The Little Things That Often Become Big Immigration Problems
One of the reasons I enjoy practicing immigration law is that no two cases are exactly alike. Even when two clients appear to have very similar situations, the details are almost always different. After working in this field for over 30 years, having had the benefit of working with thousands of immigrants, and after reading…
New Interview Process for Certain I-360 VAWA Petitioners
In November of 2024, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that it would implement a new interview requirement for certain Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) self-petitioners who have both a pending I-360 and I-485 application. What are the Key Changes? Important Considerations? Why did USCIS make this Change to the Interview Process? USCIS emphasizes…
New USCIS Policy allows certain applicants to obtain Employment Authorization Documents that will be valid for 2 years
On February 7, 2022, USCIS updated its General Guidelines on the Maximum Validity Periods for Employment Authorization Documents (EADs), or work permits, for certain filing categories. This guidance allows eligible applicants to obtain EADs that will be valid for 2 years when they file initial or renewal EAD applications (filed on Form I-765). Before this…
New USCIS Policy Guidance provides more favorable interpretation of shared residence requirement for VAWA Petitioners.
On February 10, 2022, USCIS issued a Policy Guidance alert addressing certain changes to its interpretation of the shared residence requirement for petitioners under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). Specifically, USCIS will no longer require VAWA petitioners to currently reside or to have resided in the past with his or her abusive spouse during…
What is a “Prima Facie Determination”? – Part II
I have received a lot of feedback and interest from my first blog post, “What is a Prima Facie Determination.” In this post, I will attempt to answer some of the most common questions that client have once they have received their Prima Facie Determination notice from USCIS. As you review this information, please understand…
What is a “Prima Facie Determination”?
As you review this information, please understand that I am an IMMIGRATION LAWYER and not a specialist in U.S. government benefits. IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS ABOUT ANY OF THE SPECIFIC PROGRAMS BELOW, PLEASE DIRECT THEM TO THE RELATED GOVERNMENT AGENCIES, NOT TO MY OFFICE. If you file an I-360 Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or…
