Is it possible to take the citizenship test in Spanish?

Generally, a person seeking U.S. citizenship must take a written and oral examination to demonstrate that he or she has a basic knowledge of English and of U.S. history and government. If an applicant fails the English and civics exams, he or she may retake the exam within one year after the applicant fails. Read more

How to apply for permanent residency after receiving a U visa

In my previous "Immigration Consultation" column in La Opinión, I explained that the U visa is part of a humanitarian program of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and is granted to victims of certain crimes who are willing to cooperate with authorities in the investigation or prosecution of the crimes.... Read more

What is it and who can receive a U visa?

There is a lot of confusion about the U visa. This visa offers protection to immigrants who are victims of crime. But there are restrictions on who is eligible to receive it. This week in "Consulta Migratoria", my column in La Opinión, I explain how the U visa works, who is eligible and for how long it is granted.

Scammers on the prowl with new immigration policy

The announcement that the U.S. government would halt "low priority" deportations gave hope to thousands of immigrants whose cases are before the immigration courts. But it also attracted scam artists on the prowl for vulnerable people desperately seeking to stay in the country. The new immigration policy is not an amnesty, ... Read more

Help for victims of human trafficking

Human trafficking or human smuggling is the illegal trade in persons for sexual or labor exploitation through prostitution or forced labor, involuntary servitude or any modern form of slavery. It is a serious problem with millions of victims around the world, thousands of them in the United States. In my column this week ... Read more

Questions about notaries, detentions and the 245(i)

In "Consulta Migratoria", my column in La Opinión newspaper, this week I answer questions from my readers. Find out what you can do if you paid a notary and he or she disappears without providing services, how to find a family member detained by immigration, and whether you should pay for the renewal of work permits if you have already been ... Read more

There are fee exemptions for immigration procedures.

Most immigration procedures require the payment of fees to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) - whether for renewing a permanent resident card, obtaining a work permit, or registering for the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) program, among other things, or for the ... Read more

Answers to questions from readers of "Consulta Migratoria".

In my most recent "Consulta Migratoria" column for La Opinión I answer questions from readers. Please note that each case is different and that the answers vary depending on each person's immigration history and other factors. In the column I answer general questions from readers. Please consult with an attorney ... Read more

Immigration column in La Opinión

Every Monday starting today, there will be a column that I will be writing in the Los Angeles La Opinión newspaper, offering advice and answering questions that the public may have regarding immigration. It is important for every immigrant to be well informed regarding his or her rights and responsibilities under immigration law ... Read more

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