What is “Public Charge?” Public Charge” is a term used to describe a ground of inadmissibility (one of the reasons someone might be ineligible for permanent residence). Someone who might be considered a “public charge” is someone who is likely to depend on the U.S. government for support and benefits in the future. If an [...]
Old Decision For several years, a decision made by the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA, in Matter of Arrabally and Yerrabelly) held that travel abroad with advance parole was not considered a “departure” under immigration law. This finding was important because immigration law* renders certain immigrants inadmissible, or not eligible for permanent residence, if they [...]
This year, Lopez Immigration Law celebrates a decade of making a difference! As we celebrate 10 years of assisting our community, we want to take a moment to say thank you! We know our work would not be possible without our clients, community, friends and family and we are very grateful to the many individuals [...]
When Did Public Charge Come to Be? “Public charge” is a term used to refer to a ground of inadmissibility. Grounds of inadmissibility are reasons that a person could be denied permanent residence, a visa, or entry into the United States. In deciding whether to grant a benefit, an immigration officer must decide whether that [...]
January marks Human Trafficking Awareness Month—a time to raise awareness about this critical human rights issue. Human trafficking can occur everywhere, and often the warning signs are subtle so it’s important to be aware and prepared to act if you believe human trafficking is occurring in your community. Some steps you can take include educating [...]
On June 18, 2024, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced steps it will take to “promote family unity in the immigration process.” Please note that you cannot yet apply for benefits pursuant to this announcement. DHS has not published the official requirements but has indicated they will “later this summer.” Until then, any applications [...]
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) implemented updated policy guidance for Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) self-petitioners. The new guidance is effective immediately, and it applies to all Forms I-360, Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant, filed as VAWA self-petitions that are currently pending, or are filed on or after February 10, 2022. The [...]
Because January is National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month, we are sharing five things we feel are important to know about how human trafficking intersects with immigration. Individuals who recently migrated or relocated are most at risk or vulnerable to both sex trafficking and labor trafficking. One of the top methods traffickers used to [...]
Pursuant to a Presidential Proclamation, as of November 8, 2021 the following requirements are in place for international travelers to the United States: Air Travelers: All adult non-immigrant (temporary) travelers entering the United States must provide proof they are fully vaccinated against COVID-19. An individual is fully vaccinated two weeks after the last required dose [...]
USCIS Emite Política que Provee Protecciones Adicionales a las Víctimas de Crímenes El Servicio de Ciudadanía e Inmigración de Estados Unidos (USCIS, por sus siglas en inglés) actualizó su Manual de Políticas para reflejar la implementación de un nuevo proceso conocido como “Determinaciones de Autenticidad.” El propósito de este proceso es otorgar autorización de empleo a los sobrevivientes [...]
