Category: Uncategorized
September 14, 2020
Work Permits Based On Filing Asylum Just Got Tougher
On August 25, 2020, new regulations went into effect that make obtaining a work permit based on filing an asylum application much tougher. This aligns with the Trump Administration policy to make it tougher on those in the USA seeking asylum. The period for filing for an asylum application work permit has gone from 180 […]
September 10, 2020
Covid 19 & Immigration
Delays, Delays, Delays Portland Immigration Court (EOIR) For months, all non-detained hearings have been cancelled. We typically get a few weeks notice of cancellations. Currently, all non-detained hearings at the Portland, Oregon Immigration Court are cancelled through September 25, 2020. The Immigration Court will re-schedule these hearings. Cancellations for this period of time is […]
September 8, 2020
USCIS To Increase Fees On Most Application Beginning October 2, 2020
USCIS will begin fee increases beginning October 2, 2020. Here are some notable fee increases: Family Petition Form i-130: $25 increase from $535 to $560 Waiver Form i192 (often needed for the U visa): $470 increase from $930 to $1400 Unlawful Presence Waiver Form i601a: $330 increase from $630 + $85 biometric fee to $960 […]
September 3, 2020
National Visa Center Expedite Requests For Consular Process Cases
If your relative needs to process their case outside the USA, once the family petition (i-130) is approved, the case is sent to the National Visa Center which is located in New Hampshire. You should also get an email with your case number and invoice number. How To Request An NVC Expedite In order to […]
July 29, 2020
Cancellation of Removal – 10 year Cancellation – Form E42b
The threat of deportation is an extremely terrifying reality for many non-residents in the United States. However, the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) has a pathway for Non-Lawful Permanent Residents (LPR) to be granted the cancellation of removal (stops the deportation and grants a green card {legal permanent residence}). Cancellation of Removal for Non-LPR’s For […]
July 19, 2020
Applying for a Work Permit as an Asylum Applicant
If you are applying for asylum in the United States, there are separate requirements to meet if you are simultaneously applying for a work permit. Only certain immigrants can apply for a work permit, also known as Employment Authorization Documents (EADs). Prior to 1994, asylum seekers were able to get EADs upon arrival in the […]
June 5, 2020
Domestic Violence Asylum Claim and Family As a Social Group Asylum Claim
If you filed a domestic violence type asylum claim before June 11, 2018 or a family as a social group before February 20, 2019, we have a retroactivity argument you can make in court. Retroactivity Argument Regarding Matter of A-B (domestic violence type asylum) & Matter of L-E-A (Family as a social group type asylum). […]
May 12, 2020
U Visa: Turning Tragedy Around
In the year 2000, the United States Congress passed the Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act. The law was passed in response to growing concerns of violent crime occurring within the United States, with the victims of said crime sometimes being foreign nationals who are afraid to speak to law enforcement. The result of […]
May 3, 2020
Form i589: Asylum Versus Withholding of Removal: What are the Differences?
When coming to the United States to escape persecution or torture, many think asylum is their only way to remain in the U.S. However, there are many different ways to stay in the U.S., and one of these lesser known methods is withholding of removal. The following is an overview of the differences between asylum […]
April 22, 2020
Losing your Passport or Naturalization Certificate
Losing your passport or naturalization certificate is an extremely stressful situation to find yourself in. Your naturalization certificate serves as proof to obtain a United States passport and other benefits provided to citizens. Without a naturalization certificate, you are unable to get a passport. Without a passport, you will be unable to leave the United States. When […]