Beginning the process of applying for a marriage-based green card can feel both thrilling and overwhelming. For many couples, it’s a major milestone, but it also comes with plenty of questions and concerns. The paperwork, interviews, and time involved may seem daunting, and it’s natural to feel uncertain about what lies...
How the New Form I-131F Supports Family Unity for Certain Noncitizen Spouses and Stepchildren
Keeping your family together during the immigration process is important, especially when loved ones face the risk of separation. Recent changes to the Parole in Place (PIP) program now provide a way for undocumented spouses and stepchildren of U.S. citizens to stay in the country while working toward lawful status. Despite legal...
What You Need to Know About the New Form I-131F: Application for Parole in Place
Parole in Place (PIP) has been a valuable option for undocumented family members of U.S. military personnel or veterans, offering protection from deportation and eligibility for work permits. In June 2024, President Biden announced a major expansion of the program to cover undocumented spouses and stepchildren of U.S. citizens, even without military...
Understanding Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS): Who Qualifies and Why It Matters
For many children facing difficult situations, Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) provides a lifeline to safety and stability in the U.S. SIJS offers legal protection and the opportunity to apply for a green card to those who have experienced abuse, neglect, or abandonment by one or both parents. It’s a pathway toward...
How a U Visa Can Help You
The U Visa is a special type of visa created to protect victims of certain crimes who have suffered abuse and are willing to assist law enforcement in the investigation or prosecution of those crimes. This visa not only provides a pathway to stay in the United States legally but also offers...
USCIS Updates EB-1 Extraordinary Ability Guidelines: What You Need to Know
On October 2, 2024, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) released new guidelines to make the EB-1 Extraordinary Ability visa (E11) process clearer. The changes aim to help applicants understand the kind of evidence they need to prove they have extraordinary ability in their field. This update gives more details on how...
New 36-Month Green Card Validity for Lawful Permanent Residents
Starting September 10, 2024, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has introduced a significant change for lawful permanent residents. Those filing Form I-90 to renew their Green Card will now receive an automatic 36-month extension of their Green Card’s validity. This marks an increase from the previous 24-month extension, providing applicants more...
Qualifying for a T Visa After Being Trafficked Outside the U.S.
Human trafficking is a global issue, and many victims end up in the United States due to their traffickers’ exploitation. If you were trafficked outside the U.S. but later arrived here as a result of that trafficking, you may still qualify for a T visa. The T visa is specifically designed to...
Can I Qualify for VAWA If I Am Still Living with My Abuser?
Understanding VAWA’s Protections
Yes, you can still qualify for VAWA (Violence Against Women Act) even if you are currently living with your abuser. VAWA was designed to protect victims of abuse—whether physical, emotional, or psychological—regardless of their current living situation. The law recognizes the difficulties and dangers victims may...
How a Criminal Record Can Impact Your Immigration Status
A criminal record, whether from the U.S. or abroad, can have serious consequences on your immigration status. Certain offenses may prevent you from entering the U.S., lead to visa denial, or result in deportation, even if you hold a valid green card. The Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) categorizes crimes into two...