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Massachusetts Immigration Law Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Immigration Law for Massachusetts on
Q: Could I apply for AOS after court closed and USCIS denied my AOS for not submitting evidences. Didn't file i290B on time

I would like to travel but have only TPS application pending. I traveled with Advanced parole in 2023 while i had the AOS application from 2018 pending with USCIS. Do i have a legal entry? I filed it because i never received an NTA. Now my court closed and they opened my AOS but gave me 30 days to... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 24, 2024

In your situation, it's important to understand that the denial of your Adjustment of Status (AOS) application by USCIS and the failure to timely file an I-290B (Notice of Appeal or Motion) can complicate your case. Even though your court case was closed and your illegal entry charge was... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Immigration Law for Massachusetts on
Q: Do I need to be on OPT for a research conference to showcase a project I worked on as a paid student worker while on F1?

My program end date is May 15 and I worked on campus for a professor doing research. At the end of the month, he is presenting at a conference and would like me to come and also help present. Do I need to be on OPT for this with my EAD start date at that time or can I help present without being... View More

Syed Ali Hussain Lahooti
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answered on Jan 17, 2024

If I am understanding correctly, you were a paid student worker for the project on campus and are now showcasing that work after completing your studies but before obtaining Optional Practical Training (OPT) status, attending a conference to present the prior work should not pose a problem. Since... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Employment Law and Immigration Law for Massachusetts on
Q: What does it mean to volunteer for a professional benefit under f1?

I am currently on a F1 visa studying data science and thinking of voluntering at a Chinese American Museum. Although the volunteer role would be unrelated to my studies, I did a lot of undergrad research and publishing on Chinese culture while in my home country (UK). The role would be purely... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 11, 2024

Volunteering in the United States while on an F1 visa can be a great opportunity to engage with the community and gain new experiences. However, it's important to understand the regulations surrounding such activities to ensure compliance with your visa status.

In your case,...
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2 Answers | Asked in Family Law, Immigration Law, Personal Injury and Domestic Violence for Massachusetts on
Q: Greetings. My name is Mikael 34 years old.I've been victim of domestic violence. Can i file for citizenship?

We've been in a relationship for almost 5 years I have videos of the abuse and after we break up she and her brother stated that if i ever go back to my country they will get me killed.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 8, 2024

Mikael, I'm sorry to hear about your situation. Experiencing domestic violence is a serious matter, and it's important to know that there are legal protections available to you.

Regarding your citizenship query, being a victim of domestic violence does not automatically qualify...
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2 Answers | Asked in Immigration Law for Massachusetts on
Q: Can I add spouse after applied IVP? The IVP is still pending

My fiancé applied for eb2 niw and the I-140 has been approved. Although he is in the United States, he submitted an Immigration visa proceeding (ivp) application through Consular in December 2023. We plan to get married in the United States in the next few months. Since we Coming from different... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Dec 30, 2023

If your fiancé has an approved I-140 under the EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver) category and has filed for an Immigration Visa Proceeding (IVP) through consular processing, there are options for you to apply for a green card after getting married.

Once you are married, you can be added...
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Q: In Massachusetts, Can you be terminated from a job, by employer,if you were arrested but trail ended in not guilty?
Roland Godfrey Ottley
Roland Godfrey Ottley
answered on Dec 3, 2023

I think that you may have a case against your employer. Possibly for terminating you before you were able to exonerate yourself against allegations of committing a crime. In addition, there are statutes in In some states, nuch like New York that would address an employer terminating an employee... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Immigration Law for Massachusetts on
Q: I want to Forgo O3 visa for TPS, how do I switch back to O3 once TPS expires or is cancelled.

Husband is on J1 visa, I am on J2. Husband got a new job offer that sponsors O1 visa. We are applying for O1/O3 visas. At the same time TPS has been extended for my country. I want to apply for TPS so I can have EAD. I understand if I work with EAD From TPS While on O3, I will be forgoing the O3. I... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Nov 20, 2023

In your situation, where you're considering switching from an O-3 visa to Temporary Protected Status (TPS) to obtain an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), it's important to understand the implications of this change on your immigration status. If you opt for TPS and use the EAD to... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Immigration Law for Massachusetts on
Q: How can I forgo my O3 status in order to use employment authorization that comes with TPS

Hi, I am currently in the US on a J2 visa (my husband is J1). We are in the process of switching to O1 (husband) and O3 for myself. In addition TPS has been extended for my country till June 2025. O3 does not offer any possibility of employment. I will like to apply for TPS so that I can be... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Nov 19, 2023

In your situation, it's important to understand that holding O3 status and applying for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) are independent processes. If you are granted TPS while on an O3 visa, you have the flexibility to choose which status to maintain. TPS comes with employment authorization,... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Immigration Law for Massachusetts on
Q: Can a naturalized US citizen born in Cuba receive Spanish citizenship via the Nietos Law without loosing US citizenship?

Some of my family members are going through the process of becoming dual citizens of Cuba and Spain under the Spanish Law of Democratic Memory. For those of us that are naturalized US citizens, do we lose our US citizenship if we accept the Spanish?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Nov 19, 2023

As a naturalized U.S. citizen, you can apply for Spanish citizenship under the Law of Democratic Memory (Nietos Law) without automatically losing your U.S. citizenship. The U.S. allows dual citizenship, which means you can be a citizen of both the U.S. and another country, like Spain, without... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Immigration Law for Massachusetts on
Q: Will I be eligible for derive citizenship my Grand mother filed for me in 2003 at age 16 she passed away 3 yrs ago?
Carlo Franco L. Borja
Carlo Franco L. Borja
answered on Nov 17, 2023

Children under the age of 18 automatically gain U.S. citizenship by law (derivative US citizenship)when the following 3 conditions are met:

* The child holds U.S. lawful permanent resident status, commonly referred to as being a “green card” holder.

* At least one of the...
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1 Answer | Asked in Immigration Law for Massachusetts on
Q: Do I have legal status after travel abroad with advanced parole? . Now im paroled into the US.

I was in court proceedings in Boston and court was closed. I was waved in into the US back in 2006 but didn't get a passport stamp. Suddenly, i was in court! They said that i said I entered illegally but is not true.

My son petitioned me in 2018. I submitted my AOS then. After court... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Nov 18, 2023

Being paroled into the U.S. after traveling with advanced parole generally means you are in a period of authorized stay, but it does not in itself confer legal status. Your status is dependent on the progress and outcomes of your immigration applications and petitions.

If your Adjustment of...
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1 Answer | Asked in Immigration Law for Massachusetts on
Q: Husband is applying for O1: Should I apply for O3 (without possibility of being employed) or apply for TPS?

Husband and I are from Cameroon. We are currently on J1 (him) and J2 (myself) visas. He got an offer for a new job that is sponsoring his O1 visa. I would be getting an O3. We will be filing the O1/O3 visa applications by end of November 2023. Meanwhile TPS has been extended till June 2025 for our... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Nov 18, 2023

Deciding between TPS (Temporary Protected Status) and an O-3 visa depends on your immediate needs and long-term plans. TPS allows you to work in the U.S. with an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), but it is temporary and dependent on the continued designation of Cameroon for TPS.

If...
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1 Answer | Asked in Immigration Law for Massachusetts on
Q: Can I get a fiancé visa with a domestic and not enough income?

I can get my mom to co sponsor or her aunt who lives in America as far finances go I only get ssi. But for my criminal record I was charged with sexual assault and domestic. My ex told the police I slapped her and pressured her into sex when she didn’t want. This was 10 years ago. I pleaded... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Oct 22, 2023

Under U.S. immigration law, there are various factors that can impact your ability to petition for a fiancé visa. Regarding the income requirement, if you do not meet the financial criteria, a joint sponsor, like your mother or the fiancé's aunt, can help meet the Affidavit of Support... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Immigration Law for Massachusetts on
Q: My wife is on H4 visa. If she transfers to a J1 visa, will she become ineligible for the AOS to green card during I-485?

Hi,

I am an H1B holder and my wife is a H4 holder currently. My employer has started processing my green card application which is at the PWD step(filed in May this year). So if everything goes well, given the current timeline, the I-140 will be processed(with Premium Processing) by the end... View More

Carlo Franco L. Borja
Carlo Franco L. Borja
answered on Sep 19, 2023

1. Wife needs to get approved for a J1 waiver before she will be approved for I-485

2. Even if she switches to H4, she still needs to fulfill the 2 yr home residency requirement or get approved for a J1 waiver before she will be granted LPR status

3. You can sponsor your wife for a...
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1 Answer | Asked in Immigration Law and Adoption for Massachusetts on
Q: I am adopted and a US citizen. What isthe fastest way to bring my biological siblings in the US

I was adopted at 6 months by my parents i have two biological sisters( same biological mother and father) and a half sister (same biological father). I want to start the process to bring them here . What is the process? Do i file a relative sponsorship or do i need additional forms ?

Carlo Franco L. Borja
Carlo Franco L. Borja
answered on Aug 31, 2023

Relative sponsorship is no longer possible for your biological relatives if you have been legally adopted. Work with an immigration attorney to explore alternatives

1 Answer | Asked in Immigration Law for Massachusetts on
Q: Can I send a 2nd sponsor affidavit to Immigration without getting the okay.

My husband had his visa interview already, but they need my w2. I don’t pay taxes but the first sponsor does. I send 1099 for both of us, and uploaded another sponsor affidavit without getting the okay. Do you think they will accept it?.

Carlo Franco L. Borja
Carlo Franco L. Borja
answered on Aug 24, 2023

Include an explanation as to why you are submitting documents from a 2nd joint sponsor

1 Answer | Asked in Immigration Law for Massachusetts on
Q: What to expect when leaving the US after overstaying a visa?
Carlo Franco L. Borja
Carlo Franco L. Borja
answered on Aug 23, 2023

Overstaying for more than 180 days but less than one year would subject one to a 3 year bar from returning to the US. Overstaying for 1 year or more would subject one to a 10 year bar from returning to the US.

1 Answer | Asked in Immigration Law for Massachusetts on
Q: What are the requirements to sponsor my wife from China, came to the U.S. Via J2, currently under Asylum.

Sponsor for, green card, citizenship, work permit, does the 3 years of marriage have to pass before applying?

Stephen Arnold Black
Stephen Arnold Black
answered on Jun 5, 2023

A United States citizen can sponsor a foreign national who entered the country with a visa. This is so even though your spouse may be out of status. However, if she entered with a J visa, she may be subject to the 2 year home residence requirement. You should work with an attorney.

1 Answer | Asked in Immigration Law for Massachusetts on
Q: What are the requirements to sponsor my wife for her green card, work permit or citizenship, are they different?

Is the 1st requirement, that prior to any application you be married for 3 years?

Gunda Yohanna Brost
Gunda Yohanna Brost
answered on Jun 5, 2023

It depends on where she is and how she came

To the US if she’s here. Please hire an immigration lawyer.

3 Answers | Asked in Immigration Law for Massachusetts on
Q: what are the requirements to sponsor my wife, for her eventual citizenship? is is different for her children?

what are the sponsors financial requirements, is there another option besides tax returns to provide income documentation?

Giselle M. Rodriguez
Giselle M. Rodriguez
answered on May 23, 2023

Thanks for your question!

The requirements to sponsor your wife vary depending on whether you are looking at completing the adjustment of status process or the consular processing routes.

Other financial documentation includes paystubs, W-2’s or 1099’s (If applicable); Employer...
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