Support for DACA
Renew your DACA by Oct 5, 2017 You can renew your DACA if your DACA is expiring between September 5, 2017 and March 5, 2018, but your application must be received before October 5, 2017. If your DACA is expiring after March 5, 2018, it will be valid until its expiration date. You will […]
What should I bring to my initial consultation with an immigration attorney?
Over the years, we have had clients who come in worried about everything. They bring in too many documents and overwhelm the attorneys with boxes and boxes of records. We have also had the opposite: clients who come in with nothing but what’s in their wallets. Sometimes they don’t bring documents because they don’t have […]
If you’re paying more than 15 euros for an ESTA, you’re being scammed
The Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) is for visitors (aka tourists) from qualifying countries under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) who want to visit enter the US for up to three months. Where before, such visitors could visit without any prior authorization, now they are required to register to ensure that they “pass” the […]
So I want to apply for a Green Card…
If you were applying for a green card in the past, you could do it yourself. However, today you need competent counsel to help you. Our current government is changeable, as evidenced by the new eighteen-page I-485 Adjustment of Status form–as opposed to the old six-page form. Now, the need for an attorney begins before […]
If you are a US citizen living abroad about to have children…
Did you know that children born to US citizens living outside the US are no longer automatically considered US citizens? As US citizenship is no longer automatic for children born to one or more US citizens overseas, it’s important to prepare for the process of obtaining a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA) for your child. Under […]
Family Adjustment of Status – Divorced parents – by Albert Justin Lum
Family Based I-130 – Reminder to parents! It is important to keep records of the care you give your children, even when divorced. We recently helped a client to obtain permanent resident status based on a petition from the U.S. citizen child as a divorced parent who did not have custody of the child. A […]
Recent Supreme Court Patent Ruling that Affects You, the Entrepreneur
Yesterday the Supreme Court made it easier for patent litigation winners to obtain their attorney fees from the losing party in “exceptional” cases. Although there are standards to be met, the Supreme Court has, in overturning the Federal Circuit, given more power to both plaintiffs and defendants when there is misconduct by either party during […]
Choose Your Representative Wisely
IMMIGRATION – ASYLUM APPEAL Recently I appeared before the Ninth Circuit for oral argument on a immigration appeal where my client was originally granted asylum, but the case was reopened on a motion by the government and subsequently the trial court found he had filed a frivolous asylum application but still granted him withholding of […]
Intellectual Property Rights – What’s Mine Is Mine
It’s been stated that “good artists borrow and great artists steal”. Whether or not that’s true is irrelevant but what is relevant is that if you’ve invented or created something, it’s yours. Even if others disagree, you’re protected under the legal statutes of intellectual property rights. However, creative ideas, no matter how original, are intangible […]
Why Should I Hire an Immigration Law Attorney for Myself?
Immigration procedures are long and complicated, and they usually take a lot of time to complete. Even after you’ve completed the form filling, the time you have to wait for approval is an exceptionally long one. In some cases, the approval may take a few months or even several years. At other times, people have […]
I’m an immigrant, do I qualify for government assistance?
You may qualify for government benefits, whether it’s low-cost insurance, food stamps, rent-control housing, etc. (check if you qualify here), but what you should be asking yourself is whether you need government assistance. You might be inadmissible… Every immigrant application asks if you will become a public charge, which means a public burden (someone who relies […]
Immigration: What is a “waiver” and how do I get it?
A waiver is “legal forgiveness”, which can be requested if you have a condition, a record, or any other reason why you may be considered “inadmissible” or if you’re in the US “unlawfully” (out of status). If you’re deemed inadmissible, find the I-601 form and information here. If you’re unlawfully present (illegal), find the I-601A […]
What does it mean to be scheduled for a “Removal Hearing” (deportation)?
If you are out of status and deemed “removable”, you will be placed in “removal proceedings” and scheduled for a “Removal Hearing” with U.S. Immigration court. You will receive a “Notice to Appear” (NTA) which informs you when and where your hearing will take place. The government will provide proof as to why you are […]
How do I choose an attorney?
Choosing an attorney is a personal decision. No one can tell you who you should hire. Having said that, here’s a few factors that people often consider when choosing an attorney. Fame You can definitely think of at least one “famous” attorney. Maybe you’ve seen his billboard ad. Perhaps you saw his many ads in […]
