Monthly Archives: November 2014

Did You Know that Your Military Service May Provide You with U.S. Citizenship by Naturalization?

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soldier and flag

You may be eligible for U.S. Citizenship by naturalization through one year of military service during peacetime.  If you served honorably in the U.S. armed forces for one year at any time, you may be eligible to apply for naturalization, or “peacetime naturalization.”    While some of the general naturalization requirements apply to qualifying members or veterans of the U.S. armed forces seeking to naturalize based on one year of service, other requirements may not apply or are reduced.

To be eligible, you must establish that you:

  • Are 18 years of age or older
  • must have served honorably in the U.S. armed forces for at least one year
  • must be a lawful permanent resident (LPR) at the time of examination on the naturalization application.
  • must meet certain residence and physical presence requirements.
  • must demonstrate an ability to understand English including an ability to read, write, and speak English.
  • must demonstrate knowledge of U.S. history and government.
  • must demonstrate good moral character for at least five years prior to filing the application until the time of his or her naturalization.
  • must have an attachment to the principles of the U.S. Constitution and be well disposed to the good order and happiness of the U.S. during all relevant periods under the law.

It Doesn’t Matter Where You Live in the United States!   If You and Your Same Sex Spouse were Married in a State that Recognizes Same Sex Marriage, You Can Petition for Your Spouse’s Green Card!

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 wedding birds flags

You and your same sex spouse may be currently living in a state that does not recognize the validity of your marriage.  USCIS evaluates the marriage of any U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident petitioner, based on the laws of the State or place where the marriage took place.  As long as the State, territory or foreign country that performed the marriage recognizes the marriage, then it is valid for U.S. immigration law.  An individual may live in a State that does not accept gay marriages as legal and still file for his or her noncitizen spouse.  Immigration laws can be tricky to navigate; if you need assistance, call or email Your Immigration Angel for your free initial consultation.

Exchange Visitors Take Note!

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DOS exchange visa

Important New Rules for Sponsors Involved in the Exchange Visitor Program

The Department of State is amending the rules covering the designation of sponsors in the Exchange Visitor Program.   This rule encompasses technical changes to the general provisions and addresses public diplomacy and foreign policy concerns, including the Department’s ability to monitor sponsors to protect the health, safety and welfare of foreign nationals who come to the United States as exchange visitors.  Specifically, this rule requires more specific filing requirements for entities seeking to become designated sponsors and for sponsors seeking to renew their designations.  This includes requiring proposed and current Responsible Officers and Alternate Responsible Officers to undergo criminal background checks. The new rule adopts a requirement that private sector sponsors submit management reviews in a format and on a schedule determined by the Department.

Are YOU Admissible to the U.S.?

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red carpet to flag

 

How to Determine Admissibility to the U.S. for a Green Card Application

 

“Admission” means the lawful entry into the U.S. after inspection and authorization by a United States immigration officer.

 

Under U.S. Immigration law, a  person is seeking admission when he or she:

  •  is present at the border or port of entry and seeks permission to enter the U.S.
  • is physically present in the U.S., but entered without inspection
  •  applies for an adjustment of status to  become a lawful permanent resident, such as through a marriage green card

 

Additionally, in some instances, a lawfully admitted individual may travel abroad after being convicted of a crime and then want to return to the U.S., which is also considered seeking (re)admission.

If you are considering petitioning for your spouse to obtain a green card, let us help you so that you can avoid being separated from your loved one  and can maintain your family unity. We know that separation is difficult for you.  Your Immigration Angel can help you to  secure the right family visas to allow you to unite with your spouses and family members.  Call or email for a free consultation today!

Marriage Based U.S. Immigration: You’ve Got Options!

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wedding_rings_american_flag

Every year, tens of thousands of United States Visas are issued to people who live overseas and are married or engaged to be married to an American Citizen.  A U.S. visa allows them to move to the United States and be with their loved ones.  There are a number of ways to obtain a U.S Visa to join your spouse or fiancé(e).    If you are a foreign citizen and are engaged to a U.S. citizen, the most common way of coming to the U.S. is with a K-1 fiancé(e) Visa.   For a foreign citizen spouse, there are several common ways to come the U.S., each with their own benefits.  Below is a list of visas that can be obtained to bring a foreign fiancé(e) or spouse to the U.S. 

Immigration options for a foreign fiancé(e) living overseas:

  • Fiancé(e) Visa K-1

Immigration options for a foreign spouse living overseas:

  • Spouse Visa K-3
  • Spouse Visa IR-1 or CR-1
  • Consular Processing

If you have any questions about obtaining a U.S. visa through your spouse or fiancé(e), call or email Your Immigration Angel for a free initial consultation.  We can assist you today!