Generally, both spouses must file an application to remove the conditions of permanent residence. The application must be filed within 90 days before the end of the two-year period in which conditional permanent residence was granted. But there are some exceptions. Find out what they are by reading "Consulta Migratoria", my column in the ... Read more
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
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
For the second consecutive year, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) approved 10,000 petitions for the U visa. This means that they have reached the maximum number they can issue for this fiscal year. In 2011, nearly 14,000 people applied for the 10,000 available slots. The program was created by Congress ... Read more
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.
The law requires most non-U.S. citizens to notify the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) of address changes within 10 days of moving. It is the sole responsibility of the person applying for immigration benefits for himself or herself or his or her family that the USCIS ... Read more
Federal, state and local authorities today announced the launch of a campaign to combat scams by notarios and immigration consultants targeting immigrants seeking legal help to fix their papers. The initiative, "The Wrong Help Can Hurt You - Avoid Immigration Scams," is spearheaded by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The goal ... Read more
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
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced the launch of a federal initiative to educate and raise public awareness about the rights, responsibilities and importance of U.S. citizenship. The educational campaign will use print and digital media in Spanish and radio in a variety of languages to raise public awareness of the ... Read more
Receiving public assistance may affect an immigrant's ability to obtain U.S. residency or citizenship. This depends on whether the government considers you a "public charge". If so, you may be inadmissible for immigration benefits. In my most recent column for La Opinión I explain which benefits can hurt you and which cannot. You can read it by clicking ... Read more
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