Did you receive an “FBI Privacy Notice” from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)? If so, there is no need to panic. The FBI Privacy Notices are related to a new FBI database that USCIS gained access to in order to run continuous background checks on applicants for immigration benefits. Because USCIS is mandated by [...]
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 [...]
[:en]October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM). Lopez Immigration Law often represents clients who have been victims of domestic violence and we understand the unique challenges victims face, which is why raising awareness about domestic violence is important for us. This October, here are some ways you can get involved: Learn the statistics on domestic [...]
