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Do Unemployment Benefits Hurt Your Chances as a Visa Petitioner for Your Family?
Today, I’m going to talk about unemployment benefits. Right now, the economy is not doing well. Hopefully you’re gainfully employed. But if you’re not or if you lose your job, can you take unemployment benefits? And if you did so, would that affect your immigration case? I’ve gotten this question three times. And two of…
Read MoreMandamus Lawsuits Offer Hope for Delayed Asylum Decisions
Applying for asylum is difficult and waiting for a delayed asylum decision can be stressful. We understand what you’re going through and want to help you with your refugee status. In our discussion, we’ll cover how long the wait can be and share tips to make it easier. Our goal is to offer hope and…
Read More203(g) Visa Canceled – What Does It Really Mean?
I’m Josh Goldstein, an immigration lawyer based in Los Angeles, California. Today, I want to talk about a very important message that so many of my clients are getting about their 203(g) visas being canceled. Everybody is racing out to ask me questions about this. And chances are that you’ve been getting a very similar…
Read MoreDACA Alternatives: Immigration options after DACA ends
Trying to follow the news about DACA can give you whiplash. First, Donald Trump decided to end DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals), leaving some 800,000 young people without access to employment authorization and protection from deportation. Now it appears that Democrats and Trump may have reached a DACA Deal, which would make DACA the…
Read MoreUnderstanding Immigration Law: Is it a Bad Sign to Receive a Request for Evidence?
A Request for Evidence (RFE) is a type of document issued by the USCIS that seeks additional information from a petitioner/applicant. RFEs are relatively common. As an example, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) reports that a Request for Evidence is issued in nearly 25 percent of H-1B visa petitions. If you just…
Read MoreAre Muslim Visa Applicants Dealing With Unfair Administrative Processing Delays?
Administrative processing is not something that’s exclusively for Muslims or people from majority Muslim countries. However, it does feel that way because so many of my clients are from Muslim countries or are Muslim. I think part of the explanation for why so many people are stuck in administrative processing is that administrative processing is…
Read MoreWhat Can I Expect at an Immigration Biometrics Appointment in California?
Biometrics is a scientific term that describes the unique anatomical data that can be used to identify a person. Fingerprints are probably the most well-known example of a form of biometric data that is used by authorities. If you are applying to become a permanent resident, you will be required to attend a biometrics appointment…
Read MoreIs Administrative Clearance The Same As Administrative Processing
Today, we’re talking about visa delays, 221G, and administrative processing. The question comes from one of the members of our Facebook group. It’s free to join and I’d encourage you to join if you’re interested in these sorts of things. The question says, “I am a petitioner green card holder. I filed for my spouse…
Read MoreHow to Navigate Successfully From F-1 to OPT to Green Card
Life after an F-1 visa often sparks curiosity about what comes next. If you’re an international student gearing up for OPT, already in the zone, or witnessing its conclusion, you’re likely pondering, “What’s next?” Many wonder how to transition from an F-1 student visa (or OPT) to something more lasting, like a work visa or…
Read MoreHow to Prepare to Apply for an O-1 Visa
An O-1 visa is a type of non-immigrant visa that is reserved specifically for people with “extraordinary” abilities. As explained by United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), you may be eligible for an O-1 visa if you can demonstrate a record of superior talent and/or ability in the field such as the arts, education,…
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