Resources

  • International Students in an Era of Enforcement

    Studying in the United States offers a wide variety of opportunities to international students, such as cultural exchange, new perspectives on research, and exposure to the US job market. However, in this era of enforcement, international students enrolling in schools with questionable reputations and poorly managed SEVP (Student and Exchange Visitor Program) programs face greater risks. The Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency (ICE) terminated all SEVIS records for international students…

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  • Naturalization

    In general, an individual over the age of 18 seeking to become a citizen of the United States must apply for naturalization by filing an Application for Naturalization, Form N-400. To be eligible for naturalization, an applicant must fulfill certain eligibility requirements set forth in the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). These general eligibility requirements specify that the applicant must: Be at least 18 years of age Be a lawful permanent resident (green card holder) Have resided in…

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  • I-94 Automation

    Under the automated I-94 system, CBP will create an electronic record when travelers are admitted to the US via air and sea ports of entry. The system was rolled out on April 30, 2013. The automated system pulls arrival/departure information automatically from travelers’ electronic travel records (i.e. electronic visa application, Advance Passenger Information System). Upon a traveler’s entry, an immigration officer will scan the traveler’s passport, which will generate a record of admission in…

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  • There is NO Amnesty Program! How to Document Your Stay in the US

    It is possible that the United States Congress will approve a program to normalize the immigration status (‘legalization” or a “path to legalization”) of persons who are living and/or working in the US without immigration papers. IT IS IMPORTANT TO POINT OUT THAT THERE IS CURRENTLY NO LEGALIZATION PROGRAM (April 2013). Nevertheless, we recommend that anyone who lives or works in the United States without immigration papers begin or continue to document their stay in this country so that in the…

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  • What is a Two-Year Green Card?

    When you receive a green card based on marriage to a US citizen, and you filed your green card application within two years of your marriage, you receive what is known as “conditional” residence. The green card that you receive is valid for two years. You and your spouse are required to file an application to remove the condition, Form I-751, within the 90-day period before your conditional green card expires. The date that your green was approved, and the date that conditional residence expires…

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