Scott’s New Era Immigration

It is unfortunate that in society overall, divorce statistics are high with 50-60% of marriages failing. However, for the foreign national who finds themselves in a difficult unbearable marriage to a U.S. Citizen due to abuse or other issues, there is way to achieve status without staying in a dangerous or unhealthy environment.

If you or someone you know has a conditional Permanent Resident Card set to expire in 2 years or less with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”), this short post will discuss possible options.

First, if your case has not yet been sent to a U.S. Immigration judge,  filing an I-751 waiver with immigration attorney representation may allow you to still receive your final Permanent Resident status without your spouse.  An I-751 waiver must meet certain criteria to result in the releasing of any conditions on your Green Card even if you have divorced your spouse.

If the case has been handed over to an immigration judge to initiate removal proceedings due to break down of the marriage, this may be a good thing. A judge has a “de novo” review of the I-751 so one can get a second bite at the apple.  The judge will decide independent of USCIS whether to issue the individual a Green Card.  The judge can readjust with a new I-130/I-485, and the outcome would be receipt of Permanent Resident Status.

If you have questions you may email our attorneys at info@scottcclaw.com, or call us at one of our office numbers conveniently listed at www.scottcclaw.com

ScottMond Law Firm

www.scottcclaw.com

Recently, our office has seen an increase in clients who come to our office after being mislead regarding the immigration process of self petitioning for U.S. Permanent resident status.  Specifically, after an I-140 has been filed based the Extraordinary Work or National Interest Waiver (NIW) category, it  unfortunately results in very significant Notice of Intents to Deny (“NOID”) issued by USCIS which if not overcome, may result in the client being placed in Immigration Removal Proceedings.

The purpose of this blog is to briefly outline when a foreign national may be eligible to take advantage of self petitioning, where a United States sponsor is not needed to become a U.S. Permanent Resident.  The following categories are the main individuals who are eligible to self petition:

1. Extraordinary Workers (EB-1 Priority Workers )
2. National Interest Waivers (EB-2)
3. Religious Worker
4. Abused Spouse- VAWA (Domestic Abuse)
5. U visa – Victim of a Crime
6. Death of U.S. Spouse before the application process is complete.
7. Special Immigration Juvenile Visa

The first three categories are based on an individual’s work, occupation and/or contribution to the National interest. The last four are based on particular facts and circumstances. Below are simplified definitions that if you believe you or your family meet the criteria, it is important to consult with an experienced immigration lawyer as you may be eligible to self petition for U.S. Permanent Status.

EB-1 Category:

A foreign national individual with extraordinary ability in sciences, arts, education, business or athletics which has been demonstrated by sustained national or international acclaim and whose achievements have been recognized in the field through extensive documentation may self petition. INA Sec. 203(b)(1)(A), 8 U.S.C. Sec. 1153(b)(1)(A).

Outstanding Professors and Researchers

If one is recognized internationally as outstanding in a specific academic area, has 3 years experience in teaching or research in the academic area,(experience in teaching or research while working on advanced degree may be counted if degree is acquired), and the person had full responsibility for the class taught, or the research has been recognized as outstanding in the academic field, he or she may be eligible. 8 C.F.R Sec. 204.5(i)(3)(ii).

Multinational Executives and Managers

INA Sec.203 (b)(1)(C); 8 U.S.C. Sec1153(b)(1)(C) states if you are employed abroad for one year (in last 3 years) by a corporation in a Multinational Executive or Managerial role and ownership and control meets the Federal Regulation guidelines you may be pre-certified and eligible to self petition.

EB-2- National Interest Waiver

If the U.S. government believes it is in the National Interest to waive the mandatory requirement of applicants having a labor certification and job offer, USCIS may do so. This category has stringent requirements to demonstrate that an applicant’s skills, education, experience and talents are in the national interest to waive the needed for a U.S. Sponsor. INA Sec. 203(b)(2)(B); 8 U.S.C. Sec.1153(b)(2)(B).

Special Immigrant Religious Worker

A U.S. Employer or foreign national may file a self petition for one who seeks to enter the United States to be employed full time by a bona fide nonprofit religious organization in the United States (or a bona fide organization that is affiliated with the religious denomination in the United States) to work solely as a minister, religious vocation either in a professional or nonprofessional capacity, or in a religious occupation either in a professional or nonprofessional capacity.

Self-Petitioning Battered or Abused spouse or Child of a U.S. Citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident

One may also self petition for immediate relative or family sponsored immigrant classification if you or someone you know is the spouse of a Permanent Resident or U.S. citizen and have been battered or the subject of extreme cruelty.

U VISA

Generally speaking, U nonimmigrant status is an immigration option for even undocumented immigrant adults or children who have been victims of certain serious crimes and  cooperate in reporting the crime. Eventually, adjustment to a U.S. Permanent Resident Status may occur.

Widow/Widower of a U.S. Citizen

If a foreign national was married to a U.S. citizen who is now deceased and who was a U.S. citizen at the time of death, and the spouse died within the last two years, he or she may eligible to self petition.

Special Immigration Juvenile Visa

If a child is present in the U.S., unmarried and less than 21 years of age, has been declared a dependent upon a juvenile court, or is under the custody of an agency, department of state or juvenile court and it is in the best interest that the minor child not be returned to his or her last habitual residence of his or her parent’s country, the child may self petition.

If you believe that you or someone you know is eligible to self petition you may contact our firm with your questions at info@scottcclaw.com or call us at one of our office telephone numbers conveniently listed at www.scottcclaw.com.

ScottMond Law Firm

www.scottcclaw.com

This week the Obama Administration announced that they will be providing relief to undocumented foreign nationals who must exit the country to gain status in the United States and are subject to three and ten year bars from reentry.  We are very excited to provide the proposed law below which would allow families to reduce there fear and separation anxiety in correcting their loved ones U.S. immigration status.

PROPOSED LAW:

Provisional Waivers of Inadmissibility For Certain Immediate Relatives of U.S. Citizens

AGENCY:  U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Department of Homeland Security.

ACTION:  Notice of intent.

SUMMARY:  U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) intends to change its current

process for filing and adjudication of certain applications for waivers of inadmissibility filed in

connection with an immediate relative immigrant visa application.  Specifically, USCIS is

considering regulatory changes that will allow certain immediate relatives of U.S. citizens to

request provisional waivers under section 212(a)(9)(B)(v) of the Immigration and Nationality

Act of 1952, as amended (INA or Act), 8 U.S.C. 1182(a)(9)(B)(v), prior to departing the United

States for consular processing of their immigrant visa applications.  An alien would be able to

obtain such a waiver only if a Petition for Alien Relative, Form I-130, is filed by a U.S. citizen

on his or her behalf and that petition has been approved, thereby classifying the alien as an

“immediate relative” for purposes of the immigration laws, and he or she demonstrates that the

denial of the waiver would result in extreme hardship to the alien’s U.S. citizen spouse or parent

“qualifying relative.”  The qualifying relative for purposes of the waiver is not necessarily the

immediate relative who filed the immigrant visa petition on the alien relative’s behalf.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:  Roselyn Brown-Frei, Office of Policy and

Strategy, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Department of Homeland Security, 20

Massachusetts Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20529-2099, telephone (202) 272-1470 (this is 2

not a toll free number).

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Background

A. Overview

The proposed process is intended to reduce the time that U.S. citizens are separated from

immediate relatives who are required to remain outside the United States for immigrant visa

application processing and during the adjudication of waivers of inadmissibility.   Through this

change, USCIS does not intend to modify the standard for assessing eligibility for these waivers,

including whether the denial of the waiver would result in extreme hardship to a U.S. citizen

spouse or parent (“qualifying relative”).  For purposes of the waiver under section

212(a)(9)(B)(v) of the Act, a “qualifying relative” is a U.S. citizen spouse or parent or a lawful

permanent resident spouse or parent who would suffer extreme hardship if their relative were not

allowed to immigrate.  For purposes of this provisional waiver program, DHS intends to limit

who may participate in this program to immediate relatives who can demonstrate extreme

hardship to a U.S. citizen spouse or parent.  Even if they obtain a provisional waiver, eligible

aliens who are required to obtain a visa through consular processing would still be required to

depart from the United States to apply for an immigrant visa.  The purpose of the new process is

to reduce the time that U.S. families remain separated while their relative proceeds through the

immigrant visa process.

Certain grounds of inadmissibility can bar aliens from being admitted to the United States

or obtaining an immigrant visa, preventing U.S. citizens from reuniting with their immediate

relatives.  However, the Secretary of Homeland Security, through USCIS, may waive some of

those grounds.  An alien who is subject to one or more grounds of inadmissibility must obtain a 3

waiver, if available, from USCIS before he or she may be issued an immigrant visa by a

Department of State consular officer at a U.S. embassy or consulate overseas.

The bars to admission under section 212(a)(9)(B)(i)(I) and (II) of the INA, 8 U.S.C.

1182(a)(9)(B)(i)(I) and (II), based on accrual of unlawful presence in the United States, comprise

one such ground.  Typically, under current processes, aliens who are immediate relatives of U.S.

citizens applying for immigrant visas at Department of State consular posts must apply for

waivers of unlawful presence while outside the United States after a finding of inadmissibility is

made by a Department of State consular officer in conjunction with their immigrant visa

applications.  As a result, U.S citizen petitioners are often separated for long periods of time

from their immediate relatives who are applying for immigrant visas and have accrued a certain

period of unlawful presence in the United States.  This revised process, which eliminates the

time-consuming interchange between the Department of State and USCIS, would significantly

reduce the amount of time that American families will be separated from their immediate

relatives.  USCIS also believes that efficiencies can be gained through this revised process for

both the U.S. Government and most applicants.

USCIS intends to limit consideration for the provisional waiver to aliens who qualify for

classification as immediate relatives of U.S. citizens, who have a U.S. citizen spouse or parent

who would suffer extreme hardship if the waiver were denied, and for whom the sole basis for

inadmissibility is unlawful presence in the United States of more than 180 days.  USCIS would

grant a provisional waiver if the alien meets the eligibility requirements described in this Notice,

including demonstrating that the applicant’s qualifying U.S. citizen spouse or parent would

suffer extreme hardship and that the applicant warrants a favorable exercise of discretion.  The

provisional waiver would be granted before the alien leaves the United States to attend his or her 4

immigrant visa interview with a consular officer.  The provisional waiver, however, would not

become effective unless and until the alien departs from the United States.  If the alien is

otherwise eligible for the immigrant visa, the consular officer may then approve the issuance of

the visa so that the alien may proceed to immigrate to the United States for permanent residence.

This notice of intent generally describes the proposal that USCIS is considering.  USCIS

will further develop, and ultimately finalize, this proposal through the rulemaking process.  This

effort is consistent with Executive Order 13563’s call for agencies to “consider how best to

promote retrospective analysis of rules that may be outmoded, ineffective, insufficient, or

excessively burdensome, and to modify, streamline, expand, or repeal them in accordance with

what has been learned.”  Do not send an application requesting a provisional waiver under the

procedures under consideration in this notice.  Any application requesting this new process will

be rejected, and the application package returned to the applicant, including any fees, until a final

rule is issued and the change becomes effective.

B. Authority

The Homeland Security Act of 2002, Public Law 107-296, section 102, 116 Stat. 2135, 6

U.S.C. 112, and section 103 of the INA, 8 U.S.C. 1103, charge the Secretary of Homeland

Security with administration and enforcement of the immigration and naturalization laws.  The

Secretary would effectuate these proposed changes under the broad authority to administer the

Department of Homeland Security and the authorities provided under the Homeland Security Act

of 2002, the immigration and nationality laws, and other delegated authority.

C. Grounds of Inadmissibility

U.S. immigration laws provide mechanisms for U.S. citizens to petition for certain family

members for admission to the United States for purposes of family reunification.  At the same 5

time, however, the immigration laws prescribe acts, conditions, and conduct that bar aliens,

including immediate relatives of U.S. citizens, from being admitted to the United States or

obtaining an immigrant visa.  Such acts, conditions, and conduct include certain criminal

offenses, public health concerns, fraud, misrepresentation, failure to possess proper documents,

accrual of more than 180 days of unlawful presence in the United States, and terrorism.  The

grounds of inadmissibility are set forth in section 212(a) of the INA, 8 U.S.C. 1182(a).

The Secretary of Homeland Security has the discretion to waive certain inadmissibility

grounds, upon the filing of a request by an alien who meets the relevant statutory requirements.

If the Secretary, through USCIS, grants such a waiver, the waived ground will no longer bar the

alien’s admission, readmission, or immigrant visa eligibility based on that specific ground of

inadmissibility.

One of the inadmissibility grounds is described in section 212(a)(9)(B)(i) of the Act, 8

U.S.C. 1182(a)(9)(B)(i).  Under part (I) of this provision, an alien who was unlawfully present in

the United States for more than 180 days but less than one year, and who then departs voluntarily

from the United States before the commencement of removal proceedings, will be inadmissible

for three years from the date of departure.  Under part (II) of the same provision, an alien who

was unlawfully present for one year or more and then departs before, during, or after removal

proceedings, will be inadmissible for ten years from the date of the departure.

The three- and ten-year unlawful presence bars do not take effect unless and until an alien

departs from the United States.  By statute, aliens are not considered to be accruing unlawful

presence for purposes of section 212(a)(9)(B)(i) if they fall into certain categories.  For example,

aliens do not accrue unlawful presence while they are under 18 years of age.  See INA section

212(a)(9)(B)(iii)(I), 8 U.S.C. 1182(a)(9)(B)(i)(iii)(I).  Similarly, individuals with pending asylum 6

claims generally are not considered to be accruing unlawful presence while their applications are

pending.  See INA section 212(a)(9)(B)(iii)(II), 8 U.S.C. 1182(a)(9)(B)(i)(iii)(II).  Battered

women and children and victims of a severe form of trafficking in persons are not subject to the

section 212(a)(9)(B)(i) ground of inadmissibility at all if they demonstrate that there was a

substantial connection between their victimization and their unlawful presence.  See INA

212(a)(9)(B)(iii)(IV)-(V), 8 U.S.C. 1182(a)(9)(B)(i)(iii)(IV)-(V).  Aliens who are subject to the

unlawful presence bars must apply for and be granted a waiver in order to receive an immigrant

visa and be admitted to the United States.

The Secretary of Homeland Security has the discretion to waive the three- and ten-year

unlawful presence bars if the alien is seeking admission as an immigrant and if the alien

demonstrates that the denial of his or her admission to the United States would cause “extreme

hardship” to the alien’s qualifying relative.  See INA section 212(a)(9)(B)(v), 8 U.S.C.

1182(a)(9)(B)(v).  The qualifying relative for purposes of the waiver is not necessarily the

relative who filed the immigrant visa petition on the alien relative’s behalf.  For example, an

alien applicant’s U.S. citizen spouse may have filed the immigrant visa petition on the

applicant’s behalf, but the applicant’s unlawful presence waiver application may be based on

extreme hardship to the applicant’s U.S. citizen parent.  Because the granting of a waiver is

discretionary, the alien also must establish that he or she merits a favorable exercise of

discretion.

D. Current Process and Problems

An alien who must apply for permanent residence through consular immigrant visa

processing outside the United States must appear for an interview with a Department of State

consular officer abroad.  Currently, if the consular officer determines that the alien is subject to 7

the three- or ten-year bar, the consular officer advises the alien that he or she is eligible to apply

for a section 212(a)(9)(B)(v) waiver by filing a Form I-601, Application for Waiver of Grounds

of Inadmissibility, with USCIS.  Under current rules, an individual is not permitted to apply for

the section 212(a)(9)(B)(v) waiver before the consular officer has made the inadmissibility

determination.

Once the Form I-601 is filed, in most cases, the file is transferred from the Department of

State to USCIS.  USCIS adjudicates that waiver request while the alien remains outside the

United States and awaits a decision.  If USCIS approves the waiver, USCIS notifies the

Department of State, and the Department of State may then issue the immigrant visa if the

applicant is otherwise eligible.  If the waiver is denied, the alien may appeal the decision to the

USCIS Administrative Appeals Office and, if the denial is upheld, the alien must remain outside

the United States for three or ten years before being able to reapply for an immigrant visa.

However, a denial does not preclude the alien from filing another Form I-601 in the future.

The three- and ten-year unlawful presence bars under section 212(a)(9)(B)(i)(I) and (II)

of the Act do not apply unless and until the applicant departs from the United States.  At the

same time, many aliens who would trigger these bars if they depart from the United States are,

for other reasons, statutorily ineligible to apply for adjustment of status to lawful permanent

residence while remaining in the United States.  Consequently, they must depart to regularize

their immigration status by applying for their immigrant visas at a U.S. embassy or consulate

abroad.  The action required to regularize the status of an alien, departure from the United States,

therefore is the very action that triggers the section 212(a)(9)(B)(i) inadmissibility that bars that

alien from obtaining the immigrant visa.

II. Proposed Waiver Process 8

A. Proposed Process

The proposed change would create a more streamlined and efficient process for waiver

applicants whose sole inadmissibility ground is unlawful presence, while simultaneously

minimizing family separation.  If the waiver determination, with respect to unlawful presence,

were made in advance of the immigrant visa interview and the applicant otherwise were eligible

for the immigrant visa, the consular officer could simply issue the immigrant visa at the time of

the visa interview.  The new process thus will reduce the movement of the case back and forth

between the Department of State and USCIS, which significantly prolongs the overall process

and increases the time that U.S. citizens are separated from their immediate family members.

Additionally, the new process would reduce U.S. Government costs associated with the

movement of cases, and provide a more efficient visa process overall.

B. Affected Visa Categories

USCIS intends to limit this process change to aliens who are immediate relatives of U.S.

citizens, as defined in section 201(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Act, 8 U.S.C. 1151(b)(2)(A)(i), who must

depart from the United States to obtain immigrant visas, and whose U.S. citizen spouse or parent

would suffer extreme hardship if the applicant were denied admission to the United States.  The

term “immediate relative” means the spouse, parent or child (unmarried and under 21 years old)

of a U.S. citizen, except that, in the case of a parent, the U.S. citizen son or daughter petitioning

for an immigrant visa must be at least 21 years old.  Certain self-petitioners (i.e.,

widows/widowers of U.S. citizen and their minor unmarried children) may also be considered

immediate relatives.  See INA 201(b)(2)(A)(i), 8 U.S.C. 1151(b)(2)(A)(i).  Individuals applying

for a waiver must also establish that the grant of the provisional waiver is warranted as a matter

of discretion. 9

Because the focus on family unification of U.S. citizens and their immediate relatives is

consistent with Congress’ prioritization in the immigration laws, USCIS has identified

immediate relatives of U.S. citizens as the class of aliens to consider for this procedural change.

In addition, Congress did not set an annual limitation for the number of immediate relatives of

U.S. citizens admitted to the United States.  Therefore, these relatives always have an immigrant

visa immediately available, and the visa thus can be processed immediately upon approval.

C. Ground of Inadmissibility Considered for Provisional Waiver

USCIS intends to further limit this procedural change to waivers filed by immediate

relatives of U.S. citizens whose only ground of inadmissibility is the three- or ten-year unlawful

presence bar under section 212(a)(9)(B)(i)(I) or (II) of the Act, 8 U.S.C. 1182(a)(9)(B)(i)(I) or

(II).  Aliens who require waivers for one or more additional grounds of inadmissibility, such as

fraud or willful misrepresentation (section 212(i) waiver) or certain criminal offenses (section

212(h) waiver), in conjunction with their immigrant visa applications must continue to file a

Form I-601 while outside of the United States in accordance with the existing process.

To qualify for the provisional waiver process, an applicant must establish not only that he

or she is the immediate relative of a U.S. citizen, but also that denial of the waiver would result

in extreme hardship to a qualifying relative.  The qualifying relative must be a U.S. citizen

spouse or parent but does not need to be the U.S. citizen petitioner.  Only extreme hardship from

the denial of a waiver to a qualifying U.S. citizen relative makes an alien eligible for the

provisional waiver process; extreme hardship to the alien himself or herself as a result of denial

does not make the alien eligible.  An alien whose waiver application is based on extreme

hardship to a lawful permanent resident spouse or parent must continue to apply for the waiver

from outside the United States in accordance with existing procedures.  Eligible aliens, 10

furthermore, must be the beneficiaries of petitions classifying them as immediate relatives of

U.S. citizens, and thus have visas immediately available.  Because the granting of a waiver is

discretionary, eligible aliens also must establish that they merit a favorable exercise of discretion.

The standard for assessing whether denial of the waiver would result in extreme hardship to the

U.S. citizen spouse or parent of such aliens will remain unchanged.

D. Adjudication and Decisions

After filing the Form I-601 with USCIS, DHS envisions that an alien seeking a

provisional waiver would be required to undergo biometrics collection.  USCIS would deny the

application for a provisional waiver if other possible grounds of inadmissibility are found or arise

during adjudication.

If the application is approved, USCIS would notify the Department of State and the alien

of the provisional approval.  In all instances, a Department of State consular officer would make

the formal inadmissibility finding during or following the immigrant visa interview abroad, and

if no other grounds of inadmissibility arise, the provisional waiver under section 212(a)(9)(B)(v)

of the Act granted by USCIS would facilitate immigrant visa issuance.  If, however, the consular

officer finds during adjudication of the immigrant visa application that the individual is subject

to another ground of inadmissibility that can be waived, the alien would need to file another

waiver application with USCIS.

This process would not alter the requirement that an alien depart from the United States

to apply for an immigrant visa.  An alien who receives a provisional waiver under section

212(a)(9)(B)(v) of the Act for the three- or ten-year bar under section 212(a)(9)(B)(i)(I) or (II) of

the Act would not gain the benefit of such waiver unless he or she departs from the United

States.  The departure from the United States would have to take place to activate the provisional 11

waiver under section 212(a)(9)(B)(v) of the Act.

E. Excluded Visa Categories

Aliens who would not be eligible for this provisional waiver adjudication process and

aliens who are denied provisional approval of their waiver requests would continue to follow

current agency processes for filing and adjudication of waiver requests.  Aliens who fall under

any other family- or employment-based or other visa category or whose section 212(a)(9)(B)(v)

waiver eligibility would be based on extreme hardship to a lawful permanent resident alien

relative would not be considered for provisional waivers.  Aliens who are subject to other

grounds of inadmissibility or removal also would not be considered for provisional waivers.

Further, aliens with waiver applications under section 212(a)(9)(B)(v) of the Act currently

pending in either administrative or judicial proceedings would not qualify for this new process.

III.  Conclusion

This document outlines the key elements of USCIS’s proposed change to its current

process for filing and adjudication of waivers of inadmissibility for unlawful presence for

immediate relative of U.S. citizens.  The focus on family unification of U.S. citizens and their

immediate relatives is consistent with Congress’s prioritization in the immigration laws; the new

process will reduce the movement of the case back and forth between the Department of State

and USCIS, which significantly prolongs the overall process and increases the time that U.S.

citizens are separated from their immediate family members.  The proposed change would affect

only when and where certain aliens can apply for waivers of the unlawful presence grounds of

inadmissibility; it would not change the extreme hardship standard for evaluating eligibility for

the waiver nor would it change whether aliens subject to these grounds of inadmissibility must

depart the U.S. to apply for their immigrant visas.  USCIS plans to effectuate this proposal 12

through the regulatory process.  USCIS will issue a proposed rulemaking that will explain the

proposal in further detail and that will invite comment from all interested parties.  Note:  Do not

send an application requesting a provisional waiver under the procedures under consideration in

this notice.  Any application requesting this new process will be rejected and the application

package returned to the applicant, including any fees, until a final rule is issued and the change

becomes effective.

_____________________________

Janet Napolitano,

Secretary of Homeland Security.

[FR Doc. 2012-140 Filed 01/06/2012 at 8:45 am; Publication Date: 01/09/2012]

The above law is ONLY proposed. Please contact us at info@scottcclaw.com if you have any questions or call us at one of our telephone numbers conveniently listed at www.scottcclaw.com.

ScottMond Law Firm

Scottcclaw.com

The answer is “Yes”.  Section 245(i) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) states the following:

You may be eligible to receive a green card through Section 245(i) if you:

• Are the beneficiary of a qualified immigrant petition (Form I-130 or I-140) or application for labor certification (Form ETA-750) filed on or before April 30, 2001
• Were physically present in the United States on December 21, 2000, if you are the principal beneficiary and the petition was filed between January 15, 1998, and April 30, 2001
• Are currently the beneficiary of a qualifying immigrant petition (either the original Form I-130 or I-140 through which you are grandfathered or through a subsequently filed immigrant petition)
• Have a visa immediately available to you
• Are admissible to the United States

The above law provision is referred to as “grandfathering”, and is a very powerful way for a foreign national to adjust status to a U.S. Permanent Resident as soon as possible.

For instance, if a client (foreign national) had a 2001 I-130 petition filed by her spouse, and it was later denied due to divorce; if she then remarries her husband or a new husband, the priority date of the original I-130 may be considered. This would allow a visa number to possibly be immediately available.

The law is complex in this area and requires an experienced Immigration attorney to evaluate eligibility. However, if the person was divorced and the original marriage was valid, then the fact that the original application was denied does not preclude it from being a grandfathering petition.  The grandfathering petition must have been timely, meritorious in fact, and non-frivolous.

A copy of the original denial documents and proof of presence in the U.S. before 2000 filed along with a new petition, may allow a foreign national to adjust status quickly based on the more recent priority date which is controlled by the Visa Bulletin issued by the Department of State.

If you have any questions regarding grandfathering you may contact our law firm at info@scottcclaw.com. Or our office telephone numbers are conveniently listed at www.scottcclaw.com

ScottMond Law Firm

www.scottcclaw.com

The purpose of this brief article is to equip clients in removal and deportation proceedings in the United States with an understanding of their options in the event they lose their case in immigration court. All hope is not lost.

We understand that this is a devastating time for our clients.  We have taken over several cases that were lost be prior attorneys or counsel and taken the next essential steps to give clients another chance to win a meritorious case in the U.S. Immigration court system.

Time is of the essence when someone loses their immigration case.  The three main options are as follows: 1) file a motion to reopen the immigration case, 2) file a motion to reconsider, 3) and/or to file an appeal to the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA).  All three options must be completed within 30 days or less.

First, a motion to reopen requires that a new set of facts be introduced.  The factors are very legally specific.  One factor seriously considered by the court is prior ineffective counsel. This requires urgently having new independent immigration review the case.  Other factors considered by the court involve the introduction of new evidence or a change inU.S.status.

A form called  I-290B must be filed and accompanied by a legal brief in 30 days or less for the Immigration Judge’s (IJ) order being entered. This deadline is very strict.

Second, a motion to reconsider is also an option and asks the IJ to reconsider the same set of facts based on a belief that the judge may not have clearly fully considered all factors in the case.  The same strict deadlines above apply.

Finally, an appeal may be filed to the BIA within 30 days which is an appellate court.

The filing requirements for the above are complex and require an experienced U.S. Immigration attorney.  A second opinion by a new immigration counsel is always a very wise step.   If you need a consultation or have a question or may contact us at info@scottcclaw.com or our telephone numbers are listed at www.scottcclaw.com for your convenience.

U.S. Citizenship is not an automatic right but requires proof that a Permanent Resident has “good moral character”.  Many of our complex citizenship cases involve client’s who have been charged with multiple DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) while in Permanent Resident Status.  Although this can affect a citizen application and can result in denial, many cases are still approved despite.  The following factors are key in a case being approved although convicted of more than one DWI in a five or ten year period:

• Can the DWIs be tied to a tragic event in the Permanent Resident’s life that has now passed?
• Is their a pressing reason to show U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) why citizenship needs to be approved now, and the applicant is not able to wait the 5 year period often recommended since last DWI charge before applying for citizenship.  Certain job reasons amongst other factors are considered.
• Balancing factors are also very key to an approval.  What positive factors outweigh the DWI convictions in the Permanent Resident’s life.

If you are someone you know is holding of on applying for U.S. citizenship due to DWI convictions, it’s important to consult with an experienced immigration attorney, as every day individuals are approved for citizenship in USCIS’s discretion despite multiple DWI convictions.  The jurisdiction of the USCIS office also may vary on how they decide these more complex citizenship cases.  So, it is important to understand the track record of your jurisdiction.

If you have questions you may contact our law firm at info@scottcclaw.com or visit our website for a list of offices and phone numbers. www.scottcclaw.com

ScottMond Law Firm

www.scottcclaw.com

Asylum

Asylum status may be given to an individual who meets a very strict definition of refugee. A refugee or asylee is defined as any person outside his or her county of nationality (or in the case of a persons having no nationality, their last habitual residence) who, because of a “well-founded fear of persecution on account of race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group or political opinion, is unable or unwilling to return to that country, and is unable or unwilling to avail him or herself of the protection of that country. There are conditions where a refugee is also someone still residing in their country which is not discussed in this brief article.

An asylee must apply within one year of arrival in the U.S.  If the foreign national is placed in removal, and has never applied for asylum relief, they must then seek Withholding of Removal or CAT in court which is explained below. Once an individual is granted asylum they will eventually be able to adjust to a Permanent Resident and eventually Citizenship.

Withholding of Removal

While this option is similar to asylum, withholding of removal and CAT (explained below) is available when a foreign national does not meet the criteria for asylum, such as filing within one year. Also, Withholding of Removal/CAT is available if a foreign national is placed in removal or deportation proceedings.

Withholding of Removal found in INA 241(b)(3); 8 CFR 208.16 requires an applicant to demonstrate the following:

An applicant must show a clear probability of harm, or that it is more likely than not that her life or freedom would be threatened (on account of race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion) if returned to his or her home country. The standard here is higher than asylum “which is a well founded fear”.

Withholding is mandatory if Attorney General determines that the applicant’s life or freedom would be threatened. While there are important benefits gained such as the applicant’s ability to receive work authorization, this is not an automatic right to remain in the Unite States.  The Department of Homeland Security (“DHS”) may impose conditions, remove the individual to a third country, and/or move to revoke the status. Client cannot apply directly for lawful permanent residency, and client cannot petition to bring family members to the U.S. except certain conditions and exceptions are met.

CAT

CAT, which stands for the United Nations (“UN”) Convention Against Torture (“CAT”) is also available to clients who are in removal proceedings or who have failed to meet the criteria for asylum. Torture is defined as any act by which severe pain or suffering, whether physical or mental, is intentionally inflicted on a person for such purposes as obtaining from him or a third person information or a confession, punishing him for an act he or a third person has committed or is suspected of having committed, or for any reason based on discrimination of any kind, when such pain or suffering is inflicted by or at the instigation of or with the consent or acquiescence of a public official or other person acting in an official capacity. It does not include pain or suffering arising only from, inherent in or incidental to lawful sanctions.

If it is more likely than not that an applicant will be tortured then no State shall expel, return or extradite a person to another State where there are substantial grounds for believing that he or she would be in danger of being subjected to torture.

The above explanation of Asylum, Withholding of Removal and CAT are complex legal arguments which require an experienced immigration attorney to navigate the hurdles and obstacles when an individual is fearful and it is unsafe to return home. If you or someone you know is in serious danger if they return to their home country, you may contact us with your questions or concerns at info@scottcclaw.com or 703.955.7998.

ScottMond Law Firm

As we discussed in our previous blog articles, the use of a visa waiver by eligible foreign nationals can be surprisingly risky. But what does this mean for a minor who enters on one?

In order to receive a visa waiver, a foreign national agrees to waive his immigration rights in the event he or she overstays the visa waiver, an incident which would result in serious U.S. immigration consequences.

In the case of a minor, the following scenerio often occurs.  The minor is brought over at the age of 5 by their parents, who end up overstaying their visa waiver as a family. The minor grows up in the U.S and marries a U.S. citizen, and even has his or her own US citizen children. ICE arrives at their door suddenly, and detains the former minor as a visa overstay when he or she is 32 years old.  Does the foreign national have any hope of trying to remain in the U.S? After all, how can a 5-year-old waive his or her rights?

The good news is that the 2nd Circuit just made a good decision on the issue of knowingly waiving right to due process – Galuzzo v. Holder.  Discuss this case with an experienced immigration attorney in the event you or someone you know becomes the victim of the above scenario.

We invite you to contact our immigration law firm at the numbers listed on our website, or email us atinfo@scottcclaw.com. An attorney would be happy to consult with you.

ScottMond Law Firm
www.scottcclaw.com

The purpose of this article is to discuss the often confusing subject of whether an assault and battery in the State of Virginia is an aggravated felony prohibiting a U.S. non-citizen who is convicted of such a crime from applying for many forms of relief if placed in removal.  Without relief, a non-citizen client will be removed (deported) from the United States.

If you or your loved one are currently charged with assault and battery as a non-citizen of the United States, it is important to discuss with your immigration attorney how to have your case classed as a non-aggravated felon so you may have the needed relief and not be removed.

The terms categorical, and modified categorical approach sounds akin to another language, and it is.  It is the language of immigration removal courts and attorneys when determining the overall immigration consequences of a criminal act by a non-citizen.  Many changes have taken place with the law, in which it is not the purpose of this article to discuss.  What is important to note, however, is that these terms determine how far ICE government attorneys, or the defense removal attorney can “dig” into the prior criminal record to determine if a “crime of violence” or “aggravated felony” has occurred making a non-citizen removable from the United States.

The next important item is to determine who has the burden of proof.  Who ever has the burden of proof has to prove by digging into the criminal records that the crime was not an aggravated felony.  So for instance, if it is the government’s burden of proof to show that a non-citizen’s crime is an aggravated felony, they can start digging into police reports, notes, colloquy, pre-trial notes, sentencing reports and any other item that may be in the court file if it is not clear on the face of the disposition of the case that a crime of violence has not occurred.  In the alternative, if it is the burden of the non-citizen to show that an aggravated felony has not occurred, the attorney for the non-citizen must dig into those same records to sustain the burden.

What does this mean? It is critical to find experienced immigration counsel that understands the importance of researching critical case law in various circuits to avoid devastating consequences with the current above standard to determine whether a non-citizen will be removed in the State of Virginia.  The posture of the case is critical as to how the case is litigated.  Likewise, the non-citizen in removal should feel empowered to go and pull a copy of their entire court file from the court and sit down and discuss it with his or her attorney of choice. If a non-citizen client is detained, it is important for them to have 3rd party who will pull the ENTIRE criminal file, not just the disposition.  Of course, immigration counsel can pull the file as well, but ask for a full copy of the criminal file and review it with your immigration counsel.

If you have questions, or would like to speak with one of our attorneys, we invite you to contact us at info@scottcclaw.com for a fast response, or call us at one of our offices listed on the first page of www. scottcclaw.com.

ScottMond Law Firm

www.scottcclaw.com

Many of our clients have experienced layoffs requiring them to seek alternative employment in H-1B status.  Porting over to another employer requires a very detailed legal analysis by an experienced immigration lawyer.  Our law firm provides tips from time to time on various situations that the H-1B visa holder may find him or herself experiencing.  Here is an example of one:

Scenario and Question

If an employee currently has 5 months remaining within his initial 6 year term.  He or she transfers from Company A to Company B.  Company A already filed his or her I-140 which is approved. Can employee then transfer to Company B and request an extension for 3 years based on the I-140 filed with Company A, or can he or she only file an extension/transfer for 5 months with Company B?

Answer

Good News: He or she can ask for the 3 years as long as company A does not withdraw the I-140. And, if company A withdraws, company B should file promptly.

You may contact our law firm at info@scottcclaw.com or through our website www.scottcclaw.com.  Our telephone numbers are also displayed on the website.

ScottMond Law Firm