Parole-in-Place is a new program under the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) that can help families stay together during the immigration process. If granted, noncitizens without admission or parole can remain in the United States while applying for permanent residence. Who can apply? Noncitizens who: Are married to a U.S. citizen (before June 17, 2024). Have lived in the… The post USCIS’ new Parole-in-Place Program first appeared on Law Office of Troy J. Mattes, P.C ..read more

Getting a U.S. visa is an important step for many people. Whether you are looking to move to the Lancaster or York areas in Pennsylvania, understanding the process is key to avoiding snags that could delay the process.  Different types of U.S. visas There are many kinds of visas, each with different processing times. Some common visas include tourist visas, work visas, student visas, and family visas, and the type of visa you need will affect how long it takes to process. How long does visa processing take? Visa processing times can vary widely. Tourist visas usually take a few weeks to a ..read more

Many individuals migrate to the United States hoping for a better future for their families. But what happens when you or someone you know receives a deportation order? Before you panic, know that there are legal options available.  Potential reasons for your deportation order Receiving a deportation order can be a shock, especially if you are unsure why there is a notice for your removal from the U.S. There are several reasons why you may have faced deportation, including: Entering the country illegally or overstaying a visa Committing a crime, such as a felony or aggravated felony Viola ..read more

Many people dream of bringing their families to the United States to build a better life together. But sometimes, the government may deny a family immigration petition. This can be stressful and confusing. Common reasons for denial If you are one of the immigrants hoping to bring their family to the U.S. and faced with a denial, do not lose heart. There are several reasons why the government might deny your immigration petition. Understanding these reasons can help you avoid mistakes in the future. Incomplete application: The agency may deny your application if you leave out important informat ..read more

Winning your asylum case is a major step towards building a new life. It means the US government recognizes the danger you face returning to your home country. The asylum process, however, was often a long and painful period of waiting. So, even after receiving approval, it can be difficult to know what to do next. With the right mindset and support, you can start over and live a new life in safety. First steps as an asylee As an asylee, you now have certain rights and benefits like work authorization and public benefits. Here are initial steps you can take: Obtain an official document proving ..read more

Filling out immigration forms can be challenging, especially if it is your first time. When you fill out immigration forms with the intention of coming to the United States to live or acquire citizenship, you need to be extremely careful with the information you include and what you exclude. When you do not fill out your paperwork accurately, you may risk getting a denial of your visa or your application. Thinking about and processing all the documents you need to file and collect to prove that you should be able to come or stay in the country can be daunting. It is very important that you fol ..read more

As a whole, the United States has embraced marijuana. While it’s still only legal to use recreationally in about half of the country, most states – including Pennsylvania – have some form of medical marijuana program available. The shift in attitude is in recognition of the growing body of evidence that shows that cannabis and cannabis products can have medicinal uses. Unfortunately, if you’re an immigrant who lacks naturalized citizenship, you still cannot afford to take advantage of this drug. It’s all about federal law and the definition of moral turpitude While marijuana may be legal at th ..read more

Moving to the United States with your family can be an exciting and life-changing experience. There are several ways families can immigrate, and understanding the process is the first step. Family sponsorship One of the most common ways for families to immigrate to the United States is through family sponsorship. If you have a relative who is a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident (green card holder), they can sponsor you. U.S. citizens can sponsor their spouse, children under 21, and parents. These relatives are considered immediate family members, and there is no limit on the number o ..read more

The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) is aimed at combating various forms of domestic abuse and providing protection and support for victims. Despite the name, survivors do not need to be exclusively women to qualify for protection and assistance under VAWA. Different types of domestic abuse can qualify individuals for protection and assistance under VAWA, including the following. Dating violence If you were subjected to dating violence by an intimate partner, regardless of your gender, you may be eligible for the resources and support provided by VAWA. Dating violence can encompass various ab ..read more

Gaining a green card and achieving legal resident status can be one of life’s big ticks. Many have dreamed about that moment for years and worked and saved hard to make it happen. Yet a green card can still be too restricting for some and the possibility of losing one can be a constant worry in the back of the mind. If you successfully achieve citizenship through naturalization you can forget those concerns. No one will be able to take away your citizenship. You will be freer to travel back out of the country for as long as you wish, knowing you always have the right to return. What’s more, yo ..read more