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Questions Answered by Patricia C. Wall-Santiago
2 Answers | Asked in Immigration Law for Washington on
Q: I am working with a young man who is about to plead guilty to 2 felony charges. He was born here but his parents do not

have legal status. Could his plea create problems for his parents? No one at the court is going to report the matter to immigration.

Patricia C. Wall-Santiago
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Patricia C. Wall-Santiago
answered on Aug 21, 2019

If “young man” is convicted of a “specified offense against a minor” under the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act of 2006 (“Adam Walsh Act” or “AWA”) he will be bar from having his family-based petition approved. Unless the Secretary of Homeland Security determines, in his... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody, Child Support and Immigration Law for Michigan on
Q: Looking for a Spanish speaking family and immigration lawyer for a case in Pontiac.
Patricia C. Wall-Santiago
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Patricia C. Wall-Santiago
answered on Aug 19, 2019

Family Law is governed by the State you or your children reside; Immigration law is Federal Administrative Proceedings and any attorney anywhere from within the US can represent you. I am an Immigration attorney in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida with 15 plus years of experience and I am fully bilingual... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Immigration Law for California on
Q: Hello, I am a green cardholder category IR7 (as of late 2016), how long do I have to wait to apply for citizenship?

When I was 15 years old I got adopted by US citizens. Because my Visa did not show I legally entered the country as a lawful resident, I came in as a tourist then got adopted. I did not automatically get citizenship. It wasn't until I became of legal age that I obtained my permanent resident... View More

Patricia C. Wall-Santiago
PREMIUM
Patricia C. Wall-Santiago
answered on Aug 15, 2019

If you did not derive US citizenship from your adoptive parents by operation of law, In order to be eligible for naturalization you need to have 5 years of lawful permanent resident status (LPR), show that you have been physically present in the US for at least 2.5 years of those five (this could... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Immigration Law for District of Columbia on
Q: Answer to N-400 Application: Part 10 - 9 - B?

I am filing for my citizenship application (N-400). I need to know what should I put in Part 10 - 9 - B of the form "My Prior Spouse's Immigration status when my marriage ended"?

We get married in the US in 2013 in VA (both on J-1 visa). She went back and I applied for... View More

Patricia C. Wall-Santiago
PREMIUM
Patricia C. Wall-Santiago
answered on Aug 15, 2019

It is not expected that you know everything about your ex-wife. So by witting "unknown" should be sufficient and better than leaving the question unanswered.

Good luck!!

Sincerely,

Patricia C. Wall

Practice Limited to Immigration & Nationality Law

2 Answers | Asked in Immigration Law for Nevada on
Q: Can my wife become a U.S. citizen if she was convicted of a drug possesion charge before we were married 10 years ago?

She was convicted in Japan. I’m a U.S. citizen. The charge was she tested positive for marijuana and exctasy on a urine test which is considered possession in Japan.

Patricia C. Wall-Santiago
PREMIUM
Patricia C. Wall-Santiago
answered on Aug 15, 2019

You need an experienced immigration attorney. Foreign nationals with criminal convictions are in more likelihood in need of a waiver, if the law allows, or the person may be permanently bar from getting any status in the US.

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