Blog Posts - Immigration
Who can be considered for a VAWA visa?
The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) is designed to protect victims of domestic violence, dating violence and sexual assault. Under VAWA, certain spouses, including those married to U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents (LPRs) who have experienced abuse, may be eligible to apply for a self-petitioning visa to remain in...
Is asylum over in the United States?
Asylum is the process by which the United States grants protection to those who think they will face persecution at home. A person can come to a port of entry or even illegally enter the United States and then ask for asylum. If it is granted, they are allowed to...
Why so-called “chain migration” is not a bad thing
You’ve likely heard the term before, perhaps first when used by a certain former U.S. president. The words themselves are neutral, but some stigma has grown attached to the term. But what does “chain migration” really mean? Chain migration reunifies families Emigrating alone from your country of origin and finding...
What is Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)?
DACA is a program in the United States immigration policy that protects certain undocumented immigrants. It does not give you legal status or provide a pathway to citizenship, but it does provide temporary relief from deportation while you sort out your immigration issues. DACA allows you to work legally in...
Who can obtain a green card for their parents?
Many people dream of living in the United States. Some people are able to make that dream a reality. They obtain educational opportunities or jobs that help them qualify for visas. Other times, they can use personal relationships as part of the immigration process. Once someone has legally entered the...
How DNA testing can help parents bring their child to the U.S.
Even after you’ve gotten your U.S. citizenship, bringing family from your home country or another country to join you in the U.S. and get a green card is rarely without complications. If you don’t have a “traditional” family, it can be even more complicated. Typically, if you have parents, a...
Who is eligible for a green card?
The U.S. is renowned for being a land of opportunities and relative safety. For these reasons, many individuals seek to move there permanently. There are numerous different methods of obtaining permission to stay in the U.S., with a green card being one of the most desirable. However, not everyone is...
How do you prepare for your naturalization interview?
Getting a visa lets you travel to the United States legally. A green card allows you to stay, possibly for the rest of your life. When you have legally been in the United States for a couple of years, naturalization will be the next step to take. Naturalization is the...
Obstacles to overcome as an immigrant to the U.S.
For years, you’ve dreamed about moving to the U.S. and building a life there with your family. You’ve initiated the immigration process and are looking forward to beginning this next chapter in your life. Assuming you manage to obtain residency, what sort of challenges can you expect as an immigrant...
Preparing for green card marriage interview questions
One way to get a green card is to marry someone who is a U.S. citizen. The goal, of course, is so that you and your new spouse can both legally live in the United States. This sounds simple, and it generally is for couples who are legitimately married and...
Could preference visas get your family to the U.S.?
It can be very challenging to come to the United States. You might not have had the luxury of bringing over anyone with you when you immigrated, and now you’d love nothing more than to have your family join you. There are options for bringing over certain family members. You...