Reina & BatesReina & Bates2024-03-11T21:24:05Zhttps://www.reinaimmigrationlawyers.com/feed/atom/WordPress/wp-content/uploads/sites/1402169/2019/10/cropped-site-identity-32x32.jpgOn Behalf of Reina & Associateshttps://www.reinaimmigrationlawyers.com/?p=520492024-03-07T22:24:59Z2024-03-11T21:24:05ZFile Form I-90
The process begins with filing Form I-90, which is the Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card. Individuals will file this with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. They can fill out and file the form online or complete the process by mail. The form will ask for basic contact information and identifying details. Individuals should fill out the form completely to avoid delays in processing.
Submit supporting documents
Applicants must also submit supporting documents, such as a copy of their current green card or passport. They may also have to attend a biometrics appointment to provide fingerprints, photos and a signature. Noncompliance with requests from the USCIS could delay the application process or lead to issues with the renewal.
Wait for the review
Once USCIS receives the application and supporting documents, it will review the application. If USCIS approves the request for renewal, it will issue a new green card, which is valid for another 10 years.
It is important for permanent residents to renew their green cards on time to avoid any disruptions to their status. Failure to renew a green card can result in loss of permanent resident status and may make it difficult to reenter the United States after traveling abroad.]]>On Behalf of Reina & Associateshttps://www.reinaimmigrationlawyers.com/?p=520472024-02-21T14:56:29Z2024-02-26T14:56:22ZStudy the N-400 form
The N-400 form is the application for naturalization. Take time to thoroughly review this form. Understand the information you provided and prepare to answer questions about it during your interview.
Learn about U.S. history and government
The citizenship interview often includes questions about U.S. history and government. Study topics such as the Constitution, the branches of government and key historical events.
Practice speaking and listening English
Your interviewer will conduct the process in English, so practicing speaking and listening is important. Engage in conversations with English speakers, watch English-language movies or TV shows and listen to English podcasts or radio stations to improve your language skills.
Review your application
Review all the information you provided in your application to ensure accuracy. Be ready to provide updated information if anything has changed since you submitted your application.
Memorize your personal information
During the interview, you will need to answer questions about your personal information such as your name, address and date of birth. Memorize these details to avoid any hesitations or mistakes during the interview.
Gather required documents
Bring all the necessary documents to your interview, including your green card, state-issued ID and any other requested documentation. Organize them neatly to present to the interviewer when asked.
On the day of your interview, remember to stay calm and confident. Take deep breaths if you feel nervous and trust in the preparation you have done. Approach the interview with a positive attitude and a willingness to engage with the interviewer.]]>On Behalf of Reina & Associateshttps://www.reinaimmigrationlawyers.com/?p=520432024-02-06T20:00:25Z2024-02-12T20:00:18ZThe right to vote
One of the most significant benefits of being an American is the privilege of voting in federal elections. Since the democratic system allows citizens to voice their opinions at the ballot box, the people significantly impact the country's direction. Plenty of nations do not allow their populations to wield such power.
Job opportunities
U.S. citizenship also expands the possibilities for work. Many jobs, especially those in government agencies, require citizenship due to security and loyalty concerns. Citizens also have access to certain protections in the workplace that may not be fully available to foreigners.
Travel advantages
United States taxpayers enjoy significant freedom when it comes to traveling. A U.S. passport allows for easier entry into more than a few countries, eliminating the need for a visa. Additionally, citizens have the security of assistance from embassies and consulates abroad in case of an emergency.
Federal benefits and grants
Citizenship provides eligibility for various federal programs, not to mention financial aid for education, often unavailable to those from other lands. They also receive access to social welfare entitlements like Social Security and Medicare.
Family reunification
American citizens can sponsor family members for immigration to the United States. This opportunity to bring relatives into the country is significant, as it offers loved ones a similar chance to pursue the American Dream.
Becoming a United States citizen can enrich one's existence in many ways. Whatever the obstacles are toward calling America home, the rewards make going through the citizenship process worthwhile.]]>On Behalf of Reina & Associateshttps://www.reinaimmigrationlawyers.com/?p=520402024-01-25T19:18:36Z2024-01-29T19:17:44ZRules for M-1 visas
According to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), students on an M-1 visa may take a temporary leave of absence from their academic program as long as they intend to return to school within 5 months. You must get authorization from your Designated School Official (DSO) prior to taking time off. Your DSO can grant you an authorized early withdrawal or leave of absence for up to 5 months.
During your leave of absence, you can remain in the U.S. on your M-1 visa as long as you plan to resume classes later. You cannot work in the U.S. during your leave unless you qualify for off-campus employment such as OPT.
Rules for F-1 visas
For students on an F-1 visa, you may take a leave of absence but it also requires approval from your program sponsor ahead of time. They can authorize suspensions for up to 12 months. Make sure to consult your specific program sponsor for their policies on taking time off from your F1 visa education program.
Carefully review the regulations and check with your DSO or program sponsor before making any changes to your enrollment status. With proper planning, you can successfully pause your studies while maintaining your valid student visa status.]]>On Behalf of Reina & Associateshttps://www.reinaimmigrationlawyers.com/?p=520382024-01-25T18:21:36Z2024-01-29T18:21:29ZViolation of visa terms
One common reason for deportation is the violation of visa terms. When individuals enter the United States on a visa, they agree to adhere to certain conditions. Any breach of these terms, such as overstaying the authorized period or engaging in activities not permitted by the visa category, can lead to deportation. Immigrants need to stay informed about their visa requirements.
Criminal offenses
Committing a crime can result in deportation for immigrants. Convictions for serious crimes may cause deportation. Serious crimes include:
Drug trafficking
Violent crimes
Offenses related to moral turpitude
Immigrants must understand the legal implications of their actions and strive to maintain a clean record to avoid jeopardizing their immigration status.
Failure to maintain legal status
Immigrants living in Texas must maintain their legal status. Failure to renew a visa or neglecting to apply for adjustments in immigration status can lead to deportation. Individuals need to manage their legal status, ensuring that they file all necessary paperwork on time.
Immigrants in Texas must be diligent in understanding and abiding by immigration laws to avoid deportation. Individuals are responsible for their successful integration into the Texan community.]]>On Behalf of Reina & Associateshttps://www.reinaimmigrationlawyers.com/?p=520352024-01-12T21:13:51Z2024-01-15T21:13:43ZWithdrawing an affidavit of support
An affidavit of support is a legally binding contract between a sponsor and the government. The sponsor promises to maintain the immigrant at 125% of the federal poverty line. The contract lasts until the immigrant becomes a U.S. citizen, has worked for 10 years, leaves the country permanently or dies.
That means a sponsor cannot simply withdraw support once you have a visa, even if they change their mind. The affidavit must remain valid until you meet one of those conditions. However, your sponsor can withdraw support before USCIS processes your visa application.
Consequences for the immigrant
If a sponsor does successfully withdraw support, it can jeopardize your status. Without a valid affidavit, the government may deem you a "public charge." This means they believe you might need government benefits for income. Immigrants who become public charges may face deportation.
Getting a new sponsor
The good news is that you can seek a new joint sponsor if your original sponsor wishes to withdraw support. The new sponsor must file a new affidavit of support to replace the old one. As long as the new affidavit is valid, you should retain your status.
While rare, some sponsors may change their minds after filing an affidavit of support. You should immediately seek a new joint sponsor if this happens to you. Doing so will help you preserve your immigration status.]]>On Behalf of Reina & Associateshttps://www.reinaimmigrationlawyers.com/?p=520332024-01-02T23:48:52Z2024-01-02T23:48:52ZResidency
To become a U.S. citizen, individuals must be a lawful permanent resident status or green card holder. They need to have been in continuous residence in the United States for at least five years. However, this requirement may be only three years if a person has a U.S. citizen spouse with whom they live.
Moral character
The U.S. grants citizenship to individuals who exhibit moral uprightness during their time as permanent residents. To meet this requirement individuals should not engage in criminal activities and demonstrate an overall commitment to the principles of good conduct.
English and U.S. history proficiency
Applicants must pass an English and civics test, showcasing their ability to communicate effectively in English and their knowledge of fundamental aspects of American society. Authorities may grant exceptions to these requirements based on age and duration of residence.
Financial responsibility
U.S. citizenship applicants must demonstrate an understanding of financial basics, including the ability to provide for themselves and their dependents. Authorities will scrutinize an individual's financial history and tax compliance to ensure that they are economically self-sufficient.
Commitment to the Constitution
Individuals must demonstrate the willingness to support and uphold the principles outlined in the U.S. Constitution. They must show a genuine dedication to the ideals that form the foundation of the country.
The path to U.S. citizenship has many requirements. Understanding them is the best way to get a good start on this journey.]]>On Behalf of Reina & Associateshttps://www.reinaimmigrationlawyers.com/?p=520312023-12-19T20:27:18Z2023-12-19T20:27:18ZBest interests of the children
When authorities deport a parent, the well-being of the children takes precedence. Courts consider factors such as the children's established routines, relationships and welfare. The goal is to maintain a stable environment that promotes the children's physical and emotional health.
Educational continuity
The children's education is another aspect that courts take into account. Deportation may lead to disruptions in their schooling, and custody arrangements aim to lessen the impact. In some cases, the children will remain in their current school in the United States. In other instances, a transition to schools in the parents’ home country is best.
Safety concerns
Authorities may hesitate to send a child to a country with the following safety concerns:
Gangs
Violence
Crime
Lack of suitable living conditions
Officials are also reluctant to send children to a country where they do not speak the language.
Possibility of state custody
If there are no family members in the United States to take care of the children, they could become wards of the state. This outcome usually happens only when suitable family alternatives are unavailable or unsuitable.
Complex legal processes
The legal processes related to deportation and child custody are complicated and the courts consider each case on an individual basis. They strive to make decisions that safeguard the rights and interests of the children while still following the law.
Maintaining connections with supportive communities is important for parents facing deportation. Extended families can offer resources and guidance as they navigate potential changes in living arrangements for their children.]]>On Behalf of Reina & Associateshttps://www.reinaimmigrationlawyers.com/?p=520292023-12-06T01:47:22Z2023-12-06T01:47:22Z1. Job offer frauds
For many immigrants, the promise of gainful employment in the United States is a beacon of hope. However, scammers exploit this aspiration through deceptive job offer frauds. These scams often involve fictitious companies offering high-paying jobs and easy visa processing. To avoid falling victim, immigrants must conduct thorough research on potential employers, verify contact details and remain cautious of any requests for upfront fees.
2. Bogus visa services
Navigating the labyrinth of visa processes can be daunting, and scammers take advantage of this by posing as visa consultants. These fraudulent services promise expedited or guaranteed visa approvals for a fee. Immigrants must exercise caution and rely solely on reputable sources such as the official U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services website.
3. Lottery scams
The allure of winning a green card through a lottery can be tempting, making immigrants susceptible to lottery scams. Scammers use various channels, including email and phone calls, to deceive individuals into thinking they won the diversity visa lottery, which provides a maximum of 55,000 immigrant visas annually. Immigrants must verify lottery results only through the official U.S. Department of State website and refrain from sharing personal information with unknown entities.
Remaining vigilant and informed is important for immigrants to safeguard their dreams and aspirations in the face of these prevalent scams. By understanding these common pitfalls, individuals can navigate the U.S. immigration landscape with greater awareness and resilience.]]>On Behalf of Reina & Associateshttps://www.reinaimmigrationlawyers.com/?p=520272023-12-05T19:32:27Z2023-12-05T19:32:27Z1. What is 204(l) in Immigration?
In immigration law, 204(l) refers to a provision that allows certain family members to continue their immigration process even if the petitioning family member passes away. This provision is important for maintaining family unity in challenging circumstances.
2. Who qualifies for 204(l) relief?
To qualify for 204(l) relief, you must be a family member seeking immigration benefits through a deceased petitioner. The relationship could be that of a spouse, child or parent. It is important to note that this provision only applies to family-sponsored immigrant petitions.
3. How does 204(l) work in practice?
When a petitioner passes away during the immigration process, the law allows the eligible family member to step into the petitioner's shoes. This means that the surviving family member can continue with the immigration process using the same petition filed before the petitioner's death.
4. What documents are necessary for 204(l) relief?
To apply for 204(l) relief, you need to submit evidence of the qualifying relationship and the petitioner's death, along with any other required documentation for the specific immigration benefit you are seeking. Providing accurate and complete documentation is necessary for a successful application.
In 2021, the U.S. population included 44.9 million immigrants. While people come to the country to improve their lives, life still comes with the unexpected. Understanding 204(l) in immigration is important for families facing the unfortunate circumstance of a petitioner's death.]]>