Stacking U.S. Legalization Options While Awaiting Asylum Relief in the United States

Currently, wait times in the United States for an asylum interview or court date may be ‘years away’ based on the volume of applications filed each year by foreign nationals. During the lengthy wait time, however, life goes on. For instance, asylum applicants may meet someone and marry, or find employment which allows for sponsorshipContinue reading “Stacking U.S. Legalization Options While Awaiting Asylum Relief in the United States”

Q&A: What is the Status of a Foreign National Who Enters the U.S. Illegally and Receives “Paroled” Status by a US Customs Border & Patrol Officer to Remain in the United States?

With the recent border surge of undocumented individuals seeking asylum or alternative relief in the United States, our attorneys have seen much confusion regarding the status of those who are in ‘paroled’ status. The purpose of this short Q&A is not to explain parole status. Rather, assuming parole status we have answered the following questionsContinue reading “Q&A: What is the Status of a Foreign National Who Enters the U.S. Illegally and Receives “Paroled” Status by a US Customs Border & Patrol Officer to Remain in the United States?”

Work Visas for Nurses and Other Professionals When DOL says ‘Not a Specialty Occupation’ – H-1B Visa Alternatives for Canadian & Mexican Nationals

Nurses often have a unique issue in qualifying for H-1B speciality work visa status since the Department of Labor  (“DOL”) determined Nurses only require a 2 year diploma. In contrast, an H-1B work visa is only available to professions that require a 4 year degree minimum such as an accountant.  The TN work visa, availableContinue reading “Work Visas for Nurses and Other Professionals When DOL says ‘Not a Specialty Occupation’ – H-1B Visa Alternatives for Canadian & Mexican Nationals”

Criminal Immigration Consequences for Non U.S. Citizens

While non-citizens seek to avoid any altercation with the law, we know “it” happens.  Non-citizens who enter the country legally and are convicted of crimes in the United States are at risk of deportation and removal from the country whenever a crime occurs. The stakes are very high for Permanent Residents and non-immigrant visa holders.Continue reading “Criminal Immigration Consequences for Non U.S. Citizens”

Inadmissibility Issues to the United States? Consider Parole Instead!

Over the years, our law firm clients have included foreign nationals faced with inadmissibility issues at various U.S. land and airport borders. For instance, a couple whose H-1B visas had been erroneously denied prior, found out for the first time upon arrival to the United States. Consequently, they were denied admission to the United States. Continue reading “Inadmissibility Issues to the United States? Consider Parole Instead!”

Navigating The Current Executive Order Amongst Panic & Rage

Panic and fear ripped across our country this weekend in response to President Trump’s Executive Order (EO). The purpose of this blog is to present a balanced view and response to a list of Frequently asked questions (FAQ) our U.S. immigration attorneys have received. We hope this helps our fellow U.S. Citizens and Foreign NationalsContinue reading “Navigating The Current Executive Order Amongst Panic & Rage”

O Visa? Oh… The O Visa! An Alternative Work Visa for Professionals to the H-1B

Over recent years, H-1B visas have not been a viable option for many foreign national professionals. This is largely due to the ridged 65,000 year cap. Many students in F-1 status, Optical Training Status & abroad or professionals with job offers from U.S. Employers then lose hope of gaining the required work visa in theContinue reading “O Visa? Oh… The O Visa! An Alternative Work Visa for Professionals to the H-1B”

Asylum in the United States – Serious Business & How to Ensure A Smooth Process in Stressful Times

By of ScottVassell & LeeCC Law Firm posted on Sunday, November 13, 2016. This blog article is designed to help individuals who visit the United States and ultimately seek asylum protection. Our law firm ha seen a trend where Asylee Applicants take poor advice from legal representatives which result in harsh immigration consequences including detentionContinue reading “Asylum in the United States – Serious Business & How to Ensure A Smooth Process in Stressful Times”

USCIS Increases Validity of Work Permits to Two Years for Asylum Applicants

Effective October 5, 2016, USCIS has increased the validity period for initial or renewal Employment Authorization Documents for asylum applicants from one year to two years. Applicants with pending asylum claims file Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, under category (c)(8). This change applies to all (c)(8)-based applications that are pending as of October 5,Continue reading “USCIS Increases Validity of Work Permits to Two Years for Asylum Applicants”

The Dangerous Intersection of Family Law and U.S. Immigration Consequences

On behalf of ScottVassell & LeeCC Law Firm posted on Tuesday, October 04, 2016. The intersection of family law and U.S. Immigration law has become more and more common for our non-U.S. citizen clients. Domestic violence and divorce for a non-immigrant visa holder or a U.S. Permanent resident can result in devastating U.S. immigration consequences.Recently,Continue reading “The Dangerous Intersection of Family Law and U.S. Immigration Consequences”