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

Criminal actions are a potential reason for deportation in the United States. Those who come to the U.S. as immigrants are expected to follow the laws of the land. Even if they have an educational visa or an employment visa, that visa could be rescinded and they could be deported from the United States if they break the law. That said, not every crime is going to have this type of drastic impact. Immigrants aren’t going to get deported for civil issues, such as breaking the speed limit. Even minor crimes, such as shoplifting or driving under the influence, may not result in deportation. The go ..read more

Having a family member immigrate to the United States is a joyous experience. Yet, even with all the excitement, there might be some uncertainty because the person coming here might be unsure of certain aspects of their move. Providing consistent emotional support is one of the most impactful ways to help a family member coming to the U.S. adjust to life here. Regular check-ins, listening to their experiences and reassuring them that it’s normal to find this transition period challenging can make a significant difference. Assisting with language skills Language barriers often pose one of the b ..read more

Cancellation of removal is one way immigrants can stay in the United States if they are facing deportation to their home countries. It is for both permanent and non-permanent residents who meet certain rules. While cancellation of removal does not make people U.S. citizens, it can provide them with the relief of knowing they are no longer at risk of having to leave. Rules for permanent residents Permanent residents can qualify for cancellation of removal if they meet the following requirements: Have been a permanent resident for at least five years Lived in the United States for seven years wi ..read more

People come to the United States for various reasons. While some arrive looking for a better quality of life, others are fleeing from their homes and seeking protection within our borders. Many of us classify everyone coming to this country as an immigrant. However, there are different classifications with distinct legal meanings and implications. Refugee A refugee is someone who has fled their home country due to well-founded fears of prosecution based on race, religion, nationality or political opinion. Refugees coming to the U.S. must first receive a referral to the U.S. Refugee Admissions ..read more

If you became a “permanent resident” of the U.S. and received your green card when you married your spouse, you likely went through multiple interviews by authorities who wanted to make sure that your marriage was real. The U.S government takes green cards very seriously.  So what happens to your green card if you and your spouse divorce? Generally, you can remain in the U.S. as long as you and your spouse didn’t commit “marriage fraud” to get your green card. Is your green card still conditional? If you have had your green card for less than two years, it’s considered conditional. That m ..read more

Immigration law allows United States citizens and lawful permanent residents (LPRs) to sponsor family members for immigration into the U.S. Eligibility criteria, categories of relatives who can be sponsored and the processes involved vary significantly between these two groups. U.S. law is structured to encourage family reunification through specific methods and only under certain circumstances. Understanding who can bring specific individuals into the country is critical for anyone considering sponsoring loved ones. U.S. citizens U.S. citizens can sponsor more family members than LPRs can. Ci ..read more

When you get a green card, it gives you permanent resident status. Technically, this is called a Permanent Resident Card. “Green card” is just the common term used because the cards were originally printed on green paper. Despite the name, a permanent resident card does not last forever. It typically has to be renewed every 10 years. If the card has already expired, or if it is set to expire in roughly the next six months, it is wise to renew your status. Getting a green card is certainly a big step, but it is different from becoming a citizen and so renewals are necessary. Do the cards always ..read more

Canadian and Mexican citizens in specific professions who are seeking to work in the U.S on a temporary basis need to get a TN visa. They are known as “NAFTA professionals” or “TN nonimmigrants.” NAFTA, of course, is the North American Free Trade Agreement under which economic and trade relationships among the three countries operate. Among these NAFTA professionals are scientists, engineers, pharmacists, attorneys and teachers. They must have a “prearranged full-time or part-time job with a U.S. employer,” according to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS). These NAFTA professi ..read more