T Visas and the Immigration Options Available to Trafficking Survivors
Human trafficking can affect a person’s safety, employment, housing, finances, relationships, and immigration status at the same time. For a trafficking survivor who does not have lawful immigration status, the fear of removal can make an already difficult situation even more complicated. U.S. immigration law provides a specific form of humanitarian protection for certain trafficking […]
Immigration Relief for Survivors: Comparing VAWA, U Visa, and T Visa Options
For an immigrant experiencing abuse, exploitation, or serious criminal victimization, immigration status can add another layer of uncertainty. A person may be afraid to report what happened, may depend on the person responsible for the abuse, or may worry that contacting the authorities could expose them to immigration consequences. U.S. immigration law provides several forms […]
From I-130 Approval to the Green Card: Understanding the Next Steps
An approved Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, is an important milestone in a family-based immigration case. It confirms that USCIS has approved the qualifying family relationship described in the petition. But an approved I-130 is not the same as a Green Card. After the petition is approved, the beneficiary generally needs to complete a […]
A Green Card Application Was Denied. What Happens Next?
Receiving a notice that your Green Card application has been denied can be difficult, particularly after months of preparing documents, attending a biometrics appointment, completing an interview, or responding to requests from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). A denial, however, does not automatically mean that every immigration option has ended. What happens next depends […]
How VAWA Protects Immigrants Experiencing Family Abuse
For an immigrant experiencing abuse from a spouse, parent, or adult child, immigration status can become another source of pressure. In some relationships, the abusive family member may threaten to withdraw a pending immigration petition, refuse to provide documents, or use the victim’s lack of immigration status as a means of control. The Violence Against […]
Facing Deportation in New York? Understanding Your Legal Options
Facing deportation can turn your life upside down. A notice from immigration authorities can leave you worried about your family, your job, your home, and what happens next. But receiving a notice does not always mean you have to leave the United States immediately. Depending on your immigration history and the facts of your case, […]
What to Do If You Receive a Notice to Appear in Immigration Court
Receiving a Notice to Appear, or NTA, can be frightening. The document may arrive without much warning, and the language can be difficult to understand. You may suddenly find yourself facing an immigration court case while trying to figure out what happens next. The most important thing is not to ignore it. An NTA means […]
Green Card Through Marriage: Common Mistakes That Can Delay Your Case
Getting married to a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident can open a path to a Green Card, but the marriage itself does not complete the immigration process. The application still requires careful preparation, accurate forms, supporting evidence, and attention to the applicant’s immigration history. Many delays begin with mistakes that seem minor at first. […]
Can You Apply for a Green Card After Entering the U.S. Legally?
Entering the United States legally can be an important factor when applying for a Green Card from inside the country. But a lawful entry does not automatically mean that you qualify to apply for permanent residence. Your immigration category, current situation, immigration history, and any issues that may affect admissibility can all matter. For some […]
Just Married? 5 Things to Know Before Filing for a Green Card
Summer is a popular time to get married. Families and friends come together, wedding plans come to an end, and couples begin looking toward the future. For some newlyweds, the next step is filing for a marriage-based Green Card. Although filing may seem straightforward, marriage-based immigration can involve several factors, including the validity of the […]