We must accept finite disappointment, but we must never lose infinite hope. In the words of Martin Luther King, Jr.... "We must accept finite disappointment, but we must never lose infinite hope." Let's keep our heads up, our spirits high and our work focused on change. Read More
Moving Forward After the Election
We are facing a new administration, and many immigrants, their families, their friends and their advocates face this change with uncertainty and even fear. At this point, no one can provide clear answers about whether, and how, the new administration will change laws. Right now, I'm finding some solace in the press statements made by the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) and what it plans to do to work Read More
Visa Bulletin – November 2016
Visa Bulletin is a monthly publication prepared by the US Department of State. It provides the availability of immigrant visa numbers during the month of publication. Visa Bulletin is intended as a guide for consular officials, attorneys and immigrant visa applicants who would like to know if visas are immediately available for individuals in particular categories. This Visa Bulletin summarizes the availability of Read More
USCIS Finalizes New Guidance for Extreme Hardship
USCIS finalized new guidance for "extreme hardship." This standard is applied to many immigration processes, but most commonly to Form I-601 and Form I-601A. The guidance provides a long list of factors to consider when trying to prove extreme hardship to the qualifying relative. You can find the guidance on the USCIS website. Read More
USCIS Fees to Increase on 12/23/2016
Important notice! USCIS will increase most fees starting on December 23, 2016. This means that if you file Form I-130 or Form I-140 ("immigrant petition"), Form I-485 (adjustment of status, "green card"), Form I-129 (worker petition for visas including H1B and L), N-400 (citizenship) and many, many other forms, the fees will be increased starting on December 23, 2016. Any application postmarked on December 23 or Read More
Eligibility to Apply for a Green Card as a Refugee or Asylee
If you were granted a refugee or asylee status by the US, 1 year after your entry to the US as a refugee or asylee you become eligible to apply for a green card/permanent resident status. 1 year after being admitted to the US, refugees are required by law to apply for a permanent resident status. Although the asylees are not required to apply for a permanent resident status 1 year after being granted asylum status Read More
2-Year Employment Authorization Now Available for Asylum Applicants
If you are an asylum applicant and applied for your employment authorization for the first time or renewing your existing employment authorization on or after October 5, 2016, the validity period of employment authorization is now increased from 1 year to 2 years by the USCIS. Read More
Visa Revocation Due to a DUI Arrest or Conviction in the US
Can a Consular Officer End Validity of a Visa due to a Driving Under the Influence (DUI) Arrest or Conviction while the visa holder is in the US? The answer is yes. If a visa holder is arrested/convicted due to a DUI violation while physically present in the US, the Department of State’s consular officers may revoke the visa, meaning ending the validity of a visa without making a determination that the visa holder Read More
Should I file to renew my permanent resident card if I have a pending N-400 naturalization application?
Yes, if your card will expire within six months of filing an N-400 form with the USCIS. No, if you file Form N-400 while your card is valid for at least 6 months. You must be eligible to file Form N-400 at the time you file, regardless of the expiration date of your "green card." If you file according to the above timelines, you will be able to obtain proof of your status---a stamp in your passport called "Alien Read More
$10 million in Grants to Fund Citizenship Preparation Services
USCIS recently funded many community-based organizations that help permanent residents prepare and apply for U.S. citizenship. Look at the information at the USCIS website to see where you may be able to get low-cost or free legal services relating to naturalization. In Boston, Massachusetts, the Irish International Immigrant Center is one of the organizations that recently received funding. Also, look Read More
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