Oneonta Immigration Attorneys & Lawyers

What Is a U Visa?

When an immigrant is the victim of a serious crime, they're allowed to get a U visa. This lets an immigrant stay in the country. Without it, they'd return to their home country, and American law enforcement officials wouldn't have the information they need to solve the crime. The government created this law in 2000 to convince witnesses to testify.

Recently, the U visa has grown more popular. In 2009, only 10,000 people applied, while 21,000 were on the waiting list. By 2016, 60,000 applicants asked for U visas while 150,000 were stuck on the waiting list. It's a huge problem, since the government gives out only 10,000 U visas each year. The current waiting list of victims approved for a U visa is 78,066.  

Because of the huge waiting list, government officials changed the rules for U visa applicants. People now wait in the United States instead of the country they came from. Even though they don't have a U visa, the

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What Is Immigration Law?

Immigration law defines a person's citizenship and residency status, which binds them with rights and obligations. It also manages how a non-resident of the U.S. may gain residency, citizenship, or visitation rights. Deportation is also a part of immigration law.

United States immigration is governed by four ideals:

• To unify families that have been dispersed.
• To bring foreign nationals who have skills to contribute to the U.S. economy.
• To protect refugees and people at risk.
• To increase diversity.

How Is the Immigration Process Carried Out?

According to the U.S. Constitution, Congress is given the power to manage and oversee immigration concerns. Specific laws that Congress relies on are located, with some exceptions, in Title 8 of the U.S. Code. Therefore, stipulations regarding immigration a

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What Is a Reentry Permit?

A reentry permit gives permission for a U.S. lawful permanent resident (LPR) — also known as a green card holder — or conditional permanent resident to reenter the U.S. after an extended period of time abroad. Permission is granted by the U.S. Citizen and Immigration Services (USCIS). LPRs are expected to permanently and primarily live in the United States. It can be a problem if a lawful permanent resident must travel abroad for extended periods of time.

A reentry permit must be granted prior to the lawful permanent resident's departure from the United States. Without a reentry permit, an LPR who resides out of the U.S. for an extended period of time may lose their status as a lawful permanent resident. For short-term international travel, a reentry permit is not needed. Only a green card and passport would be necessary to

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What are Immigration Forms?

Immigration forms allow residents of other countries to apply to immigrate legally to the United States for work and/or permanent residence. There are hundreds of different forms available to applicants, so understanding which forms are for which circumstances can get confusing. All forms are available for free through the offices or websites of the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) or the U.S. State Department. Applicants can also obtain forms at overseas consulates, download them from the site of the relevant U.S. government agency, or call 800-870-3676.

Applicants who plan to visit the local USCIS office should plan ahead. These offices often have long lines, so USCIS has established an "InfoPass" program that allows visitors to make appointments before going to the office. Some offices will take walk-ins, but this is unlikely. When scheduling an appointment, ma

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What Is a Green Card Marriage?

A green card marriage is when a foreign citizen marries a U.S. citizen. When a foreign citizen marries a U.S. citizen, they can receive a green card or permanent resident status in the U.S. There are many steps and checks taken by the U.S. government to make sure the marriage is legal prior to the foreign national receiving a green card.

Green Card Through Marriage Application

Permanent residents and U.S. citizens can sponsor their spouse through a petition or application for a green card. Both spouses must be eligible to receive approval.

The process by which the application takes place is dependent upon whether the green card sponsor is put forth by the U.S. citizen or a green card holder.

The process through which to receive their green card

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