East Lansing, MI asked in Immigration Law for Michigan

Q: Inquiry about potential negative impact of previous rejections due to procedural errors

I hired an immigration attorney this year to handle my green card application through marriage. However, when my attorney submitted my green card application, the first time he used outdated forms, the second time he did not submit the correct amount of payment, resulting in two rejections. Now I decide to do it on my own and I am wondering if my new application will get negatively affected by these rejections? If so, is there anything I can do to counter the negative impacts.

Thank you in advance for your help.

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2 Lawyer Answers

A: No. But consider working with a competent immigration lawyer. Some of us charge a very affordable flat fee and do a great job! Immigration lawyers can represent clients anywhere in the US.

James L. Arrasmith
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Answered

A: It's understandable to be concerned about the impact of the previous rejections on your new green card application. Fortunately, rejections due to procedural errors, like outdated forms or incorrect payments, generally do not have a negative impact on the merits of your application itself. These errors are seen as administrative issues rather than substantive problems with your eligibility.

When you submit your new application, ensure all forms are up-to-date and that the payment is accurate. Double-check every detail and follow the instructions carefully to avoid similar issues. You can also include a brief cover letter explaining the previous errors to clarify that they were purely procedural and not related to your eligibility or intent.

If you are still concerned, consider reviewing any correspondence from the USCIS regarding your previous rejections. This will help you understand any specific instructions they may have provided to avoid future issues. By being thorough and organized with your new application, you can minimize any potential negative impact from the earlier mistakes.

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