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State Department Creates Online Case Updates

The State Department recently introduced the ability to track both immigrant and nonimmigrant visa applications. This new tool is a welcome addition as many applications take months to complete as they go from the USCIS, to the Department of State’s National Visa Center, and then to the appropriate Department of State’s Consulate for interview.

Many …

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Immigration Reform Still Uncertain

Following the November elections, it was widely believed that the tipping point had been reached and true, comprehensive immigration reform would be introduced and enacted in the coming Congressional session. Various congressional groups were formed, and possible scenarios were thrown up for discussion.

Yet, in the few months since the election, numerous events have taken …

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Romney Campaign Manager Rethinks Immigration Position

With 20/20 hindsight, a campaign manager for the Romney campaign acknowledged “regrets” about the campaign’s decision to outflank other Republican presidential candidates by pushing a more rigid, tough immigration stance. As the New York Times reports, it appears the campaign manager does not think it was even necessary.

Perhaps the campaign didn’t think their immigration …

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USCIS Introduces Entrepreneur Pathways Website

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) recently announced that it has launched a website geared towards providing potential immigrant entrepreneurs with a general overview The website, Entrepreneur Pathways, does a good job describing the general process for obtaining an employment-authorizing visa, and gives a general list of the visas possibly capable of use by …

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USCIS Now Offering (Limited) E-Request Services

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) agency has announced that it is now accepting e-request services from its customers. The e-request service allows applicants to request missing Application Support Center (ASC) notices (for biometric interviews) and to correct misspellings and typos on the receipt notice forms.

A brief review of the e-request service page …

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Esitmating When a K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Applicant Can Enter the United States

Potential clients always ask, “How long does the K-1 fiancee visa process take to get?” or “When will my fiance(e) be able to enter the United States?”

It is perhaps the most important question that potential applicants ask. And why shouldn’t it be? The applicants want to start living together and having a life together …

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Immigrant Enterpeaneur Faces H-1B Visa’s Shortfalling

Recently, CNN Money ran an article discussing the immigration difficulties that an Israeli businessman is facing to remain in the United States. The immigrant started a software company in San Fransisco in 2010, and has already created 15 US worker positions. In addition, the company needs to hire 10 additional workers. Given the company’s success, …

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NY Times Features Sports Extraordinary Abilities Visa Case

On Friday, the NY Times had a feature article about a failed extraordinary abilities visa case involving an Iranian Olympic athlete in table tennis. The case, which Gafner Law Firm had no affiliation with, reached the Federal District Court after the USCIS denied a case that it initially approved.

Although this case ultimately failed, …

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What Happens When A U.S. Citizen Has a Child Abroad?

What happens when a US citizen has a child born abroad? Is the child also a US citizen? Does it matter whether both parents are US citizens? Does it matter if only one parent is a citizen?

The answer is… complicated. It all depends. Often it is possible for a US citizen to convey US …

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Visa Bulletin Issued for December 2012

The Department of State has just released the December 2012 Visa Bulletin announcement. Major highlights of the bulletin include the continued long priority date for EB-2 Visas by Indians (9/1/2004) and Chinese (10/22/2007).

Additionally, the EB-1 visa category remains current for all countries. The EB-1 visa category includes the extraordinary abilities visa and the outstanding …

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On the Verge of Comprehensive Immigration Reform?

With President Obama’s re-election, the talk of Washington, and all of the cable news channels, is the sudden need for immigration reform. As one pundit concisely explained, Democrats are now willing to work on immigration reform, and Republicans need to work on it (I am paraphrasing a bit).

The writing does appear to be on …

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How To Not Lose Permanent Residency

Obtaining permanent residency in the United States is a life-altering event. The new green card holder knows that he or she can live and work in the United States for life.

Lost in the euphoria of the moment, many green card holders don’t realize that U.S. permanent residency can be lost. A person often risks …

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President Obama Reelected – Apply for DACA Now?

President Obama announced the Dreamer Deferred Action initiative (DACA) in June of this year. The actual program began accepting applications on August 15, 2012. However, many eligible individuals have been holding back from applying until after the Presidential election. This hesitation to apply was (perhaps) well founded as Mitt Romney indicated on multiple occasions that …

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EB-5 Regional Center Program Extended Until September 2015

Waiting until the last minute to do so, Congress reauthorized the use of EB-5 regional centers for investors seeking to immigrate to the United States until September 30, 2015. To qualify, a foreign national investor must invest $500,000 or $1 million into a qualified regional center to obtain permanent residency (along with meeting other …

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Beware: USCIS Caller Scam

The USCIS is warning immigrants that individuals not associated with it are attempting to scheme immigrants through calls requesting immigrants to provide financial information such as credit card numbers, ssn, etc.

USCIS will never ask a person for their credit card information or any other financial information. If someone calls you up claiming to be …

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