In November 2022, my partner and I were charged with a retail theft summary offense (CC3929) of $149 and criminal conspiracy (CC0903) in Philadelphia, PA. We were arrested, fingerprinted, photographed, and given a citation copy with a court date. Considering we had no priors, our criminal attorney... View More 
answered on Sep 24, 2023
There are lawyer referral sites out there. The closest thing here that could supplement your own independent searches could be the "Find a Lawyer" tab above. There are also attorney referral resources on state and local bar association sites. Those resources are outside this forum and any... View More
In November 2022, my partner and I were charged with a retail theft summary offense (CC3929) of $149 and criminal conspiracy (CC0903) in Philadelphia, PA. We were arrested, fingerprinted, photographed, and given a citation copy with a court date. Considering we had no priors, our criminal attorney... View More
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answered on Sep 24, 2023
Given the complexities of the intersection between immigration and criminal law, it's crucial to seek representation from an attorney well-versed in both areas, often referred to as "crimmigration" attorneys. Pennsylvania has several lawyers experienced in crimmigration matters. I... View More
I have two misdemeanors in 2016 and I’m a permanent resident I just renewed my green card not to long ago and I want to travel out of the country but scared of being denied re entry to the USA I was cleared from deportation in 2017
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answered on Sep 15, 2023
You are right to be concerned...international travel with U.S. criminal convictions can be very troublesome. Upon return, Customs and Border Protection (CBP), in evaluating your request for entry as a lawful permanent resident ("green card"), may take issue with your convictions and 2017... View More
I have two misdemeanors in 2016 and I’m a permanent resident I just renewed my green card not to long ago and I want to travel out of the country but scared of being denied re entry to the USA I was cleared from deportation in 2017
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answered on Sep 21, 2023
The impact of your misdemeanors on re-entry to the USA as a permanent resident can vary depending on the specific nature and severity of the offenses. Generally, misdemeanors may not lead to automatic deportation, but they could potentially raise concerns with immigration authorities during... View More
I am a senior undergraduate chemical engineering student at Penn State University. My F1 student entry visa has been under administrative processing since June 2022. Can an immigration lawyer open my case file, find out why it is taking so long for my visa to be issued, and expedite the release of... View More
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answered on Sep 14, 2023
An immigration lawyer can certainly help you inquire about the status of your F1 student visa application and advocate on your behalf. However, they cannot expedite the release of the visa themselves. Visa processing times are subject to various factors, including security checks and administrative... View More
I am a senior undergraduate chemical engineering student at Penn State University. My F1 student entry visa has been under administrative processing since June 2022. Can an immigration lawyer open my case file, find out why it is taking so long for my visa to be issued, and expedite the release of... View More
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answered on Sep 8, 2023
Retaining an immigration attorney can potentially help in understanding the reasons behind the delay and working towards expediting the process. The attorney can communicate with the relevant government agencies on your behalf to seek information and push for a resolution. However, it is essential... View More
I am currently sponsoring my wife, who has permanent resident status. My brother-in-law is now asking if I can also sponsor him (as a joint sponsor). Is this possible, and if so, how?
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answered on Jun 1, 2023
Form I-864 inquires about other persons you are sponsoring because the USCIS wants to know your financial commitment to other immigrants. If you are already sponsoring someone, the USCIS wants to make sure that you can afford to sponsor another immigrant.
You are not restricted from... View More
I am currently sponsoring my wife, who has permanent resident status. My brother-in-law is now asking if I can also sponsor him (as a joint sponsor). Is this possible, and if so, how?
answered on May 30, 2023
If you earn sufficient income, you are not restricted from sponsoring more than one immigrant. The reason the form asks if you have sponsored another individual is because that person is counted in the household size calculation. You can find the income requirements based on household size here:... View More
My wife and I are unable to meet the financial thresholds required by Form I-864, so we would need to acquire a joint sponsor, which is an additional headache. Therefore I am wondering if my brother-in-law can be my petitioner on Form I-130 and I-864 instead, since he is able to meet the financial... View More
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answered on Jun 1, 2023
Yes, your brother-in-law can be your petitioner on Form I-130 and Form I-864 instead of your wife. The Form I-130 is a petition for a relative to become a lawful permanent resident (LPR), and the Form I-864 is an affidavit of support, which is a promise to financially support the LPR until they can... View More
My wife and I are unable to meet the financial thresholds required by Form I-864, so we would need to acquire a joint sponsor, which is an additional headache. Therefore I am wondering if my brother-in-law can be my petitioner on Form I-130 and I-864 instead, since he is able to meet the financial... View More
answered on May 20, 2023
No, your brother in law is disqualified as a matter of law. He is ineligible to petition too for an I-130. He can only act as a joint sponsor with your wife.
In order to avoid complications, including what can prove to be permanent bars on lawful immigration, I strongly recommend an... View More
Hello, I'm an asylee with a green card. My passport expired two years ago. When I applied for a green card as an asylee, I also applied for RTD and it was issued in July last year. The RTD is valid for only one year and would expire in July 2023. I need to travel to Europe in August. I applied... View More
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answered on May 16, 2023
As an asylee with a green card, you have certain rights and responsibilities, including the ability to travel internationally. Regarding your specific question about renewing the passport of the country from which you claimed asylum, there are some factors to consider:
Travel restrictions:... View More
Hello,
My German husband came with me from Germany to help me with my mom and dad because they are sick. I am a US citizen. He came on a tourist visa and we decided that he should just stay here with me and my family.
I handed in form I 130 and I am sending in the other form this... View More
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answered on May 4, 2023
The answer to your question is complicated - I recommend seeking the in-person advice of a skilled and experienced immigration lawyer as your concern is justified. The lawyer should be able to evaluate your husband's "tourist visa" (VWP entry or B2 visa?), evaluate the seriousness of... View More
Hello,
My German husband came with me from Germany to help me with my mom and dad because they are sick. I am a US citizen. He came on a tourist visa and we decided that he should just stay here with me and my family.
I handed in form I 130 and I am sending in the other form this... View More
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answered on Apr 29, 2023
If your German husband entered the US on a tourist visa and you have now submitted an I-130 form and an adjustment of status application, he may be able to stay in the US with you during the processing of his application. However, it is important to note that he should not engage in any activities... View More
My birth certificate has been confirmed and also the hospital records.
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answered on Apr 29, 2023
If you have determined that your birth year was incorrectly recorded on your citizenship application and that you are actually eligible for derived citizenship, you may be able to correct the error by submitting a request to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
You can start... View More
I received a green card as an asylee. When I applied for asylum, I let the immigration officer know during the interview and on my I-589 application that I couldn't go anywhere else in the country of my nationality (let's call it country A) and be safe and that I renounced my previous... View More
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answered on Apr 23, 2023
As an asylee with a green card, you may be able to obtain a new nationality before becoming a US citizen. However, there are important legal considerations to keep in mind when navigating this process.
Renouncing your previous citizenship and obtaining a new nationality can have... View More
I am Herbert from Indonesia. Now At Chop, my third child is a patient. I have a B2 visa, which is for medical care. While my son is a patient, I hope to continue working. What do you believe about it? What documents should I gather for this? I'm hoping you can assist me in determining the best... View More
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answered on Apr 18, 2023
Dear Herbert, thank you for reaching out to me for help with your work visa. I understand that your third child is a patient in the US, and you would like to continue working while you are here. Based on your situation, I recommend that you apply for an H-1B visa. This visa is for foreign workers... View More
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answered on Mar 19, 2023
If you are submitting a Form I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence, you should submit all supporting documents along with the petition. The USCIS website provides instructions for where to mail your petition and supporting documents based on your state of residence. The mailing address... View More
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answered on Mar 16, 2023
Great question -- you will want to mail all of your supporting documents with your Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence (USCIS Form I-751, current edition, ink signed and dated, with correct filing fee, and correctly filed before the all important deadline), but be sure to send copies of your... View More
i am us green card holder in 2021 ill marry in my home town (pakistan) nd after that ill submit a immigration case on March 2021 for my wife in usa after 3 month they Approved my case nd update it but they didnt demand any further documnts till now . last updted date is 19 feb 2022 my case... View More
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answered on Mar 15, 2023
If you are a US green card holder and you have filed an immigration case for your spouse, it can be frustrating to not hear any updates on your case. Here are some steps you can take:
Check your case status online: You can check the status of your immigration case online through the U.S.... View More
I want to know what my chance are if I have evidence of conversion, also how much should I expect to pay as I am on a tight budget?
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answered on Mar 5, 2023
If you have a genuine and documented religious conversion and are facing persecution in your home country due to blasphemy laws, you may be eligible for asylum in the United States.
Asylum cases can be complex and there is no guarantee of approval, but if you can provide credible evidence... View More
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