Immigration Law FAQs
Information provided to USCIS in a DACA application is to be protected from disclosure to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) for the purpose of immigration enforcement proceedings, unless the applicant poses a threat to national security or public safety. Individuals whose DACA applications are approved should not be referred to ICE.
It depends on your reasons for visiting the United States. There are over 80 different types of non-immigrant visas and your unique situation will determine the best visa for you. There are visas for diplomats, government officials, visitors, airline and commercial sea vessel members, entrepreneurs, students, fashion models, college graduates, unskilled workers, fiancés, business executives, managers, athletes, entertainers, government witnesses and victims of a crime.
Depending on your visa category, your spouse and unmarried children under 21 years old, may qualify for derivative visas.
This is a very broad question and the answer depends on the type of visa that you have applied for, the eligibility requirements and the evidence that you submitted to prove your case. Common reasons for a visa denial are insufficient evidence, criminal history or inability to meet the eligibility requirements.
The non-immigrant visa process can take a few days to several months, while a few years is normal for immigrant visas. The U.S. government considers each application on a case-by-case basis. Processing times depend on the administration’s workload and whether the visa is immediately available.
If you wish to visit the United States temporarily or be granted entry for a very specific period of time, you will need a non-immigrant visa. The purpose of your trip will determine which visa you should apply for. If you plan to take a vacation, or visit family and friends, a B-2 visa is appropriate. If you have business undertakings, a B-1 visa may be your best option. No visa is required for citizens of the 39 countries that are part of the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), if a single stay will be no longer than 90 days. Canadians and Bermudians are also allowed entry, without a visa, or up to 6 months.
There are a number of visas available to foreign nationals wishing to permanently immigrate to the United States. A fiancée visa is available if to foreign nationals engaged to a U.S. citizens, and upon marriage, the foreign national will be eligible for a green card. Approved family petitions for relatives of U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents can result permanent resident status for beneficiary foreign nationals. A work visa for individuals who have unique skills, which make them highly sought after in a particular field or industry, can also result in a green card.
Permanent residency, obtained through a green card, allows a foreign national to live in work in the United States on a potentially indefinite basis. When a green card is first issued it is often a temporary green card and is valid for two years. After the first two years, providing you have not been convicted of any criminal activity and have maintained your eligibility status, you can apply for a permanent residence visa which is valid for ten years.
If you receive a deportation order or notification, the first thing you must do is contact a knowledgeable immigration attorney at our firm, who will work with you closely to build your
deportation defense. You need an attorney who understands and is skilled in all aspects of immigration law. Our attorneys are committed to providing you with the honest, aggressive representation you need.
If you are dealing with any of these legal issues, call 561-507-5772, Email: [email protected], or contact us via or contact form.
Once an individual has been granted a green card, and if they wish to obtain U.S. citizenship through the naturalization process, there are certain requirements which must be met. You
must have been physical present in the U.S., as a green card holder, for at least 50% of the time. You must not be away from the U.S. for any more than one year, and ideally less than six months prior to your citizenship application. You must not have committed a serious crime of moral turpitude. You must be able to write and speak English and more. Consult with one of our attorneys in order to get a complete list of the qualifications and requirements.
If your visa has expired, the first thing you need to do is contact an immigration attorney from our firm. We will sit down with you, review your current status and situation, and then help you determine the best course of action to pursue. Time is of the essence when it comes to expired visas, so we advise you do no delay.