Sections 328 and 329 of the Immigration and Naturalization Act (INA) are the special naturalization provisions for active [...]]]> Did you know that certain qualifying military personnel and veterans can apply for naturalization without having to pay any government filing fees? Qualifying foreign nationals can save up to $675 by using one of the special military naturalization provisions.

Sections 328 and 329 of the Immigration and Naturalization Act (INA) are the special naturalization provisions for active military personnel, veterans, and their significant others. These provisions allow for qualifying applicants to bypass many of the procedural hurdles in a naturalization application. For example, eligible applicants can have their applications processed overseas, can be naturalized overseas and do not need to demonstrate their continual residency or physical presence in the United States. It may also be possible to become a US citizen at a faster pace than a civilian.

Qualifying applicants must proactively seek out these benefits. Otherwise the immigration agency will not grant an applicant these benefits. For more information please contact Gafner Law Firm.

Here is just one Australian’s long path to American [...]]]> I often describe the immigration process as a long, arduous road.  Immigrating to the United States is a process that has many hoops and pitfalls.  Unfortunately, many would-be immigrants are not aware of the pitfalls until it is too late.

Here is just one Australian’s long path to American permanent residency.

To read [...]]]> USCIS is hoping that you can help it decide how to best use its resources to enhance its immigration policies.   From now until April 29th, it is requesting your input by taking a survey concerning what areas of immigration it should improve.   If you are interested in the survey, you can take it right here.

To read what Director Mayorkas has to say about the input, read here.

The USCIS has recently released a new video that explores the naturalization process.  The video, which is about fifteen minutes long, discusses the process, the interview, the examination, qualifications and the biometrics appointment.  To view the video, please visit the USCIS website.

The immigration reform bill promises to path a way forward for unauthorized immigrants, create an enhanced social security card, and strengthen the borders.  Given the harsh political atmosphere currently in Washington, [...]]]> Senators Schumer and Graham recently put forth an immigration bill that President Obama has called a good launching point for immigration reform.

The immigration reform bill promises to path a way forward for unauthorized immigrants, create an enhanced social security card, and strengthen the borders.  Given the harsh political atmosphere currently in Washington, it is tough to see if this legislation will go anywhere.

Unfortunately, the young man is not an American citizen and didn’t realize that he would be denied citizenship and possibly deported [...]]]> Last week, the New York Times ran a great story about a judge trying to help out a young man who was once a juvenile delinquent, but has turned into a model citizen of the community.

Unfortunately, the young man is not an American citizen and didn’t realize that he would be denied citizenship and possibly deported from the United States when he applied for citizenship.  Why is he facing deportation?  It is because of the acts he committed while a minor.  Despite paying for his crimes by serving time in detention centers, the young man is not being given a second chance by the Immigration Agency and will probably be removed from the United States.

If you are a lawful permanent resident and are planning on applying for naturalization (or are planning on traveling internationally) and have been convicted of a crime, please contact an immigration attorney before moving forward.