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Questions Answered by Amanda B Cook
1 Answer | Asked in Immigration Law for Florida on
Q: How do I locate an immigration attorney who's able to provide competent pro bono work to a disabled college graduate?

I suffered a motorcycle accident 5+ years ago and only attempting to determine how to allow my VERY recently married Registered Nurse wife the ability to work here in the US, possibly near where we reside in north Pinellas County Florida

Amanda B Cook
Amanda B Cook
answered on Jan 9, 2020

That depends on where you live. Sometimes, you can find resources in pamphlets at your local immigration court, if you are close to one. Catholic Social Services sometimes can help. I would need to know where to live to give you better advice. If you are indigent, though, you will not be able to... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Immigration Law for California on
Q: I'm 17 and my girlfriend is pregnant..but I'm currently waiting for my citizenship..I live in California and am wonderin

If I'm able to move to new Mexico and still hold my citizenship process

Amanda B Cook
Amanda B Cook
answered on Jan 9, 2020

New Mexico? As in, the US state New Mexico? Then yes, you can live in New Mexico while your N-400 processes. Make sure to update your address with USCIS so that you don't miss important notices, and keep up with your case status by frequently checking it online.

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3 Answers | Asked in Immigration Law for Nevada on
Q: I'm filling out an I-129F but my fiancé doesn't know where and when his father was born. Should I just put "unknown?"

I'm trying to get my fiancé a k-1 visa.

Amanda B Cook
Amanda B Cook
answered on Dec 30, 2019

You can write "unknown" if it is truly unknown - but with the current administration I'd be prepared for issues from it. If you have any contact at all with that side of the family, or anyone who may know, I'd reach out to try and get the right answer.

Good luck! (Of...
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2 Answers | Asked in Real Estate Law for Alabama on
Q: How long is a home in the "pre-forclosure" status before it is actually forclosed on?
Amanda B Cook
Amanda B Cook
answered on Dec 17, 2019

That depends on the policy of the financial institution. A bank, within the bounds of certain guiding federal regulations, can allow a debtor to forbear, modify, or refinance a loan as it deems appropriate - usually by internal written policy of the bank. Notice of the foreclosure has to be... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Immigration Law on
Q: I am from Syria and my wife is from the US, we want to move to the US, do we need to pay any high fees for that?

So we got marries outside the States and i have never been to the US, some people said that we need to pay a lot of money for the husband to enter the US because we got married outside the US. Is this true?

Could you tell me more about the payments and fees

Thank you and have a blessing day!

Amanda B Cook
Amanda B Cook
answered on Dec 17, 2019

The fees for filing a spousal Green Card are rising in December 2019. After December 23 2019, you must pay approximately $1200 to DHS (or USCIS), and you must also pay processing fees at your local consulate, usually about $425 per applicant. Fees can be higher to include children. To file an I-485... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Immigration Law for Massachusetts on
Q: I have submitted EB-2 NIW I-140 & I-485, if rejected, can I marry my fiancé(e) (US citizen) to avoid deportation?

Would this plan work:

If EB-2 NIW gets rejected -> marry my US citizen fiancé(e) -> apply for marriage green card?

Or do I need to get married before the rejection to avoid deportation or future difficulties in applying for a marriage green card?

Potentially relevant... View More

Amanda B Cook
Amanda B Cook
answered on Dec 5, 2019

As long as there are no other red flags on your file, that would probably be fine. However, if that happens, you should be overly prepared for the extra scrutiny such a move will likely bring to your marriage application. I highly recommend hiring an attorney to help you with your marriage... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law for Alabama on
Q: purchasing a home do you need the person on the title and to person on the deed
Amanda B Cook
Amanda B Cook
answered on Dec 4, 2019

"Title" is an amorphous concept in real estate law. A "Deed" is the instrument you record at the courthouse to evidence your "claim to title", but there can be competing claims to title even if there is a recorded deed. Your question is a little unclear, I suggest you... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Immigration Law for South Carolina on
Q: Hi, I was wondering if my husband needed to file form 1-589 if I've already filed I-130 last year (2018)?

We've received a receipt almost a year ago stating that my application was received is being process, but there's been no update since then. I've requested an inquiry just now. I'm just worried since he has another court date in Feb 20 and we haven't heard anything yet.... View More

Amanda B Cook
Amanda B Cook
answered on Dec 4, 2019

Please defer to the advice of the attorney who is representing him in immigration court. if he doesn't have one, i strongly suggest you hire an experienced deportation defense lawyer.

1 Answer | Asked in Immigration Law for Virginia on
Q: I am an immigrant that was abused physically and sexually by my husband

He took a video of him feeding my drugs and having his way with me and I can’t remember such happening and he threatened to send it to my family , now he deleted the link but I have someone I showed the video to since I can’t open the link can their statement suffice

Amanda B Cook
Amanda B Cook
answered on Dec 4, 2019

You need to speak with someone experienced with VAWA applications. Often there are charitable organizations nearby that will help you with this for no charge. Here's a link to a list in Virginia:

https://www.immigrationadvocates.org/nonprofit/legaldirectory/search?state=VA

1 Answer | Asked in Immigration Law for Oklahoma on
Q: My husband is my petitioner in a marriage based green card process. Do I have to include my husband's children in I-485?

I-485, part 6

Amanda B Cook
Amanda B Cook
answered on Dec 3, 2019

Yes. All children are relevant because of the income sponsorship requirements. It's really worth the investment to have a licensed and experienced immigration attorney do this for you. I highly recommend paying for help, because even small mistakes on these forms can cause big, expensive... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce, Family Law and Immigration Law for New York on
Q: Difference for Living apart or separately after submitting citizenship application

My cousin got her 10 years green card through marriage with a citizen husband. After she submitted the citizenship application from Brooklyn, New York, her husband has to move to Texas for work for 1 year, but she wants to continue staying in Brooklyn. If they just live in different cities, fly and... View More

Amanda B Cook
Amanda B Cook
answered on Dec 2, 2019

As long as there are no other issues or red flags, this shouldn't be too bad of a problem. BUT - I STRONGLY suggest she invests in a consultation with a good immigration attorney who is experienced with family and divorce issues so that the attorney can thoroughly screen her for any possible... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Immigration Law for Texas on
Q: Hello, I have a green card and I need to go to a different country to get a degree. Should I apply for citizenship

and then apply for travel permit while the naturalization process is underway? or should I just file for travel permits until im done with the degree?

I had filed for travel permit a few years ago for education as well and have used both my 2 year travel permits.

I will hire a... View More

Amanda B Cook
Amanda B Cook
answered on Dec 2, 2019

There are questions that a lawyer will need to ask you before she can give you the best advice, such as how long the program takes, whether you can travel back and forth easily, if you'll continue to pay taxes in the US, etc. I know you want an answer now but really in your situation it's... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Immigration Law for Texas on
Q: Hi, I am a green card holder, i have filled to my spouse form I130 and it already accepted but we got a divorce.

now we are thinking in remarriage, what should i do for the immigration purpose, knowing that the petition still available and i can proceed with it. should i start the process all over again? or remarry and continue the pending petition?

Amanda B Cook
Amanda B Cook
answered on Dec 2, 2019

Well, that is a new one for me. I would probably withdraw the initial application, wait a period to make sure everything goes smoothly, and then re-file. Your relationship sounds a little volatile and that's not a good place to be while you're in this process. You should probably hire an... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Immigration Law for Florida on
Q: Is there a way For us to get permanent residency in USA?

Hi. My husband is DACA recipient . He has his brothers born here (one is then will turn 21 in 2 years). Me, over stayed, so no paperwork right now. Our daughter was born here.

We are looking for any option to get permanent residency here. Do we have any chance or not really?

I... View More

Amanda B Cook
Amanda B Cook
answered on Dec 2, 2019

Your husband's brother may be able to sponsor him when the brother turns 21 but he will have to have a good job to show the requisite income and the application will probably take more than 10 years. If you have been here for more than ten years and your children have any sort of medical... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Real Estate Law and Small Claims for Alabama on
Q: My grandma died and my wife and I have been living I her house for 7 years and now my dad is trying to kick us out

Can he put the house in his name

Amanda B Cook
Amanda B Cook
answered on Nov 25, 2019

That depends on a lot of different facts. Did your grandmother leave a Will? Is your father her only heir? I strongly recommend that you seek the advice of an experienced attorney.

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1 Answer | Asked in Immigration Law for California on
Q: My wife entered the country with a tourist visa when she was 14 and overstayed. (Please read below for more details)

She went to high school/college and all in the states. I married her last year (us citizen) and had a few questions on the options we have on changing her status. I’m aware I can sponsor her as a relative but the confusion I have is that she has overstayed multiple times. Although Each time she... View More

Amanda B Cook
Amanda B Cook
answered on Nov 25, 2019

You need to create a complete timeline of every entry and exit. Then you need to gather all of the old passports she still has in her possession. Take the timeline and the passports to an immigration attorney for a consultation. I highly recommend you have an actual attorney review these documents... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy, Contracts and Real Estate Law for Alabama on
Q: commercial in AL with owner finance. Buyer stopped paying after 2 years and filed for bankruptcy. What can the seller do

Commercial property in ALABAMA was sold in 2017 with owner financing with 30% down and 7 years of monthly payments at 6%. The contract was recorded in court house as a lien. The buyer (LLC) with personal guarantee paid on time for 2 years and now filed for bankruptcy (both LLC and personal).... View More

Amanda B Cook
Amanda B Cook
answered on Nov 25, 2019

What kind of bankruptcy did the owner file? Chapter 7 or 13? Do you have any reason to believe the owner might be hiding other assets from the bankruptcy court? A consultation with an experienced and capable attorney would probably be well worth the expense. You need to file a motion to get the... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law for Alabama on
Q: I bought property in Alabama from out of state. Instead of going through all the faxing back and forth.

I had my daughter put it in her name since she lived here. What would I need to do to put it in my name. Would I have to pay or would she have to pay taxes on it.

Amanda B Cook
Amanda B Cook
answered on Nov 22, 2019

You will need an Alabama attorney to draft a deed. the taxes are due and payable and you should pay them before Dec. 31. Whether they will accept a check from your daughter depends on the practice of the local revenue commissioner. You should call the number on your tax bill to explain the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Immigration Law for Texas on
Q: Time frame for USCIS I-212 approval in Texas.

My partner, Jayro, was brought into the United States from Honduras illegally by his mother when he was four. Now as an 18 year old high school senior he has voluntarily left the United States with the assistance of a lawyer in hopes of re entering legally and becoming a citizen. He has no criminal... View More

Amanda B Cook
Amanda B Cook
answered on Nov 21, 2019

If he is not confident that his lawyer has been forthcoming, then he can always seek a second opinion from another lawyer. I suggest you find an experienced waiver attorney who specializes only in immigration.

2 Answers | Asked in Family Law and Immigration Law for Massachusetts on
Q: Hi, I'm trying to get a hold of my name change papers in Spokane, WA but they are sealed how do I go about it?

I live in Boston, MA but, I have no family to go to that could help me. I really need this document as I am trying to prove I am a citizen.

Amanda B Cook
Amanda B Cook
answered on Nov 21, 2019

You need to hire an attorney in Spokane.

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