Immigration FAQs

A “green card,” issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), provides proof of lawful permanent resident status, with authorization to live and work anywhere in the United States. Most green cards must be renewed every 10 years, but conditional green cards based on marriage or investment must be replaced after the first 2 years.

Currently, green cards are valid for 10 years, or two years in the case of a conditional resident. The green card must be renewed before it expires.

A lawful permanent resident, also known as a “green card holder,” is a foreign national who is authorized to live and work anywhere in the United States, sponsor certain relatives for their own green cards, and ultimately apply for U.S. citizenship.

The K-1 fiancé visa is available to fiancés of U.S. citizens who are living outside of the United States and intend to get married within 90 days of arriving in the United States.

Most green card applicants must have a U.S. sponsor who accepts financial responsibility for them upon arriving in the United States. An “Affidavit of Support” (Form I-864) is essentially a contract between the financial sponsor and the U.S. government, where the financial sponsor demonstrates that they meet the government’s income requirements.

Form I-693 documents the results of the required medical examination for a spouse (or other family member) seeking a green card. For those applying from within the United States, their medical exam is performed by a doctor approved by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), who provides a signed Form I-693. For those applying from outside the United States, a State Department-approved doctor performs the medical exam.

Receiving a deportation order does not necessarily mean there is no hope to stay in this country. An individual can challenge, appeal, or otherwise seek to stay a deportation order. United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) handles deportations and removal proceedings. USCIS sends an individual a Notice to Appear, which will contain the details of why the proceeding has been initiated. The notice will also provide the date of the first hearing. The initial hearing is procedural, and the individual will receive information about his or her rights. At the end of the hearing, an evidentiary hearing is set.

The evidentiary hearing is when a federal immigration judge will hear the evidence against the individual. The government must show through clear and convincing evidence that the individual is removable from the United States. The individual will be able to present evidence, such as documents and witness testimony, in his or her defense. If your claim is denied, you can file an appeal with the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA).

No. It may take from three months to two years to complete the green card process.

U.S. immigration law is complex. Having an immigration attorney can make the immigration process go more smoothly and give you peace of mind that you are correctly following all procedures. Evidence gathering and presentation often will have a significant impact on the case. By hiring an immigration attorney, you will have an adviser who is experienced in immigration law and who will personally handle your immigration case. We pride ourselves in providing experienced and affordable immigration legal representation and being your immigration partner.

Eligibility depends upon a number of factors. Generally, a person will have had to be a lawful permanent resident for 5 years in order to apply (or 3 years based upon marriage to a U.S. Citizen). Contact an immigration attorney to formulate the best strategy for your unique circumstances and to give you peace of mind that you are correctly following all procedures.

The United States is a country that truly believes in the words on the Statue of Liberty which say: “Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free.” Asylum and Temporary Protected Status are two examples of relief that the United States provides. By consulting with an immigration attorney, you will have an adviser who is experienced in immigration law and will provide you an honest assessment of your eligibility for relief and who will personally handle your immigration case.

Yes, as a person living in the United States you should report criminal activity to the appropriate authorities. Often by cooperating with the police you may become eligible for a visa based upon your victimization and cooperation. Contact an immigration attorney with to discuss eligibility.