A Power of Attorney is another estate planning essential. It specifies who can fill your fiduciary shoes deeds, official documents, etc. If you can’t
Becoming a U.S. citizen through naturalization is the process by which individuals who were not born in the United States choose to become legal citizens of the country. This path to citizenship is available to green card holders, also known as permanent residents. After holding a green card for a certain period, individuals are eligible to apply for citizenship. The timeline for eligibility typically spans five years, though it shortens to three years if the green card was acquired through marriage to a U.S. citizen.
The decision to pursue U.S. citizenship offers several advantages, such as the ability to travel using a U.S. passport, eligibility for federal employment and participation in public office, voting rights, jury duty participation, protection from deportation, priority consideration for family members seeking permanent residence, and certain tax benefits for surviving spouses and estate beneficiaries.
While the United States does not mandate renouncing foreign citizenship, some countries may require individuals to relinquish their original citizenship upon acquiring U.S. citizenship.
It’s important to note that applying for citizenship is a voluntary process, and individuals can maintain permanent resident status indefinitely without becoming citizens. Additionally, citizenship isn’t automatic; it necessitates meeting specific criteria. Common prerequisites include continuous residence in the U.S. as a lawful permanent resident for at least five years (or three years if married to a U.S. citizen), a minimum physical presence requirement, proficiency in basic English and knowledge of U.S. history and government, demonstration of good moral character, and adherence to the principles outlined in the U.S. Constitution.
Both U.S. citizens and Legal Permanent Residents (LPRs) have the opportunity to sponsor their spouses for Legal Permanent Residence (commonly known as a Green Card) in the United States. When you choose to collaborate with our firm, you’ll receive comprehensive guidance from an experienced immigration attorney every step of the way.
Our team assists over two hundred couples annually with various immigration processes, including Marriage Adjustment of Status, Marriage Consular Processing IR-1, and K-1 Fiancé cases. We specialize in addressing challenges that arise in cases previously filed without legal
representation or with different attorneys. This includes taking over cases, responding to Notices of Intent to Deny (NOIDs), and lodging appeals to the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA).
While the United States does not mandate renouncing foreign citizenship, some countries may require individuals to relinquish their original citizenship upon acquiring U.S. citizenship.
If you’re a U.S. citizen or a Legal Permanent Resident (Green Card holder), you have the opportunity to sponsor your family members to join you in the United States. The eligibility and timeline of your application depend on two primary factors: your relationship with your family member and your immigration status.
Your relationship with your family member—whether they’re a parent, spouse (including same-sex spouses), child, son/daughter, or brother/sister—will influence the sponsorship process. Additionally, whether you hold a Green Card or are a U.S. citizen will impact the application procedure.
Certain family members may be eligible to join you immediately, while others may be subject to the “priority date system.” Those subject to this system may face significant waiting periods before receiving approval for an immigrant visa. It’s crucial to take action promptly, especially in cases where your family member falls under this system, to secure their place in the visa queue.
Our immigration attorneys are dedicated to expediting your family member’s case. If your family member is subject to the priority date system, our legal team will collaborate with you to devise an eTective strategy for minimizing delays and ensuring their swift arrival in the United States.
Reach out to us today for a complimentary consultation with one of our immigration attorneys. Let us handle the planning and paperwork, so you can focus on reuniting with your loved ones.
In 1994, Congress enacted the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) to address the specific challenges faced by victims of domestic violence and abuse in the United States. While domestic violence can aTect anyone, regardless of immigration status, VAWA oTers crucial protections for noncitizens who are victims of domestic violence or other qualifying crimes. This law establishes special avenues to immigration status for certain nonimmigrant victims of abuse, oTering relief through three main forms of protection: “U” visas for crime victims, “T” visas for victims of severe traTicking, and “self-petitions” under VAWA.
Noncitizen spouses or children of abusive U.S. citizens or permanent residents: These individuals can apply for VAWA relief through a self-petitioning process, without needing the involvement or knowledge of the abuser.
Spouses of U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents (LPRs) whose children are being abused.
Children of U.S. citizens or LPR parents who are experiencing abuse.
Despite its name, VAWA also extends to men who are victims of spousal abuse. Many noncitizen victims of domestic violence hesitate to pursue VAWA relief due to concerns about meeting eligibility criteria or fear of drawing attention from immigration authorities, which could lead to deportation. However, if you or your child are suTering abuse at the hands of a citizen or LPR spouse or partner, applying for VAWA relief is a crucial step to avoid deportation.
VAWA recipients are eligible for employment authorization in the U.S. Obtaining VAWA relief empowers victims to seek independence, freeing them from reliance on their abusers for financial support.
Upon approval of Form I-360, Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant, individuals become eligible to file Form I-485 to adjust their status to that of a permanent resident.
No matter how dire your circumstances may appear, it’s important to recognize that there is hope. VAWA aims to shield vulnerable individuals from ongoing abuse by enabling them to pursue lawful permanent resident (LPR) or U.S. citizenship status, separating them from
their abusers. At US Immigration Law Counsel, our dedicated legal team is committed to ensuring your safety. We understand the complexity of your situation and are prepared to assist you in identifying and pursuing the most eTective and eTicient path forward. Our mission is to equip you with the knowledge and resources needed to take charge of your future. We encourage you to reach out to us today to discuss your situation confidentially.
