Category: Immigration

QUESTION: I have some friends who are applying for different kinds of waivers, but I don’t know if they qualify. I heard that they are supposed to have somebody that…

THE January 2014 priority dates indicate that the F-2A priority date still remains at September 8, 2013, which is almost the same as being “current.”  It is phenomenal news for spouses…

FURTHER developing case law to interpret the meaning of statutory changes brought about by the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 (“IIRIRA”) the Board of Immigration Appeals…

An alien who was removed from the U.S. cannot return within 5 years if he was removed by an immigration officer through expedited removal or within 10 years if removed…

QUESTION: I was just in immigration court and was ordered deported. I had no idea what was happening and was confused. I had no attorney and the immigration judge never…

THERE is no worse feeling than being denied a visa after an interview at an embassy or consulate.  While applicants denied nonimmigrant visas (such as a visitor, student or temporary…

As long as a person has driver’s license, his name will be listed on DMV records, and his name could come up for jury selection. Dear Atty. Gurfinkel: I just…

NOTWITHSTANDING blustery weather conditions in the Nation’s capital that have forced the closure of many governmental offices, the US Supreme Court will hear oral argument December 10, 2013 in Mayorkis…

MANY individuals entering the United States on a visitor’s visa wonder whether they can adjust status on the basis of a petition from an immediate family member (spouse, parent, child). …

BY News Release on November 15, 2013, the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) of the US Department of Homeland Security reminded “Filipino nationals that they may be eligible for…

QUESTION: I have been served with a Notice to Appear and been put into Removal Proceedings. What do I do? Answer: The Removal Proceedings begins with issuance of a Notice…

The December 2013 priority dates indicate that the F-2A priority date still remains at September 8, 2013, which is almost the same as being “current.” It is?phenomenal news for spouses…

ALTHOUGH the volume of newly-filed applications for benefits is down at the USCIS, the processing times for some applications pending at the US Citizenship & Immigration Services (“USCIS”) are longer…

Members of Congress and various organizations have requested USCIS to consider designating the Philippines for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) due to the devastation brought about by Typhoon Haiyan on November…

IT WAS just under 400 years ago, when in the 1620s, a group of fresh-off-the-boat immigrants celebrated their first harvest in their new homeland.  This group of migrant Pilgrims enjoyed…

QUESTION: About 3 years ago, I was deported outside the United States, and I feel it was not done properly and that I was improperly deported. What can I do?…

Temporary Protected Status (TPS) is available for people who are already in the US, but conditions in their home country (such as armed conflict, hurricanes, earthquakes, or typhoons), make it…

Thanksgiving is when people take a step back and reflect on all of the wonderful things and events to be grateful for, and to give thanks to those people who…

IN THE coming New Year, we can expect some improvement in overall economic conditions in the US and throughout the World, however, there will continue to be turbulence and volatility…

THE US Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) provided an early holiday gift this year for immigrants by making two separate important announcements: 1) Immediate relatives of US service members in…

QUESTION: I have the $1,000,000 to invest in the EBp-5 Visa, but I don’t know exactly what evidence is needed. Can you describe? Answer:  There are many requirements needed to…

On November 15, 2013, the US Citizenship and Immigration Services issued a Policy Memorandum (“PM”) concerning “parole in place” for people who entered the US without inspection and are the…

Typhoon Yolanda has dominated the world’s news, with shocking images of the devastation and destruction of this horrible typhoon. Even now, people are still homeless, without adequate food, water, shelter,…

ON December 16, 2010, USCIS issued an official Memorandum to implement the provisions of INA §204(l), or the Surviving Relatives Law. The memo amends the USCIS’ Adjudicators’ Field Manual (AFM)…

We have covered in previous articles the different ways of acquiring U.S. citizenship at birth. Aside from birth, the other means of acquiring U.S. citizenship is through naturalization. Under INA…