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Questions Answered by Patricia C. Wall-Santiago
4 Answers | Asked in Immigration Law for Florida on
Q: Can my cousin have a free immigration lawyer?

My cousin is at Broward detention center (Immigration center) He's been illegal here for 22 years, no wife, no kids. He has a brother who's a Resident ( who had medical problems, and a lot of medical bills ) and a niece who's a citizen. He never filled his taxes ( maybe just a couple... View More

Patricia C. Wall-Santiago
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Patricia C. Wall-Santiago
answered on Mar 8, 2023

I am so sorry to hear about your family's situation. Unfortunately, the government won't provide him with a pro bono attorney. When ICE detained him at BTC, ICE is obligated to provide him with a list of organizations that provide free legal services or low-cost legal services to him.... View More

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4 Answers | Asked in Immigration Law for Florida on
Q: I came with form i220A. I have been in the US since 06/06/22 but my court date is on 05/05/23..

Is there anything that can be done if the court date is one month before my year in this country?

Patricia C. Wall-Santiago
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Patricia C. Wall-Santiago
answered on Mar 8, 2023

You last entered the U.S. on June 06, 22 and your hearing date before an immigration judge is on May 05, 23.

There might be several things that can be done in your case, but I need more facts. But for certain, you must notify the court of any changes in your address and contact...
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2 Answers | Asked in Immigration Law for Florida on
Q: I-130 through marriage into widow petition, Does it convert automatically or I-360 has to be filled

My suppose passed away right before scheduled interview for adjustment status, I asked USCIS to reschedule the interview, then later sent them a copy of a death certificate (end of January), never heard back (it’s almost May now),

Last notice in my online account ‘we received the... View More

Patricia C. Wall-Santiago
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Patricia C. Wall-Santiago
answered on Apr 20, 2022

I am so sorry for your loss.

(1) Was a copy of a death certificate sufficient? Yes, unless USCIS expressly requests the original.

(2) Do I need to send a widow petition (Form I-360) along with a copy of the death certificate or is it converted automatically? It converts...
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4 Answers | Asked in Immigration Law for Florida on
Q: B1/B2 visa expired for me, my wife and my daughter. My son was born in the US. What are my options?

I have electrical engineering diploma from Brazil and have a job offer to work in the US -- but cannot work without proper working permit.

Patricia C. Wall-Santiago
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Patricia C. Wall-Santiago
answered on Apr 5, 2022

If your son is 21 years old, he may petition for you. But it would be a good idea to discuss your personal circumstances with an experienced immigration attorney to discuss our options if any.

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5 Answers | Asked in Immigration Law for Florida on
Q: My mother wants to petition her adult non married children's but she does not know how to start the process.

If she need an immigration lawyer and if so, how much it will cost her.

Patricia C. Wall-Santiago
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Patricia C. Wall-Santiago
answered on Oct 20, 2021

Hello, I cant tell from the question whether your mother is an LPR or a USC. In any event, is hard to provide you with attorney fees as we don't know her personal circumstances as well as that of her adult non-married children. As such, is best that she reach out to an experienced immigration... View More

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4 Answers | Asked in Immigration Law for Georgia on
Q: my husband recently applied for citizenship. can i send my petition form now to be permanent resident ?

his application is still processing. do i wait till he becomes a citizen or can i go ahead and send in my petition form?

Patricia C. Wall-Santiago
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Patricia C. Wall-Santiago
answered on Oct 20, 2021

Hi, Assuming you legally entered the US and you are otherwise eligible to apply for adjustment of status; your LPR husband may choose to petition for you as an LPR. Once he becomes a US citizen you file your green card application. The family petition does not give you any rights or privileges.... View More

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5 Answers | Asked in Immigration Law for Florida on
Q: I need a lawyer to assist me with the inmigration services for my husband getting his green card. He is ilegal.
Patricia C. Wall-Santiago
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Patricia C. Wall-Santiago
answered on Oct 20, 2021

Hi, retaining a lawyer is an important matter and should not be taken lightly. Some lawyers offer free short initial consults to determine if the relationship would mutually benefit. When choosing a lawyer, like any relationship in life, you need to trust and be comfortable with them. Have in mind... View More

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4 Answers | Asked in Immigration Law for Florida on
Q: I overstayed my ESTA with an European passport, but I am also Cuban, can I apply for CAA?

I have dual nationality and I travelled to the US on an ESTA with my European passport. However it is coming up to a year I have been in the US. Can I apply for CAA with my cuban passport and be able to stay legally in the US?

Patricia C. Wall-Santiago
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Patricia C. Wall-Santiago
answered on Sep 14, 2021

Yes, you can.

Good luck!

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3 Answers | Asked in Immigration Law for Florida on
Q: While filling I-130 application online the system would not allow me to put a future date for NTA Which is in Aug 2022!.

While I was filling my I-130 application online I came to the question if I have had any removal proceedings so I assumed that I did because of NTA but then in the part where I have to type the place and date of hearing, the system would not allow me to put a future date.

What should I do?... View More

Patricia C. Wall-Santiago
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Patricia C. Wall-Santiago
answered on Sep 14, 2021

Hi, I would put the date the NTA was issued which should be a date in the past and when you were notified. Hope this helps. Good luck!

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1 Answer | Asked in Immigration Law for Texas on
Q: Does CSPA apply to derivation of citizenship through naturalized father, 10 years after permanent bar?

The petitioned child was 14 at the time of the consular appointment (05/03/2012), in which the 212(a)(9)(c)(i)(i) was applied.

Patricia C. Wall-Santiago
PREMIUM
Patricia C. Wall-Santiago
answered on Jun 15, 2021

If the child was the principal beneficiary of a family petition when he was 14 in 2012, he should not have been bar from applying for a visa at that time. A child under 18 does not accrue unlawful presence. If the child was a derivative beneficiary as the son or daughter of a principal beneficiary... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Immigration Law for Florida on
Q: I filed I-130 petition for my brother and it was approved in 2009. Can he apply for adjustment of status w/o the letter?

I never received the letter and NVC terminated the case. My brother has been in the US since 1990 and does not need a visa. But the application for adjustment of status says he needs to attach a copy of approval letter to his I-485 application.

Patricia C. Wall-Santiago
PREMIUM
Patricia C. Wall-Santiago
answered on May 13, 2021

Dear Concerned Brother,

When your brother applied for adjustment of status with USCIS, the burden is on him to show that he is eligible for the benefit sought. As such, he needs to provide evidence of the approved petition that forms the basis for his adjustment of status....
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3 Answers | Asked in Immigration Law for Florida on
Q: if my spouse worked self employed and paid taxes do we still mark worked without authorization on the I485?
Patricia C. Wall-Santiago
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Patricia C. Wall-Santiago
answered on Apr 29, 2021

Dear Husband,

Your wife must answer any question on any immigration form truthfully. If she worked without authorization and is adjusting as the spouse of a US citizen, that in itself will not make her inadmissible; she should be able to adjust her status to that of a lawful permanent...
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2 Answers | Asked in Immigration Law and Child Custody for Texas on
Q: Hello, I have two questions please. 1._ Can my fifteen year old daughter visit me in Ecuador during the time her

dad is applying for their resident visa in the USA?

2.- What do I need to fight for her costudy?

Patricia C. Wall-Santiago
PREMIUM
Patricia C. Wall-Santiago
answered on Apr 27, 2021

Hello,

This question deals with immigration and family law. I will limit myself to answer the immigration question. If your daughter has a pending application for adjustment of status with USCIS and there are no other immigration issues (like removal order, arrests, and illegal entry),...
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2 Answers | Asked in Immigration Law for Georgia on
Q: My cousin in Ukraine denied visa because her aunt backdated her age to 11 when she was 14-a minor. Does she have a case?
Patricia C. Wall-Santiago
PREMIUM
Patricia C. Wall-Santiago
answered on Apr 26, 2021

Dear Concerned Cousin,

Based just on what you mentioned, children cannot be charged with committing fraud or crimes. I am certain there is an explanation as to why the wrong date of birth on the visa application. It looks like an honest mistake. The age difference between 11 and 14 will...
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3 Answers | Asked in Immigration Law for Texas on
Q: I submitted my I-751 on April 2019 & had an interview on Dec 2020. The120 days deadline is past due & still not answer.

I've submitted my I-751 on April 2019 and had an interview with my spouse on December 2020. We're told, we'd be notified about their decision in the next 120 days. The deadline is past and I called asking about this, I was told again my petition is in process and I have to keep... View More

Patricia C. Wall-Santiago
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Patricia C. Wall-Santiago
answered on Apr 26, 2021

Dear Conditional Resident,

USCIS published processing times for Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence (I-751) at all Field Offices shows that these petitions are taking between 17 Months to 35 Months to adjudicate and currently processing I-751 filed on or before June 01, 2018. See...
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4 Answers | Asked in Immigration Law for Florida on
Q: Where do I start? Can I get an EAD without applying for the I-485 concurrently?

I have a daughter that is 20 that is my preparer and translator. She is trying to help me get an EAD. I had one but it expired in 2007. I came to the USA legally with a visa in 2002. My EAD was in c09 status. All my documents have expired. My passport/visa. Parole paper, EAD. Also I’m here in... View More

Patricia C. Wall-Santiago
PREMIUM
Patricia C. Wall-Santiago
answered on Apr 26, 2021

Dear Daughter,

As the other attorneys explained, to better assess your mother's situation, we need more information to assist better or guide you. Immigration Law is complicated and has a lot of nuances and intricacies to it. Nothing is ever as it seems. Before you waste your time...
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3 Answers | Asked in Immigration Law for Texas on
Q: How do i as a American Citizen get my children passports if they were born in the U.K?

I have indefinite leave to remain in the U.K but received it after i had my children which are now 17 & 18. I am in need of advice on how to obtain passports for them. Are they entitled to American passports because I'm an American Citizen? When they were born i didn't have indefinite... View More

Patricia C. Wall-Santiago
PREMIUM
Patricia C. Wall-Santiago
answered on Apr 20, 2021

Dear US citizen,

For your children to derive US citizenship depends on if you meet the physical presence requirement and whether or not you were legally married to your children's mother. Your children's right to derive citizenship depends on several factors, including if you...
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1 Answer | Asked in Immigration Law for Florida on
Q: I am asylum pending now. I got approval for perm and I-140 based on EB3 . Time to apply Visa through consular processing

My question is if I got denied from 3rd country embassy (overstated my visa for about 140 days before I applied for asylum) how can I go back to US. What is the best way to protect me and my family. I have no serious reason to apply advance parole. Do USCIS approve advance parole to get interview... View More

Patricia C. Wall-Santiago
PREMIUM
Patricia C. Wall-Santiago
answered on Mar 31, 2021

Hello,

It seems that since you arrived in the US, you have been proactive in finding ways to remain in the US with your family legally. Your inquiry poses multiple immigration issues that need to be addressed by scheduling a meeting with an experienced immigration attorney. I invite you...
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1 Answer | Asked in Immigration Law for Georgia on
Q: i havea b1 visa valid until 2024 and i have over stayed for 6 years and i want to come back.

i havea b1 visa valid until 2024 and i have over stayed for 6 years and i want to come back. idont have any felony or criminal record. what are my options during immigration check at nyc airport. i will be travelling soon from india to usa.

Patricia C. Wall-Santiago
PREMIUM
Patricia C. Wall-Santiago
answered on Mar 26, 2021

Dear Overstay,

I will assume your B-1 non-immigrant visa was issued around 2014. You then came to the US and overstayed your authorized stay of presumably 6 months for more than a year. This alone bars you from seeking admission into the U.S. for 10 years, at which point you will allow to...
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1 Answer | Asked in Employment Law and Immigration Law for Florida on
Q: what is considered unauthorized work

Hi. I applied for US Permanent Resident in October 2019 and I received the card in April 2020. I am a relative of a US citizen. If someone wants to pay me for a voluntary work i did in January 2020, will that be considered illegal? what are the exceptions USCIS provides? Thanks

Patricia C. Wall-Santiago
PREMIUM
Patricia C. Wall-Santiago
answered on Mar 18, 2021

The question poses two issues: unpaid wages by an employer (regardless of immigration status), which I won't discuss, and the impact of work without authorization on a family-based petition. I will assume that you were granted lawful permanent resident status through marriage to a US citizen... View More

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