Tag Archives: Inmigración a los Estados Unidos

The CIR Bill: Understanding the Main Elements that Could Change the Lives of Immigrants

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At the end of June 2013, the Senate gave the green light to The Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act of 2013 (S.744), with 68 votes in favor. Despite the fact that the comprehensive immigration reform failed to gather 70 votes – an ambitious target set by the so-called Gang of 8, the senators who had elaborated the bill – it still benefitted from the support of a powerful majority. This change has been received with great enthusiasm by various categories of CIR advocates, including immigration lawyers, members of different religious groups, and immigrants. In fact, this bill is expected to reform the American immigration system, eliminate its major drawbacks, and restore the hope of approximately 11 million “shadows” (undocumented immigrants currently living on American territory). Some voices argue that the bill requires a long list of improvements in order to generate positive results in the long term; however, it clearly represents a huge step toward an improved immigration system and much more effective cross-party cooperation.

  • What changes could the CIR Bill bring?

The CIR Bill is expected to favor beneficial changes related to border security, immigrant visas, interior enforcement, and new visa programs for nonimmigrants.

  • Border security improvements

The main objective is to attain and preserve a higher level of control over the Mexico border, with a desirable apprehension rate of up to 90%. This change promoted by the CIR will demand significant investment required to back this project (fencing, appropriate technology, an increased number of patrol officers, infrastructure, and so on).

  • Immigrant visas

A significant number of immigrants currently living illegally in the US might be offered the chance to profit from a fresh, clean start. In order to become eligible for the RPI status (Registered Provisional Immigrant), candidates must meet certain conditions:

  • They must have zero felony convictions and less than 3 misdemeanors
  • They must prove the fact that they pay their taxes
  • They must have lived on American territory since 12/31/2011
  • They must pay penalty charges
  • They must be able to pass a routine background check

An RPI status could be renewed every 6 years. Moreover, a highly effective point system would be beneficial for immigrants with excellent skills, superior education, and/or excellent employment records, increasing their likelihood of obtaining one of the 250,000 visas that might become available for this category on an annual basis. If you need more information on this subject, call an immigration attorney and get the most accurate details.

  • Interior enforcement

All US-based employers would be required to rely on E-Verify (the new employment verification system introduced by the CIR Bill). The main objective is to discourage employers from hiring undocumented workers. Companies and individuals who were to disobey this important rule would expose themselves to increased penalties. If you are worried about the impact of this potential change on your welfare and economic situation, contact an immigration attorney and get the most accurate answers to your questions.

  • Non-immigrant visa programs

The number of visas allocated for foreign workers with superior skills (H-1B) could be considerably increased from 65,000 to any number below 180,000, based on different factors, like, for instance, the unemployment rate or workforce demand. Workers with inferior skills would still be allowed to apply for W Visas, which would basically allow them to live in the U.S. for a predetermined period of time and accept non-agricultural jobs. From 20,000 to 200,000 W Visas could become available on an annual basis, depending on the same two factors influencing the number of H-1B visas provided by the U.S. government every single year. At the same time, investors who want to open and develop a business on American territory might become eligible for an X Visa. The U.S. might have a cap of 10,000 investor visas for every single fiscal year.

It goes without saying that the CIR Bill could easily puzzle immigrants and make them worry about their fate. If you are currently in this situation, start getting the answers that you deserve today. Count on a skilled immigration lawyer to discuss all of the particularities of your case, and rest assured knowing that your future is in good hands.

How to Apply for Asylum with Help from an Immigration Attorney

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Every year, thousands of people come to America and seek asylum. They are hoping to start a new life here and avoid significant safety risks and persecution triggered by factors such as political opinions, race or religious beliefs.

The US government supports foreign citizens who have legitimate reasons to fear for their safety and welfare. Those who prove they are eligible for asylum may be allowed to stay in the US without separating themselves from their family members. Fortunately, all foreign people have the opportunity to file for asylum, regardless of their origins and of the reasons that brought them to America in the first place.

How do I file for asylum?

People seeking asylum have to file a Form-I589 within 1 year of their arrival in the US. They have to be prepared to face the difficulties of a time and energy-consuming process, as applicants will always have to relive painful memories and state the reasons why they feel vulnerable and threatened in their own country. Applicants can facilitate this process by counting on an experienced immigration attorney hired to support their cause.

An experienced lawyer can show you how to fill out the form and write a detailed affidavit. You may be advised to add documents highlighting the fact that your life is on the line in your own country (medical records indicating any form of physical abuse, for instance). As soon as you complete this phase, you will be scheduled for an interview at the USCIS offices. Your immigration attorney will prep you for this meeting and will assist you during the interview.

What happens if my petition is denied?

If the USCIS officials reject your petition, you will have to appear in front of the immigration court with the required documentation. In case you fail to attain your goal, you can still appeal and take your case all the way to the Supreme Court. On the other hand, if you are granted asylum, keep in mind that you will have to apply for permanent residency within one year from the court’s ruling.

How and when do I apply for a work permit?

A new life in the US might be the perfect solution for you and your family, enabling you to avoid considerable risks. However, you will still have to earn a living and cope with daily expenses. Any immigration attorney will tell you that you can’t apply for asylum and for a work permit at the same time.  The good news is that you can start looking for a job as soon as you are granted asylum. Some refugees choose to obtain their Employment Authorization Documents (EAD) despite the fact that asylees don’t need EAD’s in order to be able to work legally in the US.

How can I bring my family to the United States?

Once you attain your goal and you are granted asylum, you can reunite your family by bringing your spouse and children to the US. In this case, petitioners have to fill a form I-730 (Refugee Relative Petition). You have to start this process within 2 years after you are being granted asylum, otherwise it might be more difficult to succeed. If you want to help your children start a new life with you in the United States you should know that they have to be under 21 and unmarried to be included in your petition.

Preguntas Frecuentes sobre Inmigración a los Estados Unidos

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Cada año muchas personas emprenden el viaje hacia los Estados Unidos. Ya sea que emigre desde México, Canadá o de cualquier otro país, existen reglas y regulaciones que se establecen para ayudar a asegurar que su cambio sea lo más sencillo posible. Cada persona que emigra debe tramitar la solicitud y esperar a que se apruebe una VISA o una tarjeta verde antes de venir al país. La documentación necesaria es muy detallada y muchas personas se dan cuenta que les es imposible completarla solos. Es en estos casos en los que tener un abogado de inmigración resulta muy benéfico.  Además, muchos inmigrantes tienen muchas preguntas con las que necesitan ayuda y un abogado de inmigración calificado es la mejor persona para contestarlas.

 

¿Es Necesario Tener un Abogado de Inmigración?

 

En la mayoría de los casos, tener a un abogado de inmigración de su lado trabajara a su favor. Las regulaciones que son establecidas para inmigrantes tienden a ser complejas y detalladas, como la mayoría de las leyes. Un abogado de inmigración calificado puede descifrar las leyes e informarle las condiciones con las que debe cumplir para poder adquirir la Visa para la que está aplicando. Si envia la documentacion incorrectamente, o le falta llenar un solo campo, se le negara la entrada al país y tendrá que repetir la solicitud desde el principio. Un abogado puede asegurarse de que la información esté completa la primera vez para evitar futuros retrasos.

 

¿Qué sucede si Me Enfrento a la Deportación?

 

En el caso de que usted o uno de sus seres queridos esté enfrentando la deportación, querrá contactar a un abogado tan pronto como le sea posible ya que conseguir uno de forma rápida ayuda mucho en la mayoría de los casos. Un abogado puede ayudarle a completar la documentación y a pararse frente al juez para explicar por qué debe permanecer en los Estados Unidos. Si trata de enfrentar el caso sólo no tendrá la ventaja de un abogado especializado pelando por usted.

 

¿Existen Diferentes Tipos de Visas para los que puedo aplicar?

 

Absolutamente. Existen varios tipos diferentes de Visas para las cuales un inmigrante puede aplicar -una Visa de trabajo, Visadeestudiante, inclusive una Visa de inversión. Cada tipo de Visa tiene rigurosos requerimientos así que cerciórese de contactar a un abogado de inmigración para asegurarse de cumplir con todas las condiciones antes de enviar la solicitud. También puede aplicar para una Visa de Prometido (a) o Visa de Matrimonio si está comprometido (a) o casado (a) con un Ciudadano Americano nacido en los Estados Unidos o que cuenta con la tarjeta verde.

 

Aplicar para los diferentes tipos de Visas puede ser un reto por lo que es mejor elegir a un abogado que está bien versado en los diferentes tipos de trámites y requisitos con los que debe cumplir. También puede ayudarlo a reunir todos los documentos junto  con su solicitud para presentarlos al Departamento de Inmigración y Ciudadanía.

 

¿Qué Necesito Traer a Mi Reunión?

 

Si tiene una reunión con un abogado de inmigración de San Diego, ya sea por teléfono o en persona, tiene que proporcionar toda la documentación necesaria. Esto incluye una identificación, acta de nacimiento y otros documentos necesarios para llenar su solicitud. Si no está seguro de qué necesita llevar o enviar acuda con su abogado para que pueda asistirlo.

 

Para hablar con un Abogado de Inmigración de San Diego, contactenos al 619-827-8777  o visitenos en línea en www.sandiegoimmigrationlawcenter.com.