Recent Blog Posts
Employment-Based Immigration
As a small business owner, you will probably need to hire some employees in order for your business to succeed. Finding good candidates can be a difficult task. Add the various anti-discrimination laws, payroll taxes, and other regulations, and you might feel stressed out by the prospect of hiring employees. Sometimes, there isn’t an… Read More »
J-2 Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for J-2 status? The spouse and unmarried, minor children (under 21 years of age) of the exchange visitor are eligible for J-2 status. When can my J-2 spouse and children come to the U.S.? J-2 dependents may not enter the U.S. unless the J-1 is in the U.S. or accompanies the… Read More »
What will happen at my Master Calendar Hearing?
A master calendar hearing (“MCH”) is a short, preliminary hearing on immigration matters — the usual start to efforts to remove an immigrant from the United States. You will meet with the Judge and the government attorney to figure out how your case will proceed. The Judge will schedule dates for your submission of… Read More »
Reopening Proceedings in Order to Apply for Adjustment
When an Immigration Judge (IJ) issues a removal order, the order becomes final when the affected alien does not file an appeal with the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA). If the alien files an appeal or petition for review, the order becomes final when the appeal or petition is denied. Sometimes, a final removal… Read More »
Request for Evidence for Removal of Conditions Petition
The removal of conditions process can be lengthy and time consuming. Even if you are not required to attend an interview, it can take 6-12 months to be approved for your 10 year green card. A request for evidence for removal of conditions will definitely delay the approval process but you can overcome it…. Read More »
What does a Form I-130 do?
Filing a Form I-130 establishes that you and your relative have a bona fide family relationship. Once this relationship is proven, the date you filed the I-130 form creates the “priority date” that establishes your relative’s place in line for an immigrant visa. Filing Form I-130 for your relative gives your relative a place… Read More »
H1B to Green Card Process
Foreign nationals are able to request an extension of their H-1B status in one-year increments if their Labor certification or I-140 was filed a year (365 days) prior to the beginning of their exemption from the normal 6-year limit (this takes into account any recaptured time abroad). The exception is if you have an… Read More »
DACA and the Dream Act
While the decision from Judge Alsup is a positive step, Congress must not use this as an excuse to delay any longer on a permanent solution for Dreamers. The Trump administration is expected to appeal quickly, and this court decision will likely end up as another piece to a drawn out legal fight and… Read More »
Filing DACA Renewal Applications in the Wake of the January 9, 2018 Federal Court Ruling
On January 13, 2018, USCIS updated its website to include guidance on submitting DACA renewal applications in light of the January 9, 2018 court decision. The guidance includes the following information: Clients Who Have Never Had DACA: USCIS will not accept DACA requests from individuals who have not previously been granted DACA. The court… Read More »
Filing DACA Renewal Applications in the Wake of the January 9, 2018 Federal Court Ruling
On January 13, 2018, USCIS updated its website to include guidance on submitting DACA renewal applications in light of the January 9, 2018 court decision. The guidance includes the following information: Clients Who Have Never Had DACA: USCIS will not accept DACA requests from individuals who have not previously been granted DACA. The court… Read More »