Author Archives: Svetlana Prizant
A green card through marriage to a US citizen
A green card through marriage to a US citizen is the most common way to become a permanent resident. The spouse of a US citizen is an “immediate relative”. There is no limit on the number of people who can obtain a green card through marriage to US citizens. The US citizen starts the… Read More »
Acquiring or Deriving U.S. Citizenship by Birth or Through Parents
If you were born on U.S. soil, were born to U.S. citizen parents, or became a naturalized U.S. citizen and have been living in the United States, you clearly have U.S. citizenship. However, many other people are U.S. citizens and don’t know it. For instance, you may be a U.S. citizen if you have… Read More »
Public Charge Rule
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) posted for public inspection in the Federal Register a final “public charge” rule that will dramatically expand the number of immigrants that DHS could deem ineligible for green cards and admission to the United States on account of income level and prior use of certain public benefits such… Read More »
How the Elimination of the 30/60 Day Rule (And the Replacement with the 90-Day Rule) May Affect Your Adjustment of Status to Permanent Resident
In September of 2017, the Department of State made changes to the “Rule Book” (Foreign Affairs Manual), which had a big effect on new applications for adjustment of status. The change included getting rid of the 30/60 Day Rule and instead using the 90-Day Rule. What was the 30/60 Day Rule? General rule: A… Read More »
The New Expedited Removal Rule Gives ICE More Power — Here’s How You Can Protect Yourself
On July 23rd, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced a new expedited removal policy change that could put more undocumented immigrants at risk of deportation. This rule also means that U.S. citizens could potentially be erroneously detained if they’re questioned by immigration officials and don’t have sufficient proof of citizenship on them. Overall,… Read More »
Treaty Trader and Investor Visas
E-1/E-2 visa eligibility generally requires: A treaty between the U.S. and a foreign country or Congressional act; That majority ownership or control of the trading/investing company is held by treaty country nationals; and That each employee or principal of the company seeking E status is a treaty country national. Dependents (spouses and unmarried children… Read More »
The Challenges of Visa Waiver Overstays
This program allows citizens and nationals of various countries who meet certain conditions to travel to the U.S. for business or pleasure reasons, without first obtaining a visa. However, individuals who wish to enter the Visa Waiver Program must sign an agreement that they will not challenge a decision that prevents them to enter… Read More »
What to Do If ICE Comes
The most common question that I get is whether raids are going on now. The answer is that they are occurring, but they are not what many people think they are. The raids going on are relatively small-scale. Most of them appear to occur at immigrants homes and they typically involve a person who… Read More »
Green Card Sponsors with Criminal Records
I’m a U.S. citizen and I have a criminal record. Am I allowed to sponsor my spouse for a green card? Disqualifying factors What would disqualify a green card sponsor? As part of the process of reviewing a marriage green card application, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) conducts background and security checks on… Read More »
Can I File for U.S. Citizenship if I Have a Criminal Record
United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) generally allows individuals with criminal convictions to apply for citizenship. However, the decision of whether or not you’ll actually receive citizenship will depend on the nature of your crime. After receiving your application, a USCIS officer will weigh the severity of your crimes against your displays of… Read More »