Recent Blog Posts
Are Visas for Victims of Crime and Abuse Still Available?
Although virtually every aspect of immigration is on shaky ground right now, with misunderstandings regarding what is still allowed, victims of crime or abuse may continue to file for certain visas based on these characteristics. Unfortunately for many, an immigrant’s legal status may be dependent on an abusive spouse, or a non-citizen may fear deportation if he or she reports a crime of violence.
Historically, the United States has provided protection and relief for victims of violent crimes and abuse, offering options that allow the individual to seek safety and independence while working to obtain a Green Card. If you or a loved one is experiencing abuse or has been a victim of a violent crime, it can be extremely beneficial to speak to a skilled Falls Church, VA immigration lawyer.
What Are Potential Visas for Those Who Are Victims of Crime or Abuse?
There are three types of visas for victims of abuse or crime. All of these visas are useful in obtaining Lawful Permanent Residency as well as eventual citizenship. The requirements can be complex and require the assistance of an experienced immigration attorney. These visas include:
Is It Safe for Noncitizens to Travel Within the United States?
Many people travel within the United States for their summer vacations. Whether visiting a National Park, a beach, or a theme park, all those who live in the U.S. enjoy getting out, seeing things they have not seen before, and soaking up the sunshine after a long winter. Noncitizens also enjoy summer travel, but many are now wondering whether it is safe for them to travel within the United States, considering the immigration changes we have seen over the past few months.
Summer vacations are looked forward to by all, but a person without lawful immigration status faces certain risks. If you are not lawfully in the U.S., you risk being detained, placed in removal proceedings, or removed from the country if there is an outstanding order of removal. The level of risk you may face when traveling during the summer months will depend on your individual situation. It can be extremely beneficial to speak to an experienced Falls Church, VA immigration attorney.
Could Your Student Visa Be Canceled?
New White House policies are challenging the immigration status of international college students across the United States, and Virginia is no exception. At least one student at UVA Charlottesville has recently had a student visa canceled, leaving all noncitizen students feeling anxious and unsettled.
The University learned of the visa cancellation on Friday, April 4, and communicated with the affected student and the community the same day. Over the past two months, more than 200 international students have been stripped of their ability to remain at a university in the U.S. This has led to confusion and frustration as universities attempt to help these students face detention and potential deportation.
Both private institutions like Harvard and Stanford and public universities, including the University of California, Minnesota State University, and the University of Texas at Austin, have been targeted. If you are worried that your student visa may be canceled, your best course of action is to contact a Sterling, VA, immigration attorney as quickly as possible. This can help you understand your options and get a better idea of what may happen and how you could potentially prevent it.
Do Family Members of U.S. Citizens Have the Right to a Green Card?
Becoming a permanent resident of the United States can be a complex process, but family-based immigration makes it possible. U.S. citizens can sponsor relatives, allowing them to obtain green cards and live in the country as permanent residents. Who is eligible for this? What criteria do you have to meet, and how long will it take? A Prince William County, VA immigration lawyer can answer those questions and help you understand your rights and options as you pursue a green card.
Who Can Apply for Family-Based Permanent Residence?
Immediate relatives have the highest claim in family-based immigration. They have fewer limitations than other relatives and can typically access a green card much faster. Examples of people who qualify as immediate relatives include:
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Spouses: Married couples, widows, and widowers are recognized regardless of where they were married. Widows and widowers of U.S. citizens may apply as long as they were married for two years and filed within two years of their spouse’s death.
Can I Get Special Immigrant Juvenile Status?
For many undocumented children in the U.S., life is filled with uncertainty and fear. Some have suffered abuse, neglect, or abandonment by one or both parents, leaving them without stability or legal status. Some may have spent many years not knowing where their parents are. Fortunately, Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) offers a pathway to protection and lawful permanent residency for these vulnerable young people.
If you or a child you care about needs help with SIJS, understanding the process is just the first step. With the guidance of an experienced Virginia immigration attorney — especially one who understands the challenges immigrant children face and works as a guardian ad litem — you can take the necessary steps to secure a safer, more stable future for a deserving young soul.
What is Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS)?
SIJS is a humanitarian immigration status available to undocumented children who have been abused, neglected, or abandoned by one or both parents. It provides a pathway to a green card and, ultimately, U.S. citizenship.
