Immigration Law

For those seeking temporary admission to the United States, there are a variety of visas available. However, each visa has its own unique qualification system, duration and potential pathway to permanent admission. Generally, there are six types of non-immigrant visas: (1) tourism; (2) educational; (3) special or family-related; (4) work or business; (5) governmental or … [Read more...] about Non-Immigrant Visas: A Short Overview

There has been much talk in the news recently regarding refugee and asylum procedures. United States law provides for the protection of people overseas from persecution. The refugee and asylum systems are complicated. This post attempts to shed some light on the processes. Refugee Status Those seeking refugee status are persons outside the United States who seek entry to the … [Read more...] about Understanding Refugee Status and Asylum

There are several reasons that a person seeking admission to the United States may be denied entry or a person present within the United States may find themselves facing removal (deportation). Understanding these grounds for removability is necessary to determine what options you may have for gaining entry to, or remaining in, the United States. Denied Entry to the U.S. on … [Read more...] about Grounds for Removability from the United States (Deportation or Denied Entry)

As you interact with the United States immigration system you will encounter several acronyms and abbreviations. This is a helpful guide to the basics of this alphabet soup of U.S. immigration agencies, courts and departments you may be dealing with: DHS — Department of Homeland Security This is the Cabinet department that oversees U.S. Customs and Immigration Services … [Read more...] about U.S. Immigration Agencies — Understanding the Alphabet Soup of Immigration