Immigration Blog Archives - Page 35 of 39 - VISANOW Global Immigration

Employers Must Use New I-9 Form

By VISANOW Contributor|2013-10-31T18:09:03+00:00May 9, 2013|

by Caroline Tang, VISANOW’s Senior Manager of Legal Services

In light of comprehensive immigration reform discussions, we have been hearing more and more about the importance of employment eligibility verification. The USCIS has already been at work to develop and implement a new, more efficient system for verifying an employee’s authorization to work in the United States.

Starting May 7, 2013, employers must use the new I-9 form issued by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Prior versions of the I-9 are no longer accepted.

The USCIS has published the new I-9 form, as well as an updated M-274 employer handbook. The new form has been expanded to two pages, adding additional data fields and instructions.

Next steps for the I-9 process

Going forward, employees must receive the full set of instructions when completing the I-9. Employers may also now accept a printed electronic Form I-94 record in cases where U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has issued a paperless I-94 at a selected port of entry.

VISANOW offers comprehensive I-9 services, including storage, audits, and implementing compliance processes. If you have any questions about the impact of the new I-9 form on your immigration processes, or about any other immigration services, please don’t hesitate to contact the VISANOW team, or connect with us on Facebook and Twitter.

The Agricultural Guestworker Act of 2013

By VISANOW Contributor|2013-11-11T11:38:51+00:00May 8, 2013|

Robert Goodlatte, the Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, has introduced a bill, the Agricultural Guestworker Act of 2013, to replace the existing H-2A agricultural visa program with a new H-2C visa program. The bill proposes to allow up to 500,000 temporary agricultural laborers into the United States per year. That number is subject to change by the Secretary of Agriculture. The visa would allow workers to stay in the US for up to 18 months, as opposed to the maximum of 1 year currently issued to H-2A visa holders.

Details of the Agricultural Guestworker Act

Employers would still have to petition for each worker. The H-2C program would be expanded to dairies, food processors, and other non-seasonal agricultural employers. The H-2C program would change the guaranteed number of work hours from 75% of the workdays in the contract period to 50% of the work hours for the promised period. Employers under this program will no longer be required to guarantee housing or transportation expenses. In another change, temporary agricultural workers would not be able to bring their spouses and children to the U.S. in H-4 status.

What about the Senate’s comprehensive immigration reform proposal?

Representative Goodlatte’s bill clashes with the changes proposed in the Senate. Notably, the Senate has only proposed allowing 112,000 visas per year. These proposed changes in the Agricultural Guestworker Act are beneficial to employers and additional agricultural industries, but substantial costs would be imposed upon immigrant laborers. There is surely going to be strong debate on the measures introduced in this bill. This potentially foreshadows a drawn out conversation between the House and the Senate on this and other proposed immigration reforms.

Alternatives to the H-1B Visa Lottery 2013

By VISANOW Contributor|2014-11-11T15:36:01+00:00May 7, 2013|

by John Moran, Enterprise Account Executive at VISANOW

As of April 5^th, 2013, the USCIS reached the statutory H-1B visa cap of 65,000 for fiscal year (FY) 2014 within the first week of the filing period. On April 7^th a lottery was conducted to determine which petitions among the roughly 124,000 received would be selected for acceptance.

From this information we can assume that roughly 59,000 H-1B visa applications will ultimately be denied and returned to sender. As we enter the month of May, some VISANOW clients and delighted foreign national beneficiaries are reporting issuance of the USCIS’ formal Receipt Notice, indicating their petition will be accepted. As we at VISANOW continue to receive such notices, we continue to proactively notify the lucky chosen.

What about those not notified of selection in the 2013 H-1B visa lottery? Should the deafening silence from the USCIS yield a collective cry of despair? Our short answer: No.

We certainly understand and appreciate the frustration inherent in the H-1B lottery system, and we want each of the 59,000 petitioners awaiting final determination is aware of their immigration options moving forward.

H-1B Visa Alternatives for Individuals

Here is an in-depth overview and explanation of the various alternatives available to denied H-1B seekers. The most common H-1B visa alternatives include the L-1A/B, H-2B, E-3, TN, E-2, and H-1B1 (Chile/Singapore) categories of work visas. B-1 business visas may also provide adequate coverage for clients needing to travel to the U.S. while awaiting a new filing for a non-immigrant work visa. Finally, many past clients have met H-1B cap-closure with success by taking the chance to pursue Permanent Residency/Green Card status for employees missing the ˜cap.’

Special H-1B Visa Alternatives for Students

Options for students transitioning into the working world include F-1/OPT STEM Extensions for up to 17 months of additional OPT work validity OR F-1 OPT ˜Cap Gap’ status to maintain status while awaiting receipt of an H-1B visa. Finally, a J-1 program can be a great option for those eligible, and VISANOW can direct you towards establishment of a J-1 program through our dedicated partner.

If you or your employee was unable to obtain a space in this year’s H-1B visa cap, there are options available.For more information please call us at 855-VISANOW (847-2669).

Why to Apply for DACA Now If You’re Waiting for the DREAM Act

By VISANOW Contributor|2016-09-28T16:24:58+00:00April 30, 2013|

Since it was first proposed in the U.S. Senate in 2001, the DREAM Act (Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors Act) has held the promise of a better life for undocumented immigrants in the U.S. The special path to citizenship for DREAMers in the 2013 immigration reform bill is being proclaimed the “best version yet“ with more immigrants standing to benefit than ever before.

What some DREAMers still don’t know is that securing a Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) approval before immigration reform passes will likely give them many more benefits than if they had just waited for a DREAM Act to pass. While DACA doesn’t provide as many rights to immigrants as the proposed DREAM Act would, it’s important for DREAMers to know how they can stand to benefit from DACA if and when comprehensive immigration reform is finally approved.

Here’s how a DACA approval could help you if the 2013 version of the DREAM Act passes:

A DACA approval will most likely put you first in line for RPI (Registered Provisional Immigrant) Status and Citizenship

In the new immigration bill proposed by the Senate this past April, DACA recipients will be grandfathered in to the RPI process and path to citizenship, and they would automatically qualify for provisional legal status. Much of their application will be simplified since they have already submitted a great deal of relevant personal information to USCIS. Unlike DREAMers without DACA approval, they will be immediately eligible for citizenship once they are a Legal Permanent Resident.

This will also be a huge advantage for DACA candidates because with 11 million undocumented immigrants living in the U.S., the government anticipates a huge influx of applications once RPI status becomes available. The shortage of competent immigration lawyers may also slow down the approval process.

A DACA approval means you will probably pay less to become a Legal Resident

Generally, the price of immigration cases goes up with each government form required for submission. With fewer forms to fill out and fewer documents to submit than those who do not have DACA approval, experts predict a DACA-Approved DREAMer will spend a great deal less on their RPI application than a non-DACA DREAMer will.

A DACA approval means you can submit fewer documents when applying to become a Legal Resident

Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano has said the DACA program will serve as a “good pilot for the RPI (Registered Provisional Immigrant) process, which would be the path for DREAMers to gain citizenship. This tells us there is a good chance the application processes for DACA and RPI will be very similar, and if USCIS already has your documents on file, you would not need to resubmit them. The only piece of the application that would be repeated would be a second background check and biometrics test to make sure you haven’t committed any crimes since your DACA application.

A DACA approval stops you from accruing “Unlawful Presence in the U.S.

Without a DACA approval, not only are you at risk for deportation, you are also accruing unlawful presence in the country. This will be a weighing factor for USCIS officials when reviewing applications for the RPI program. Undocumented immigrants begin to accumulate unlawful presence when they turn 18, which can result in paying back taxes later on. If you are under 18 and receive a DACA approval, you can prevent yourself from accruing any unlawful status in the U.S.

A DACA approval helps you move forward with your life while you wait for a DREAM Act to pass

Deferred Action grantees have to the opportunity to obtain a legal work permit, a Social Security Card, a driver’s license in almost every state, the freedom to travel throughout the country without risk of detention, and even the freedom to travel abroad in limited amounts. None of these privileges are allowed to undocumented immigrants who have not been approved for DACA. If you qualify, there is no reason not to apply.

What is deferred action? Is it different from DACA?

By VISANOW Contributor|2016-09-28T16:28:41+00:00April 29, 2013|

Deferred action is a broad term used by U.S. immigration offices, and it can apply to many different individuals’ situations. According to the USCIS, deferred action is (in general) “a discretionary determination to defer removal action of an individual as an act of prosecutorial discretion.

What is deferred action?

Deferred action is granted at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS)’s discretion. Deferred action is most commonly granted to immigrants who are not an immediate priority for removal from the United States; it can be more efficient for the immigration enforcement agencies to focus their energy and resources on the removal of those who present a threat to the U.S.

An individual who has received a grant of deferred action is authorized to reside in the U.S. during the period of deferment; however, he or she cannot claim lawful status during this time. Deferred action does, however, grant an individual lawful presence in the U.S.; this means that you are not continuing to accrue unlawful presence, which could later render you inadmissible to the U.S. if and when you apply for permanent legal status.

Immigrants who have received a deferred action grant may be eligible to obtain employment authorization (EAD). This distinction can vary from case to case, and depends on an individual’s ability to demonstrate “economic necessity for employment (according to the USCIS).

Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals

In June of 2012, the Secretary of Homeland Security issued a memorandum identifying a method for certain undocumented immigrants to receive relief from deportation. Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (or DACA) is a specific type of deferred action which applies to certain people who came to the U.S. as children and who meet a set of specific guidelines, as follows:

You were under the age of 31 on June 15, 2012;
You came to the United States prior to your 16^th birthday;
You have continuously resided in the United States since June 15, 2007 and up until the present time;
You were physically present in the United States on June 15, 2012, as well as at the time of filing your application;
You entered without inspection before June 15, 2012, or your lawful immigration status expired as of June 15, 2012;
You are currently in school, have graduated or obtained a certificate of completion from high school, have obtained a general education development (GED) certificate, or are an honorably discharged veteran of the Cost Guard or Armed Forces of the United States; and
You have never been convicted of a felony, significant misdemeanor, or three or more other misdemeanors, and you do not otherwise pose a threat to national security or public safety.

If you have questions about your legal status, contact us today or get connected on Facebook and Twitter.

Deferred Action and Your “Manner of Entry”: Was Your Entry Permitted?

By VISANOW Contributor|2016-06-29T13:03:49+00:00April 24, 2013|

VISANOW-affiliated attorneys have worked with Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) applicants who have mistakenly believed that they entered the U.S. without permission.

How can this be?

Generally, a person is lawfully admitted with a visa at an airport or at a border crossing check point. However, a lawful admission can be less obvious: most frequently, when a person entered the U.S. by car or by foot at the Mexican or Canadian border.

Years ago, without asking questions or inspecting documents, border officers sometimes permitted an individual person or multiple people in a car to enter the U.S. In most cases, when a person physically presents himself or herself for questioning and makes no knowing false claim to U.S. citizenship, this is a lawful admission, which is classified as “waived in.

Why is it important to understand your “manner of entry?

A lawful admission expands a person’s immigration options. Lawful admission to the U.S. is required to adjust status to permanent residence, which is a goal of many immigrants.

A person seeking to adjust status to a permanent resident based on a petition filed by a U.S. citizen “immediate relative (for example, a spouse) need only show that he or she was lawfully admitted, and that no other grounds of inadmissibility apply. Importantly, even if an applicant has been out of status for a long time, a person who was lawfully admitted and is not subject to other grounds of inadmissibility can still adjust his or her status.

Therefore, understanding and proving a lawful admission can be very important for your future.

I believe that I or a family member/friend was “waived in to the U.S. What should I do?

We encourage you to speak to a VISANOW representative about your or a family member/friend’s “manner of entry. While proving that an applicant was “waived in is not required for a deferred action application, it is important that the “manner of entry is correctly listed to the USCIS on the application.

If applying for adjustment of status based on a “waived in lawful admission, a person must consult an experienced law firm to discuss the strengths of his or her case and to prepare the extensive evidence needed to prove that he or she was “waived in.

Take a very important step toward achieving your dreams in the US and contact VISANOW for your free case assessment!

Can I still apply for DACA if I have a criminal history?

By VISANOW Contributor|2013-10-31T18:06:16+00:00April 23, 2013|

We hear it every day: “I want to apply for DACA, but I’m afraid I’ll be denied because I have a criminal record. What do I do?”

It depends on what kind of criminal activity we are looking at, but in many cases, we are glad to tell DREAMers that their criminal record doesn’t automatically disqualify them from receiving a grant of deferred action.

The requirements for deferred action which relate to an applicant’s criminal background are as follows; the applicant must:

Never have been convicted of a felony;
Never have been convicted of a significant misdemeanor;
Have not been convicted of three or more other misdemeanors; and
Not otherwise pose a threat to national security or public safety.

Immigration-related offenses

Because of their undocumented status, many DREAMers have used alternative methods to work, drive, or travel. This is often a cause for concern to deferred action applicants who aren’t sure where they stand with DACA.

For example, in some states, it is considered a misdemeanor to drive without a license or to drive without valid auto insurance, and we’ve talked to several individuals who have been stopped by officials and charged with these offenses on multiple occasions. Does this mean they can’t apply for deferred action?

Generally speaking, the USCIS is largely overlooking immigration-related offenses when it comes to making a decision about deferred action. They understand that many applicants will have some offenses on their record as a result of living in the U.S. up until now without legal status, and, for the most part, these offenses are not their primary concern.

This also applies to instances where an applicant has used someone else’s, or a made-up, social security number to get a job in the U.S. The USCIS is unlikely to hold this against you during the application process.

However, it is important to note that when you receive your new social security number after you get approved, you will be required to update your information with your employer; and there are no laws that prevent your employer firing you for falsifying information, even if the USCIS does not hold it against you for immigration purposes.

While we haven’t heard any reports of this yet, we want to make sure that DREAMers are aware and can make informed decisions during the application process.

Multiple misdemeanors & the effect on DACA

For individuals who have multiple misdemeanors on their record, we strongly recommend that you consult with your immigration attorney about how to proceed with your application.

While you may be tempted to avoid mentioning these occurrences, it is imperative that you disclose this information to your attorney, no matter how many years ago the events happened. Your immigration attorney will be able to help you make an informed decision about whether or not to apply for deferred action, or be able to let you know if there are any other forms of legal status that may apply to your situation.

The danger in omitting any criminal activity on your record is that during your background check and biometrics analysis, this information will come up anyway; if the USCIS was otherwise on the verge of approving your application, your upfront and honest disclosure about your criminal history could mean the difference between your DACA approval, or getting denied completely.

Public safety and national security

Although this element of the deferred action requirements seems more vague, it is meant to eliminate applicants who are involved in activities which may endanger the U.S. and its residents.

For the purposes of deferred action (according to the USCIS), this can include gang membership, attempted terrorist activities or affiliations, participation in an event which endangers the U.S., or recurring criminal activity.

It is important to note that the USCIS reviews your entire background holistically, and attempts to make a decision about your approval based on “the totality of the circumstances.”

This means that you shouldn’t let one single event or offense dictate whether or not you apply, but you should work with an immigration attorney who is experienced with deferred action when you are making a decision for your future.

How your DACA attorney can help

If you have concerns about your criminal history, and how it might affect your eligibility for deferred action, you should get in touch with a qualified immigration attorney who can help walk you through the implications and ramifications of disclosing your criminal history to the USCIS.

Additionally, your criminal history and background check are not the only elements of your deferred action application; a helpful, qualified attorney can help you through the other aspects of applying for DACA, as well.

For help choosing the right attorney for you, take a look at some “do’s and don’ts” of working with an immigration attorney.

Do you have questions about your legal status? You can contact us today to get answers to your most pressing questions, or connect with us on Facebook and Twitter.

Immigration Reform and Notario Fraud: How to Protect Yourself

By VISANOW Contributor|2013-10-31T18:05:57+00:00April 22, 2013|

Last week, the Senate “Gang of Eight officially released their proposal for comprehensive immigration reform. Immigrants and immigration advocates are already discussing the possibility of a new path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants, but it is important to remember that no new immigration laws have passed yet.

Unfortunately, there are people ready to take advantage of immigrants looking for a path to permanent residency or citizenship. In the Latino community in particular, they operate under names such as “Notario or “Notario Publico” which is not a recognized title in the United States. Sometimes calling themselves “Visa Consultants” “Immigration Consultants” or “Immigration Experts” they use false advertising and fraudulent contracts for services which cannot legally be provided.

Many recent immigrants lack the English language skills and knowledge of U.S. laws to properly protect themselves from immigration fraud, and scammers will use this to their advantage. Immigrants not only may lose a lot of money spent on worthless or fraudulent services, but also they can hurt their chances at pursuing legitimate immigration relief because a notario’s work has damaged their case and their credibility.

How can you tell if you are working with a legitimate lawyer or organization? Here are signs you might be a victim of immigration fraud or “notario fraud:

They refuse to show their license to practice law in the United States. You have the right to ask to see this license.
They promise to provide you a visa or service for which you know you are not qualified, such as a green card.
They promise you a new legal status, visa, or service that does not exist or is not yet approved by the government “ in particular, items proposed in the 2013 immigration reform bill. Don’t trust an immigration service provider if they claim to offer things like RPI (Registered Provisional Immigrant) status, an application for the DREAM Act, a “W visa for low-skilled workers, or a path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants. Hopefully these services will be available to immigrants in the near future, but they currently do not exist.
They claim to have special connections or influence with government agencies or officials, or claim to have knowledge of secret or unusual immigration laws and loopholes.
They want to charge you a fee for obtaining U.S. government immigration documents, which are available for free online at USCIS.gov.
They are holding your original personal documents and asking for a fee to return them to you.
They ask you to sign blank forms or to sign documents without reading them.
They ask you to sign documents with any false information on them.
They refuse to allow you sufficient time to read and understand contracts before signing them and/or refuse to translate documents for you.

Protect yourself from immigration fraud and do your research:

See if an immigration lawyer or firm is licensed and in good standing by contacting your state bar or state Supreme Court.
Check online to see if they have been suspended or expelled while practicing immigration law.

Afraid you might have already been a victim of immigration fraud? Check out these resources:

Deferred Action (DACA): What Are You Afraid Of?

By VISANOW Contributor|2013-10-31T18:05:11+00:00April 18, 2013|

1.76 million undocumented immigrants are estimated to qualify for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) since the bill was passed in June 2012, but a majority of those 1.76 million have not taken the steps to apply for this opportunity to live in the United States without fear of deportation. Many have not yet applied because of fears surrounding the application and approval process. We outlined many of the fears about applying to DACA previously on our blog.

Here is a list of common fears and concerns that address DACA from application to approval:

I can’t afford it.

The application fee for deferred action is $465, plus additional fees when you use an attorney or any legal service. This can be a daunting amount for some undocumented immigrants.

It is essential to do your research at the beginning of the DACA application process. Legal service fees can vary greatly, and many attorneys will promise an initial low fee that will rise steeply for every hour of work they put into your case. Make sure you are aware of all fees up front before you proceed with your case. Choosing the right organization to work with can affect the price significantly.

Keep in mind your DACA approval is an investment in your future financial success and well-being: DACA is a work permit that guarantees you won’t be deported, that allows you to accept a job that provides legal benefits and fair pay, and provides an opportunity to take jobs that require a valid driver’s license. You are also making an investment in your own peace of mind: DACA status will protect you against harassment from law enforcement and possible deportation.

I’m afraid that I might not even qualify, so why apply to reveal my undocumented status?

Many reputable immigration organizations provide online checklists to see if your DACA application would be approved. This will give you a good idea about whether you should move forward with the application. Make sure whatever organization you work with has high approval rates for DACA applicants so that your time and resources used to apply are well spent. Working with a trustworthy institution ensures your information should be kept confidential whether you qualify or not.

What if I’m rejected? If I get denied DACA approval, I could be deported.

This is why doing your research and getting a case assessment in advance is important. There are many free, safe steps to take before you formally submit your personal information to the government. Working with the right attorney or organization, you will be certain to apply only if it benefits you.

Deportation is a huge fear for all undocumented immigrants, but DACA approval will allow you to finally live in freedom from that fear.

Even if my DACA application is approved, revealing that I am undocumented puts my undocumented family members at risk.

You don’t have to use information related to your family members to get approved for DACA. We have ideas on how to get creative in the DACA application process in a previous blog post.

DACA is not the DREAM Act. It is not what undocumented immigrants want and I’m not interested in applying for something unless it has all the benefits promised in the DREAM Act.

We agree that current U.S. immigration policy is outdated and insufficient. We are hopeful that comprehensive immigration reform will arrive shortly, but there is really no way to know exactly when that will happen. Until then, DACA is the best legal option available for undocumented immigrants who qualify.

Once Congress finally approves a DREAM Act or similar legislation, approved DACA candidates will most likely be at the front of the line for approval for permanent resident status and full citizenship. A DACA approval will be an exceptional way to prove to immigration officials you are an ideal candidate for a more permanent status, and having documentation of your DACA application process can only strengthen your case.

Once I get my DACA approval, my current employer will fire me for providing false documentation and/or giving them a new Social Security Number.

We consulted with attorneys at MALDEF (Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund), one of the nation’s leading Latino civil rights organizations, and they say that there have been no reports of employers firing approved DACA candidates because of their status. If you are employed in an at-will state, your employer is allowed to fire you at any time, for any reason, minus a few illegal exceptions. However, there are no documented cases of employers firing their employees for providing new personal information after initially providing illegal information to obtain the job. There are also no cases of employers going after DACA workers’ families or seeking deportation once their undocumented status has been revealed.

We welcome you to speak to a VISANOW representative about any hesitations you or a family member/friend may have regarding DACA. You or a family member/friend could be just a few months from receiving Deferred Action, a work permit, and a valid social security number.

Take a very important step toward achieving your dreams in the US and contact VISANOW for your free DACA case assessment!

Comprehensive Immigration Reform Unveiled

By VISANOW Contributor|2013-10-31T20:09:11+00:00April 17, 2013|

A bipartisan group of senators, known as the Gang of Eight, has proposed an overhaul of the current immigration system. The Senate bill, titled the “Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act of 2013” focuses on strengthening border security, providing a path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants, improving the employee verification program for employers, and establishing more visa availability for foreign workers.

A pathway to citizenship

One of the most exciting immigration reforms addressed in the bill allows for a path to citizenship for the 11 million undocumented immigrants who are currently living in the U.S. The bill proposes to allow unauthorized immigrants who were in the U.S. before December 31, 2011 to apply for temporary legal status known as Registered Provisional Immigrant (“RPI) Status.

Besides granting a legal status to millions of undocumented immigrants, RPI status would allow millions to legally work in the U.S. and freely travel outside of the U.S. Another benefit is that spouses and children of people in RPI status can be petitioned for as derivatives of the principal applicant (although they must be in the United States at the time).

After 10 years of being in RPI status, these individuals will then be eligible to apply for a green card, provided that certain goals for border apprehensions and other security measures are met by the U.S. government. After another three years, these immigrants could petition for citizenship and finally be recognized as a U.S. Citizen.

Requirements to obtain RPI status

It is important to note that if the proposed bill becomes enacted, in order to qualify for RPI status, you must have resided in the U.S. prior to December 31, 2011, and maintained continuous physical presence since then. In addition, you will be required to pay a $500 penalty fee (except for DREAM Act eligible students) and assessed taxes, per adult applicant in addition to all applicable fees required to pay for the cost of processing the application.

In addition, you will be ineligible if you:

have been convicted of an aggravated felony;
have been convicted of a felony;
have been convicted of 3 or more misdemeanors;
have been convicted of an offense under foreign law;
have unlawfully voted; or
are inadmissible for Criminal, National Security, Public Health, or other morality grounds.

Re-entry for non-criminal deportations

The proposed bill also asserts that individuals outside of the United States who were previously here before December 31, 2011 can apply to re-enter the United States in RPI status if:

they were deported for non-criminal reasons;
they are the spouse or parent of either a U.S. Citizen or lawful permanent resident; or
they are a childhood arrival who meets the qualifications of the DREAM Act.

If approved, the application period will be for 1 year with the possibility of extension by the Secretary for an additional 1 year. In addition, individuals with removal orders will be permitted to apply as will those who are currently in removal proceedings. If enacted, RPI status will be valid for a 6-year term that is renewable if the immigrant does not commit any acts that would render them deportable. After the 6 years, another $500 penalty fee will be required.

It is important to note that an individual who has been granted RPI status is not eligible for any federal means-based public benefit (as such term is defined in section 403 of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (8 U.S.C. 1613)).

Next steps for immigration reform

The Senate Judiciary Committee will hold hearings on the bill beginning Friday and make any necessary amendments based on feedback. A Senate vote on the bill is expected to occur in May, if not later.

If approved, the bill will then move to the Republican-controlled House of Representatives who will have the opportunity to amend and vote on the proposed bill.

Although this is only the beginning of a long road to the enactment of new immigration legislation, the potential opportunity for millions of undocumented immigrants to be able to apply for a legal status and eventually citizenship is very exciting! In the months to come, we will provide additional information on the proposed bill.

If you have any questions about your legal status, or are interested in finding out how this proposed immigration reform bill might affect you in the future, please contact us or connect with us on Facebook and Twitter.

Previous 33 343536 37 Next

All Products & Services

Business Visas

Getting Married

Green Card

Travel, Study & Work Visa

Getting Legal Status

Living Permanently in the U.S.

New Information!

Immigration Blog