For many families, tax season is the time of the year when people will have a large sum of money available to spend on things that normally would be out of financial reach. Many families look forward to the extra cash to purchase new items for their home, take vacations, etc. Some will use the money to pay off some debt. For many intending immigrants, this may be the perfect opportunity to seek professional legal advice.
During these times of constant changes in immigration law, people are often concerned about their immigration statuses and futures in the United States. People come to our offices every day worried and stressed about their immigration problems. They often come to us hopeless and in despair. The media is constantly reporting the executive actions imposed by President Obama and then about how it was halted by a District Court in Texas. There is so much information being reported lately that it is easy to be overwhelmed. We have had many concerned people come to us clarifying the current state of immigration reform.
During my consultations, many people pleasantly learn that there are options for them to fix their immigration statuses without new executive action or amnesty. They learn that there is still hope for them. It is important to keep in mind that the original 2012 Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival (DACA) and the I-601A provisional waiver program are still in effect and not affected by the recent lawsuit. Additionally, many people can still take advantage of prosecutorial discretion if they are in removal proceedings. Our office assesses and addresses these matters effectively. Immigration law is our only practice.
Aside from the extra money, tax returns are also important to the immigration process. If you are applying for adjustment of status based on marriage, a joint tax return may be used to prove good faith marriage. Tax returns can also be used to prove physical presence in the United States for a number of reliefs, not limited to, DACA, Cancellation of Removal Proceedings, etc. Taxes may also show good moral character and/or prove financial hardship. Overall, tax returns show positive contribution to society and are great equities when seeking relief with U.S. immigration officials. Even people without lawful immigration status must file tax returns. Therefore, do not forget to file your tax returns.
Now is the perfect time to set your immigration goals for the coming year. Seek a competent attorney to figure out if you are eligible for immigration relief and make progress toward that goal. After all, this is your life and future in the United States.
At Wilner & O’Reilly, we are seasoned immigration attorneys comprised of Board Certified Specialists and Former Immigration officers. We offer extensive experience and knowledge that can assist you through even the most complicated immigration matters. Call us for your free consultation today.
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Kelly O’Reilly is a nationally known immigration expert and former immigration officer. He is a highly sought after speaker on immigration and employment compliance issues. Mr. O’Reilly serves as the current chair of the Riverside County Bar Association Immigration section and is a partner in the full-service immigration firm of the Wilner & O’Reilly where he provides free consultations. Mr. O’Reilly can be contacted at (714) 919-8880 and he welcomes email inquiries at [email protected].