Immigration
The United States began its history based on the foundations of freedom. The entire country was founded by people who immigrated to our nation from foreign lands. The founding principal of the U.S. was to welcome all people, no matter their religion, race or creed.
With the events of September 11, 2001, the nation’s views on immigration and undocumented resident aliens shifted. Today, renewed efforts to control our borders and to deport those who may pose threats to our nation or who cannot prove their legal entry to the country have grown. The protection of our citizens has led to a surge in interest in Immigration Law.
Today there are five major U.S. government departments involved with Immigration Law. They include the Department of Homeland Security, the Department of Justice, the Department of State, the Department of Labor and the Department of Health and Human Services.
With so many government entities involved in immigration law, it is no wonder that it is a fast-evolving branch of specialization. More information on immigration law cases and topics is included here.
DREAM Act – The Development, Relief and Education of Alien Minors Act
The Dream Act is good for many unfortunate young people who entered this country with their parents, through no fault of their own. It's good legislation if it passes because it provides a pathway for legalization for people who grew up here and have already become "Americanized." It further provides status for people without disqualifying criminal history, and those who complete 2 years of college or military service can received Green Cards. Its a step in the right direction. However, due to the political climate right now its seems this legislation will not pass any time soon.
Fountas & Associates
3340 Pepper Lane, Suite 103
Las Vegas NV 89120
Phone:866-375-9039
Recent Changes in the United States Immigration Laws
"With silent lips. 'Give me your tired, your poor, Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, The wretched refuse of your teeming shore. Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed to me" Does this look familiar? It's the last half of the poem by Emma Lazarus written in 1883; the inscription on plaque at the Statue of Liberty. America was built on immigration, early settlers came from all over the world to the new land, and immigrants since the original settlers were mostly welcomed with open arms as it aided the growth in American economics, society, culture, and infrastructure.
However times have changed drastically since Lazarus's poem was granted immortality on one of America's biggest icons. Immigration laws have been passed many times, affecting many different types of people, racism and segregation plagued the country for most of the 20th century, no longer were immigrants greeted with open arms. Over 100 years later, immigration laws are still affecting everyday life for many people. There are two great examples of these laws passed in the past 4 years, Georgia's Security and Immigration Compliance Act and Arizona's SB 1070.
Georgia Security and Immigration Compliance Act prohibits the hiring of immigrants who have not verified their citizenship, it also prohibits business claiming paid wages to undocumented employees as allowable business expenses for state income tax. This act also targets any immigrants who cannot prove their citizenship who have been charged with and jailed for a felony or DUI. These immigrants will be reported to the Department of Homeland Security and may face deportation.
The recently passed Arizona SB 1070 was not a step forward in welcoming immigrants to America. Under this bill authorities have the right to stop anyone who looks like they are immigrants in the country, whether they are driving, walking, a pre-teen, or an 80 year old who has been here for 50 years. During this stop the authorities are instructed to ask for the proper documents verifying that the person is a legal immigrant (a valid U.S. license will suffice). If they cannot provide these papers on site the authorities are legally allowed to detain them until it is proven that they are legal immigrants, if they cannot they will be deported. This bill also prohibits teachers with heavy foreign accents from teaching English classes in Arizona schools. This is a bill that has been under attack from many different outlets, yet many states included the aforementioned Georgia are looking to adopt this bill, or at least versions of this bill.
Any person who was not born in the United State should be researching for an immigration law firm in their area. This is because an immigration lawyer may be needed to help these immigrants gain the proper documents so that they will be prepared for when a police officer asks them for these documents. One should note that though an immigration attorney may be costly, you can't put a price on freedom, and may offer free consultation to figure out whether or not you are at risk of being deported and will help you be sure that you can stay in the country.
Since United States immigration laws are a complicated area for most people, only an experienced Atlanta immigration lawyer can assist you through all aspects of immigration law. Visit our website if you need to hire an immigration law firm in Atlanta.
Understanding Immigration & Naturalization
Naturalization is the process by which citizenship is acquired by an individual who was not a citizen at the time of birth. Naturalization is difficult to achieve alone and thus, an immigration and naturalization service is often employed by those seeking such status.
Naturalization requirements
To be eligible for naturalization, you must meet the following requirements:
- Lived in the U.S. as a permanent resident holding a green card for at least five years
- Been physically present in the U.S. for at least half of the past five years
- Must not have spent more than a year outside of the U.S. during that period
- Primary home must not be in another country
If you are applying for naturalization in Corpus Christi, you must have lived in Texas for at least three months. You also must be at least 18 years of age and willing to swear your loyalty to the U.S. and belief in its principles and Constitution.
Becoming a naturalized U.S. citizen
The naturalization process involves a series of steps that can become confusing, which is why many applicants seek aid from an immigration and naturalization service. In Corpus Christi, the experienced professionals at The Whittle Law Firm can guide you through this process. After initial submission of the naturalization forms, supporting documents, and required application fees, the applicant will be contacted for a fingerprint appointment and then for an interview appointment where the naturalization test is administered.
Passing the naturalization test
Your Corpus Christi immigration lawyer can help you prepare for the interview appointment, in which you will be tested in reading, writing, and speaking English, as well as in U.S. history and government. Your ability to speak English will be assessed in the interview as you answer questions about your background and application.
It is required that you read at least one out of three sentences correctly in English and write at least one of three sentences correctly in English. Finally, six out of ten questions pertaining to U.S. history and government must be answered correctly to pass the test.
The Whittle Law Firm - Corpus Christi Immigration Lawyers
5151 Flynn Pkwy. Suite 308
Corpus Christi, Texas 78411
Phone: 361-232-4329
Fax: 361-887-6999
Naturalization Services—How to Become a U.S. Citizen
An immigrant becomes a U.S. citizen by going through a process called naturalization. Each person has particular circumstances that can make their naturalization process unique, which is why consulting an immigration attorney is wise prior to filling out an application and beginning the process.
Naturalization requirements
The general requirements you must meet before applying for citizenship include:
- Lawful permanent residency for five years (application submission is allowed 90 days prior to meeting the residency requirement)
- Lawful permanent residency for three years if married to a U.S. citizen
- Lawful permanent residency for four years if legal status acquired through asylum
- Residence in a particular United States Citizenship and Immigration Services district (USCIS) District prior to filing
- Qualified military under wartime status, completing five years of honorable military service (no residency or physical presence requirements)
- Qualified military under peacetime status with at least one year of completed service and application filed while still in the service or sixth months after separation
- 18 years of age
- The ability to read, write, and speak English
- Knowledge and understanding of U.S. history and government
- Good moral character (violent felony or drug convictions usually make a person ineligible)
- Understanding of the principles of the U.S. Constitution
- Favorable disposition toward the United States—a loyalty oath must be taken
Citizenship application forms are available at the USCIS website (http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.eb1d4c2a3e5b9ac89243c6a7543f6d1a/?vgnextchannel=d84d6811264a3210VgnVCM100000b92ca60aRCRD&vgnextoid=d84d6811264a3210VgnVCM100000b92ca60aRCRD).
Citizenship test
Passing the citizenship test is a key factor and final step before taking the U.S. Oath of Allegiance where you are officially recognized as a U.S. citizen. The test has oral and verbal portions to test your command of the English language. You must also correctly answer questions about U.S. history and government.
Advantages of a naturalization law firm
A skilled Providence immigration lawyer can provide valuable assistance, such as:
- Reviewing your citizenship application to make sure all necessary details are provided
- Helping you with documentation to show residency requirements were met
- Suggesting guidelines for test preparation
- Advising on consequences of criminal convictions or prior immigration violations
Prior to applying for citizenship, immigration violations or criminal convictions may go unnoticed. Background checks, FBI fingerprinting, and cross-referencing agency databases allows the USCIS to do a thorough examination of permanent residents applying for citizenship.
Seeking legal advice from a knowledgeable Providence immigration attorney prior to beginning the naturalization process may be vital to avoid triggering deportation and removal proceedings or other stops and delays.
