DEAR Atty. Gurfinkel: I am a US citizen (I got my green card through my US citizen husband), and I petitioned my mother.  But she was denied at the Embassy…

RECENTLY, a person came into my office in a panic, after his adjustment of status had been denied.  With the denial, he faced the prospect of being placed in removal…

ON February 13, 2017, the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals (which is one level below the U.S. Supreme Court), upheld the deportation/removal of a green card holder because she registered…

The June 2015 Visa Bulletin continues to provide disappointing news for Filipinos, as the priority dates in the employment based categories (EB-3 and Other Workers) retrogressed (moved backwards) yet again,…

Dear Atty. Gurfinkel: I have been a green card holder for many years.  Several years ago, I was convicted of a crime.  I served the sentence and even had the…

Dear Atty. Gurfinkel: I was petitioned by my parent as “single”, but while waiting for my petition, I got secretly married.  After getting my green card as “single,” I returned…

Dear Atty. Gurfinkel: I have a 10-year multiple B-1/B-2 visa.  I entered the US, and was given six months by the Immigration Officer at the airport but overstayed by only…

7-Year retrogression for Filipino workers!!! THE May 2015 Visa Bulletin provides disappointing news for Filipinos, as the priority dates in the employment based categories (EB-3 and Other Workers) will retrogress…

On April 7, 2015, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals dismissed a lawsuit challenging Pres. Obama’s 2012 original Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA). This ruling is a good sign,…

The USCIS recently issued warnings to the public about potential immigration scams. This is especially important in connection with President Obama’s November 2014 announcement of executive action, including expanding eligibility…

There are US citizens and lawful permanent residents in the US who want to adopt and petition a child from the Philippines. In many cases, they adopt a relative’s child…

Most green card holders may apply for US Citizenship after five years residence in the US.  However, if married to an American, there is a special “fast-track” route to citizenship,…

The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) allows an alien spouse of a US citizen or green card holder to self-petition if they have been battered or subjected to extreme cruelty….

The April 2015 Visa Bulletin provides more great news for Filipinos, as the priority dates in the various family and employment categories continue to move forward.  In fact, the priority…

DEAR Attorney Gurfinkel: I am a green card holder, and petitioned my wife and children. I know it will take a few years until the priority date on their petition…

On February 24, 2015,  US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Director León Rodríguez announced that starting May 26, 2015, spouses of certain H–1B workers may apply for employment authorization and…

For the past several months, people have been frustrated with the delays and backlogs at the National Visa Center (NVC) concerning the processing of their (or their family member’s) immigrant…

THE March 2015 Visa Bulletin provides more great news for Filipinos, as the priority dates in the various family and employment categories continue to move forward.  In fact, the priority…

An immigrant parent can never have a married child under petition. If the beneficiary gets married before he or she gets a green card (or before the petitioner naturalizes), the…

Dear Atty. Gurfinkel: I am out of status, but in 2006, my employer sponsored me for a green card through labor certification or PERM. The Department of Labor certified my…

Dear Atty. Gurfinkel: I have been out of status in the US for many years. During that time, I have missed many joyous and tragic occasions in the Philippines, such…

Over the course of my practice, I have had people come to me for consultation on their immigration situation. They may have been out of status, were not “grandfathered” under…

The February 2015 Visa Bulletin provides more great news for Filipinos, as the priority dates in the various family and employment categories continue to move forward.  In fact, the priority…

On December 9, 2014, President Obama attended a Town Hall meeting in Nashville Tennessee, where he answered questions from those in attendance and further explained the benefits of his recent…

After Pres. Obama announced Executive Action (EA) on November 20, 2014, many people asked whether a new Republican Congress can or will attempt to block those measures, especially Deferred Action…

An important part of Christmas is buying gifts for loved ones.  Filipinos are busy filling their balikbayan boxes with pasalubong, to send to their families “back home.”  The pasalubong may…

The January 2015 Visa Bulletin provides more great news for Filipinos, as the priority dates in the various family and employment categories continue to move forward. Each month, the Visa…

On November 20, 2014, President Obama announced Executive Action (EA) concerning immigration. While there are many aspects or changes brought about by his announcement, one of those changes is the…

Recently, the USCIS published 2014 statistics concerning filing of DACA applications, by the various countries. Although the Philippines has traditionally been one of the top-filing countries when it comes to…

Many Filipino families are excited about President Obama’s announcement on November 20, 2014 concerning Executive Action (EA) which has, among other things, expanded Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), and…