Vehicle Code 23152(a) VC governs the crime of operating a motor vehicle “under the influence” of alcohol. In California motorists charged with driving under the influence can even be charged with a DUI, the blood alcohol concentration was below 0.08%. It should also be noted that if you have been charges with a DUI, there are two governmental bodies that are generally involved and require hearings; that is the DMV and the Courts. The DMV case is extremely time sensitive, and if not fixed immediately, will result in an automatic suspension of your driver’s license. A Driving under the influence conviction generally can result in costly fines, required attendance at alcohol-education classes, suspension or revocation of your driver’s license, probation, placing an ignition interlock device in your car, and even jail or prison time depending on the facts of the case.
California DUI charges can result in driver’s license suspensions, sometimes even on a first DUI. Our DUI attorneys in Glendale, CA have the ability to extend your driver’s license privileges and aggressively fight the DMV case to protect your license. It is critical to act quickly so you do not miss the deadline to demand a DMV hearing. If the deadline is missed it is likely that the DMV will automatically suspend your license.
If convicted of a DUI in Court, while the driver would have full driving privileges, the DMV will require the installation of an ignition interlock device, which is the breathalyzer device for several month period. Typically, probation is for three years and is also known as "informal" or "summary probation" on a first time DUI offense. Summary probation means that it is “non-reporting probation".
A criminal conviction in California, even for a first time DUI offense can have negative consequences on immigration status. For instance, a DUI offense can trigger deportation requirements and other immigration difficulties. Winning your case instead of being convicted can often mean staying in the United States instead of being deported. Therefore, hiring an experience Glendale DUI defense lawyer may mean the difference of keeping your immigration status or suffer adverse consequences. Our goal in DUI cases is to first attempt to seek a dismissal. If that does not work, we seek to reduce charges and all punishment.
It is imperative that you hire the best Los Angeles DUI attorney to ensure you get the best possible defense. Our Glendale criminal defense lawyers have handled numerous cases. If you have been accused of a DUI, contact one of our Glendale DUI attorneys at (310) 943-1171. It is important to have a defense attorney that you can trust. It is imperative not to speak with investigative authorities without seeking legal counsel first in these situations.
KAASS LAW is authorized to practice law in California. The above content is intended for California residents only. This content provides only general information which may or may not reflect current legal developments. KAASS LAW expressly disclaims all liability in respect to actions taken or not taken based on any of the contents of this website. The above content DOES NOT create an attorney-client relationship. KAASS LAW does not represent you unless you have expressly retained KAASS LAW in person at the KAASS LAW office. KAASS LAW helps clients in: Los Angeles, Burbank, Hollywood, Glendale, Van Nuys, North Hollywood, Studio City, Highland Park, Eagle Rock, Sunland, Tujunga, Sylmar, San Bernardino, La Crescenta, La Canada, Beverly Hills, Westwood, Santa Monica, Brentwood. Pacoima, Montebello, Commerce, Alhambra, Downey, Bell, Maywood, Walnut Park, Vernon, Lynwood, Echo Park, Silverlake, Mission Hills, Northridge, Woodland Hills, Encino, Canoga Park, North Hills, Porter Ranch, Chatsworth, Reseda.
Starting from January 29, 2018, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) gives priority to most recent affirmative asylum applications when scheduling asylum interviews. This interview scheduling approach is known as “last in, first out” interview scheduling.
The “last in, first out” interview scheduling approach was introduced in 1995 and was in place until 2014 when USCIS switched to the “first in, first out” approach. Pursuant to the “first in, first out” approach, USCIS was giving priority to oldest asylum applications. This approach turned out to be not very efficient and resulted in an unprecedented backlog of asylum cases. In the majority of asylum offices new asylum applicants had to wait for years for their asylum interviews. As a result, many frivolous asylum applications were filed because the applicants were able to obtain employment authorization within six (6) months from filing their applications and to legally work for years until the scheduling of their asylum interviews.
The Immigration and Nationality Act (“INA”) gives an opportunity to US Citizens and lawful permanent residents to bring their children to the Unites States. US citizens can sponsor both their married and unmarried children. However, the unmarried children under twenty-one (21) fall under the category of immediate relatives who are exempt from numerical quotas applicable to other family based preference categories. The question whether the child falls under the category of immediate relatives is extremely important because if immediate relatives can obtain their green cards within less than a year, children of US citizens, falling under one of the preference categories, will have to wait at least seven (7) years depending on their country of citizenship and marital status. Lawful permanent residents can only sponsor their unmarried children who fall under the Second Preference – spouses and unmarried sons and daughters of permanent residents. However, children under twenty-one (21) of permanent residents have certain privileges compared to children who are twenty-one (21) or older. First of all, seventy-seven percent (77%) of available visas in the second preference category is allocated to spouses and unmarried sons and daughters under twenty-one (21) of permanent residents. INA § 203(a)(2). Additionally, seventy-five percent (75%) of visas issued to spouses and unmarried children under twenty-one (21) of permanent residents is not subject to the per country limitations. Id. § 202(a)(4)(A). As a result, if children under twenty-one (21) of permanent residents can obtain their green cards within less than two (2) years, children who are twenty-one (21) or older will have to wait at least seven (7) years depending on their country of citizenship. As it can be seen, the age of the child is crucial for both the petitions filed by US citizens and permanent residents. There is a possibility that although the petition is filed while the child beneficiary is under twenty-one (21) he will be twenty-one (21) or older at the time of adjudication of the petition.
The Immigration and Nationality Act (“INA”) gives an opportunity to US citizens to bring their foreign fiancé(e)s to the United States to get married here. In order to obtain the K-1 fiancé(e) visa, the petitioning US citizen and his/her fiancé(e) must meet certain requirements. The Petitioner Must Be A US Citizen First of all, it should be noted that only US citizens can file K-1 petitions for their foreign fiancé(e)s. Lawful permanent residents cannot bring their fiancé(e)s to the US with a K-1 visa. The petitioning US citizen must submit a proof of his citizenship with the petition for alien fiancé(e). The acceptable evidence of US citizenship includes, but is not limited to, a copy of birth certificate issued by a US civil authority, a copy of certificate of naturalization, and a copy of unexpired US passport. The Petitioner And Fiancé(e) Must Intend To Marry After Fiancé(e)’s Entry To The United States The US citizen petitioner and his/her fiancé(e) must intend to marry within ninety (90) days after fiancé(e)’s entry to the US. Both the petitioner and his/her fiancé(e) shall submit statements of their intent to marry within ninety (90) days after fiancé(e)’s entry to the US. In addition to the statements, the petitioner shall submit any other evidence showing the mutual intention to marry. Once the petitioner and fiancé(e) marry within ninety (90) days after fiancé(e)’s entry to the US, the fiancé(e) may apply for adjustment of status to obtain his/her green card. If the petitioner and fiancé(e) fail to marry within ninety (90) days after fiancé(e)’s entry to the US, the fiancé(e) shall leave the country. A US citizen can file a petition for alien fiancé(e) only if the petitioner and his/her fiancé(e) have met in person within two (2) years prior to filing the petition. The petitioner shall submit evidence of the meeting with his/her fiancé(e) with the petition. Such evidence may include photographs, airplane tickets, stamps in passports, receipts or anything else showing that the petitioner and fiancé(e) have met in person. The requirement of in person meeting can be waived only in two (2) circumstances: (1) if the petitioner can establish that the requirement to meet his/her fiancé(e) in person would result in extreme hardship to the petitioner; or (2) the requirement to meet the fiancé(e) in person would violate strict and long established customs of the petitioner’s or fiancé(e)’s foreign culture or social practice. Both the petitioner and his/her fiancé(e) must be of legal age to marry. Additionally, if the petitioner and/or fiancé(e) have been married before, all prior marriages must be terminated. The petitioner shall submit proof that all previous marriages were legally terminated. Evidence of termination of previous marriages may include judgments of divorce or annulment of marriage or a death certificate issued by a civil authority. If the US citizen petitioner and his/her fiancé(e) meet the requirements outlined above, the US citizen can submit a petition for the fiancé(e). Once the petition is approved, the fiancé(e) can enter the US to marry the petitioner. KAASS LAW is authorized to practice law in California. The above content is intended for California residents only. This content provides only general information on immigration law which may or may not reflect current legal developments. KAASS LAW expressly disclaims all liability in respect to actions taken or not taken based on any of the contents of this website. The above content DOES NOT create an attorney-client relationship. KAASS LAW does not represent you unless you have expressly retained KAASS LAW in person at the KAASS LAW office. KAASS LAW helps clients in: Los Angeles, Burbank, Hollywood, Glendale, Van Nuys, North Hollywood, Studio City, Highland Park, Eagle Rock, Sunland, Tujunga, Sylmar, San Bernardino, La Crescenta, La Canada, Beverly Hills, Westwood, Santa Monica, Brentwood. Pacoima, Montebello, Commerce, Alhambra, Downey, Bell, Maywood, Walnut Park, Vernon, Lynwood, Echo Park, Silverlake, Mission Hills, Northridge, Woodland Hills, Encino, Canoga Park, North Hills, Porter Ranch, Chatsworth, Reseda. FOR A CONSULTATION PLEASE FILL OUT THE FORM BELOW FOR A CALL BACK FROM KAASS LAW: [contact-form to='[email protected]' subject='NEW CLIENT INQUIRY'][contact-field label='Name' type='name' required='1'/][contact-field label='Email' type='email' required='1'/][contact-field label='Phone' type='url' required='1'/][contact-field label='Case Information' type='textarea' required='1'/][/contact-form] https://kaass.com/happens-immigration-visa/ https://kaass.com/happens-child-turns-21-filing-immigration-petition-behalf/
The Immigration and Nationality Act (“INA”) gives an opportunity to US Citizens and lawful permanent residents to bring their children to the United States. US citizens can sponsor both their married and unmarried children. However, the unmarried children under twenty-one (21) fall under the category of immediate relatives who are exempt from numerical quotas applicable to other family based preference categories. The question whether the child falls under the category of immediate relatives is extremely important because if immediate relatives can obtain their green cards within less than a year, children of US citizens, falling under one of the preference categories, will have to wait at least seven (7) years depending on their country of citizenship and marital status. Lawful permanent residents can only sponsor their unmarried children who fall under the Second Preference – spouses and unmarried sons and daughters of permanent residents. However, children under twenty-one (21) of permanent residents have certain privileges compared to children who are twenty-one (21) or older. First of all, seventy-seven percent (77%) of available visas in the second preference category is allocated to spouses and unmarried sons and daughters under twenty-one (21) of permanent residents. § 203(a)(2). Additionally, seventy-five percent (75%) of visas issued to spouses and unmarried children under twenty-one (21) of permanent residents are not subject to the per country limitations. . § 202(a)(4)(A). As a result, if children under twenty-one (21) of permanent residents can obtain their green cards within less than two (2) years, children who are twenty-one (21) or older will have to wait at least seven (7) years depending on their country of citizenship. As it can be seen, the age of the child is crucial for both the petitions filed by US citizens and permanent residents. There is a possibility that although the petition is filed while the child beneficiary is under twenty-one (21) he will be twenty-one (21) or older at the time of adjudication of the petition. In 2002, the Congress enacted the Child Status Protection Act to protect children beneficiaries who turned twenty-one (21) after the immigration petition was filed on their behalf. These provisions of the Child Status Protection Act are known as “age-out protection” provisions.
If you are a US citizen or lawful permanent resident planning to sponsor your foreign family member for a green card you probably wonder how long the process might take. The process of sponsorship of a family member might take from several months to several years depending on the status of the petitioner and the family relationship between the petitioner and the beneficiary.
The Immigration and Nationality Act (“INA”) has created the category of so called immediate relatives of US citizens who are exempt from numerical limits and per country quotas. This means that the approval of a US citizen’s petition on behalf of his immediate relative makes the immigrant visa immediately available for the beneficiary. The category of immediate relatives embraces spouses, parents and unmarried children under 21 of US citizens. The approval of an immigration petition on behalf of an immediate relative generally takes about six months. The whole process of bringing an immediate relative to the US usually might take about a year.
The Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) has created the category of immediate relatives of US citizens who are exempt from numerical quotas applicable to other family members of US citizens and family members of lawful permanent residents. INA has created the category of immediate relatives to give an opportunity to US citizens to easily reunite with their closest family members. Therefore, it is extremely important for US citizens and their family members to determine who falls under the category of immediate relatives.
Spouses of US citizens comprise the first group that falls under the category of immediate relatives. INA § 201(b)(2)(A)(i). The marriage between the US citizen and his/her spouse shall be legitimate and shall not be entered into for immigration benefits. The US citizen and his/her spouse have to submit supporting documents showing that the legitimacy of the marriage.
The will be if at the time of obtaining the permanent residence their marriage is less than two years old. The conditional residence is granted for two years, and the US citizen with his/her spouse shall file a joint petition to remove the conditions on residence within ninety days before the expiration of the two-year conditional green card.
Pursuant to the Immigration and Nationality Act, the spouses of US citizens and legal permanent residents are granted conditional residence if at the time of obtaining permanent residence their marriage is less than two years old. INA § 216(a)(1) and (h). The same rule applies to people who enter into the US on K-1 Fiancé Visa and obtain their green card after marrying a US citizen. Id. § 216(h)(1).
Within ninety days before the expiration of the two-year validity period of the conditional green card the conditional resident and his spouse must file a joint petition to remove the conditions on residence. However, in some cases the conditional resident and his spouse divorce before filing the joint petition to remove the conditions. Pursuant to the INA, the annulment or termination of a marriage before the removal of conditions on residence leads to the termination of the permanent resident status of the alien. Id. § 216(b)(1).
If you are a US citizen and you are willing to get married to your foreign fiancé(e) in the US, K-1 fiancé(e) visa is probably the best option for you. The Immigration and Nationality Act gives an opportunity to US citizens to bring their alien fiancé(e)s to the US to get married and to obtain a green card for them. If you need assistance filing for K-1 petition for an alien fiancé visa, our Glendale immigration attorney can
The US citizen and his/her fiancé(e) must meet the following requirements for the K-1 Petition for Alien Fiancé(e):
US citizens and legal permanent residents can sponsor their family members for a green card. Particularly, a US citizen can sponsor his spouse, children, parents and siblings, while a legal permanent resident can sponsor his spouse and unmarried children. The petitioner willing to sponsor his relative and the beneficiary family member shall go through certain procedure to obtain green card for the family member.
The initial step in the process of sponsoring a family member for a green card is filing the Petition for Alien Relative with USCIS. The USCIS Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, shall be used for initiating the sponsorship process. The current version of the Form I-130 can be found on the USCIS website (www.uscis.gov/forms). The petition contains information about the petitioner, the beneficiary family member, and their relationship. The petitioner shall file the petition with all the documents showing that the family member qualifies for the sponsorship. The list of supporting documents is different based on the family relationship between the petitioner and the beneficiary. However, the main purpose of the supporting documents is to show that the petitioner is a US citizen or a legal permanent resident, and that the required family relationship exists between the petitioner and the beneficiary. The petition is filed in the appropriate USCIS office based on the address of the petitioner. The petition is considered properly filed if it is signed by the petitioner, and the filing fee is paid. The current filing fee for the Form I-130 is $535 which shall be paid simultaneously with filing the petition for family member unless the petitioner qualifies for a fee waiver.
The major reason for returning to the “last in, first out” approach is to deter the filing of frivolous asylum applications just for obtaining employment authorization. According to the new policy, USCIS will give priority to the most recently filed affirmative asylum applications. This approach will allow USCIS to identify non-meritorious asylum applicants and to place them in removal proceedings. The risk of being placed in removal proceeding might discourage people from filing a frivolous asylum application.
According to the website of USCIS affirmative asylum interviews will be scheduled in the following order of priority:
If you or someone you know has questions with respects to seeking for asylum or filing for an asylum application, please feel free to give our office a call. Our Los Angeles immigration attorney provide a free no obligation immigration consultation. speak English, French, Spanish, Russian, Armenian, and Italian.
Recently arrived foreigners with fear to return to their home countries shall definitely be happy with the “last in, first out” policy as they will not have to wait for years in order to have their cases heard by an immigration officer. On the other side, applicants with already filed cases might have to wait for several years until their asylum interviews. Only time will show the effectiveness of the new policy for scheduling affirmative asylum interviews.
KAASS LAW is authorized to practice law in California. The above content is intended for California residents only. This content provides only general information which may or may not reflect current legal developments. KAASS LAW expressly disclaims all liability in respect to actions taken or not taken based on any of the contents of this website. The above content DOES NOT create an attorney-client relationship. KAASS LAW does not represent you unless you have expressly retained KAASS LAW in person at the KAASS LAW office. KAASS LAW helps clients in: Los Angeles, Burbank, Hollywood, Glendale, Van Nuys, North Hollywood, Studio City, Highland Park, Eagle Rock, Sunland, Tujunga, Sylmar, La Crescenta, La Canada, Beverly Hills, Westwood, Santa Monica, Brentwood. Pacoima, Montebello, Commerce, Alhambra, Downey, Bell, Maywood, Walnut Park, Vernon, Lynwood, Echo Park, Silverlake, Mission Hills, Northridge, Woodland Hills, Encino, Canoga Park, North Hills, Porter Ranch, Chatsworth, Reseda.
The Child Status Protection Act (CSPA) amended the Immigration Nationality Act (INA) qualifications for the term "child" for purposes of an immigrant. This allows beneficiaries to maintain classification as a “child,” even if you reached the age of 21.
The CSPA protect immigration classification as a "child" when the person aged out due to excessive processing times. “Child” is defined as an individual who is unmarried and under the age of 21.
Under the CSPA,“child” status is protected for:
Adjudicators must determine whether the beneficiary qualifies as an immediate relative child based on his age on the date of filing the immigrant visa petition on his behalf. Id. § 201(f)(1). As such, the date when the US citizen parent files the immigration petition for his child, the Form I-130, determines whether the child falls under the category of immediate relatives or not. This means that although the child may turn twenty-one (21) after filing the immigration petition on his behalf, he will always qualify as an immediate relative as long as he is not married. The date of filing the petition is the date when the Form I-130 is filed with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services.
Immediate relatives qualify for age out protection if the I-130, Petition for Alien Relative was filed by a U.S. citizen parent for his or her child, the beneficiary’s age “freezes” on the date of filing. If the I-130 petition was filed by a parent that has permanent resident status and received his or her naturalization status before the child turns 21, the child's age “freezes” on the date the petitioner naturalized.
Adjudicators shall determine whether the beneficiary qualifies as a child under twenty-one (21) of a lawful permanent resident by using the following formula: the age of the child on the date on which an immigrant visa number becomes available minus the number of days during which the petition for the child was pending. Id. § 203(h)(1). If the child is under 21 after using this formula he will benefit from the age-out protection provision of INA. The immigration petition is considered to be pending from the date of filing the petition until the date of approval. It should be noted that the beneficiary may benefit from the age-out protection only if he seeks to acquire a status of a lawful permanent resident within one (1) year after the availability of an immigrant visa number. Id. The age-out protection provisions of the INA are intended to protect the children of US citizens and lawful permanent residents who turn twenty-one (21) after filing the immigration petition on their behalf. Hence, if the child of a US citizen or a lawful permanent resident will turn twenty-one (21) soon they should try to file the immigration petition before the child turns twenty-one (21) in order to benefit from the age-out protection provisions.
In order to be eligible for CSPA age out protection the "child":
FOR A FREE DETAILED REVIEW BY OUR AWARD WINNING LOS ANGELES IMMIGRATION ATTORNEYS FILL OUT THE FOLLOWING FORM: [contact-form to='[email protected]' subject='NEW CLIENT - Immigrationt'][contact-field label='Name' type='name' required='1'/][contact-field label='Email' type='email' required='1'/][contact-field label='Phone' type='url' required='1'/][contact-field label='Facts' type='textarea' required='1'/][/contact-form]
Adjudicators must determine whether the beneficiary qualifies as an immediate relative child based on his age on the date of filing the immigrantion visa petition on his behalf. Id. § 201(f)(1). As such, the date when the US citizen parent files the immigration petition for his child, the Form I-130, determines whether the child falls under the category of immediate relatives or not. This means that although the child may turn twenty-one (21) after filing the immigration petition on his behalf, he will always qualify as an immediate relative as long as he is not married. The date of filing the petition is the date when the Form I-130 is filed with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services.
Adjudicators shall determine whether the beneficiary qualifies as a child under twenty-one (21) of a lawful permanent resident by using the following formula: the age of the child on the date on which an immigrant visa number becomes available minus the number of days during which the petition for the child was pending. Id. § 203(h)(1). If the child is under 21 after using this formula he will benefit from the age-out protection provision of INA. The immigration petition is considered to be pending from the date of filing the petition until the date of approval. It should be noted that the beneficiary may benefit from the age-out protection only if he seeks to acquire a status of a lawful permanent resident within one (1) year after the availability of an immigrant visa number. Id. The age-out protection provisions of the INA are intended to protect the children of US citizens and lawful permanent residents who turn twenty-one (21) after filing the immigration petition on their behalf. Hence, if the child of a US citizen or a lawful permanent resident will turn twenty-one (21) soon they should try to file the immigration petition before the child turns twenty-one (21) in order to benefit from the age-out protection provisions. If you have questions regarding an immigration matter, we invite you to contact our immigration attorney for a free consultation at (310) 943-1171. KAASS LAW is authorized to practice law in California. The above content is intended for California residents only. This content provides only general information which may or may not reflect current legal developments. KAASS LAW expressly disclaims all liability in respect to actions taken or not taken based on any of the contents of this website. The above content DOES NOT create an attorney-client relationship. KAASS LAW does not represent you unless you have expressly retained KAASS LAW in person at the KAASS LAW office. KAASS LAW helps clients in Los Angeles, Burbank, Hollywood, Glendale, Van Nuys, North Hollywood, Studio City, Highland Park, Eagle Rock, Sunland, Tujunga, Sylmar, La Crescenta, La Canada, Beverly Hills, Westwood, Santa Monica, Brentwood. Pacoima, Montebello, Commerce, Alhambra, Downey, Bell, Maywood, Walnut Park, Vernon, Lynwood, Echo Park, Silverlake, Mission Hills, Northridge, Woodland Hills, Encino, Canoga Park, North Hills, Porter Ranch, Chatsworth, Reseda.
It might take several years for a US citizen or a lawful permanent resident to bring his relatives to the US if the relative does not fall under the category of immediate relatives of US citizens. Family members, not falling under the category of immediate relatives of US citizens, are divided into 4 preference categories, and only a specific number of visas can be issued in each specific category every year. In addition to numerical limits for each preference category, there is also a per country quota on the number of visas that can be issued. Particularly, the yearly number of visas issued to citizens of any country under a specific preference category cannot exceed 7% of the limit allocated to the specific preference category. INA § 202(a)(2). As a result of the per country quota, aliens from certain countries have to wait much longer compared to aliens from other countries because much more petitions have been filed on behalf of the citizens of these countries. When a US citizen or a lawful permanent resident files an immigration petition on behalf of his foreign family member a priority date is allocated to the specific case. US Department of State publishes a monthly visa bulletin which states the dates a final action was taken in each preference category. Based on the priority date allocated to a petition and the date of final action for the specific preference category, the petitioner and the foreign beneficiary can approximately determine how long they will have to wait until the immigrant visa becomes available. You can check the most recent visa bulletin for July 2017.
The first preference includes unmarried sons and daughters of US citizens. Citizens of Mexico falling under this category have to wait approximately 21 years until their immigrant visa becomes available, citizens of the Philippines have to wait 11 years, while the citizens of all other countries shall wait 7 years.
The second preference includes spouses and unmarried children of lawful permanent residents. This preference is divided into 2 subcategories: (a) spouses and unmarried children under 21 of permanent residents, and (b) unmarried sons and daughters 21 and older of permanent residents.
Not less than 77 percent of visa numbers assigned to the second preference shall be allocated to spouses and unmarried children under 21 of permanent residents. INA § 203(a)(2). Also, 75% of visas issued to spouses and unmarried children under 21 of permanent residents is not subject to the per country limitation. INA § 202(a)(4)(A). These sections of INA are intended to shorten the waiting time for spouses and children under 21 of permanent residents. The waiting time for aliens falling under this category is about 2 years.
The second subcategory of the second preference includes unmarried sons and daughters of permanent residents who are 21 or older. The waiting time for aliens falling under this subcategory is much longer compared to the first subcategory. Particularly, citizens of Mexico shall wait 21 years, citizens of the Philippines shall wait 11 years, while the citizens of all other countries have to wait 7 years.
The third preference includes married sons and daughters of US citizens. Citizens of Mexico falling under this category shall wait approximately 22 years until their visa becomes available, citizens of the Philippines shall wait 23 years, while the citizens of all the other countries have to wait 12 years.
The fourth preference includes the brothers and sisters of adult US citizens. The waiting times for aliens falling under this category are as follows: citizens of Mexico shall wait approximately 20 years, citizens of the Philippines shall wait 23 years, citizens of China shall wait 14 years, while the citizens of all the other countries have to wait 13 years.To sum up, the sponsorship of immediate relatives of US citizens is much easier compared to the sponsorship of family members falling under one of the preference categories. Family members that fall under one of the preference categories will have to wait for years until they get a chance to immigrate to the US.
If you are a US citizen seeking to petition for an immigrant visa for an immediate relative or have questions regarding other family based immigration visas, we invite you to call our office and schedule a free immigration consultation with our Glendale immigration lawyer. We speak Spanish, Armenian, Russian, French, & Italian. Get help from a professional who is experienced with immigration law.
Our lawyers in Glendale, Los Angeles, California at KAASS LAW are authorized to practice law in California. The above content is intended for California residents only. This content provides only general information which may or may not reflect current legal developments. KAASS LAW expressly disclaims all liability in respect to actions taken or not taken based on any of the contents of this website. The above content DOES NOT create an attorney-client relationship. KAASS LAW does not represent you unless you have expressly retained KAASS LAW in person at the KAASS LAW office.
KAASS LAW helps clients in: Los Angeles, Burbank, Hollywood, Glendale, Van Nuys, North Hollywood, Studio City, Highland Park, Eagle Rock, Sunland, Tujunga, Sylmar, San Bernardino, La Crescenta, La Canada, Beverly Hills, Westwood, Santa Monica, Brentwood. Pacoima, Montebello, Commerce, Alhambra, Downey, Bell, Maywood, Walnut Park, Vernon, Lynwood, Echo Park, Silverlake, Mission Hills, Northridge, Woodland Hills, Encino, Canoga Park, North Hills, Porter Ranch, Chatsworth, Reseda.
[contact-form-7 id="5673" title="KAASS LAW Contact Form"]
The category of immediate relatives also includes children of US citizens. Id. § 201(b)(2)(A)(i). To qualify as an immediate relative of a US citizen, the child must be unmarried and under twenty-one years of age. Id. § 101(b)(1). The INA definition of child includes:
(a) a child born in wedlock; (b) a stepchild provided the marriage creating the status of stepchild occurred before the child turned eighteen; (c) a legitimated child if the legitimation took place before the child turned eighteen and the child was in the legal custody of the legitimating parent at the time of legitimation; (d) a child born out of wedlock through natural mother or through natural father if the father has or had a bona fide parent-child relationship with the child; (e) a child that was adopted under the age of sixteen years if the child has been in the legal custody of and has resided with the adopting parent for at least two years. Id. It should be noted that even if the child turns twenty-one during the processing of the immigration petition he/she will still qualify as an immediate relative if the immigration petition on the child’s behalf was filed before the child turned twenty-one.
The last group of family members that falls under the category of immediate relatives includes parents of US citizens. Id. § 201(b)(2)(A)(i). The US citizen child must be at least twenty-one years old in order to be able to sponsor his/her parents for a green card. Before turning twenty-one a US citizen child does not have a right to petition for his/her parents.
The immigration process is much easier for immediate relatives of US citizens in comparison to other family members of US citizens or family members of lawful permanent residents. First of all, immediate relatives of US citizens are exempt from the numerical quotas for the issuance of immigrant visas that apply to other family categories. This means that the approval of a US citizen’s petition for an immediate relative makes the immigrant visa immediately available for the immediate relative beneficiary. Another advantage of being an immediate relative of a US citizen is that if relatives falling under other family categories cannot adjust their status after overstaying their visa this bar does not apply to immediate relatives.
INA has made the sponsorship of immediate relatives much easier compared to other family categories. This process allows immediate relatives of US citizens to obtain permanent residence within a short period of time to reunite with their US citizen family members.
If you are a US citizen seeking to petition for an immigrant visa for an immediate relative or have questions regarding other family based immigration visas, we invite you to call our office and schedule a free immigration consultation with an experienced Glendale immigration lawyer.
KAASS LAW is authorized to practice law in California. The above content is intended for California residents only. This content provides only general information which may or may not reflect current legal developments. KAASS LAW expressly disclaims all liability in respect to actions taken or not taken based on any of the contents of this website. The above content DOES NOT create an attorney-client relationship. KAASS LAW does not represent you unless you have expressly retained KAASS LAW in person at the KAASS LAW office.
KAASS LAW helps clients in: Los Angeles, Burbank, Hollywood, Glendale, Van Nuys, North Hollywood, Studio City, Highland Park, Eagle Rock, Sunland, Tujunga, Sylmar, San Bernardino, La Crescenta, La Canada, Beverly Hills, Westwood, Santa Monica, Brentwood. Pacoima, Montebello, Commerce, Alhambra, Downey, Bell, Maywood, Walnut Park, Vernon, Lynwood, Echo Park, Silverlake, Mission Hills, Northridge, Woodland Hills, Encino, Canoga Park, North Hills, Porter Ranch, Chatsworth, Reseda.
Although the termination of a marriage during the two-year conditional residency period is a basis for termination of conditional resident’s permanent resident status, the INA gives an opportunity to the conditional resident to file a petition to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services requesting to waive the requirement of filing a joint petition to remove conditions.
INA identifies three different grounds for the waiver of the requirement of filing the joint petition to remove conditions on residence:
(a) if extreme hardship would result in case the conditional resident is removed; or
(b) if the conditional resident and his spouse entered into the marriage in good faith, and the conditional resident is not at fault in failing to file the joint petition to remove the conditions on residence; or (c) if the qualifying marriage was entered in good faith, during the marriage the alien spouse was battered by or was the subject of extreme cruelty perpetrated by her spouse and the alien was not at fault in failing to file the joint petition to remove the conditions on residence. Id. § 216(c)(4).
The grounds for waiver specified in INA § 216(c)(4) are separate and independent bases for waiving the requirement of filing the joint petition to remove the conditions on residence. Matter of Balsillie, 20 I. &. N. Dec. 486 (B.I.A. 1992). However, if the conditional resident qualifies for a waiver on different grounds he can include all the bases in his petition.
The conditional resident shall file the request for a waiver by using the Form I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence, which is also used for filing the joint petition to remove conditions. The most updated version of the form can be found on the USCIS website. The petition shall be filed with all the supporting documents showing that the conditional resident qualifies for the specific ground for waiver. If the petitioner is able to demonstrate that he meets the requirements for the waiver his petition will be approved and he will get the permanent green card.
Although your marriage was terminated during the conditional residency period you still can obtain your permanent green card if you qualify for a waiver of the requirement to file a joint petition to remove conditions on residence.
If you have questions regarding waivers of the requirement to file joint petition to remove conditions on residence or any other immigration law questions give us a call and receive a free consultation with one of our experienced Glendale immigration lawyers.
KAASS LAW is authorized to practice law in California. The above content is intended for California residents only. This content provides only general information which may or may not reflect current legal developments. KAASS LAW expressly disclaims all liability in respect to actions taken or not taken based on any of the contents of this website. The above content DOES NOT create an attorney-client relationship. KAASS LAW does not represent you unless you have expressly retained KAASS LAW in person at the KAASS LAW office.
KAASS LAW helps clients in: Los Angeles, Burbank, Hollywood, Glendale, Van Nuys, North Hollywood, Studio City, Highland Park, Eagle Rock, Sunland, Tujunga, Sylmar, San Bernardino, La Crescenta, La Canada, Beverly Hills, Westwood, Santa Monica, Brentwood. Pacoima, Montebello, Commerce, Alhambra, Downey, Bell, Maywood, Walnut Park, Vernon, Lynwood, Echo Park, Silverlake, Mission Hills, Northridge, Woodland Hills, Encino, Canoga Park, North Hills, Porter Ranch, Chatsworth, Reseda.
The requirement of in person meeting within two years before filing the petition can be waived only in two circumstances:
To initiate the process of bringing a foreign fiancé(e) to the US, the US citizen petitioner must file the Petition for Alien Fiancé(e) with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The petition shall be filed by using the Form I-129F, Petition for Alien Fiancé(e), the latest version of which can be found on USCIS website (www.uscis.gov/forms). The Petition for Alien Fiancé(e) is filed with supporting documents showing the parties have met within two years before filing the petition and their intent to marry within ninety days after the fiancé(e) beneficiary’s entry to the US.
After the approval of the petition by USCIS, the fiancé(e) beneficiary may apply to the US consulate in his/her home country to obtain K-1 Visa for entry to the US. The petitioner and the fiancé(e) beneficiary must get married within ninety days after the beneficiary’s entry to the US. Once the petitioner and the beneficiary get married, the beneficiary can file the application to adjust his/her status to obtain the green card. If the fiancé(e) beneficiary does not marry within ninety days after his/her entry to the US he/she will have to leave the country. Fiancé(e) beneficiaries cannot extend their K-1 status; neither can they change their status.
K-1 Fiancé(e) Visa is a unique option for US citizens and their foreign fiancé(e)s to plan their wedding in the US. Through this visa, the fiancé(e) beneficiary gets the opportunity to enter the US, to get married here and to obtain his/her permanent residency without leaving the country afterward.
If you have questions regarding K-1 fiance visas or any other immigration law questions give us a call and speak to one of our experienced Glendale immigration lawyers.
KAASS LAW is authorized to practice law in California. The above content is intended for California residents only. This content provides only general information which may or may not reflect current legal developments. KAASS LAW expressly disclaims all liability in respect to actions taken or not taken based on any of the contents of this website. The above content DOES NOT create an attorney-client relationship. KAASS LAW does not represent you unless you have expressly retained KAASS LAW in person at the KAASS LAW office.
KAASS LAW helps clients in: Los Angeles, Burbank, Hollywood, Glendale, Van Nuys, North Hollywood, Studio City, Highland Park, Eagle Rock, Sunland, Tujunga, Sylmar, San Bernardino, La Crescenta, La Canada, Beverly Hills, Westwood, Santa Monica, Brentwood. Pacoima, Montebello, Commerce, Alhambra, Downey, Bell, Maywood, Walnut Park, Vernon, Lynwood, Echo Park, Silverlake, Mission Hills, Northridge, Woodland Hills, Encino, Canoga Park, North Hills, Porter Ranch, Chatsworth, Reseda.
The approval of the petition for family member does not mean that the beneficiary family member will automatically get his green card. After the approval of the petition the family member has to apply to the consulate in his home country to obtain immigrant visa to enter the US as a legal permanent resident or has to submit an application to adjust his status if he is already in the US. However, not in all the cases the family member can apply to the consulate or file the application to adjust his status immediately after the approval of the petition.
The approval of a US citizen’s petition for his spouse, parents or unmarried children under 21, so called immediate relatives, makes the immigrant visa immediately available for the beneficiary family member. This means that right after the approval of the petition immediate relatives can apply to the consulate in their home country and obtain an immigrant visa to enter the US as permanent residents. If beneficiary family members falling under the immediate relative category are already in the US they can obtain their permanent resident status by filing an application to adjust status with USCIS. The application to adjust status can be filed simultaneously with the petition for alien relative or right after the approval of the petition. Generally, immediate relatives planning to adjust their status in the US file their application together with their family member’s petition for alien relative. However, it should be noted that the family member planning to adjust his status should qualify for the adjustment of status. There are certain circumstances that might bar a person’s eligibility to adjust his status in the US. One of the most common bars to adjustment of status is illegal entry to the US. On the other side, overstaying a visa does not bar an immediate relative’s eligibility to adjust his status.
The approval of the petition for alien relative does not make the immigrant visa immediately available for family members of US citizens who do not fall under the immediate relative category or for family members of legal permanent residents. The waiting time for these family members depend on the family preference category under which they fall and their country of citizenship. The Immigration and Nationality Act divides family members of US citizens and legal permanent resident into four preference categories: 1) First Preference – unmarried sons and daughters of US citizens who are 21 and older; 2) Second Preference – spouses and unmarried sons and daughters of legal permanent residents; 3) Third Preference – married sons and daughters of US citizens; 4) Fourth Preference – brothers and sisters of US citizens. Specific limit is set on the number of visas that can be issued in each preference category. US consulates abroad cannot issue more visas than the number allocated to the specific preference category. The number of petitions for family members considerably exceeds the number of visas allocated for the preference categories. Therefore, a substantial backlog has been created, and the family members of US citizens and permanent resident have to wait for long years until their visa becomes available. It should also be noted that there is a per country limit on issuance of visas each year as a result of which citizens of certain countries have to wait much longer than others. US Department of State publishes a monthly visa bulletin which specifies the waiting times for all preference categories for all the countries. The visa bulletin states how long the family member will have to wait after the petitioner properly files the petition for alien relative, so called priority date. For example, pursuant to the last visa bulletin, unmarried sons and daughters of US citizen who are 21 and older and who are citizens of Mexico shall wait for 21 year until their visa becomes available, citizens of Philippines falling under the same category will have to wait for 11 years, while citizens of all other countries will have to wait for 6 years. The link to the most recent visa bulletin can be found here Once the visa becomes available, the family member can apply to the consulate in his home country to obtain an immigrant visa to enter the US or to apply to adjust his status if he is in the US and qualifies for adjustment of status. For certain family members of US citizens falling under the category of immediate relatives it does not take long to immigrate to the US because their immigrant visa becomes immediately available after the approval of the petition for alien relative. However, family members who fall under one of the preference categories discussed above have to wait for years until their immigrant visa becomes available. Give our immigration attorneys a call for a free consultation. We speak English, French, Spanish, Russian, Armenian, and Italian.
KAASS LAW is authorized to practice law in California. The above content is intended for California residents only. This content provides only general information which may or may not reflect current legal developments. KAASS LAW expressly disclaims all liability in respect to actions taken or not taken based on any of the contents of this website. The above content DOES NOT create an attorney-client relationship. KAASS LAW does not represent you unless you have expressly retained KAASS LAW in person at the KAASS LAW office. KAASS LAW helps clients in: Los Angeles, Burbank, Hollywood, Glendale, Van Nuys, North Hollywood, Studio City, Highland Park, Eagle Rock, Sunland, Tujunga, Sylmar, La Crescenta, La Canada, Beverly Hills, Westwood, Santa Monica, Brentwood. Pacoima, Montebello, Commerce, Alhambra, Downey, Bell, Maywood, Walnut Park, Vernon, Lynwood, Echo Park, Silverlake, Mission Hills, Northridge, Woodland Hills, Encino, Canoga Park, North Hills, Porter Ranch, Chatsworth, Reseda.