[COLUMN] May I ‘take over’ my deceased husband’s petition or priority date?
DEAR Atty. Gurfinkel: Both my husband and I have been U.S. citizens. In 2011, he filed a petition for our adult single son (Category F-1), which was later approved in…
Category: Immigration Columnists
Read More
[COLUMN] Maximizing recovery in personal injury cases
Dear Attorney Tan, I was driving home and was at a complete stop when another driver rear ended my car. I was not feeling well after the accident, as my…
This Mother’s Day, Citizen Pinoy celebrates mothers who were champions in their family’s immigration journey
Leading U.S. Immigration Attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel also presents the latest in immigration news and analysis, and provides the latest highlights from his YouTube channel, US Immigration TV. Millet (bottom…
[COLUMN] DOS provides update on immigrant visa prioritization
IT can be extremely frustrating for anyone outside the U.S. waiting for their immigrant visa interview, and for their family members in the U.S., anxiously awaiting their arrival. You have…
[COLUMN] Supreme Court rules ‘a’ single letter provides deportation relief
ON April 29, 2021, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that a Notice to Appear (NTA) is defective unless it includes, in a single notice, all the required information, including: •…
[COLUMN] Can I get reimbursed for my separate property contribution from all subsequent community properties purchased during marriage?
Question: I contributed money which I saved before the marriage into purchasing a property during the marriage which I acquired with my spouse in joint name. During the marriage we…
Can a person use a tourist visa to come to the US while waiting for a pending petition?
LEADING U.S. Immigration Attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel provides the latest immigration developments and information, as featured on his YouTube channel, “US Immigration TV.” He also answers another round of questions…
[COLUMN] The May 2021 priority dates
The May 2021 priority dates, continue to provide great news for workers in the EB-3 (skilled/professional) and “other worker” (unskilled workers like caregivers). The priority dates for all countries (except…
[COLUMN] How to obtain custody and visitation rights for unmarried dads
Establishing parentage rights for Moms is a lot easier than establishing one for unmarried Dads. Moms can establish this by simply showing proof of her having given birth to the…
[COLUMN] No more ‘illegal aliens’ under Biden administration
UNDER the Biden Administration, words matter. Using incorrect or offensive terminology could affect people’s feelings and self-esteem. With that in mind, on April 19, 2021, the U.S. Customs and Border…
A grandson who might age out and a daughter who is a DACA beneficiary are some of the issues to be tackled this Sunday on Citizen Pinoy!
LEADING U.S. Immigration Attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel (left) provides the latest immigration developments, as featured on his YouTube channel, “US Immigration TV.” This Sunday, he also answers questions centered around…
[COLUMN] K-1 visa: Fiancé visa to marry US citizen
IN previous editions of this article, the process of obtaining permanent residence through marriage was explored. Discussion of that procedure began with the supposition that the couple was married, and…
How to bring family members to the US: This Sunday on Citizen Pinoy!
LEADING U.S. IMMIGRATION ATTORNEY MICHAEL J. GURFINKEL (TOP LEFT) ANSWERS MORE QUESTIONS FROM KAPAMILYA ABOUT THEIR IMMIGRATION CONCERNS ON A BRAND-NEW CITIZEN PINOY! Hazel from Virginia Beach, Virginia (bottom left)…
[COLUMN] No principal, no derivatives
WHEN a person is petitioned for a green card, they are called the “principal beneficiary.” In some cases, the petition includes their spouse and minor children, who are called “derivative…
[COLUMN] Can a divorce couple agree to pay for their adult children’s college expenses in their divorce judgement?
DIVORCING couples with children sometimes worry about who is going to pay for their children’s college education after the divorce once their children graduate high school. They want a guarantee…
[COLUMN] Reinstatement for surviving beneficiaries of an I-130 petition filed by a deceased relative
DEAR Attorney Tan, My U.S. Citizen mother filed an I-130 immigrant petition on my behalf, which has a priority date in February 2000 and which has been approved. She filed…
[COLUMN] California court’s power to make divorce orders when one spouse does not live in state
THIS is a common question among people contemplating divorce in California when the other spouse does not live in the state. The California Courts has the power to grant a…
[COLUMN] What are motions to reconsider and reopen?
What are motions to reconsider and reopen? WHEN a person has been placed in deportation/removal proceedings, they would ordinarily receive a decision from the immigration judge (IJ), or, if they…
[COLUMN] Dealing with assets omitted from a divorce case
YOU and your spouse may have gone through a lengthy and contentious divorce proceeding. This is usually the most difficult period of a person’s life. Finally, time heals all pain….
[COLUMN] Embassies are reopening: When will your family be interviewed?
IN a previous article, I reported that on February 24, 2021, Pres. Biden revoked Trump’s immigration ban, which was set to expire at the end of March 2021. Because of…
[COLUMN] Removal of conditions on green card
Kapag ang green card ay nakuha sa pamamagitan ng kasal sa isang U.S. citizen (USC) at ang kasal ay wala pang 2 taon noong naaprubahan ng USCIS ang green card…
[COLUMN] Can I obtain a divorce if my spouse refuses to sign?
THERE seems to be a misconception in the general public that you can only obtain a divorce in California if your spouse will sign the divorce papers. I get this…
[COLUMN] Permanent residence for crewmen
DEAR Attorney Tan, I entered the U.S. in 1998 as a crewman. I have recently married a U.S. citizen and would like to get a green card. However, I have…
[COLUMN] The Dream and Promise Act of 2021: Who qualifies?
IN a previous article, I discussed how Pres. Biden and the Democrats introduced the “U.S. CITIZENSHIP ACT” of 2021. It was a massive bill, covering a variety of immigration issues…
[COLUMN] The April 2021 Priority Dates
The April 2021 priority dates, continue to provide great news for workers in the EB-3 (skilled/professional) and “other worker” (unskilled workers like caregivers). The priority dates for all countries (except…
[COLUMN] I filed my own divorce but I can’t finish it
MANY people try to file and open their own divorce case without an attorney in an effort to save on legal fees. Often, the self-represented divorce litigant would seek the…
[COLUMN] Social media and US visa applicants
“Visa applicants to the U.S. should be aware that they are required to submit any information about social media accounts they are using and those that they have used in…
[COLUMN] I filed my own divorce but I can’t finish it
MANY people try to file and open their own divorce case without an attorney in an effort to save on legal fees. Often, the self-represented divorce litigant would seek the…
[COLUMN] New hope for CSPA age out children
THE Child Status Protection Act (CSPA) is complex, confusing, and can be extremely frustrating. During my 40 years of practicing law, I always encounter cases where a child may have…
[COLUMN] Rescinding a removal or deportation order to allow you to apply for a green card
WE have all heard the popular saying, “Timing is everything.” Unfortunately, this saying often adversely applies to those persons who have found an avenue from which to obtain a green…