The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) recently announced a significant initiative aimed at fostering family unity within the immigration system.     Currently, noncitizens who have entered the U.S. illegally and are married to U.S. citizens can apply for lawful permanent residence. In order to complete their process and receive a green card, they must…

By Pratibha Agarwal, Managing Attorney   We’re here; half the year has passed. I am using it as an opportunity to reflect on the firm’s successes, the people we have touched, and the lives we have changed. I am focusing on the small part we have in making the world a place full of opportunity…

    Applying for relief under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) can be challenging, especially if you feel you lack sufficient evidence to support your case. However, it’s important to know that VAWA protections cover various forms of abuse, and there are multiple ways to substantiate your claims, even if concrete evidence seems limited.…

Effective May 22, 2024, USCIS has updated its guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual regarding family-based immigrant visa petitions. This update affects Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, and in limited situations, family-based Form I-360, Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant. The revisions include new procedures for correcting approval notice errors, processing requests for…

  The family-based green card process starts by filing Form I-130.  U.S. citizens and green card holders can sponsor their family members.  U.S. citizens may sponsor parents, siblings, married and unmarried children, and their spouse.  Green card holders can sponsor their spouse and unmarried children.   You may be able to file your form I-485 (adjustment…

    It’s a common misconception that only women qualify for protection under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). However, VAWA is gender-neutral and extends its safeguards to individuals of all genders who have suffered abuse at the hands of a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident spouse or parent.  Some of our clients also…

  It is with mixed emotions that we announce our Paralegal, Michelle, will be leaving our firm, with her last day being May 31st, 2024. She has been an essential part of our team for three years, joining us right after graduating from the University of Michigan. As she prepares to pursue her law degree,…

One of the most critical resources for both immigration professionals and applicants is the Visa Bulletin. Published monthly by the U.S. Department of State, the Visa Bulletin provides vital information on the availability of immigrant visa numbers and helps applicants understand their place in the visa queue. This article will explain the significance of the…

We are thrilled to share news of another VAWA approval! The VAWA process has been crucial in helping clients who are currently married to or recently divorced from an emotionally abusive spouse apply for a green card on their own, without the help of their spouse.     Once the VAWA petition is approved, our…

Green card applicants must provide evidence of certain vaccinations in order to be approved for permanent residency.   Updated Vaccine List: The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) now requires all applicants to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, in addition to the standard vaccinations for measles, mumps, rubella, polio, tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis, and varicella. Documentation and Proof:…