United States. Unlike a traditional visa or refugee status, parole is not a long-term solution or a…Read More