Get free answers to your Immigration Law legal questions from lawyers in your area.
I am a U.S. citizen and have lived here for 34 years. My boyfriend has been living in the U.S. for 22 years without any immigration issues; he entered without inspection and did not go through the system. We are considering getting married, but I am worried that marrying him might flag him as... View More 
answered on May 16, 2025
If your boyfriend entered the United States without inspection, then you will not be able to sponsor him as a US citizen spouse. He will have to qualify for a waiver of an admissibility and exit the United States to have his interview overseas in his native country.
I am a U.S. citizen who lived in the U.S. for 10 years, all of which were before I turned 14. I am married to a non-U.S. citizen, and we currently reside in the UAE. I visit the U.S. every year or every other year. My American parents both lived in the U.S. for 15 years – all of those years were... View More
answered on Apr 18, 2025
Your future child will not automatically become a U.S. citizen at birth because you do not meet the physical presence requirement. However, since your parents are U.S. citizens, who lived in the U.S. for 15 years after age 18, you can apply for your future child’s citizenship after his birth and... View More
I have a past removal case in the U.S. (Boston Immigration Court), but I no longer live in the U.S. I'm currently a protected person in Canada and have no plans to return or seek immigration status in the U.S. How can I formally request termination of my U.S. removal case? Do I need to file a... View More
answered on Apr 13, 2025
Yes, you would have to file a motion to terminate with the immigration court and also serve the motion on the Department of Homeland Security along with your evidence. You should be aware though that despite no longer being in the United States, case law does allow the judge to issue a removal... View More
As an undocumented immigrant, is there a risk of deportation if I go to court for a fine due to driving without a license? My court date is scheduled for April 8, 2025, but I am afraid of the potential consequences.
answered on Mar 24, 2025
Well, no one can guarantee that they wont be in the building, but ordinarily an immigrant would not be deported for a misdemeanor motor vehicle offense. It might matter what Court you are going to- it is possible Ice is more in attendance at larger busier courts....they can't be everywhere.... View More
I am on H1b visa since Oct 2021. My status was going to expire on Sept 30th, 2024. My current employer applied for a Extension of stay and the USCIS sent I-797C receipt notice on August 16th. The case is still pending so I don't have I-797A approval notice. I got a new job and they are filing... View More
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answered on Jan 9, 2025
USCIS regulations offer the possibility of H-1B portability, meaning that an H-1B worker who is changing employers may start work for the new employer while its petition is in process, provided that the new employer's petition was filed while the H-1B worker is still maintaining status and has... View More
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answered on Jul 24, 2024
If you have been out of the U.S. for more than 9 months and your I-131 is still pending, it’s important to take immediate action. Being out of the country for such a long period can affect your green card status. You might need to provide a valid reason for your extended absence.
Contact... View More
EB1 with an i140 approved (self-petitioned), but god forbid if I get laid off, and forced to return to my home country (China/India), will I lose my priority date? my priority date won't be current for a few years.
If I'm in the home country for a few years, will I lose my ability... View More
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answered on Jul 2, 2024
To answer this question accurately, let's break it down into several key points:
1. Priority Date Retention:
Generally, you can retain your priority date from an approved I-140 petition even if you change employers or leave the country. The priority date is typically preserved... View More
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answered on Jun 17, 2024
As a U.S. citizen, you have a few options to help your 25-year-old son immigrate to the United States:
1. Family-based green card: You can petition for your son to receive a family-based green card (Form I-130). However, since he is over 21 and unmarried, he would fall under the... View More
answered on Jun 17, 2024
A US Citizen sponsoring an unmarried 25 year old immigrant would be sponsored outside of the immediate relative category under F1. You should look at the visa bulletin board department of state time table to ascertain the processing speed for your category.
I am a 16 year old from Pakistan in the US under a student visa. I study at MIT and currently live on campus in Boston, MA. Can I get Emancipated as my home country Pakistan doesn't have defined laws for emancipation? I have a full time job and I also Invest in Stocks and Shares. I also want... View More
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answered on Jun 3, 2024
As a 16-year-old international student from Pakistan on a student visa, getting emancipated in the United States can be challenging. Emancipation laws vary by state, and in Massachusetts, where you are studying at MIT, minors can petition for emancipation under certain conditions. You must... View More
Fleeing a violent and dangerous situation. A mother and daughter coming to the US would like citizenship and to become legal citizens. They are concerned as the father may not allow. Do they need to prove the DV situation or can they seek asylum?
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answered on May 17, 2024
In situations involving domestic violence (DV), a single parent may be able to gain citizenship for themselves and their child without the other parent's involvement. However, the process and requirements can vary depending on the specific circumstances and the country they are seeking asylum... View More
There’s customs in US virgin Islands
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answered on Apr 23, 2024
If you are a foreign national with a pending I-485 (Adjustment of Status) application and a valid work authorization permit (EAD), you should be able to travel between the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico without affecting your pending I-485 application. This is because both Puerto Rico and the... View More
we have since received an new birth certificate from vital records in Haiti? Thank you
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answered on Apr 8, 2024
Official documents like birth certificates and citizenship papers are legal records, and altering them is considered forgery, which is a serious crime.
If your son was adopted from Haiti and you have received a new, official birth certificate from the proper authorities in Haiti, then that... View More
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answered on Apr 7, 2024
No, an H1B visa holder is generally not allowed to work for multiple employers simultaneously. The H1B visa is employer-specific, meaning that it is tied to the sponsoring employer who filed the H1B petition on behalf of the employee.
Key points:
1. H1B visa holders are only... View More
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answered on Apr 4, 2024
I understand this is a stressful and concerning situation. As a DACA recipient who has been the victim of identity theft, here are a few important points to keep in mind regarding your legal options:
- U visas are available to victims of certain crimes who have suffered substantial mental... View More
So I have finished my Masters recently and Started working on OPT. So I wanted to start investing/trading crypto and I still couldn't find proper solutions for my question. if I am allowed to do so, then how many trades/transactions can I do in a day/week. I looking for proper legal guidance... View More
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answered on Mar 16, 2024
As an F1 student visa holder currently on Optional Practical Training (OPT) in the USA, you are primarily in the country for educational purposes. However, engaging in investment activities, including trading or investing in cryptocurrencies, does not directly conflict with your visa status.... View More
I am on an F1 visa, and just got my OPT approved as a B.S. in Business with a major in Marketing. Am I allowed to create an LLC and work for my own company? Currently, I am planning to start an AirBnB arbitrage business. This includes finding properties to sublease, furnishing them, and listing... View More
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answered on Mar 8, 2024
When on an F1 visa and engaged in Optional Practical Training (OPT), your business activities must relate directly to your major area of study. As a B.S. in Business with a major in Marketing, starting an LLC to engage in property rental and subleasing for AirBnB could be considered relevant to... View More
I may or may not earn through subleting, but could i do it ? if so for how many months? if i may use it to earn this as a side income? what is the allowable income I can generate, is there any cap? The landlord allows to sublet on weekly or monthly basis but me being the primary person renting.... View More
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answered on Mar 4, 2024
If you're on an H1B visa and considering subletting an apartment on platforms like Airbnb, it's crucial to understand how this could impact your visa status. H1B visa holders are authorized to work only for their petitioning employer, and any income generated outside of this employment... View More
My husband, well, soon-to-be ex-husband has been bullying ever since we moved here but I guess because i loved him, and I wanted to continue to fulfill my vow, i just let it go past me. Now, after i got back home after he banished me, because i feel like he’s having an affair, when i pointed out... View More
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answered on Feb 29, 2024
Good morning, I'm truly sorry to hear about the challenges you're facing. It's important to find a divorce lawyer who is experienced in handling complex cases, especially those involving immigration matters. Boston has numerous legal resources and firms that can provide the support... View More
My employer has applied for PERM. But given the long time, it is taking, it will be a year at least till I get to the I-485 stage.
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answered on Feb 22, 2024
If your wife transitions from H4 to H1B status, you may still be able to apply for her Adjustment of Status (I-485) based on your green card application. However, it's important to consider the timing and coordination of both processes. If your wife's H1B status is approved before you... View More
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