Posted on April 18, 2024 in Immigration

Temporary Protected Status (TPS) is an immigration benefit allowing eligible individuals from designated countries to legally live and work in the United States. TPS provides a vital lifeline for those who would otherwise be at risk of harm or persecution in the individual’s home country. A Texas lawyer can help you determine if you may be eligible.

Country Designation

The first and most essential factor in determining TPS eligibility is whether the individual’s home country has been designated for TPS by the Secretary of Homeland Security. The Secretary may designate a country for TPS due to ongoing armed conflict, environmental disasters, or other extraordinary and temporary conditions that prevent nationals from safely returning home.

Continuous Physical Presence

To be eligible for TPS, an individual must have been continuously physically present in the United States since the effective date of the most recent TPS designation of the individual’s country. This means the individual must have been residing in the U.S. without significant absences. Brief, casual, and innocent departures from the U.S. may be permitted, but working alongside an attorney before traveling outside the country is crucial to avoid jeopardizing TPS eligibility.

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 Posted on April 05, 2024 in Immigration

Visa denials based on public charge grounds can be a significant obstacle for individuals seeking to enter or remain in the United States. However, with the right strategies and legal guidance, it is possible to overcome these challenges. A Texas lawyer can help you determine effective approaches to address public charge concerns.

The Importance of Understanding Public Charge Grounds

The public charge concept refers to the government’s assessment of whether an individual is likely to become primarily dependent on public assistance for subsistence. When determining public charge inadmissibility, immigration officials consider factors such as age, health, family status, financial resources, education, and skills. Understanding these factors and how they apply to your specific case is important.

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 Posted on March 26, 2024 in Immigration

Remaining in the United States after your visa has expired is a violation of immigration laws. If you have overstayed your visa in Texas, you could face serious legal consequences. However, depending on your specific situation, there are some potential legal strategies to explore. A Texas lawyer can help you determine which strategies may work best for you.

Requesting an Extension

One option is to file for an extension of your current visa status before it expires. This process requires submitting forms and evidence to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to demonstrate your continued eligibility.

The requirements and lengths of extension that are allowed vary based on your current visa type. For instance, visitor visa holders may be able to extend their stay for up to six additional months. Students can potentially receive extensions to allow them to complete their studies.

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 Posted on March 11, 2024 in Immigration

The H-1B visa is an invaluable tool for those abroad who wish to work in the United States. However, navigating the H-1B application process can be extraordinarily complex and competitive. A Texas lawyer can help you understand key considerations, rules, and best practices when pursuing an H-1B visa, specifically in Texas. Whether an employer is looking to fill a specialty role or a worker is seeking the chance to use their talents in the United States, understanding the intricacies of the H-1B from a Texas legal perspective is critical.

Understanding H-1B Requirements and Quotas

Before applying for an H-1B, it is critical to understand the program’s requirements and limitations. An H-1B petition must demonstrate that:

• The offered position qualifies as a specialty occupation
• The foreign worker holds at least a bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience related to the position

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 Posted on February 23, 2024 in Immigration

Immigrating to the United States can be a complex, intimidating process. Understanding the laws that will apply to a particular immigrant and the family member or employer who is sponsoring them for immigration can be difficult. The steps that will need to be followed will be different depending on where the immigrant is currently located and other factors that may affect their case.

There are two primary routes for immigrants who are seeking an immigrant visa and Green Card: adjustment of status and consular processing. Understanding the distinctions between these options is crucial, and it can ensure that a person can make informed decisions about their immigration journey. An experienced attorney can provide invaluable guidance for immigrants, helping them navigate these procedures correctly.

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 Posted on February 12, 2024 in green cards

Obtaining a visa or Green Card that will allow a person to enter, live, and work in the United States can be a complex and lengthy process. Unfortunately, not everyone who applies is granted their desired immigration status. There are several common reasons why visas and green cards are denied. For those who are planning to apply for visas or Green Cards or those who have encountered obstacles in their immigration journey, an experienced attorney can provide dedicated legal help and representation when interacting with immigration officials.

Some of the most common reasons why visas or Green Cards may be denied include:

Lack of Eligibility

One of the primary reasons for a denial is that the applicant does not meet the eligibility requirements set forth by U.S. immigration laws. Each type of visa has specific criteria that must be met, such as family relationships, employment qualifications, or humanitarian grounds. If an applicant fails to demonstrate that they meet these requirements, their application may be denied.

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 Posted on January 27, 2024 in Immigration

For many immigrants, one of the main goals of coming to the United States is to find employment and build a better life. However, not all immigrants are automatically allowed to work upon their arrival. The ability to work in the U.S. depends on several factors, including visa type and immigration status. A Texas attorney who assists with immigration issues can provide information about when it may be necessary to apply for permission to work in the United States.

Work Authorization for Permanent Residents

A permanent resident, also known as a Green Card holder, will generally have the right to live and work permanently in the United States. Once an immigrant obtains a Green Card through family sponsorship, employment-based sponsorship, or other means, they can apply for unrestricted Social Security cards that allow them to legally work for any employer in any occupation. Immigrants who receive 

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 Posted on January 13, 2024 in Immigration

Applying for an immigration visa is a complex process that requires careful preparation and attention to detail. One of the most critical steps in this process is the visa interview, which can often determine whether or not your application will be approved. To increase your chances of success, it is essential to properly prepare for your immigration visa interview. An attorney who assists with visa applications and other immigration issues can provide invaluable advice and legal guidance during this process, ensuring that you will be prepared to answer questions asked by immigration officials.

Here are some tips on how to make sure you are ready for your visa interview:

Gather All Required Documentation

Prior to your interview, make sure you have all the required documentation ready. This may include passports, birth certificates, marriage certificates, financial documents, and any other supporting materials relevant to your case. Organize these documents in a logical manner so that they are easy to access during the interview.

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 Posted on December 27, 2023 in Immigration

Over the past several years, immigration officials in the United States have struggled to deal with an increasing number of migrants who are attempting to enter the country by crossing the border from Mexico. In response to this issue, the state of Texas has taken a number of measures intended to prevent people from entering the country without authorization. Recently, the state passed a new law that will allow law enforcement officials to perform arrests of undocumented immigrants and charge them with criminal offenses.

With the challenges that immigrants face when entering the United States or seeking permanent residence, it is important to ensure that they have legal representation as they address these issues. An attorney with experience in immigration law can help immigrants meet their legal requirements as they apply for visas or Green Cards, while also addressing any legal concerns that could affect their ability to continue living in the U.S.

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 Posted on December 13, 2023 in green cards

Adjustment of status is the process by which an immigrant can change their immigration status from nonimmigrant to immigrant, allowing them to obtain a Green Card and become a lawful permanent resident of the United States. This process is available to certain people who are already present in the U.S. and meet specific eligibility requirements. When applying for adjustment of status or addressing other issues related to immigration, an experienced attorney can provide invaluable guidance and legal help with any concerns that may arise during the process.

Eligibility Criteria for Adjustment of Status

In order to be eligible for adjustment of status, an immigrant must meet several criteria:

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