Ask a Question

Get free answers to your Immigration Law legal questions from lawyers in your area.

Lawyers, increase your visibility by answering questions and getting points. Answer Questions
California Immigration Law Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Immigration Law for California on
Q: Can I amend the I-864 form before the interview in Juarez Mexico to reflect assets from the Petitioner and Immigrant?

I have a joint sponsor and omitted the detail of the net cash value of my real estate holdings and the balance of the principal immigrants savings and checking accounts. How would I go about either amending or declaring the assets that were not mentioned in the originally filed I-864 Petitioner... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Aug 3, 2024

You can amend the I-864 form before your interview in Juarez, Mexico, to reflect additional assets. To do this, you should fill out a new I-864 form, including the net cash value of your real estate holdings and the balance of the principal immigrant’s savings and checking accounts. Ensure that... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Immigration Law for California on
Q: Joint Sponsor Photo Copy Tax Documents Required to bring to Immigrant Visa Interview?

I would like to know if I need to bring physically with me photo copies of the tax documents from my joint sponsor to the actual immigrant visa interview for the year that the I-864 was filed or most recent updated copies for the current year? For instance if the I-864 was filed in 2023 along with... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Aug 2, 2024

For your immigrant visa interview, you should bring the most recent tax documents from your joint sponsor. If the I-864 was filed in 2023, the 2022 tax documents might be sufficient, but it's always best to bring the latest documents available, which would include the 2023 tax returns and W-2s... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Immigration Law for California on
Q: My family's affidavit support and all other documents has been accepted on CEAC but still no interview letter?

My mother petitioned for my siblings to come here in the US and we have everything turned in and accepted on CEAC but it's been 8 months but my siblings haven't received an interview letter. I read online that it should take around 3 to 6 months. I'm not sure who to contact or where... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Aug 2, 2024

It's understandable to be concerned about the delay in receiving an interview letter for your siblings' immigration case. Sometimes, processing times can extend beyond the average due to various factors such as high volume of applications or additional security checks. It’s important to... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Immigration Law for California on
Q: Employment Verification Letter Date Issue for Immigration Visa

Quoting:

"To be valid, any employment verification letter must be signed by the employer, providing their full name and official title. In most cases, it should also be written no more than 3 months prior to the date of the immigration application which it is intended to... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Aug 1, 2024

You should update the employment verification letter to reflect the most current date. Immigration authorities generally require the letter to be written no more than three months prior to the date of the application it supports. This ensures that the information is up-to-date and accurately... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Immigration Law for California on
Q: Me: 27, unemployed, U.S. Citizen Husband: 30, Software engineer, was on H1-B got green card based on marriage

Met in 2021 on a matrimonial site, married in April 2022 by court marriage. Initial marital issues arose from my husband's contact with his ex and aggressive behavior. The husband filed for a green card in March 2023, received in December 2023. Post-green card, he displayed emotionally abusive... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jul 28, 2024

I'm sorry to hear about your situation. For legal advice on divorce proceedings, you should consult a family law attorney who can guide you through the process and help you understand your rights and obligations. It's important to act quickly to protect your interests, especially... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights and Immigration Law for California on
Q: I have a positive Asylum status in Europe since 2013. My kids face discrimination. Is it possible to relocate in USA?

Basically my 4 children has been facing discrimination in school and reached an extent of refusing to go to school.

This has been happening to me also at my place of work. I have faced a lot of bad incidents because of being a different race.

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jul 27, 2024

Relocating to the USA is a possibility, but it involves a specific process. You would need to apply for a visa or immigration status through one of the available pathways. This could include seeking asylum in the USA if you can demonstrate persecution or fear of persecution due to race, religion,... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Immigration Law for California on
Q: can dying elderly return to the US with a US citizenship certificate alone after being outside of the US 10 years?

My father left for Mexico to help his family; he obtained his US citizenship years before he had to go. He is now dying and in need of blood transfusion in a hospital and they require 6 donors. 2 of my sibling's left 2 days ago to help him, they plan to bring him back to the states via car... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jul 26, 2024

Re-entering the US with just a citizenship certificate can be challenging but possible. Your father may face scrutiny at the border since he lacks a valid passport or ID. However, US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) should acknowledge his citizenship certificate as proof of his status.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Immigration Law for California on
Q: Can I use the World Passport?

I am unable to renew my passport. Due to the fact that I have once applied for asylum in USA; the immigration in my country is delaying and this delay of the production of my passport is now about four years.

Can I apply for F1 student visa with the World Passport by World Service... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jul 19, 2024

Using a World Passport to apply for an F1 student visa is not advisable. The U.S. government does not officially recognize the World Passport as a valid travel document. Most countries, including the United States, require a nationally issued passport for visa applications.

Given your...
View More

1 Answer | Asked in Immigration Law for California on
Q: I am a US citizen mother who recently availed of early retirement at the age of 63 but still working part-time.

I would like to know what form to use to

petition my unmarried daughter who is now 43y/o with her 2 minor children ages 14 and 12. Thank you!

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jul 18, 2024

To petition for your unmarried daughter and her two minor children, you will need to file Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). As a U.S. citizen, you can file separate I-130 petitions for each family member you wish to bring to the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Employment Law and Immigration Law for California on
Q: Am I eligible to apply for state jobs with my H4 EAD?
James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jul 18, 2024

Yes, you are eligible to apply for state jobs with your H4 EAD. The H4 EAD allows you to work for any employer in the United States, including state government positions. This eligibility covers a wide range of job types and levels within the state employment system.

When applying, ensure...
View More

1 Answer | Asked in Immigration Law for California on
Q: Updating i 94

Hi

I came to usa on b1b2 visit visa after that I file my asylum and waited 7 months to get my EAD card and ssn meanwhile my i94 got expired and I can’t leave the states and come back to renew it

How can update my i 94 to be unexpired and match the EAD expiration date

Thanks and regards

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jul 18, 2024

Updating your I-94 while you're in the United States can be a bit tricky, especially if it has already expired. Since your I-94 is tied to your initial B1/B2 visa entry, and you can't leave the country to renew it, you might need to take a different approach.

One option is to...
View More

1 Answer | Asked in Immigration Law for California on
Q: I answered no to three questions below in my N-400 form, will it affect my citizenship?

if the law requires it are you willing to bear arms (carry weapons) on behalf of the united states?

if the law requires it are you willing to perform noncombatant services in the u.s. armed forces?

if the law requires it are you willing to perform work of national importance under... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jul 18, 2024

Answering "no" to these three questions on your N-400 form can affect your naturalization application because they are part of the requirements to demonstrate your commitment to the United States. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) expects applicants to be willing to... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Immigration Law for California on
Q: I am a legal citizen of the USA, I was born in Mexico. What can I do to bring My brother from Mexico?

He's 49, has a wife and a son, he speaks English, he's a medical/legal/financial interpreter and translator and can work full time.

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jul 18, 2024

To bring your brother to the U.S., you can start by filing a Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, on his behalf. As a U.S. citizen, you can petition for your brother, but be aware that this category often has long wait times due to visa quotas. Ensure all documents and proof of your... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Immigration Law for California on
Q: I got an infraction for selling e-cigarettes as an employee, will this affect/hurt my immigration status?

I paid the ticket, should I take back my guilty plea with form CR-187 because I didn't know it would affect/hurt my immigration status? Can I also get it taken off my record now or do I need to wait 1 year and then try with Form CR-180?

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jul 18, 2024

Selling e-cigarettes as an employee and receiving an infraction might have implications for your immigration status, especially if you pled guilty. Since you have already paid the ticket, it is advisable to seek legal counsel to understand your options and the potential impact on your immigration... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Immigration Law for California on
Q: Hello I have a bench warrant and I need to go to Mexico for a family emergency. Is that possible?

It is a bench warrant the charge is for simple battery.

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jul 18, 2024

Traveling to Mexico with a bench warrant for simple battery is highly risky. If you attempt to leave the country, you may be detained at the border or upon your return, which could lead to more serious legal complications. It's important to address the warrant before traveling to avoid... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Immigration Law for California on
Q: Hi Mr. Virdi, SSA I'm from India and now on USA on visitor Visa with my family. I want to know about petition i485.

My parents already filed a petition i130 for our permanent immigration. Please let me know the process, Procedure and time for adjustment of status under section i485

Stephen Arnold Black
Stephen Arnold Black
answered on Jul 4, 2024

You have to go to the US Department of state, visa bulletin, board, and look up what family preference category you are in, and it will tell you if your priority date is current for your particular category. If your priority date is current, then you can file a 485.

View More Answers

1 Answer | Asked in DUI / DWI and Immigration Law for California on
Q: I want to go to Tijuana to pick up my niece, she was born in Coachella California, but she only has 3 months,

I also have a pending dui case,

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jun 30, 2024

Based on the information provided, there are a few important points to consider:

1. DUI case: Having a pending DUI case can potentially complicate travel, especially when crossing international borders.

2. Border crossing: Returning to the US from Mexico may involve additional...
View More

1 Answer | Asked in Immigration Law for California on
Q: Firearm purchase

Hi

Sorry i ask this question before but I lose a track to the question and answer am not sure if you answer me or not

I have a pending asylum

I came to US on b1b2 visa

I got my SSN and work permit valid

I have a valid California real ID

I have a... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jun 30, 2024

For an authoritative answer on your specific situation, I would strongly recommend consulting with an immigration attorney who is also knowledgeable about California firearm laws. They can review all the details of your case and provide proper legal guidance.

In general, firearm purchases...
View More

1 Answer | Asked in Immigration Law for California on
Q: Good afternoon, can you advise me on an asylum application? please
James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on May 28, 2024

Good afternoon.

In general, here are some key points to consider when applying for asylum:

1. Eligibility: To be eligible for asylum, you must demonstrate that you have a well-founded fear of persecution in your home country based on your race, religion, nationality, political...
View More

2 Answers | Asked in Immigration Law and Appeals / Appellate Law for California on
Q: My son's visa was rejected due to overage under F4 visa category for USA, even his name was in the dependent list.

The older age was due to a two-year delay due to COVID-19. How do I appeal for this?

Carlo Franco L. Borja
Carlo Franco L. Borja
answered on Jan 4, 2024

Consider scheduling a paid consultation with an immigration attorney to review your son's case and explore possible solutions.

View More Answers

Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.

The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.

Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.