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  • Can Undocumented Immigrants Get Legal Status in the U.S.?

    There are currently around 11.4 million undocumented immigrants in the United States, and most of these people don’t have a clear path to lawful permanent residency or citizenship. Unfortunately, if you’re in the U.S. without the proper documentation, it can be incredibly difficult to gain legal status here. However, you may have a few options, which this guide explains.

    What Does ‘Undocumented Immigrant’ Mean?

    An undocumented immigrant is a person from another country – any other country – who doesn’t have the lawful right to be (or remain) in the United States. For example, people who were born in the U.S. have a natural-born lawful right to live in the U.S.; so do most people with a U.S. citizen parent. Some people who have a lawful permanent resident parent have the lawful right to be or remain in the United States, too.

    But outside those groups, most people who weren’t born in the United States need prior authorization before entering the country. Even with prior authorization to enter the U.S., most foreign-born people need authorization to work, study or live in the United States. Even vacationers need the appropriate documentation to travel around the country.

    People who don’t have the natural-born right to remain in the U.S. or who don’t have the appropriate documentation are considered undocumented immigrants.

    Undocumented Immigrants Who Lawfully Entered the United States

    It’s important to note that the term undocumented immigrants applies to any person who doesn’t have the appropriate documentation to remain in the United States – not only to people who entered the country unlawfully. In fact, somewhere around half of all undocumented immigrants entered the U.S. lawfully but overstayed their visas. (When you have a visa to enter the United States, it’s typically only good for a specific period of time period you must leave the country by the time your visa expires.)

    U.S. Immigration Law on Undocumented Immigrants

    U.S. immigration law is very strict when it comes to undocumented immigrants (though not as strict as some countries are). Often, people found to be in violation of U.S. immigration law are removed from the country, and many are prohibited from returning for a certain period of time.

    There are a few ways people who are in the United States unlawfully may get legal status without leaving and coming back with proper authorization. However, these are the exceptions, not the rules. That means if you’re currently in the United States unlawfully, your best chance to get lawful status is to leave, apply to come back, and wait for a decision from USCIS. You may wish to speak to an immigration attorney who can give you the guidance you need. But in the meantime, the following sections outline the few options undocumented immigrants have for gaining legal status in the United States.

    Asylum

    U.S. immigration law allows some people to apply for asylum. Essentially, asylum is protection; people who are granted asylum in the United States are allowed to live and work here so they don’t have to return to their home countries.

    Asylum is only available in certain circumstances, though. The United States government will only grant you asylum if you’ve been persecuted or are in danger of persecution in your home country based on one of the following five factors:

    • Religion
    • Race
    • Nationality
    • Political opinion
    • Membership in a particular group

    The U.S. government’s definition of persecution is fairly narrow and includes things like physical violence or torture, violations of human rights (such as genocide, slavery, or forced abortion or sterilization), threats of harm and unlawful detention. It also includes the infliction of mental, emotional or psychological harm, as well as economic discrimination or harm and a few other types of discrimination and harassment.

    The persecutor is important, too. If you’re seeking asylum in the U.S., you must show that the persecution came from your country’s government or groups that the government is unable to control (such as guerillas, tribes or organized vigilante groups). In some cases, you may also be able to seek asylum in the U.S. if you’ve been the victim of domestic violence in a country that won’t (or can’t) protect you.

    You may apply for asylum in the United States when you’re at a border crossing or within a year of your arrival in the country (or within a year of your visa’s expiration date). You may even apply for asylum if you entered the U.S. unlawfully. For example, if you entered the U.S. on March 15 (or your visa expired on March 15) of this year, you have until March 15 next year to apply for asylum.

    Related: All about immigration interviews

    Temporary Protected Status

    Temporary protected status, or TPS, is available to people whose home country has recently been through an environmental or natural disaster, a civil war or other circumstances that makes returning dangerous. This humanitarian program is only available to people from certain countries (those that have had a recent disaster, war or special circumstances), and the list of countries is subject to change.

    To be eligible for TPS, you must be a national of one of those countries (or a person with no nationality who last resided in one of those countries). You must also file during a specific time period, and have been continuously residing in the United States since the date specified for your country.

    TPS may not be available to you if you:

    • Have been convicted of a felony, or if you’ve been convicted of two or more misdemeanors, in the United States
    • Are inadmissible to the United States
    • Are barred from asylum, such as persecuting another person or inciting terrorism
    • Haven’t been continuously present in the U.S. for the required amount of time

    If USCIS grants you temporary protected status, you may be able to re-register to maintain your benefits. That applies to all beneficiaries, whether USCIS, an immigration judge, or the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) granted your TPS status.

    Related: When do you take the U.S. citizenship test?

    DACA

    Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) is a U.S. government policy that may allow you to request deferred action on removal. Plainly speaking, DACA may enable you to stay in the United States, even if you entered the country unlawfully – but only if you:

    • Were under the age of 31 on June 15, 2012
    • Arrived in the U.S. before you turned 16 years old
    • Have resided in the U.S. since June 15, 2007 through today
    • Were present in the U.S. on June 15, 2012 and are present at the time you petition USCIS for DACA benefits
    • Did not have a lawful status on June 15, 2012
    • Are in school, have graduated from school or have a certificate of completion from high school, or have obtained a general education development (GED) certificate, or are a veteran of the armed forces (including the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, Coast Guard or Space Force) of the United States
    • Have never been convicted of a felony, significant misdemeanor, or three or more other misdemeanors, and you’re not a threat to public safety or national security

    You may request DACA even if you’re in removal proceedings, have a final removal order, or have a voluntary departure order, as long as you’re not in immigration detention at the time you file your request. If you’re requesting DACA for the first time, you may want to speak to an attorney about your situation; your immigration lawyer can answer your questions and help ensure that DACA is the right path forward for you (and if there’s a better solution, she’ll let you know).

    Related: Getting a green card with a criminal record

    Undocumented Veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces

    If you served in the U.S. armed forces, including the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Coast Guard or Space Force, you may be eligible to stay in the United States even if an immigration judge finds that you’re unlawfully present here. However, you’re only eligible to stay based on your prior service if you were honorably discharged and you served between the following dates in one of the following conflicts:

    • June 25, 1950 to July 1, 1955 in the Korean War
    • February 28, 1961 to October 15, 1978 in the Vietnam War
    • August 12, 1990 to April 11, 1991 in the Persian Gulf War
    • September 11, 2001 to the present in Operation Enduring Freedom

    You may be eligible even if you didn’t deploy. You should speak to an immigration attorney about your situation; your lawyer can help you file the appropriate petitions to remain in the United States.

    Can You Get Married to a U.S. Citizen to Avoid Deportation if You’re Undocumented?

    Marrying a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident (green card-holder) won’t solve your problems if an immigration judge orders you to leave the United States. In fact, doing so will likely result in your removal from the country – and you may even be barred from coming back for a certain period of time.

    Related: How to get a green card through marriage

    What Happens if the Government Finds Out That You’re Undocumented?

    Typically when the U.S. government finds out that a person is undocumented, the person may be arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). As a division of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), ICE is tasked with removing undocumented immigrants from the country. However, other law enforcement agencies can, and do, often take undocumented immigrants into custody. Sometimes when a person is arrested by a different law enforcement agency, the agency turns them over to ICE. Sometimes U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) arrests undocumented immigrants, as well.

    After an arrest, there’s a very good chance that you’ll be put into removal proceedings. (See the following section, “Deportation (Removal) Proceedings,” for more information.) In some cases, people may be forced out of the United States without going through formal removal proceedings or appearing before a judge; these are called expedited removal proceedings.

    Deportation (Removal) Proceedings

    Removal proceedings – commonly called deportation proceedings – are legal procedures that many undocumented immigrants face. An ICE deportation officer generally makes an initial determination on whether someone should go into removal proceedings shortly after an arrest. Usually, when people face removal proceedings, the official charge is related to overstaying a visa or unlawfully entering the United States; sometimes the charge is related to a previous criminal conviction, as well.

    Related: Your guide to deportation proceedings

    It is possible for an undocumented immigrant to get legal status in the United States, but most often, it’s easier to apply for legal status from outside the U.S., when you’re not in violation of U.S. immigration law. In either case – whether you’re currently in the U.S. without documentation or you’re outside the U.S. and wish to immigrate here – you should speak to an attorney before you attempt to file any petitions with USCIS or another government agency. However, bear in mind that it’s often difficult to get legal status if you’ve entered the country unlawfully or overstayed a visa.

    If you need to talk to an immigration attorney, we may be able to help you. Call our office at 914-481-8822 to schedule a consultation with an experienced, knowledgeable immigration attorney who can answer your questions and give you the legal advice you need.

  • ¿Se puede obtener una tarjeta verde con antecedentes penales?

    Si usted es como muchas personas, desea inmigrar a los Estados Unidos y convertirse en residente permanente legal. Es posible que incluso desee eventualmente convertirse en ciudadano estadounidense. Pero, ¿y si tienes antecedentes penales? Esta guía explica si puede obtener una tarjeta verde y qué desafíos puede enfrentar.

    Antes de seguir leyendo, debe saber que si tiene antecedentes penales, debe revelarlos al Servicio de Ciudadanía e Inmigración de los EE. UU. (USCIS). Si miente en un formulario de inmigración, USCIS rechazará su solicitud.

    ¿Puede obtener una tarjeta verde de EE. UU. si tiene antecedentes penales?

    Es completamente posible obtener una tarjeta verde en los Estados Unidos si tiene antecedentes penales. Sin embargo, hay algunos delitos que hacen que una persona no sea elegible para una tarjeta verde. Incluyen delitos graves con agravantes, delitos que involucran bajeza moral y delitos que involucran drogas ilegales.

    Solo las condenas por estos delitos lo hacen inelegible. Solo fue condenado si fue a la corte y un juez dijo que era culpable de un delito, o si recibió una sentencia (castigo) como tiempo en la cárcel, libertad condicional o servicio comunitario.

    Si la policía lo arrestó y lo liberó sin cargos, si el estado lo acusó de un delito y retiró los cargos, o si acudió a la corte y el estado lo declaró no culpable del delito, no se preocupe. Estas circunstancias por sí solas no afectan su elegibilidad para una tarjeta verde.

    Relacionado: La guía completa de tarjetas verdes a través del matrimonio

    Delitos graves con agravantes y elegibilidad para la tarjeta verde

    Los delitos graves hacen que una persona no sea elegible para una tarjeta verde. Un delito grave con agravantes es un delito que el gobierno de los EE. UU. define en la Ley de Inmigración y Nacionalidad ( INA ), pero el término puede ser un poco confuso. Esto se debe a que cada estado de EE. UU. tiene sus propias definiciones de delitos, y algunos delitos que se encuentran en la lista de delitos graves de la INA no son realmente delitos graves en algunos estados. (Y eso ni siquiera aborda la palabra “agravado”, que tiene una definición diferente en muchos estados).

    Lista de Delitos Graves Agravados

    La siguiente tabla describe algunos de los delitos que la INA considera delitos graves con agravantes. Sin embargo, no es una lista completa, e incluso si un delito no se define como un delito grave con agravantes, el USCIS y el gobierno de los EE. UU. pueden considerarlo como tal. Es por eso que es tan importante trabajar con un abogado de inmigración de Port Chester si quiere una tarjeta verde pero tiene antecedentes penales. Su abogado puede evaluar su caso y tomar las medidas adecuadas para ayudarlo a presentar su solicitud.

    Contrabando de extranjeros pornografía infantil soborno comercial
    falsificación El tráfico de drogas No comparecer ante el tribunal por un cargo de delito grave
    Delitos de armas de fuego y explosivos Falsificación Fraude o evasión de impuestos por más de $10,000
    Secuestro Lavado de dinero por más de $10,000 Asesinato
    Obstrucción de la justicia, perjurio o soborno de un testigo Crimen organizado Violación
    Sabotaje Abuso sexual de un menor bateria sencilla
    Espionaje Abuso infantil Robo
    Tráfico de dispositivos destructivos o armas de fuego La trata de personas o la gestión de un negocio de prostitución Tráfico de vehículos
    Traición Crímenes violentos  

    Nuevamente, esta no es una lista completa. Además, incluso si la INA no menciona explícitamente un delito, el gobierno de EE. UU. aún puede considerarlo un delito grave con agravantes.

    Las condenas por estos delitos pueden hacer que no sea elegible para una tarjeta verde. Pero ese no es necesariamente el final del camino: su abogado puede solicitar una exención. El gobierno decide quién obtiene estas exenciones caso por caso. La naturaleza del delito y la rehabilitación del solicitante juegan un papel importante en si una persona obtiene una exención. Es muy poco probable que el gobierno otorgue una exención por una condena como asesinato o violación. Es más probable que te conceda una exención si te condenaron por pelearte a puñetazos con un amigo y completaste una sentencia de libertad condicional por ello (o algo igualmente “menor”).

    Si tiene antecedentes penales y quiere una tarjeta verde, es importante que hable con un abogado. Su abogado puede pedirle al gobierno una exención para usted.

    Relacionado: Todo lo que necesita saber sobre la deportación de EE . UU.

    ¿Qué es la bajeza moral?

    El término bajeza moral se refiere a cualquier “desviación inmoral, poco ética o injusta de los estándares sociales ordinarios de tal manera que conmocionaría a una comunidad”. En lenguaje sencillo, eso significa que cualquier delito cometido con la intención de defraudar o dañar físicamente a alguien puede considerarse un delito de bajeza moral. Los ejemplos más comunes de estos delitos incluyen asesinato, violación, fraude y maltrato animal (o peleas de animales).

    Básicamente, si un delito es impactante para la gente común, como dirigir una red de peleas de perros, puede considerarse un delito de bajeza moral. Otros delitos, como conducir bajo la influencia (DUI) o allanamiento, no involucran bajeza moral.

    Si ha sido condenado por un delito que involucra bajeza moral, no puede obtener una tarjeta verde. Pero al igual que con otras condenas penales, puede ser elegible para una exención. Su abogado de inmigración analizará de cerca su caso y lo ayudará a determinar qué hacer si su estado lo ha condenado por uno de estos delitos.

    Relacionado: Tiempos de procesamiento de la visa U

    ¿Qué delitos relacionados con las drogas ilegales lo hacen inelegible para una tarjeta verde?

    Cualquier condena por drogas puede hacerlo inelegible para una tarjeta verde. Eso es cierto ya sea que el estado lo haya condenado por poseer un poco más de una onza de marihuana o traficar 1,000 libras de cocaína. Sin embargo, hay una excepción en el INA: si solo tiene una condena por drogas y esa condena fue por posesión de 30 gramos o menos de marihuana para uso personal, aún puede ser elegible para una tarjeta verde. Sin embargo, si esa es su situación, aún debe solicitar una exención.

    El gobierno de los EE. UU. toma muy en serio este tipo de delitos, por lo que cualquier condena por drogas puede hacer que usted no sea elegible para obtener una tarjeta verde.

    Cómo las condenas fuera de los Estados Unidos afectan la elegibilidad de la tarjeta verde

    A veces, las condenas fuera de los Estados Unidos afectan la elegibilidad para la tarjeta verde. Estas condenas pueden ser en su país de origen o en otro país.

    Si la condena es equivalente a la versión de los EE. UU. de un delito grave con agravantes, un delito de bajeza moral o un delito relacionado con las drogas, USCIS lo trata de la misma manera que si fuera condenado en los Estados Unidos. Sin embargo, si el delito no es equivalente, su abogado puede argumentar que no debería contar en su contra a efectos de inmigración. En cualquier caso, aún puede ser elegible para una exención, y el gobierno decide las exenciones caso por caso.

    Relacionado: ¿Qué pasa si abandonas tu tarjeta verde?

    Cómo responder preguntas sobre antecedentes penales en su solicitud de tarjeta verde

    Si alguna vez ha sido condenado por un delito, incluso si no afectará su elegibilidad para una tarjeta verde, debe declararlo en su solicitud de tarjeta verde. (Cuando presente su solicitud desde dentro de los Estados Unidos, su abogado utilizará el Formulario I-485, Solicitud de ajuste de estatus . Cuando presente su solicitud desde fuera de los Estados Unidos, su abogado utilizará el Formulario DS-260, Solicitud de visa de inmigrante ).

    Las preguntas en el formulario preguntan si alguna vez ha experimentado ciertas circunstancias. Eso significa desde el día en que nació hasta el momento en que llene la solicitud. Estas son algunas de las preguntas sobre las solicitudes de tarjeta verde:

    • ¿ALGUNA VEZ ha sido arrestado, citado, acusado o detenido por algún motivo por algún oficial de la ley?
    • ¿ALGUNA VEZ ha cometido un delito de cualquier tipo (incluso si no fue arrestado, citado, acusado o juzgado por ese delito)?
    • ¿ALGUNA VEZ se declaró culpable o fue condenado por un delito u ofensa (incluso si la violación fue eliminada o sellada posteriormente por un tribunal, o si se le concedió un indulto, una amnistía, un decreto de rehabilitación u otro acto de clemencia)?

    Estas preguntas le preguntan sobre cualquier evento que haya ocurrido durante su vida, por lo que incluso si fue arrestado cuando era niño en su país de origen pero fue liberado, sus antecedentes penales fueron borrados o si cometió algo que sabe que fue un delito ( incluso si no te atraparon), debes ser honesto.

    Usted y su abogado de inmigración se sentarán y hablarán sobre sus antecedentes penales. Asegúrate de compartir todo con ella; ella necesita incluir información completa en todos sus formularios de inmigración.

    ¿Qué sucede si omite algunos o todos sus antecedentes penales?

    Omitir algunos o todos sus antecedentes penales cuenta como fraude de inmigración. Naturalmente, si cometió un error simple, como olvidar que se embolsó un dulce de una tienda de conveniencia cuando era niño, su abogado puede explicárselo. Sin embargo, si miente porque cree que USCIS no se enterará de sus antecedentes penales, pagó para que se borraran sus antecedentes, fue condenado en otro país o cree que un delito no “cuenta”, está cometer fraude migratorio.

    Si no revela todo en sus formularios de inmigración, o si miente deliberadamente, el gobierno de los EE. UU. puede decirle que es inadmisible permanentemente. Eso significa que nunca podrá obtener una tarjeta verde (o incluso una visa de visitante) para los Estados Unidos.

    ¿Necesita hablar con un abogado de inmigración acerca de obtener una tarjeta verde con antecedentes penales?

    Si necesita hablar con un abogado de inmigración sobre cómo obtener una tarjeta verde cuando tiene antecedentes penales, es posible que podamos ayudarlo. Llame a nuestra oficina al 914-481-8822 para programar una consulta con un abogado de inmigración con experiencia y conocimientos que pueda responder sus preguntas y brindarle el asesoramiento legal que necesita.

  • What Happens at an Immigration Interview?

    If you’re like most people immigrating to the United states, there’s a good chance you’ll have to participate in an immigration interview. But what happens during an immigration interview, and what are the possible outcomes? Does U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) interview everyone who wants to come to the United States? This guide explains.

    What is an Immigration Interview?

    An immigration interview is a sit-down chat with an official from USCIS or someone working at a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad. The person interviewing you will determine whether or not you’re eligible for an immigrant visa, green card or United States citizenship. Your immigration attorney will most likely tell you that immigration interviews are nothing to worry about. As long as you take a little time to prepare, understand what the official will ask you and understand your responsibility for answering truthfully, your immigration interviews should go off without a hitch.

    Where Do Immigration Interviews Happen?

    Immigration interviews typically take place at a USCIS field office within the United States, but if you’re outside the United States, yours will take place at the U.S. embassy or consulate closest to you.

    Related: Can you get a green card if you have a criminal record?

    Who Has to Participate in an Immigration Interview?

    Most people who are applying for an immigration benefit in the United States I required to participate in an immigration interview. However, there are a few exceptions, including those for children and some senior citizens. There are also exceptions for people who are physically unable to participate in interviews, as well. But the vast majority of people are required to participate in an immigration interview.

    How Long Do Immigration Interviews Take?

    Most immigration interviews only last around 20 minutes. However, in some cases, interviews can take longer. Sometimes green card marriage interviews last a bit longer than standard immigration interviews do; that can be the case when an interviewer suspects that there’s fraud involved in your case. See the later section, “Marriage Green Card Interviews,” for more information on these types of interviews.

    Related: The complete guide to green card marriage

    What Happens During an Immigration Interview?

    Differences Between Visa Interviews, Green Card Interviews, and Citizenship Interviews

    In most immigration interviews, the interviewer’s primary job is to determine whether you’re admissible to the United States. The interviewer will look at your initial application and review your answers. They’ll also ask you questions about anything they need clarified. With that said, most interviews are pretty standard. The following sections describe the basics for each type of immigration interview.

    Immigration Interviews for Visas

    Before you attend an immigration interview to get a visa, you’ll need to gather supporting documentation. That means you need a copy of your medical examination results, if applicable, as well as original or certified copies of all civil documents that you submitted as part of your original application. You also need to bring your appointment letter, passport and two identical color photographs of yourself and every other applicant applying with you.

    When you arrive for your interview, you may need to bring your spouse and any children who are immigrating with you. Generally, everyone who is required to participate in your interview will be named in the letter you receive from USCIS or the National Visa Center.

    You can expect your interviewer to ask you things like:

    • Why are you traveling to the United States?
    • How long do you plan to stay in the United States?
    • Where will you stay in the U.S.?
    • Who will be paying your expenses?
    • Do you have friends and relatives in the United States?
    • Have you visited the U.S. before?
    • Have you already booked your tickets?
    • Do you have any other plans, such as working, studying or tourism?
    • What are your plans after your visa expires?

    As with any other immigration interview, it’s very important that you’re honest with your interviewer. The person who interviews you needs to see whether your answers match up with your visa application, as well as whether you’ve chosen the right type of visa for your purposes. It’s the immigration official’s job to ensure that you’re not planning to violate U.S. immigration law by overstaying your visa, as well.

    Related: What you need to know about deportation from the U.S.

    Immigration Interviews for Green Cards

    Immigration interviews for green cards are a little different from those designed for visas. Usually, green card interviews occur between 7 and 15 months after you apply for a green card – but not everyone is required to attend this interview. The U.S. government will notify you if you need to attend an interview for a green card; if you don’t receive a notice from the government, check with your immigration attorney to clarify.

    If you’re applying for a green card based on your family relationships (such as a spouse), both you and your sponsoring family member may be required to appear for the interview. However, there are exceptions – such as when the sponsoring family member lives in a different country, or when you’re applying for a green card from within the United States.

    If you’re applying for a green card as an employee, only you need to attend the interview. Your employer doesn’t have to attend with you.

    Marriage Green Card Interviews - What Happens During an Immigration Interview

    A Word on Marriage Green Card Interviews

    When you apply for a green card based on your marriage to a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, you can expect to be required to attend an interview. Usually, you and your spouse both have to show up to a marriage green card interview. During this interview, your interviewer will review your application and go over your answers with you – and your interviewer will also try to determine whether your marriage is legitimate. That’s because many people try to commit immigration fraud by getting married. It’s your interviewer’s job to make sure you’re in a bona fide (genuine) marriage, and that you didn’t simply get married so that you could get a green card.

    During your marriage green card interview, the official interviewing you will most likely ask questions like these:

    • How did you two meet?
    • How long did you date before you got married?
    • Who proposed, and what’s the story of your proposal?
    • What was your wedding like, and who attended it?
    • Did you perform (or did someone else perform) any special rituals at your wedding?
    • What kind of food did you serve at your reception?
    • Did you go on a honeymoon? If you did, where did you go?
    • What is your daily life like at home?
    • How often do you communicate with each other when you’re apart?
    • Who cooks and who cleans around the house?
    • How do your children get to school?
    • What are your kids’ favorite activities? Their favorite foods? Who are their friends?
    • Which side of the bed do you sleep on?
    • Does your spouse take any medications?
    • When is your spouse’s birthday, and what do you do to celebrate?
    • What’s the most important holiday in your household, and how or where do you celebrate it?

    The purpose of these questions is to ensure that you’re in a genuine marriage. Your interviewer will be looking for signs that you and your spouse aren’t married because you’re in love, or that you don’t live together and are only married on paper.

    To be very clear, it’s okay if you trip up. Even couples who have been married a long time may have difficulty remembering which medications a spouse takes, who their kids hang out with, or remembering small details. Your investigator is looking at the big picture.

    What’s not okay is being dishonest. If you don’t know the answer to a question, just say so; don’t try to make something up. Making up answers is bad news for your case, because it makes you less credible – and you need the investigator to understand that you’re in a bona fide marriage. If the investigator suspects you’re being dishonest, they may call you back in for a Stokes interview.

    What is a Stokes Interview?

    A Stokes interview is another chance for a couple to prove that they are engaged in a legitimate marriage period during this type of interview, and immigration official will interview you and your spouse together and separately.

    First, the immigration officer will most likely explain to both of you why another interview is necessary. After doing so, the official will most likely separate you from your spouse and ask you questions individually. These questions may be very personal, but rest assured that your spouse is getting the same questions you are. you can expect questions similar to those in your first interview, such as how you met and who proposed. The official may also ask you questions such as:

    • Who typically does the dishes?
    • Do you pay your bills online, or do you write checks?
    • Who gets up first in the morning?
    • How many sinks and toilets are there in your home?
    • Where did you buy your furniture?
    • Who is your phone service provider?
    • What television shows do you watch together or separately?
    • How often do you go out to eat?
    • Where do you keep your toothbrushes?
    • Who fell asleep first last night?

    The immigration official will then compare your answers to see if they match.  

    After both interviews are complete, the immigration official will bring you and your spouse back to the same room together. At that time, they’ll ask you and your spouse to explain any discrepancies in your answers. This type of interview is your last opportunity to convince the immigration official that your marriage is real, and that you didn’t just get married to obtain an immigration benefit. After your interview, the immigration official may approve your petition or deny it. If your petition is denied, you may wish to talk to an immigration attorney about your options.

    Immigration Interviews for U.S. Citizenship

    When you apply for citizenship, you can expect to attend an interview. During this interview, an immigration official will go over your application and verify your answers. They may also ask you additional questions.

    You’ll take your U.S. citizenship test during your naturalization interview. Usually, immigration officials make a decision following this interview. If USCIS needs more information, you won’t receive a decision immediately; you can expect a request for more information to follow.

    Related: Everything you need to know about the U.S. citizenship test

    Do You Need to Talk to an Immigration Attorney About Your Immigration interview?

    If you need to talk to an immigration attorney about an upcoming immigration interview (or anything else related to immigration), we may be able to help you. Call our office at 914-481-8822 to schedule a consultation with an experienced, knowledgeable immigration attorney who can answer your questions and give you the legal advice you need.

  • La guía completa para la deportación

    Si usted es como muchos inmigrantes en los Estados Unidos, sabe que hay varias razones por las que un juez de inmigración podría emitir una orden de deportación que dice que debe abandonar el país. Si eso sucede, no tiene más remedio que irse, y aunque es posible que pueda regresar en el futuro, una orden de expulsión le impide regresar por un período de tiempo específico.

    La deportación (formalmente llamada remoción ) es algo serio, y para la mayoría de las personas, la mejor manera de lidiar con una orden de remoción es trabajar con un abogado de inmigración de Port Chester capacitado .

    Esta guía explica la deportación, la defensa de deportación y lo que sucede si un juez le ordena salir de los Estados Unidos. Si no encuentra la respuesta a su pregunta aquí, o si necesita ayuda porque recibió un aviso de que está en proceso de deportación, llame a nuestra oficina de inmediato al 914-481-8822 para programar una consulta de 30 minutos. con la Abogada Gergana Génova .

    Su guía para los procedimientos de deportación y expulsión

    La remoción de los Estados Unidos es el proceso legal de deportar a un ciudadano extranjero de los Estados Unidos a su país de origen. Hay varias razones por las que el gobierno de EE. UU. puede tratar de deportar a un no ciudadano, pero generalmente sucede cuando un inmigrante infringe una ley penal o de alguna manera viola la ley de inmigración (como cometer un fraude de inmigración o ingresar ilegalmente al país).

    Sin embargo, es posible luchar contra la deportación. De hecho, usted y su abogado pueden presentar una apelación ante la Junta de Apelaciones de Inmigración , que tiene jurisdicción sobre las decisiones de los jueces de inmigración. Sin embargo, no todos tienen derecho a apelar, por lo que si recibe una orden de expulsión, debe consultar con un abogado lo antes posible.

    ¿Cómo es el proceso de eliminación?

    Algunas personas están sujetas a una expulsión acelerada. Una remoción acelerada es una deportación que se lleva a cabo sin que un inmigrante haya visto nunca a un juez de inmigración. Esto suele suceder cuando los agentes de Aduanas y Patrulla Fronteriza (CBP) atrapan a alguien en la frontera de los EE. UU., o cuando alguien presenta documentos falsificados a un oficial del Servicio de Ciudadanía e Inmigración de los EE. UU. (USCIS) en un puerto de entrada. En estos casos, los oficiales a menudo dan la vuelta a la persona y la envían de regreso a su punto de origen.

    Otras personas van ante un juez como parte de un proceso de deportación más largo. A veces, el gobierno retiene a estos ciudadanos extranjeros en centros de detención antes del juicio o la deportación. Después:

    • Un tribunal de inmigración que forma parte del Departamento de Justicia de EE. UU. (DOJ) escucha el caso.
    • Un juez decide si procede la deportación.
    • Si el juez dictamina que la deportación debe proceder, el Servicio de Inmigración y Control de Aduanas de los Estados Unidos (ICE, por sus siglas en inglés) ejecuta la orden de expulsión. ICD hace esto coordinando la partida del inmigrante.

    ¿Quién paga la eliminación?

    La mayoría de las mudanzas corren a cargo del gobierno de los EE. UU., es decir, el gobierno paga el boleto de avión o el transporte terrestre. Después de salir de los Estados Unidos, no puede regresar hasta que haya pasado la cantidad de tiempo indicada en su orden de expulsión. Por ejemplo, si el gobierno de los EE. UU. dice que no puede regresar a los EE. UU. durante cinco años, no puede solicitar una visa para regresar hasta que hayan pasado cinco años, incluso si tiene familia en los Estados Unidos y incluso si su partida les causa a ellos (o a usted) una dificultad significativa.

    ¿Cuáles son los motivos para la deportación?

    La Ley de Inmigración y Nacionalidad ( INA ) establece varios motivos por los cuales un inmigrante puede ser deportado de los Estados Unidos. Los motivos más comunes para la deportación son:

    • Entrar al país sin la documentación o inspección adecuada
    • Ser juzgado como una amenaza a la seguridad pública
    • Exceder la estadía de una visa o violar los términos de una visa
    • Cometer un delito mientras se encuentra en los Estados Unidos
    • Falsificar información en una solicitud o documento de inmigración
    • Votar en una elección federal, estatal o local que requiere ciudadanía sin ser ciudadano estadounidense
    What happens after a deportation order
    Young casual female traveler at airport, holding smart phone device, looking through the airport gate windows at planes on airport runway.

    ¿Qué puede evitar que seas deportado?

    Hay algunas formas en que su abogado puede intentar evitar que un juez lo deporte, que incluyen:

    • Solicitud de ajuste de estatus
    • Solicitar la cancelación de la deportación
    • Solicitud de asilo
    • Obtener una visa U

    Aquí hay una mirada más cercana a cada uno.

    Solicitud de ajuste de estatus para detener la deportación

    En algunos casos, es posible solicitar un ajuste de estatus para detener los procedimientos de deportación. Un ajuste de estatus le permite convertirse en residente permanente legal de los Estados Unidos. En otras palabras, obtendría una tarjeta verde. Esto solo es posible si cumples con los siguientes requisitos:

    • Eres admisible a los Estados Unidos
    • Tiene un pariente calificado para patrocinarlo, y ese pariente tiene una tarjeta verde o es ciudadano de los EE. UU.
    • No has violado ninguna ley de inmigración.
    • Su pariente calificado ha presentado una solicitud de visa para usted y USCIS la ha aprobado
    • Inmediatamente es elegible para una visa basada en su relación familiar con su patrocinador

    En la mayoría de los casos, debe haber ingresado legalmente a los EE. UU. para ajustar su estado durante los procedimientos de deportación. Sin embargo, el gobierno a veces permite que un número limitado de personas que ingresan ilegalmente (personas que ingresaron ilegalmente a los EE. UU.) ajusten su estatus. Su abogado puede explicarle los detalles si se aplican a su caso.

    Relacionado: ¿Qué pasa si abandonas tu tarjeta verde?

    Cómo solicitar la cancelación de la deportación para detener la deportación

    Algunos residentes permanentes legales (titulares de la tarjeta verde) pueden solicitar la cancelación de la deportación para detener los procedimientos de deportación. Pero para calificar:

    • Debe haber sido residente permanente legal durante al menos cinco años, y
    • Debe haber vivido continuamente en el país durante al menos siete años después de la admisión a los Estados Unidos.

    No es elegible si un tribunal alguna vez lo condenó por un delito grave con agravantes, o si recibió una cancelación de deportación en el pasado. Sin embargo, algunas personas son elegibles para lo que se conoce como exención 212(c). Su abogado puede explicarle esta exención si es elegible. (Estas exenciones son para personas que los tribunales estadounidenses condenaron por un delito antes del 24 de abril de 1996).

    Sin embargo, no es necesario que tenga una tarjeta verde para solicitar la cancelación de la deportación. Un juez de inmigración puede cancelar la deportación de los que no son titulares de una tarjeta verde si el inmigrante:

    • Demuestra que ha residido en los Estados Unidos durante al menos 10 años.
    • Tiene características éticas.
    • No ha cometido ningún delito penal deportable
    • Muestra que su remoción causaría una dificultad significativa en sus familias.

    Relacionado: ¿Qué sucede con su permiso de trabajo después de la cancelación de la deportación?

    Solicitud de asilo para detener la deportación

    Es posible detener la deportación a través del asilo. Si ha sufrido persecución en su país de origen, o si corre un riesgo legítimo de sufrir persecución si regresa, puede ser elegible para el asilo. La persecución debe basarse en:

    • La raza
    • Religión
    • Nacionalidad
    • Opinión política
    • Pertenencia a un grupo en particular

    Si el juez está de acuerdo y le otorga asilo en los Estados Unidos, su proceso de deportación se detiene. Si tiene cónyuge o hijos, también puede incluirlos en su solicitud de asilo. Posteriormente puede solicitar una tarjeta verde y, si lo desea, solicitar la naturalización .

    Obtener una visa U para detener la deportación

    Las víctimas de ciertos delitos pueden ser elegibles para visas U, que pueden detener los procedimientos de deportación. La visa de no inmigrante AU está disponible para personas que:

    • Son víctimas de una actividad delictiva calificada, como secuestro, violencia doméstica, servidumbre involuntaria, agresión sexual, acecho y otros delitos relacionados
    • Han sufrido abuso físico o mental sustancial
    • Tener información sobre la actividad delictiva que tuvo lugar.
    • Fueron, son o es probable que sean útiles para las fuerzas del orden para que puedan investigar o enjuiciar el delito
    • Son admisibles a los Estados Unidos o que son elegibles para una exención de inadmisibilidad

    Relacionado: Tiempos de procesamiento de la visa U

    Una palabra sobre la salida voluntaria

    Si todo lo demás falla, su abogado puede hablar con usted sobre la salida voluntaria. La salida voluntaria es exactamente lo que parece; usted se ofrece como voluntario para salir de los Estados Unidos por su propia voluntad. Aunque todavía está saliendo del país, la salida voluntaria ofrece un gran beneficio: no tendrá una deportación en su registro. Eso significa que será más fácil regresar a los Estados Unidos en el futuro.

    Sin embargo, la salida voluntaria no es para todos. Si ha tenido una condena penal o no puede pagar su propio viaje de regreso a su país de origen, es posible que no sea elegible. Además, si ha tenido una salida voluntaria anteriormente, es posible que no califique.

    ¿Puede el matrimonio detener la deportación?

    El matrimonio en sí mismo no detendrá los procedimientos de deportación. Sin embargo, si tenía la intención de casarse con alguien antes de recibir un aviso sobre los procedimientos de deportación, hacerlo puede hacer que sea más fácil establecer el estatus legal aquí. Es importante tener en cuenta que es ilegal casarse con alguien solo para obtener un beneficio de inmigración, así que no se case para tratar de evitar la deportación. Solo debe casarse con alguien con quien tenía la intención de casarse antes de recibir un aviso sobre su proceso de deportación. Incluso entonces, es posible que su matrimonio no haga que sea más fácil establecer un estatus legal. Cada situación es diferente, por lo que debe consultar con un abogado si se enfrenta a la expulsión de los Estados Unidos.

    Relacionado: Plazos de USCIS extendidos

    ¿Qué sucede después de una orden de deportación?

    Lo que sucede después de que un juez ordena su expulsión de los Estados Unidos depende de si estaba bajo custodia o libre en el momento en que el juez emite la orden. Si está bajo custodia (cárcel de inmigración), lo más probable es que vuelva a estar bajo custodia hasta que ICE lo envíe de regreso a su país de origen. Si está libre, lo más probable es que el juez no lo envíe a la cárcel de inmigración. En cambio, es posible que pueda regresar a su hogar en los EE. UU. mientras el gobierno resuelve los detalles de su regreso.

    Recibirá una carta de “Equipaje y equipaje” del gobierno de EE. UU. que detalla cuándo y dónde debe presentarse para salir del país, así como la cantidad de equipaje que puede llevar. A menos que usted y su abogado encuentren una manera de detener la deportación , regresará a su país de origen en la fecha detallada en su carta.

    ¿Puede regresar a los EE. UU. si es deportado?

    Es posible que pueda regresar a los Estados Unidos si lo deportan, pero no puede simplemente darse la vuelta y regresar de inmediato. El gobierno de los EE. UU. requerirá que permanezca fuera del país durante un período de tiempo específico (generalmente cinco, diez o 20 años). En algunos casos, a los inmigrantes deportados no se les permite regresar a los Estados Unidos. El tiempo que debe esperar antes de regresar depende del motivo de su eliminación.

    Si elige regresar a los EE. UU. después de la deportación, es posible que desee trabajar con un abogado de inmigración que pueda ayudarlo. El proceso de regresar a los Estados Unidos después de la deportación puede ser complicado, por lo que muchas personas eligen trabajar con un abogado que se enfoca principalmente en la ley de inmigración. Un abogado puede ayudarlo a completar y presentar los formularios y peticiones correctos.

    ¿Necesita hablar con un abogado de inmigración sobre la deportación?

    Si recibió un Aviso de comparecencia para los procedimientos de deportación, es posible que podamos ayudarlo. Llame a nuestra oficina al 914-481-8822 para programar una consulta. Hablará con un abogado de inmigración con experiencia y conocimiento que puede responder sus preguntas y guiarlo por el camino correcto.

  • The U.S. Citizenship Test, Explained

    If you’re like many people, you know that part of the naturalization process is taking the citizenship test. But what’s on the test, how hard is it, and what happens if you fail? This guide explains everything you need to know about the U.S. citizenship test (and what happens after you take it).

    The U.S. Citizenship Test, Explained

    Nearly everyone who wants to become a naturalized U.S. citizen must take the citizenship test. There are a few exceptions, but for the most part, you can expect to take the test during your naturalization interview.

    What is the U.S. Citizenship Test?

    Sometimes called the naturalization test, the U.S. citizenship test is a test that just about everyone who wants to become a United States citizen must take. The test covers your knowledge of civics and the English language, and it involves speaking, reading and writing.

    Though many people expect to sit at a desk, pull out a pencil and begin testing, that’s not exactly how this test works. Instead, it’s a built-in part of your naturalization interview.

    English

    The English part of the U.S. citizenship test involves:

    • Speaking. During your interview, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) officer who interviews you will evaluate how well you speak and understand English.
    • Reading. The USCIS official interviewing you will ask you to read a sentence written in English. You must read one out of three sentences correctly to show the USCIS official that your English-reading skills are sufficient.
    • Writing. your USCIS official will ask you to write a sentence to show that you can write in English. You must write one of three sentences correctly.

    Note: If you read and write the first sentence correctly, you won’t have to read or write the other two.

    Civics

    The civics portion of the citizenship test covers a variety of questions on U.S. history and how the government works. You may also be asked questions about rights, responsibilities and other aspects of United States citizenship.

    Questions and Answers on the U.S. Citizenship Test - Naturalization Test Study Guide

    Questions and Answers on the Citizenship Test

    You don’t have to guess at what questions you’ll face during your immigration interview and citizenship test period in fact, USCIS has a complete list of the questions that an immigration officer may ask you on its website. (It provides the answers, too, which makes studying a lot easier!) You can access the list here, but here’s a sampling of some of the questions USCIS may ask you:

    • What is the supreme law of the land? (Answer: The Constitution.)
    • How many amendments does the Constitution have? (Answer: 27.)
    • Name one branch or part of the government. (Answer: Congress, President, the courts, the legislative branch, the executive branch or the judicial branch.)
    • What is the highest court in the United States? (Answer: The Supreme Court.)
    • What is the capital of your state? (The capital of New York is Albany, but your answer may vary based on where you live.)
    • Name one right only for United States citizens? (Answer: To vote in a federal election or to run for federal office.)
    • When was the Declaration of Independence adopted? (Answer: July 4, 1776.)

    The complete list of possible questions is available on USCIS’s website. You may print them and use them as a study guide. USCIS officials won’t ask you test questions that aren’t on that list. (But remember, you take the test as part of your naturalization interview. That means the USCIS officer conducting your interview will most likely ask you questions about your application. They may also ask you questions on other topics that aren’t part of the citizenship test.)

    How Many Questions Does USCIS Ask You?

    The USCIS official conducting your citizenship will ask you up to ten questions. You must get six of them right. Typically, as soon as you get six correct answers, the questions stop – there’s no need to keep asking, because you only need six to pass.

    It’s okay if the USCIS officer needs to ask you all ten questions. Don’t stress yourself out over it if that happens to you – you’re allowed to get four of the questions wrong.

    What Happens if You Fail the U.S. Citizenship Test?

    If you fail either part of the citizenship test – the English or civics portion – it’s not the end of the world. You can retake the failed portions. However, you can only fail the test twice. If you fail twice, USCIS will deny your naturalization application. That means you need to reapply for naturalization, starting at square one.

    Exemptions and Exceptions for the U.S. Citizenship Test - 50-20 and 55-15 Exceptions

    Exemptions and Exceptions for the U.S. Citizenship Test

    Though most people are required to take the citizenship test, some people are exempt. That means they don’t have to take the test (or a part of the test) at all. Other people have exceptions, such as being allowed to use an interpreter.

    English Language Exemptions

    You don’t have to take the English part of the citizenship test if:

    • You’re age 50 or older at the time you file your naturalization application and you’ve continuously lived in the U.S. with a green card for 20 years or more. This is sometimes called the 50/20 exception.
    • You’re age 55 or older at the time you file your naturalization application and you’ve continuously lived in the U.S. with a green card for 15 years or more. This is sometimes called the 55/15 exception.

    Even if you qualify for one of these exceptions, you still have to take the civics portion of the test. But if you’re not too confident in your English-language skills, it’s okay. You may take the test in your native language, provided that you bring an interpreter with you to your interview. Your interpreter must be fluent in your native language and in English.

    Note: If you’re age 65 or older at the time you file your application, and if you’ve been a green card-holder for at least 20 years, you get special consideration on the civics part of the test. You’re also allowed to bring a qualified interpreter with you to your interview. This is sometimes called the 65/20 exemption.

    Exceptions for Medical Disabilities

    If you can’t take the English or civics portion of the U.S. citizenship test because you have a medical disability, USCIS can give you an exception. Your doctor needs to fill out a specific form that explains why you can’t take the test. After your doctor completes the form, your attorney will file it with your naturalization application.

    Note: Only a licensed medical or osteopathic doctor, or a licensed clinical psychologist, can fill out the disability exception form.

    Accommodations for Disabilities

    The U.S. government requires USCIS to provide accommodations or modifications to people with disabilities. If you have a disability that makes it difficult for you to take one or both portions of the citizenship test (or to otherwise participate in the naturalization process), USCIS can make adjustments for you. You should discuss these issues with your attorney so that she can list them in the appropriate place on your naturalization application.

    Quick Reference Guide for Exemptions and Exceptions

    Exceptions or Exemptions English Civics
    Age 50 or older, if you have resided in the U.S. as a lawful permanent resident (green card-holder) for at least 20 years at the time you file your application You are exempt from this part of the test. You must pass this part of the test. However, you may take it in your language of choice using an interpreter.
    Age 55 or older, if you have resided in the U.S. as a lawful permanent resident (green card-holder) for at least 15 years at the time you file your application You are exempt from this part of the test. You must pass this part of the test. However, you may take it in your language of choice using an interpreter.
    Age 65 or older, if you have resided in the U.S. as a lawful permanent resident (green card-holder) for at least 20 years at the time you file your application You are exempt from this part of the test. You must pass this part of the test, but USCIS officers are authorized to administer specially designated test forms. You may take this part of the test in your language of choice using an interpreter.
    Medical disabilities You may be exempt from this part of the test, or USCIS may have to provide special accommodations so you can take it. You may be exempt from this part of the test, or USCIS may have to provide special accommodations so you can take it.

    Other Issues at Your Naturalization Interview

    The U.S. citizenship test is only part of your naturalization interview. The USCIS official conducting your interview will most likely talk to you about your application and ask you other questions that aren’t related to the test. Some of the questions may involve how attached you are to the principles and ideals in the U.S. Constitution, where you live and the answers you provided on your naturalization application.

    The naturalization interview is nearly your last stop on the path to citizenship. After you complete your interview and pass your citizenship test, USCIS will schedule your Oath of Allegiance. You must fill out Form N-445 before you show up to take the oath. This form contains questions about whether your circumstances have changed (such as whether you’ve been married or divorced, traveled outside the U.S., or been arrested).

    Most people take the Oath of Allegiance during a ceremony at the same USCIS field office where they interviewed. Before that ceremony takes place, USCIS will collect your green card; then, an official will review your answers on Form N-445. Then, you’ll take the Oath of Allegiance to the United States and receive your naturalization certificate. At that point, you’re officially a U.S. citizen, and you don’t have to take any more tests or file any more applications. You can simply start enjoying the new rights and responsibilities that come with U.S. citizenship.

    Do You Need to Talk to an Immigration Attorney About Citizenship?

    If you need to talk to an immigration attorney about getting naturalized citizenship in the United States, we may be able to help you. Call our office at 914-481-8822 to schedule a consultation with an experienced, knowledgeable immigration attorney who can answer your questions and give you the legal advice you need.

  • Can You Get a Green Card With a Criminal Record?

    If you’re like many people, you want to immigrate to the United States and become a lawful permanent resident. You may even wish to eventually become a U.S. citizen. But what if you have a criminal record? This guide explains whether you can get a green card – and what challenges you may face.

    Before you read any further, you need to know that if you have a criminal record, you must disclose it to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). If you lie on an immigration form, USCIS will reject your application.

    Can You Get a U.S. Green Card if You Have a Criminal Record?

    It’s entirely possible to get a green card in the United States if you have a criminal record. However, there are some offenses that make a person ineligible for a green card. They include aggravated felonies, crimes that involve moral turpitude, and crimes that involve illegal drugs.  

    Only convictions for these crimes make you ineligible. You were only convicted if you went to court and a judge said you were guilty of a crime, or you received a sentence (punishment) such as jail time, probation or community service.

    If police arrested you and released you without charges, if the state charged you with a crime and dropped the charges, or if you went to court and the state found you not guilty of the crime, don’t worry. These circumstances alone don’t affect your eligibility for a green card.

    Related: The complete guide to green cards through marriage

    Aggravated Felonies and Green Card Eligibility - Getting a Green Card With a Criminal Record

    Aggravated Felonies and Green Card Eligibility

    Aggravated felonies make a person ineligible for a green card. An aggravated felony is a crime that the U.S. government defines in the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), but the term can be a little confusing. That’s because every state in the U.S. has its own definitions of crimes, and some crimes that are on the INA’s aggravated felony list aren’t actually felonies in some states. (And that doesn’t even address the word “aggravated,” which has a different definition in many states.)

    List of Aggravated Felonies

    The following table outlines a few of the crimes the INA considers aggravated felonies. It’s not a complete list, though, and even if a crime isn’t defined as an aggravated felony, USCIS and the U.S. government may consider it to be one. That’s why it’s so important to work with a Port Chester immigration attorney if you want a green card but have a criminal record. Your attorney can evaluate your case and take the appropriate steps to help you apply.

    Alien smugglingChild pornographyCommercial bribery
    CounterfeitingDrug traffickingFailure to appear in court for a felony charge
    Firearms and explosives offensesForgeryFraud or tax evasion over $10,000
    KidnappingMoney laundering over $10,000Murder
    Obstruction of justice, perjury or bribery of a witnessRacketeeringRape
    SabotageSexual abuse of a minorSimple battery
    SpyingStatutory rapeTheft
    Trafficking in destructive devices or firearmsTrafficking in persons or running a prostitution businessTrafficking in vehicles
    TreasonViolent crimes 

    Again, this isn’t a complete list. Also, even if the INA doesn’t explicitly mention a crime, the U.S. government may still consider it an aggravated felony.

    Convictions for these crimes may make you ineligible for a green card. But that’s not necessarily the end of the road: Your attorney may be able to ask for a waiver. The government decides who gets these waivers on a case-by-case basis. The nature of the crime and the applicant’s rehabilitation play major roles in whether a person gets a waiver. The government is very unlikely to grant a waiver for a conviction like murder or rape. It’s more likely to give you a waiver if you were convicted of getting into a fistfight with a friend and completed a sentence of probation for it (or something equally “minor”).

    If you have a criminal record and want a green card, it’s important that you speak to an attorney. Your attorney can ask the government for a waiver for you.

    Related: Everything you need to know about deportation from the U.S.

    What is Moral Turpitude?

    The term moral turpitude refers to any “immoral, unethical or unjust departure from ordinary social standards such that it would shock a community.” In plain English, that means any crime committed with the intent to defraud or physically harm someone may be considered a crime of moral turpitude. The most common examples of these crimes involve murder, rape, fraud and animal abuse (or animal fighting).

    Basically, if a crime is shocking to everyday people – such as running a dog fighting ring – it may count as a crime of moral turpitude. Other offenses, such as driving under the influence (DUI) or trespassing, don’t involve moral turpitude.

    If you’ve been convicted of a crime involving moral turpitude, you can’t get a green card. But as with other criminal convictions, you may be eligible for a waiver. Your immigration lawyer will take a close look at your case and help you figure out what to do if your state has convicted you of one of these crimes.

    Related: U visa processing times

    What Crimes Involving Illegal Drugs Make You Ineligible for a Green Card?

    Any drug conviction may make you ineligible for a green card. That’s true whether the state convicted you of possessing a little over an ounce of marijuana or trafficking 1,000 pounds of cocaine. There is one exception in the INA, though: If you have only one drug conviction, and that conviction was for possession of 30 grams or less of marijuana for personal use, you may still be eligible for a green card. However, if that’s your situation, you still need to apply for a waiver.

    The U.S. government takes these types of crimes very seriously, so any drug conviction may make you ineligible to get a green card.

    How Convictions Outside the United States Affect Green Card Eligibility

    Sometimes convictions outside the United States affect green card eligibility. These convictions may be in your home country or in another country.

    If the conviction is equivalent to the U.S.’s version of an aggravated felony, crime of moral turpitude or drug crime, USCIS treats it the same way it would if you were convicted in the United States. However, if the crime isn’t equivalent, your attorney may be able to argue that it shouldn’t count against you for immigration purposes. In either case, you may still be eligible for a waiver – and the government decides waivers on a case-by-case basis.

    Related: What happens if you abandon your green card?

    How to Answer Criminal History Questions on Your Green Card Application - Getting a Green Card With a Criminal Record

    How to Answer Criminal History Questions on Your Green Card Application

    If you have ever been convicted of a crime, even if it won’t affect your eligibility for a green card, you must declare it on your green card application. (When you apply from inside the United States, your attorney will use Form I-485, Application to Adjust Status. When you apply from outside the United States, your attorney will use Form DS-260, Immigrant Visa Application.)

    The questions on the form ask if you have ever experienced certain circumstances. That means from the day you were born through the time you fill out the application. Here are a few of the questions on green card applications:

    • Have you EVER been arrested, cited, charged, or detained for any reason by any law enforcement official?
    • Have you EVER committed a crime of any kind (even if you were not arrested, cited, charged with, or tried for that crime)?
    • Have you EVER pled guilty to or been convicted of a crime or offense (even if the violation was subsequently expunged or sealed by a court, or if you were granted a pardon, amnesty, a rehabilitation decree, or other act of clemency)?

    These questions ask you about any events that have occurred during your lifetime, so even if you were arrested as a child in your home country but released, you have had your criminal record cleared, or you have committed anything that you know was a crime (even if you weren’t caught), you must be honest.

    You and your immigration attorney will sit down and talk about your criminal history. Be sure to share everything with her; she needs to include complete information on all your immigration forms.

    What Happens if You Leave Out Some or All of Your Criminal History?

    Leaving out some or all of your criminal history counts as immigration fraud. Naturally, if you made a simple mistake – such as forgetting that you pocketed a piece of candy from a convenience store when you were a child – your attorney can explain. However, if you lie because you think that USCIS won’t find out about your criminal record, you paid to have your record cleared, you were convicted in another country, or you don’t think a crime “counts,” you’re committing immigration fraud.

    If you don’t disclose everything on your immigration forms, or if you purposely lie, the U.S. government may tell you that you’re permanently inadmissible. That means you can never get a green card (or even a visitor visa) to the United States.

    Do You Need to Talk to an Immigration Attorney About Getting a Green Card With a Criminal Record?

    If you need to talk to an immigration attorney about getting a green card when you have a criminal record, we may be able to help you. Call our office at 914-481-8822 to schedule a consultation with an experienced, knowledgeable immigration attorney who can answer your questions and give you the legal advice you need.

  • Green Card Through Marriage: Everything You Need to Know

    If you marry a United States citizen or lawful permanent resident, you could be eligible for a green card. A green card is proof that you’re a lawful permanent resident of the U.S., and it enables you to live and work anywhere you wish. But how do you get a green card through marriage, and when do you become eligible? This guide explains everything you need to know about getting a green card based on your marriage to a U.S citizen or lawful permanent resident.

    What is a Marriage Green Card?

    There isn’t a special type of green card for people who marry United States citizens or lawful permanent residents; everyone gets the same type of green card. However, the eligibility requirements for a green card through marriage are different than they are through other paths. Often, people find it easier to get a green card through marriage then they do through a work visa or another program.

    Before you can apply for a marriage based green card, you must be married to a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident.

    Your sponsor has to petition the U.S. government for your green card. Your spouse is considered the petitioner or sponsor for your green card, and you’re the beneficiary. You aren’t allowed to apply for your own green card through marriage except in special circumstances. (See the later section, “Green Cards for VAWA Self-Petitioners,” for more information.)

    Working on a Green Card

    When you have a green card, you can work anywhere you’d like without special authorization from the government. That’s true even if you came to the United states on a work visa or you needed an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) to work before you married your spouse.

    Going to School on a Green Card

    You’re allowed to attend a college, university or trade school when you have a green card – there’s no special authorization required. You may also participate in on-the-job training programs, get an apprenticeship or attend special certification courses without permission from the U.S. government.

    Related: What happens if you abandon your green card?

    Who Qualifies to Get a Green Card Through Marriage?

    You may be eligible to get a green card based on your marriage to a citizen or lawful permanent resident. However, your marriage must be legally valid and genuine. U.S. immigration law says that it must be a bona fide marriage. That means that you’re married because you want to spend the rest of your life with your spouse – and that you didn’t simply marry them to get an immigration benefit (like a green card).

    You must also be admissible to the United States.. You’re inadmissible (meaning that you can’t enter the U.S.) if any of the following grounds of inadmissibility apply to you:

    • You have a serious substance abuse problem.
    • You’ve been convicted of drug trafficking.
    • You don’t have the proper vaccines to enter the country, or you have a communicable disease “of public health significance,” such as tuberculosis. However, waivers are sometimes available.
    • You’ve been convicted of or admitted to a crime of moral turpitude. A crime of moral turpitude is a crime that most people find shocking or against the rules of morality. Some examples of these crimes include murder, rape, spousal or child abuse, and animal fighting. There are many other crimes that fall under this term, as well, but sometimes waivers are available.
    • You violated immigration laws, though you may be eligible for a waiver.
    • You’re a spy, terrorist or insurgent, or Nazi.

    Even if you’re already in the United States, the government must determine that you’re admissible before you can get a green card through marriage (or through any other means).

    Waivers are available for some grounds of inadmissibility. Your Port Chester immigration attorney can talk to you about the specifics if any of them apply to you.

    Eligibility Requirements

    If you’re admissible to the United States and you’re married to a green card holder or U.S. citizen, you may apply. However, your spouse must show that they have the financial means to support your entire household. Additionally, your spouse must actually live in the United States (or intend to return to the U.S. with you if you’re both living abroad).

    Can Your Kids Get Green Cards, Too?

    Your unmarried, foreign-born children may be eligible to get green cards at the same time you do if they’re under the age of 21 at the time you apply. It’s okay if they’re not your current spouse’s biological or adopted children. They may be eligible based on their relationship with you, rather than their relationship with your spouse. You should talk to your immigration attorney about obtaining marriage-based green cards for your children; she can give you the legal advice you need.

    Guide to Green Card Marriage in the United States

    Applying for a Marriage Green Card

    Many people choose to work with an immigration attorney to get a green card based on marriage. That’s because the application process can be complicated and time-consuming, and even a small error could lead to rejection.

    When your attorney helps you apply for a marriage-based green card, she’ll file Form I-130 to establish your marital relationship. She needs to include several types of documentation with this form, including proof that your spouse qualifies to sponsor you and that you’re legally married. Your attorney will also include proof that you’re in a bona fide (genuine) relationship with your spouse, such as:

    • A joint lease
    • Joint bank statements
    • Photos of you and your spouse together
    • Receipts for gifts you and your spouse have gotten each other

    Then, your attorney will fill out and file Form I-485 or Form DS-260 for you. That form also needs supporting documentation, including proof of your nationality, that you entered the U.S. lawfully, and that you don’t have any communicable diseases that could pose a public health threat. Your lawyer may need to fill out a number of other forms, too, depending on your situation (such as an application for employment authorization or for travel authorization). You may also need to provide USCIS with other types of documentation, which your attorney will explain to you.

    Green Cards for VAWA Self-Petitioners

    Under most circumstances, your spouse must petition the government for your green card. You’re not allowed to apply for yourself. However, in some cases, people are allowed to apply for their own green cards. If you’re the victim of domestic abuse or cruelty, you may be eligible to apply for your own green card under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). You don’t have to be a woman to apply; it’s open to all victims of abuse or cruelty.

    If you apply for your own green card this way, you’re called a VAWA self-petitioner. You may still be able to get a green card without your spouse’s knowledge or consent. If you’re in a situation like this, let your attorney know – she can help you fill out and file the appropriate forms with USCIS.

    Related: What happens to your work permit after cancellation of removal?

    The Marriage Green Card Interview

    After your attorney has filed your petitions and supporting documentation, you have to participate in a green card interview. A U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) officer will interview you. This officer’s primary job is to determine whether your marriage is genuine. That means the officer looks for evidence that you married just to get a green card – and if they find any, the government will deny your petition.

    Your interview will take place at the USCIS office nearest your home. If you live abroad, your interview will take place at a U.S. embassy or consulate in your home country.

    How the Length of Your Marriage Determines What’s Next

    If you’ve been married for fewer than two years and USCIS approves your petition, you’ll receive a conditional green card that’s valid for two years. If you’ve been married for more than two years, you’ll receive a permanent green card that’s valid for ten years.

    A Word on Conditional Marriage-Based Green Cards

    A conditional green card is only temporary. It’s valid for two years. Before those two years are up, you must apply to remove the conditions; if you don’t, the government can deport you. (The condition is really that you remain married to your spouse for at least that length of time.) Your attorney can help you remove the conditions from your green card. After the conditions are removed, you receive a permanent green card.

    Related: The complete guide to deportation

    How Long Does it Take to Get a Green Card Through Marriage?

    Though processing times vary, it typically takes USCIS between 9 and 36 months to process a green card application. Your immigration attorney can keep track of your application and keep you updated on its status while you wait.

    Marriage Green Cards in the United States

    Common Questions About Green Card Marriage

    Check out these commonly asked questions about marriage-based green cards. If you don’t see the answer to your question here, please call our office at 914-481-8822 to ask – we’ll be happy to give you the answers and legal guidance you need.

    How Long Do You Have to Be Married to Get a Green Card in the U.S.?

    You typically have to be married for at least two years to get a permanent green card. However, you can get a conditional green card before you’ve been married that long. After you remove the conditions from your green card – which you do by showing that your marriage is legitimate (and that you’re still married to the same person) – you may receive a permanent green card that’s good for ten years.

    Related: U visa processing times

    What Happens to Your Green Card if You Divorce?

    If you divorce your spouse before the government issues you a green card, the whole process stops. That’s because you were eligible for a green card based on your marriage to a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident – and now that you’re divorced, that relationship no longer exists. You cannot get a green card if you divorce while USCIS is processing your application.

    If you divorce your spouse while you have a conditional green card, you need to prove that your marriage was genuine and that you didn’t commit immigration fraud. There are some special circumstances, such as when you’re a VAWA self-petitioner, that enable you to apply for your own green card if you divorce before your marriage is two years old.

    If you divorce your spouse while you have a permanent green card, which is good for ten years, it probably won’t affect your green card renewal. However, you can contact an immigration attorney if you aren’t sure or need help with your renewal.

    Can You Marry Someone Just to Get a Green Card?

    It’s illegal to marry someone just to get a green card. When the U.S. government finds out that you committed immigration fraud, you’ll be removed from the country. If you’re removed, you won’t be allowed to come back for a set period of time – even if you have a home, a job and other ties to the United States.

    Do You Need to Talk to an Immigration Attorney About Getting a Green Card Through Marriage?

    If you need to talk to an immigration attorney, we may be able to help you. Call our office at 914-481-8822 to schedule a consultation with an experienced, knowledgeable immigration attorney who can answer your questions and give you the legal advice you need.

  • The Complete Guide to Deportation

    If you’re like many immigrants in the United States, you know that there are several reasons an immigration judge could issue a deportation order that says you must leave the country. If that happens, you have no choice but to leave – and though you may be able to come back in the future, a removal order effectively bars you from returning for a specific period of time.

    Deportation (formally called removal) is serious, and for most people, the best way to deal with a removal order is to work with a skilled Port Chester immigration attorney.

    This guide explains deportation, deportation defense, and what happens if a judge orders you to leave the United States. If you don’t find the answer to your question here, or if you need help because you’ve received a notice that you’re in removal proceedings, call our office immediately at 914-481-8822 to schedule a 30-minute consultation with Attorney Gergana Genova.

    Your Guide to Deportation and Removal Proceedings

    Removal from the United States is the legal process of deporting a foreign national from the U.S. back to their home country. There are several reasons the U.S. government may seek to deport a non-citizen, but it usually happens when an immigrant breaks a criminal law or somehow violates immigration law (such as committing immigration fraud or entering the country unlawfully).

    It is possible to fight deportation, though. In fact, you and your attorney may be able to file an appeal with the Board of Immigration Appeals, which has jurisdiction over immigration judges’ decisions. However, not everyone has the right to appeal – so if you receive a removal order, you should consult with an attorney as soon as possible.

    What Does the Removal Process Look Like - Guide to Deportation and Removal Proceedings in NY

    What Does the Removal Process Look Like?

    Some people are subject to an expedited removal. An expedited removal is a deportation that takes place without an immigrant ever seeing an immigration judge. This typically happens when Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) agents catch someone at the U.S. border, or when someone presents forged documents to a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) officer at a port of entry. In these cases, officers often turn the person around and send them back to their point of origin.

    Other people go before a judge as part of a longer removal process. Sometimes, the government holds these foreign nationals in detention centers prior to trial or deportation. Then:

    • An immigration court that’s part of the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) hears the case.
    • A judge decides whether the deportation should proceed.
    • If the judge rules that the deportation should proceed, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) carries out the removal order. ICD does this by coordinating the immigrant’s departure.

    Who Pays for Removal?

    Most removals take place at the U.S. government’s expense – that is, the government pays for your plane ticket or ground transportation. After you leave the United States, you cannot return until the amount of time noted in your removal order has passed. For example, if the U.S. government says you’re not allowed to return to the U.S. for five years, you can’t apply for a visa to come back until five years have passed – even if you have family in the United States, and even if your departure causes them (or you) a significant hardship.

    What Are Grounds for Deportation?

    The Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) provides several grounds on which an immigrant can be deported from the United States. The most common grounds for deportation are:

    • Entering the country without proper documentation or inspection
    • Being judged as a threat to public safety
    • Overstaying a visa or violating the terms of a visa
    • Committing a crime while in the United States
    • Falsifying information on an immigration application or document
    • Voting in a federal, state, or local election that requires citizenship without being a U.S. citizen

    What Can Stop You From Being Deported or Removed From the United States

    What Can Stop You From Being Deported?

    There are a few ways your attorney may attempt to stop a judge from deporting you, including:

    • Applying for adjustment of status
    • Asking for cancellation of removal
    • Applying for asylum
    • Getting a U visa

    Here’s a closer look at each.

    Applying for Adjustment of Status to Stop Deportation

    In some cases, it’s possible to apply for an adjustment of status to stop removal proceedings. An adjustment of status allows you to become a lawful permanent resident of the United States. In other words, you’d get a green card. This is only possible if you meet the following requirements:

    • You’re admissible to the United States
    • You have a qualifying relative to sponsor you, and that relative has a green card or is a U.S. citizen
    • You haven’t violated any immigration laws
    • Your qualifying relative has filed a visa petition for you and USCIS has approved it
    • You’re immediately eligible for a visa based on your family relationship with your sponsor

    In most cases, you must have entered the U.S. legally to adjust your status during removal proceedings. However, the government sometimes allows a limited number of unlawful entrants (people who entered the U.S. unlawfully) to adjust their status. Your attorney can explain the specifics to you if they apply in your case.

    Related: What happens if you abandon your green card?

    Asking for Cancellation of Removal to Stop Deportation

    Some lawful permanent residents (green card-holders) may ask for cancellation of removal to stop deportation proceedings. But in order to qualify:

    • You must have been a lawful permanent resident for at least five years, and
    • You must have continually lived in the country for at least seven years after admission to the United States.

    You’re not eligible if a court ever convicted you of an aggravated felony, or if you received a cancellation of removal in the past. However, some people are eligible for what’s known as a 212(c) waiver. Your attorney can explain this waiver to you if you’re eligible. (These waivers are for people that U.S. courts convicted of a crime prior to April 24, 1996.)

    You don’t have to have a green card to ask for cancellation of removal, though. An immigration judge may cancel removal for non-green card-holders if the immigrant:

    • Proves that they’ve resided in the United States for at least 10 years
    • Has ethical characteristics
    • Hasn’t committed any deportable criminal offenses
    • Shows that their removal would cause a significant hardship on their families

    Related: What happens to your work permit after cancellation of removal?

    Applying for Asylum to Stop Deportation

    It’s possible to stop deportation through asylum. If you’ve suffered persecution in your home country, or if you’re at legitimate risk of facing persecution if you return, you may be eligible for asylum. The persecution must be based on:

    • Race
    • Religion
    • Nationality
    • Political opinion
    • Membership in a particular group

    If the judge agrees and grants you asylum in the United States, your deportation proceedings stop. If you have a spouse or children, you may include them on your asylum petition, as well. You may later apply for a green card, and if you wish, apply for naturalization.

    Getting a U Visa to Stop Deportation

    Victims of certain crimes may be eligible for U visas, which can stop deportation proceedings. A U nonimmigrant visa is available to people who:

    • Are victims of qualifying criminal activity, such as abduction, domestic violence, involuntary servitude, sexual assault, stalking, and other related crimes
    • Have suffered substantial physical or mental abuse
    • Have information about the criminal activity that took place
    • Were, are or are likely to be helpful to law enforcement so they can investigate or prosecute the crime
    • Are admissible to the United States or who are eligible for a waiver of inadmissibility

    Related: U visa processing times

    A Word on Voluntary Departure

    If all else fails, your attorney may talk to you about voluntary departure. Voluntary departure is just what it sounds like; you volunteer to leave the United States of your own accord. Though you’re still leaving the country, voluntary departure does offer one big benefit: You won’t have a deportation on your record. That means it’ll be easier to return to the United States in the future.

    Voluntary departure isn’t for everyone, though. If you’ve had a criminal conviction or you can’t pay your own way back to your home country, you may not be eligible. Also, if you’ve had a voluntary departure before, you may not qualify.

    Can Marriage Stop Deportation?

    Marriage itself won’t stop deportation proceedings. However, if you intended to marry someone before you received a notice about removal proceedings, doing so may make it easier to establish legal status here. It’s important to note that it’s illegal to marry someone just to gain an immigration benefit, so please don’t get married to try to avoid deportation. You should only marry someone you intended to marry before you received a notice about your removal proceedings. Even then, your marriage may not make it easier to establish legal status. Every situation is different, so you should consult with an attorney if you’re facing removal from the United States.

    Related: USCIS deadlines extended

    What Happens After a Deportation Order in Removal Proceedings

    What Happens After a Deportation Order?

    What happens after a judge orders you removed from the United States depends on whether you were in custody or free at the time the judge issues their order. If you’re in custody (immigration jail), you’ll most likely go back into custody until ICE sends you back to your home country. If you’re free, the judge most likely won’t send you to immigration jail. Instead, you may be able to go back to your home in the U.S. while the government works out the details of your return.

    You’ll receive a “Bag and Baggage” letter from the U.S. government that details when and where you must report to leave the country, as well as how much baggage you’re allowed to bring. Unless you and your attorney work out a way to stop deportation, you’ll return to your country of origin on the date detailed in your letter.

    Can You Return to the U.S. if You’re Deported?

    You may be able to return to the United States if you’re deported, but you can’t just turn around and come right back. The U.S. government will require you to remain outside the country for a specific period of time (usually five, ten or 20 years). In some cases, deported immigrants aren’t allowed to return to the United States at all. The length of time you’re required to wait before returning depends on the reason behind your removal.

    If you choose to return to the U.S. after deportation, you may want to work with an immigration attorney who can help you. The process of coming back to the United States after removal can be complicated, so many people choose to work with an attorney who focuses primarily on immigration law. An attorney can help you fill out and file the right forms and petitions.

    Do You Need to Talk to an Immigration Attorney About Deportation?

    If you’ve received a Notice to Appear for removal proceedings, we may be able to help you. Call our office at 914-481-8822 to schedule a consultation. You’ll talk with an experienced, knowledgeable immigration attorney who can answer your questions and get you on the right path.

  • Corte inmigración cancela audiencias

    Corte inmigración cancela audiencias. Debido a la actual pandemia de COVID-19, las órdenes permanentes de los tribunales de inmigración no estarán vigentes hasta el 31 de enero de 2022.

    ¿Cuáles son algunos de los cambios para las audiencias en la corte de inmigración?

    Por ahora, los abogados y los demandados no necesitan estar en el mismo lugar (por ejemplo, la oficina del abogado). Entonces, cuando se presenta por teléfono o webex, su abogado puede estar en una ubicación diferente a la suya. Si lo desea, puede continuar en el mismo lugar con su abogado . Pero para la seguridad de todos, el demandado no necesita hacer arreglos especiales con la corte.

    El aviso de EOIR se puede encontrar aquí .

  • Immigration Court Cancels Hearings

    Due to the Covid-19 pandemic EOIR (the Immigration Courts around the country) has made multiple announcements on their Operational Status webpage. Now, the most recent one is regarding canceling certain hearings dates.

    Latest Immigration Court News

    Today, January 28, 2022, EOIR made the following annoucement on their Operational Status page. They are effectively canceling most cases through February 7th, 2022.

    What type of cases does the announcement relate to?

    • Detained respondents
    • Represented non-detained respondents
    • Enrollees in DHS’s Migrant Protection Protocols (MPP) who are not in the United States
    • Unrepresented, non-detained respondents who request to proceed by phone or online

    How do I know if my case proceeds or not?

    If you fall within one of the above categories and your hearing date was between January 28th and February 7th, then your case will not proceed on that date. To confirm, you can call the Immigration court which sent your hearing notice. In addition, you can also check with the automated case number to check when your new court date is. The EOIR automated phone number is 800-898-7180. All you need to enter is your A number to verify your court date.

    Why is it important to not miss my court hearing?

    If you have a master or individual hearing date, you must appear. If the court starts the session and you are not present, the judge has the authority to enter an in abstentia removal order. You do not want to have a removal order because reopening the case is not easy. Making a motion to reopen involves extra legal fees and having your case with the court pending longer. The immigration courts are extremely back-logged. It was recently announced that there are as much as 1.6 million cases pending. This sheer amount of volume puts an immense burden on the Courts and their staff. And thus, making routine motions, such as motions to reopen now takes a lot more time.

    If you have any questions, please feel free to schedule a consultation you can do so at calendly.com/lawgenova
    The EOIR notice for your reference is here.