On January 17, 2017, USCIS published new guidelines on the use of translators at USCIS interviews. See https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/USCIS/Laws/Memoranda/2017/2017-17-1-RoleUseInterpreters-PM-602-0125-1.pdf. The policy sets forth requirements for the interpreter's qualifications including fluency, competency and impartiality. The policy prohibits the use of an interpreter who is under the age of 18, who Read More
How Can I Check My USCIS Case Status Online?
USCIS Case Check Status Online If you have an application pending with USCIS you should have received a Receipt Notice from USCIS. That notice will have an application form number, Receipt Number and a Priority Date or Received Date. Also, generally at the bottom left of the form, there will be a USCIS office listed. You can check the status of your case online by going to USCIS.gov/check case status and punching in Read More
April 2017 Department of State Visa Bulletin
The US Department of State released the April 2017 Visa Bulletin. Find the Visa Bulletin, with priority dates for family-based and employment-based visas, at https://travel.state.gov/content/visas/en/law-and-policy/bulletin/2017/visa-bulletin-for-april-2017.html. Read More
New White House Executive Order on Immigration
See the White House's website for Trump's latest Executive Order. https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2017/03/06/executive-order-protecting-nation-foreign-terrorist-entry-united-states Read More
Apply for US Citizenship!
Now is the time to apply for US citizenship if you are eligible. Consult with me or another immigration attorney about your eligibility and check out USCIS.gov for information about the citizenship/naturalization test. The basic requirements for citizenship are: Five or three years of "green card"/LPR/lawful permanent resident status. You need five years of "green card" status unless for the past three years you Read More
Immigration under Donald Trump
Donald Trump and his administration issued memoranda relating to the administration's deportation/removal priorities. These memos do not change the definition of deportable, that is, reasons why someone could be deported from the US. However, the memos signal a drastic change from President Obama's humane focus on immigrants with certain criminal backgrounds, to anyone who has ever made any criminal mistake (whether Read More
First they came and I did not speak out
First they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out— Because I was not a Socialist. Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak out— Because I was not a Trade Unionist. Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out— Because I was not a Jew. Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me. Quote attributed to MARTIN NIEMÖLLER Read More
Welcome Immigrants
Give me your tired, your poor, Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, The wretched refuse of your teeming shore. Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed, to me: I lift my lamp beside the golden door. By Emma Lazarus Read More
AILA New England Conference
As a member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA), I benefit from a wonderful, smart community of immigration lawyers in the New England Area. Each month our AILA chapter has a meeting on a timely topic, and each year, the chapter hosts an amazing conference. I am excited to attend this year's conference on March 3. At the conference, I look forward to hearing from government officials about new Read More
Prepare for your N-400 English and Civics Tests
The English test and civics tests can be scary for some applicants. Some tips to get ready: Practice English as much as you can with as many people as you can! Check out USCIS's N-400 guide at https://www.uscis.gov/citizenship/learners/study-test. Take a citizenship prep class. Talk with an attorney about your legal eligibility for US citizenship. The Irish International Immigrant Center in Boston Read More
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