Get free answers to your Immigration Law legal questions from lawyers in your area.
I am a US citizen (born in PA and have lived in OH, NY, MD, and MI) but have been living in Germany for the past 3 years. At the beginning of this year, I got married and I wanted to change my last name to take my husband’s last name, but I also want to change my middle name to my maiden name. In... View More 
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answered on Aug 5, 2024
Changing your name in the US while residing abroad can be a bit complex, but it is possible. To change your name, you generally need to file a petition with the court in the state where you last resided or where you have some form of residency connection. Since you have a birth certificate from... View More
My house was condemned unfairly. It is not unsafe or unsanitary. My kids and I are now homeless. I appealed and have a hearing in August. City officials are saying I don't have a chance no matter what I do. Even if I do what they are saying is making it condemned. How can I fight this? I need... View More
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answered on Jul 18, 2024
You need to consult a real estate attorney who has experience dealing with property disputes and local government regulations. This type of lawyer can help you understand the specifics of your case, gather necessary evidence, and represent you at your hearing in August. They can also challenge any... View More
Overcome continuous residency
Hello everyone! Im currently in process of getting citizenship. I have been a gc holder for 5 years and I went to my biometrics appointment last Wednesday. Now im trying to get ready for interview process.
When i got the gc i was in my senior year at... View More
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answered on Nov 10, 2023
Regarding your concern about breaking continuous residency for your N-400 application, it's important to note that trips outside the U.S. for more than six months but less than a year can potentially disrupt continuous residency.
However, if these trips were for a specific purpose... View More
In November 2022, my partner and I were charged with a retail theft summary offense (CC3929) of $149 and criminal conspiracy (CC0903) in Philadelphia, PA. We were arrested, fingerprinted, photographed, and given a citation copy with a court date. Considering we had no priors, our criminal attorney... View More
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answered on Sep 22, 2023
A lot is at stake, and you are right to be searching for an attorney who is well versed in both state criminal and U.S. immigration law and practice, including deportation defense (EOIR), affirmative applications (USCIS), and U.S. entries (CBP). Your attorney should also have a high level of... View More
I have two misdemeanors in 2016 and I’m a permanent resident I just renewed my green card not to long ago and I want to travel out of the country but scared of being denied re entry to the USA I was cleared from deportation in 2017
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answered on Sep 15, 2023
You are right to be concerned...international travel with U.S. criminal convictions can be very troublesome. Upon return, Customs and Border Protection (CBP), in evaluating your request for entry as a lawful permanent resident ("green card"), may take issue with your convictions and 2017... View More
I am a senior undergraduate chemical engineering student at Penn State University. My F1 student entry visa has been under administrative processing since June 2022. Can an immigration lawyer open my case file, find out why it is taking so long for my visa to be issued, and expedite the release of... View More
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answered on Sep 14, 2023
An immigration lawyer can certainly help you inquire about the status of your F1 student visa application and advocate on your behalf. However, they cannot expedite the release of the visa themselves. Visa processing times are subject to various factors, including security checks and administrative... View More
I am a senior undergraduate chemical engineering student at Penn State University. My F1 student entry visa has been under administrative processing since June 2022. Can an immigration lawyer open my case file, find out why it is taking so long for my visa to be issued, and expedite the release of... View More
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answered on Sep 8, 2023
Retaining an immigration attorney can potentially help in understanding the reasons behind the delay and working towards expediting the process. The attorney can communicate with the relevant government agencies on your behalf to seek information and push for a resolution. However, it is essential... View More
A master hearing is coming up real soon and we have no representation
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answered on Sep 3, 2023
You can contact organizations like the Immigrant Legal Resource Center (ILRC), RAICES, or similar entities to request expedited assistance given the upcoming master hearing. It's critical to act quickly due to the limited availability of free legal services, especially close to a hearing date.
I am currently sponsoring my wife, who has permanent resident status. My brother-in-law is now asking if I can also sponsor him (as a joint sponsor). Is this possible, and if so, how?
answered on May 30, 2023
If you earn sufficient income, you are not restricted from sponsoring more than one immigrant. The reason the form asks if you have sponsored another individual is because that person is counted in the household size calculation. You can find the income requirements based on household size here:... View More
My wife and I are unable to meet the financial thresholds required by Form I-864, so we would need to acquire a joint sponsor, which is an additional headache. Therefore I am wondering if my brother-in-law can be my petitioner on Form I-130 and I-864 instead, since he is able to meet the financial... View More
answered on May 20, 2023
No, your brother in law is disqualified as a matter of law. He is ineligible to petition too for an I-130. He can only act as a joint sponsor with your wife.
In order to avoid complications, including what can prove to be permanent bars on lawful immigration, I strongly recommend an... View More
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answered on Mar 16, 2023
Great question -- you will want to mail all of your supporting documents with your Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence (USCIS Form I-751, current edition, ink signed and dated, with correct filing fee, and correctly filed before the all important deadline), but be sure to send copies of your... View More
My family and I arrived to USA from Ukraine at 2015, January thru Miami airport with visa B1/B2. In August we submitted I-765 form and ask USA for asylum protection.
And on January 25th we had master hearing, but we hadn’t opportunity to say no words. We got administrative closure. So,... View More
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answered on Feb 26, 2023
Asylum seekers who were placed in administrative closure are generally not eligible to adjust their status to permanent residence through employment-based immigration unless their asylum case is reopened and granted. However, since you have TPS status, you may be eligible to adjust status through... View More
answered on Feb 10, 2023
Typically, immigration medical exams include a blood test and a urine test to screen for certain medical conditions. The purpose of the tests is to ensure that applicants do not have any medical conditions that would make them inadmissible to the United States.
Nicotine is not a... View More
Hi everyone, on 20th Nov 2022 me and my girlfriend were charged with a retail theft summary offence (CC3929) of amount $149 and criminal conspiracy (CC0903) in Philadelphia, PA. We were arrested, fingerprinted, photographed, and given a citation copy with a court date at the station. We hired a... View More
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answered on Jan 6, 2023
Hi, you did not mention what the final disposition of the charges was. Dismissed? Adjourned in contemplation of dismissal? Pleaded guilty to a lesser charge? Without that information, we can only guess whether the arrest (and conviction if any) would affect your immigration status.
Your... View More
Account to do the I-130 so now just wondering what Visa he needs to apply for,for temporary visa so we can get proof or is that info wrong since we are legally married.
answered on Dec 27, 2022
You’re speaking to the wrong people!
The difference between legally married (on paper) and entering into a marriage based upon a good faith relationship are significant. Someone who has yet to meet their spouse is likely to eventually be challenged prior to or during processing.... View More
answered on Dec 27, 2022
Hello! It is a long process with many steps, which begins with filing an I-130 petition with USCIS. You can find instructions online about what you need to file the petition, or you can reach out to an immigration attorney for help.
So my girlfriend recently had her interview at the U.S. Embassy down in Ecuador to get her tourist visa and was denied. She really wants to come here as do I because it becomes expensive flying down to her 2 times a year. We think we’re ready for marriage so should she try to apply for a... View More
answered on Dec 4, 2022
You should sponsor her for a fiancé visa. From start to finish the entire process takes about two years before she’s able to travel here on the K visa. Then within 90 days, she and you have to get married or else the visa will be revoked. You should retain counsel to handle the process from... View More
My I-94 class of admission is DT, I came across the border. Am I eligible to file Form I-765 Application for Employment Authorization? What is my Eligibility category? Should I seek employment authorization under category (c)(11)? How soon can I file Form I-765 since I crossed the border?
answered on Nov 16, 2022
Generally, someone who is admitted as DT can file a form I-765 under (c)(11) as soon as they are admitted. However, if it is granted, it will only be valid for as long as the status is valid.
If immigration process was canceled for my husband because we were getting divorced and have now decided to work things out, what should I do? I wrote a letter to have them cancel the process but never heard anything back (that was June 3 and now it’s august 29). Is there anything I can do to try... View More
answered on Aug 30, 2022
You should retain an immigration attorney who will file a G-28 Notice of Appearance in your case to represent you.
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answered on Jul 29, 2022
As of July 28, 2020, and August 21, 2020, implementing the Supreme Court decision USCIS will not accept any applications from first-time applicants who have never had DACA before.
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