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Camp Hill Legal Blog

Compassionate Legal Guidance for Families and Individuals in Camp Hill, Harrisburg, York, and Beyond

Blog Category | Immigration

September 27, 2025

H-2A Temporary Agricultural Workers

The H-2A visa program permits U.S. employers to sponsor foreign nationals and bring them to the U.S. to fill temporary agricultural jobs. The U.S. employer must file a Form I-129, Petition for Nonimmigrant Worker, on behalf of the prospective employee. The U.S. employer must meet the following criteria: Offer a...

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September 18, 2025

What Immigration Statistics Reveal About Camp Hill

Many immigrants enter the United States at large ports of entry. Eventually, they may settle in much smaller communities. Camp Hill, Pennsylvania, is not a major metropolitan area. Still, there are already hundreds of immigrants who call the area home. Many of those immigrants have actually become naturalized citizens. People...

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September 11, 2025

E-1 Visa

An E-1 visa is a nonimmigrant visa classification that is reserved for nationals of a treaty country (a country with which the United States maintains a treaty of commerce and navigation). E-1 visa holders are admitted into the United States to conduct international trade activities. In certain cases, employees of...

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September 10, 2025

U Visas

The U visa is a nonimmigrant visa available to victims of certain crimes who have assisted in the investigation or prosecution of the perpetrator of the crime to which the immigrant was the victim. To qualify for a U visa, the immigrant must meet the following criteria: The immigrant victim...

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August 27, 2025

Cancellation of Removal

What is Cancellation of Removal? Cancellation of Removal is a form of relief available to lawful permanent residents (LPRs) or certain non-LPR residents who are in removal proceedings and facing deportation. It allows eligible LPRs or certain non-LPRs to request the immigration judge to cancel their removal and allow them...

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August 23, 2025

Student/Minor

DACA update – July 2021 DACA Overview Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) J-1 Visa J-1 Visa Waivers M Visas for Vocational or Nonacademic Programs OPT and STEM OPT Optional Practical Training (OPT) and Immigration in the US Student Visas Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS)

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August 08, 2025

Notice to Appear

What is a Notice to Appear? A Notice to Appear (NTA) is a legal document issued by the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to initiate removal proceedings against a foreign national who is believed to be in violation of immigration laws. It serves as a formal notification to...

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August 06, 2025

T Visa:  Victims of Human Trafficking

The T visa is a special type of nonimmigrant visa that is available to victims of human trafficking who are in the United States. It allows victims to remain in the U.S. and assist law enforcement authorities in the investigation or prosecution of human trafficking cases. Who is eligible for...

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July 26, 2025

Medical Waivers in Green Card Applications

If an intending immigrant is inadmissible to the United States for certain medical reasons, they may be able to obtain a medical waiver and then successfully apply for their green card.  Waivers are discretionary; USCIS is not required to approve an immigrant’s waiver application.  Medical waivers are available, in some...

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July 23, 2025

Violence Against Women Act (VAWA)

Contrary to its name, the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) is gender-neutral. Abused men, along with abused women, can file under this act. VAWA provides an avenue for lawful permanent residence (Green Cards) for victims of abuse such as battery or extreme cruelty at the hands of a: U.S. Citizen...

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July 09, 2025

USCIS Expedite Request

USCIS expedite requests are requests to have an application or petition processed more quickly than the normal processing time. To make an expedite request, you can simply call the USCIS Contact Center at 800-375-5283. If your expedite request is granted, USCIS will take your application or petition out of date...

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July 06, 2025

ADIT Stamps

The ADIT (Alien Documentation, Identification and Telecommunication systems) stamp (also known as an I-551 stamp) is a stamp that is affixed to a page in one’s passport or on an I-94 card that serves as temporary proof of lawful permanent resident status. A lawful permanent resident (“LPR” or “green card”...

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June 06, 2025

Uniting for Ukraine: Parole for Ukrainians

On April 21, 2022, the U.S. announced a new program entitled “Uniting for Ukraine.” Under Uniting for Ukraine, individuals in lawful status in the United States can now apply to sponsor displaced Ukrainians for temporary permission to enter and remain in the U.S. For this program, parole is being granted...

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May 29, 2025

Cuban Adjustment Act

The Cuban Adjustment Act (CAA) provides a special way for Cuban nationals who wish to immigrate to the United States to obtain their lawful permanent residence in the United States. Enacted in 1966, the CAA offers a pathway for Cuban citizens to adjust their status to lawful permanent residents after arriving...

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May 20, 2025

Immigration

U Visas Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) Commuter green cards Deferred Action For Childhood Arrivals (DACA) H-1B visas H-2A visas I Visas for representatives of foreign media J-1 Visas L-1A Process O Visas P-1 visas P-1 visas for entertainment groups R-1 visas Student Visas TN NAFTA professionals

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May 17, 2025

I-212 (Time Bar) Waiver

The I-212 Waiver allows some individuals who would otherwise be barred from reentering the United States for a specified period of time (known as a period of inadmissibility or a “time bar”) to apply for permission to reapply for admission to the United States. The I-212 Waiver alone is not...

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April 23, 2025

Provisional Unlawful Presence(I-601A) Waiver

For individuals facing certain inadmissibility issues, such as unlawful presence, the immigration journey can be complex. This, known as the Provisional Unlawful Presence Waiver, is a vital tool that provides hope and a chance to overcome these obstacles. In this article, we will address the details of the Provisional Unlawful...

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April 20, 2025

USCIS Ombudsman

The office of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Ombudsman is a part of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). USCIS Ombudsman does not have the power to make decisions on a particular case, but instead, they work to improve the process and address issues. One of the most...

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April 16, 2025

How Does Your Criminal History Affect the Naturalization Application?

Having a criminal history may affect your naturalization application. While not all criminal convictions will make you ineligible for naturalization, certain crimes can seriously affect your immigration status and may lead to the denial of your naturalization application. The USCIS requires all applicants for naturalization to demonstrate good moral character...

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April 09, 2025

Bond Hearing in Immigration Court

A bond hearing is one type of legal proceedings held before the immigration court. The immigration judge decides whether a detained individual is eligible for release from detention while he/she awaits the outcome of the removal proceedings. If eligible, the judge will set a bond amount that the individual must...

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April 05, 2025

The Public Charge Rule

Background: The “Public Charge Rule” has been in the news a lot lately, and it’s caused a lot of concern for intending immigrants and their loved ones. While the Public Charge Rule is not new—it’s found in the Immigration and Nationality Act (the “INA”)—the United States Department of Homeland Security...

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April 03, 2025

Green Card Interviews with USCIS

After an individual applies for his or her green card, they will be scheduled to appear before an immigration officer at the local USCIS office. The purpose of the interview is to determine the immigrant’s eligibility for the green card as well as to assess the applicant’s credibility. When the...

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March 27, 2025

U visa

Immigrants who are in the U.S. illegally may be hesitant to contact law enforcement officials due to a fear of deportation or other repercussions. Immigrants may not report crimes for which they are victims, of out of fear that their illegal immigration status will be revealed. The U visa was...

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March 12, 2025

Immigration Court 101: Hearing Types

If you have a case before an immigration court, and have already received a “Notice to Appear,” you are considered to be “in removal proceedings.” This means that legal proceedings have been initiated against you for the purpose of determining if you will ultimately be removed, or “deported,” from the...

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March 06, 2025

Visas

B1/B2 Visas Diversity Visas (Visa Lottery) EB-5 Investor Visa K-3 Visas L-1 Visas M Visas for Vocational or Nonacademic Programs NAFTA Professionals and TN Visas Premium Processing Optional Practical Training (OPT) and Immigration in the US Q Visas H1B Visas T Visa: Victims of Human Trafficking U visa

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March 03, 2025

Commuter Green Cards

There is an exception to the rule that all green card holders must reside in the United States. That exception is when an applicant is a resident of Canada or Mexico and travels from one of these countries to the United States on a daily or frequent basis for purposes...

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February 24, 2025

E-2 Visa Classification

An E-2 visa is a nonimmigrant visa classification that is reserved for treaty investors in the United States. It allows an individual to work in the United States based on his or her controlling investment in the United States. Individuals who are already in the United States and hold a...

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February 20, 2025

Deferred Action For Childhood Arrivals

DACA was established in 2012 via the issuance of a Memorandum, “Exercising Prosecutorial Discretion with Respect to Individuals Who Came to the United States as Children.” This program conferred certain benefits to certain illegal aliens that Congress had not otherwise acted to provide benefits to, including affording these individuals a...

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February 18, 2025

Re-Entry Permits

A Re-Entry Permit proves that a green card holder intends to maintain U.S. residency despite prolonged absences from the United States. It allows green card holders to re-enter the United States without jeopardizing their green card status. Without a Re-Entry Permit, prolonged stays outside of the U.S. could trigger questions...

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February 13, 2025

Replacing a Lost or Expired Green Card

A Lawful Permanent Resident card (often referred to as a “Green Card”) is an important document that proves that an individual is living lawfully in the United States as a permanent resident and that they are legally authorized to work in the United States. When the card is lost, stolen...

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February 10, 2025

INFOPASS

InfoPass is a free service offered by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) that allows you to schedule an appointment with a USCIS field office to discuss your immigration case in person. InfoPass appointments are not for all the immigration questions you may have. For example, if you need to...

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February 08, 2025

Green Cards

ADIT Stamps Adjustment of Status Under 245i Affidavit of Support Asylum in the United States Cancellation of Removal for Lawful Permanent Residents Common Documents Need For Green Card Application Commuter Green Cards Crimes Involving Moral Turpitude Cuban Adjustment Act Diversity Visas (Visa Lottery) Green Cards for Immediate Relatives of U.S....

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February 07, 2025

Certificate of Citizenship

While most US citizens will never obtain a Certificate of Citizenship, a Certificate of Citizenship is used to prove US citizenship for individuals who acquired citizenship through their parents (rather than through the naturalization process). A Certificate of Citizenship is typically used by individuals who were born abroad. For example,...

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February 05, 2025

The Board of Immigration (BIA) Appeals

The Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) is a part of the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR). It has nationwide jurisdiction to hear appeals from decisions of immigration judges and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) officers. The BIA’s primary function is to ensure the uniform application of immigration laws across...

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February 01, 2025

B-1 Temporary Business Visitor Visas

Individuals from foreign countries may be eligible to apply for a B-1 visa if they will be coming to the United States for a temporary purpose of participating in a specific, limited business or professional activity. B-1 visas are typically granted for individuals who will be participating in the following...

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January 27, 2025

L-1A Process

The L-1A visa process assists U.S. employers in transferring employees who hold positions such as managers, executives, and employees with specialized knowledge from a foreign entity to a U.S. entity. The employer must be doing business in the United States and one other country, and must have an employer-employee relationship...

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January 24, 2025

I Visas For Representatives Of Foreign Media

Individuals may be eligible for the I, Representatives of Foreign Media, nonimmigrant visa if they meet the following criteria: The foreign national represents a foreign media outlet; The foreign national is coming to the U.S. to solely engage in the media profession; and The foreign national has a home office...

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January 15, 2025

Employment Based Immigration

EB-5 Investor Visa E-1 visa E-2 Visa Decoding the Visa Bulletin H-1B Visas H-2A Visas H2A is a Resource for Temporary Workers H-2B is a Resource for Temporary Non-Agricultural Workers I visas INFOPASS L-1 Visas NAFTA Professionals and TN Visas Notice of Intent to Deny (“NOID”) O Visas P1A visas...

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January 09, 2025

Immigration Detainers

An immigration detainer is a way for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (“ICE”) to request that an individual who is being detained in a county or state prison or jail on criminal charges, be detained within that same facility for up to an additional 48 hours past the time they otherwise...

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December 22, 2024

Student Visas

For individuals who wish to study full time, in the U.S., there are two (2) non-immigrant visas that students may apply for: F-1 or M-1. In order to qualify to study in the United States, the student must be enrolled in an academic educational program, a language-training program or a...

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December 21, 2024

H-1B Visas: A Guide to The Process

When a United States employer seeks to employ a foreign national temporarily in a specialty occupation in the United States, a strict process must be followed. The foreign national must be sponsored by the employer. First, a labor condition application (LCA) must be electronically filed with the United States Department...

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December 20, 2024

Waiver of Grounds of Inadmissibility (I-601)

The path to immigrate to the United States is not always straightforward, and many individuals face the challenge of inadmissibility. This, known as the Waiver of Grounds of Inadmissibility, is crucial in helping individuals overcome these immigration obstacles. In this article, we will explore the Waiver of Grounds of Inadmissibility...

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December 11, 2024

Medical Exams for Green Card Applicants

Getting Your Green Card: Medical Exam (Form I-693) Every client applying for a green card will need a medical examination. Not just any doctor can complete the required form, the I-693 Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record. Only a “civil surgeon,” a doctor approved by USCIS or the Department...

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December 09, 2024

InfoPass Appointments with USCIS

InfoPass is a service provided by USCIS to assist permanent residents, intending immigrants, or non-immigrant visa holders with services that cannot be provided via phone or email. Generally, these in person appointments are reserved for urgent matters, such as emergency travel documents or proof of immigration status for work or...

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November 10, 2024

Navigating Inadmissibility to the United States

The journey to becoming a lawful resident or citizen of the United States is often met with various legal complexities and requirements. One significant hurdle that individuals may encounter is the concept of inadmissibility, which can pose obstacles to their immigration goals. In this article, we will explore the concept...

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November 04, 2024

Crimes Involving Moral Turpitude (“CIMT”)

Crimes involving moral turpitude (“CIMT”) is a unique legal concept in immigration law. Having a conviction for a CIMT could be a determining factor in assessing an immigrant’s inadmissibility and could lead the immigrant to deportation or denial of entry. It may be unclear which certain criminal convictions can be...

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October 26, 2024

H-1B Visas

When a United States employer seeks to employ a foreign national temporarily in a specialty occupation in the United States, a strict process must be followed. The foreign national must be sponsored by the employer. First, a labor condition application (LCA) must be electronically filed with the United States Department...

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October 18, 2024

Medical Exams for the Green Card Process

In order to ensure that applicants for lawful permanent residence in the United States (green cards) do not have any communicable diseases that they will bring to the United States, every client applying for a green card is required to undergo a medical examination. This medical examination cannot be completed...

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October 16, 2024

Special Immigrant Juveniles

Children and young adults under 21 years of age from other countries who are in the United States and need the protection of a juvenile court due to abandonment, neglect, or abuse may be eligible for a Special Immigrant Juvenile (“SIJ”) classification. Children who are SIJs may qualify for a...

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October 13, 2024

Change of Address with USCIS?

If you move while your application is still pending, and before you become a U.S. Citizen, you should report a change of address to United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Reporting your change of address to USCIS will help ensure that you continue to receive important notices and documents...

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September 25, 2024

Commuter Green Cards

There is an exception to the rule that all green card holders must reside in the United States. That exception is when an applicant is a resident of Canada or Mexico and travels from one of these countries to the United States on a daily or frequent basis for purposes...

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September 24, 2024

Administrative Closure

Administrative closure is one of the procedural ways in immigration proceedings that immigration judges or the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) temporarily remove a case from their active docket. Unlike a final decision, administrative closure leaves the case unresolved but inactive. For example, if a case is terminated or dismissed,...

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September 04, 2024

ADIT Stamp

The ADIT is an abbreviation for Alien Documentation, Identification, and Telecommunication. The ADIT stamp is issued by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to lawful permanent residents who are in the process of renewing their green cards, or who have had their green cards lost, stolen, or destroyed....

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August 30, 2024

J-1 Visa Waiver: Staying in the United States After Completing Exchange Programs

The J-1 visa program is designed to promote cultural exchange and skill development in the United States, allowing foreign nationals to participate in various exchange programs. However, one of the critical considerations for J-1 visa holders is the “two-year home residency requirement.” Under this rule, certain J-1 visa participants are...

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August 12, 2024

Asylum EAD Clock

The Employment Authorization Document (EAD) is important for many asylum seekers, allowing them to work legally while their asylum applications are pending. One of the important factors to be considered for a work permit application during the asylum process is the asylum EAD clock. The asylum clock refers to the...

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July 30, 2024

Citizenship and Naturalization

Acquisition of U.S. Citizenship at Birth or by Adoption Acquisition of United States Citizenship at Birth Acquisition of US Citizenship through Adoption Appealing a Denial of U.S. Citizenship Citizenship/Naturalization Exemptions to the English and Civic Test for Naturalization How does your criminal history affect the naturalization application Loss of United...

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July 09, 2024

H-2A Visas

The H-2A visa program permits U.S. employers to sponsor foreign nationals and bring them to the U.S. to fill temporary agricultural jobs. The U.S. employer must file a Form I-129, Petition for Nonimmigrant Worker, on behalf of the prospective employee. The U.S. employer must meet the following criteria: Offer a...

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June 20, 2024

245(i) Adjustment of Status

Section 245(i) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) allows some individuals who would otherwise be ineligible to adjust their status (receive their green card) if they meet certain criteria. Such individuals may ordinarily be ineligible to obtain their green card from inside the United States because they entered the...

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June 13, 2024

Humanitarian Parole Process

Parole enables the temporary entry of an individual into the United States, even if they are considered inadmissible or otherwise ineligible for admission.  The Secretary of Homeland Security has the authority to exercise their discretion and grant parole to individuals seeking temporary admission to the United States for compelling humanitarian...

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June 12, 2024

T Visas for Victims of Human Trafficking

What is a T visa? A T visa is a non-immigrant visa available to victims of human trafficking. What is human trafficking? Human trafficking is “a form of modern-day slavery in which traffickers use force, fraud, or coercion to compel individuals to provide labor or services, including commercial sex. Traffickers...

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May 30, 2024

Visas

B-1 Visas C-1/D Visas TN NAFTA Professionals I Visas for Representatives of Foreign Media J-1 Visas O Visas P1A Visas for Athletes P1A Visas for Entertainment Groups R-1 Visas Deferred Action For Childhood Arrivals (DACA) Special Immigrant Juveniles T Visas of Human Trafficking

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May 21, 2024

Asylum in the United States

What is Asylum? Asylum is legal protection granted to foreign nationals who fled their home country to avoid persecution they suffered, or that they would suffer if they were forced to return to their home country. In order to be eligible for asylum, an applicant must meet the definition of...

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May 07, 2024

Immigration Court 101: Appealing a Denial

Immigration Judges have the authority to deny relief from deportation and order that individuals be deported from the U.S. Their decisions are considered final, however, in most scenarios, denials can be appealed. An appeal is an application to a higher court or administrative tribunal that states that an error or...

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April 23, 2024

Defective Notices to Appear (NTAs)

A Notice to Appear (NTA) is an important document that places an individual in removal proceedings before an immigration judge. The NTA includes specific details about an immigration hearing, such as name, date of birth, nationality, the time and date of hearing, the legal grounds for removal, etc. The Department...

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April 21, 2024

L1 Visas

The L1 is a non-immigration visa. It helps employees (visa applicant) move between different countries for their jobs. It is like a bridge connecting employees (visa applicant) and companies (sponsor) across borders. L1 visas offer many benefits for both companies and employees. Companies can quickly send their skilled employees to...

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April 12, 2024

J-1 Visas

The J-1 Visa is available to individuals who wish to participate in a cultural or educational exchange program in the United States. The J-1 is a non-immigrant visa and may include a requirement to take the skills or experiences gained during this program back to his or her home country...

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April 09, 2024

TPS – Temporary Protected Status

Temporary Protective Status (TPS) is granted by the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security. TPS is a form of humanitarian immigration relief that allows foreign nationals from certain countries to remain in the United States for a limited period of time.  TPS provides temporary protection from deportation and permission...

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April 06, 2024

H1B Visas

With the right qualifications and experience, talented individuals from all over the world can find success in the United States. Despite the current challenges of obtaining an H1B visa, many international students and professionals still consider it worthwhile to pursue their professional dreams in the United States. The H-1B visa...

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March 23, 2024

Replacing a Green Card after Turning 14

For lawful permanent residents of the United States, a green card provides proof of legal status in the United States. It can be used for various purposes, such as employment, travel, and access to government services. If you received your green card before turning 14 years old, you are required...

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March 12, 2024

Crimes Involving Moral Turpitude (“CIMT”)

Crimes involving moral turpitude (“CIMT”) is a unique legal concept in immigration law. Having a conviction for a CIMT could be a determining factor in assessing an immigrant’s inadmissibility and could lead the immigrant to deportation or denial of entry. It may be unclear which certain criminal convictions can be...

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February 09, 2024

Expedited Removal

Expedited removal is a process used by immigration authorities to promptly deport individuals deemed inadmissible to the United States without further hearing or review. This process allows the rapid removal of individuals who entered the U.S. border without proper authorization or documentation. Expedited removal can be applied to individuals who...

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February 07, 2024

Visitor (B1/B2) Visas

The B1/B2 visa is a non-immigrant visa designed for individuals intending to visit the United States temporarily for business (B1) or pleasure/tourism (B2) purposes.  It permits entry for a specified duration, allowing visa holders to engage in only authorized activities such as business meetings, conferences, tourism, or visiting relatives and...

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January 11, 2024

Family Based Immigration

ADIT Stamp Affidavit of Support Appealing a Denial  Changing Address with Immigration Decoding the Visa Bulletin Denial of Immigration Petition Fiancé Visas Green Cards for Immediate Relatives of U.S. Citizens Green Cards for Other Relatives of U.S. Citizens of Lawful Permanent Residents How to Obtain an ITIN for Tax Filing...

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