Blog Posts - Immigration law
¿Cuáles son las Diferentes Vías para Obtener una Tarjeta Verde en Tennessee Bajo la Ley de Inmigración de EE. UU.?
Existen muchas maneras diferentes de obtener una tarjeta verde (residencia permanente legal). Uno de nuestros abogados de inmigración en Tennessee explica algunas de las más comunes. Obtener una tarjeta verde permite a un inmigrante vivir en los Estados Unidos de forma permanente y posiblemente, más tarde, convertirse en ciudadano del...
Read MoreWhat are the Different Pathways to Obtaining a Green Card in Tennessee Under U.S. Immigration Law?
There are many ways to obtain a green card (lawful permanent residence). One of our Tennessee immigration lawyers explains some of the most common. Obtaining a green card allows an immigrant to live in the United States on a permanent basis and possibly later become a citizen of the country....
Read MoreWhy Would Someone Be Denied a Green Card?
Our Nashville immigration lawyer outlines the most common reasons for green card denials. While there are 9.2 million immigrants in the United States, fewer than one million of them apply for residence in the United States every year. There are a number of barriers people face that can make it...
Read MoreWhat is the Role of an Immigration Lawyer?
Immigration lawyers apply the law to your case, inform you of your rights, and guide you through the complex immigration process. Immigration laws in the United States are extremely complex. It has been said that the only set of laws more complicated than immigration laws are tax laws. While immigration...
Read MoreWhat is a Green Card, and Who Needs One?
Green cards allow foreign nationals to enter the United States to live and work on a permanent basis. Below, our Tennessee immigration lawyer outlines who needs one. Green cards in the United States are also known as Lawful Permanent Resident Cards or Form I-551. Green card holders in the country...
Read MoreDo I Need a Lawyer to Assist with My Immigration Papers?
Valid immigration status might be an immigrant’s most prized possession. Since 1970, the number of U.S. immigrants has increased significantly. In the mid-1960s, Congress replaced the quota system with a complex system of immigrant and non-immigrant visas, which are outlined below. For many years, obtaining a visa was relatively easy....
Read MoreHow Can Ozment Law Help Someone Become a U.S. Citizen?
While it is not required, it is highly recommended that permanent residents have a qualified attorney to help apply for U.S. citizenship Becoming a United States citizen is a dream for many people. While the law does not require that an applicant have legal representation, many find the process of...
Read MoreWhat are the Eligibility Requirements to Obtain a Green Card?
Our Tennessee immigration attorney explains the categories for receiving a green card and other requirements. A green card, otherwise known as a permanent residency card, allows people born in other countries to live and work permanently in the United States. It is often one of the first steps on the...
Read MoreDACA Requirements
Our Nashville immigration attorneys explain how Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) protects against deportation and the eligibility requirements. Immigrants are often desperate to bring their families to the United States in order to give them a chance at a better life. Unfortunately, when they do so illegally, it can...
Read MoreDoes Social Media Affect Your Visa Application
Our experienced Nashville immigration attorneys explain the requirements regarding social media accounts when applying for a temporary or permanent U.S. visa. Social media is widespread today, with various platforms to choose from. Some use it as a means of getting in touch with family and friends, while others rely on...
Read MoreHow Does Deportation Impact Child Custody
Our Nashville immigration attorneys explain the ways in which deportation impacts child custody and how to protect your parental rights. If you enter the U.S. without the proper documentation or allow immigration documents to lapse or expire, you may face the threat of deportation. This can create a lot of...
Read MoreMost Effective Way to Obtain Permanent Residency
Our Nashville immigration attorneys explain some of the most efficient and effective ways to obtain permanent residency in the United States. A permanent resident card (otherwise known as a green card) allows you to live and work in the United States and provides a pathway to citizenship. Our Nashville immigration...
Read MoreWhat is an H-1B Visa?
H-1B visas are business visas designed for non-immigrant workers in specialty occupations with highly specialized knowledge. There are various types of specialty occupations for which a non-immigrant worker may be eligible to obtain an H-1B visa. The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) explains that the H-1B program is one that...
Read MoreWays to Obtain a Green Card Sponsorship in TN
There are multiple paths toward Green Card sponsorship in Tennessee, and one of our experienced Nashville immigration attorneys can discuss your options with you. Having a Green Card, which is another way of saying that you have permanent residency in the US (i.e., LPR status), means that you can work...
Read MoreTop Reasons to Hire an Immigration Lawyer at Ozment Law, PLC
Our immigration attorneys advocate for immigrant rights, advise you of your options, and handle any immigration problems that arise. Immigration law cases in Tennessee and throughout the U.S. can involve a wide range of legal issues, from seeking permanent residency status or citizenship to applying for a non-immigrant visa to...
Read MoreSteps to Becoming a U.S. Citizen
Follow the Steps for Green Card Holders to Seek Naturalization in the United States The process for obtaining U.S. citizenship is complicated, but it is important for immigrants to understand that it may be possible to become a citizen through the naturalization process. Whether you are currently applying for permanent...
Read MoreHow Do I Extend My J-1 Visa
You May be Able to Extend Your J-1 Visa or Request a Change of Status If you are currently in the U.S. on a J-1 visa, circumstances might arise that necessitate extending your visa. You should pay close attention to the length of time your visa currently allows you to...
Read MoreDifference Between J-1 and F-1 Visas
For anyone seeking to obtain a visa to come to the United States as a student or for purposes of study or education, you are probably looking at J-1 and F-1 visas. Yet it is important to understand that these are two different types of visas, and F-1 status is...
Read MoreCan I Seek Asylum if I am Immigrating to the United States?
If you qualify for asylum, you may be permitted to remain in the United States legally as an immigrant. There are many reasons why someone may desire to immigrate to the United States. For many, a move to the U.S. represents new opportunities and possibilities; for others, not only is...
Read MoreCan a Permanent Resident Lose Their Green Card After Divorce?
Depending on the conditions on your green card, getting a divorce could impact your ability to keep your green card long-term. Call an immigration attorney to learn more. Living legally within the United States as someone who was not born within this country is a process that is filled with...
Read MoreHow Do I File for a Green Card in TN?
Get help with your Green Card application from an experienced Nashville immigration attorney Being an immigrant to the United States of America is often a much-desired experience, one that many people only dream of; it is also an experience that can be filled with confusion, fear, anxiety, and misunderstanding about...
Read MoreForm I-693 and COVID vaccination in the US
Individuals submitting Form 1-693, Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record, on or after October 1, 2021, must provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19. Most applicants filing for adjustment of status to become a lawful permanent resident with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) or an immigrant visa application with...
Read MorePossible Changes Coming to Immigration With New House Bill
A new House bill has been introduced that could allow thousands of people access to green cards. A new House bill may provide green card relief for thousands of families and individuals that have been waiting for the backlog to clear for several years. The bill could also allow many...
Read MoreWhat is the Visa Waiver Program?
Our Nashville, TN immigration attorneys explain the Visa Waiver Program, which in some cases can allow you to visit the U.S. without going through the lengthy process of obtaining a visa first. Obtaining a visa that allows you to enter the United States is typically a complex process that can...
Read MoreImmigrant Visa vs. Non-Immigrant Visa
There are many ways for foreign nationals to enter the United States, and it is important to know the difference between the types of visas available — immigrant and non-immigrant visas have different goals and different requirements. Non-immigrant and immigrant visas both grant foreign nationals the right to enter the...
Read MoreUndocumented Immigrants & Departure Fines
A recent announcement brings relief to undocumented immigrants throughout the country, as they will no longer face fines for failure to depart. Thousands of undocumented immigrants are told to leave the country every day, but some of these individuals never leave the United States. For decades, the U.S. Immigration and...
Read MoreAre Visas Required to Visit the US?
Many people visit the United States every year, but before trying to enter the country, you may need a visa. Anyone who enters the United States must show certain travel documents. Sometimes that is something as simple as a passport, while other times, a person may have to apply for...
Read MoreBreaking Down President Biden’s New Immigration Bill
President Joe Biden’s administration announced a new expansive immigration bill that, if passed by Congress, would provide an eight-year pathway to U.S. citizenship for millions of undocumented immigrants in the country. Speak with an experienced family petitions attorney in Tennessee to find out how President Biden’s new legislation – titled...
Read MoreU.S. Supreme Court Blocks Trump Rule on Immigration
An expansion of the public charge rule, enacted by Trump, has been challenged, which could make it easier for immigrants to enter or obtain legal status in the U.S. The United States has always had rules for immigrants who would be deemed “public charges” after they made their way into...
Read More10 Reasons Why You Could be Denied a Green Card
Each year, the government allows thousands of people to enter the U.S. to work and live here on a permanent basis. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issues them a permanent resident card, which is also known as a green card. The green card really is green! However, many...
Read MoreBiden Administration Grants Temporary Protected Status for Venezuelan Nationals
On March 8, 2021, the Biden Administration announced that it will grant Temporary Protected Status (TPS) to some 323,000 Venezuelan nationals in the United States. The initial period of TPS is 18 months and may be extended if conditions in Venezuela do not improve. TPS provides recipients with the legal...
Read MoreHow Will the Immigration Policy Change Under President Biden?
After Joe Biden was sworn in as the 46th President of the United States, supporters and critics alike wondered how Biden’s presidency will change the country’s immigration laws. In fact, the newly sworn-in President’s first day in office started with issuing executive orders revising existing immigration enforcement policies and priorities....
Read MoreThe Process of Obtaining Citizenship in America
If you are a green card holder, you may have questions about the process of becoming a citizen. Call our law firm today for answers you can trust. For immigrants to America who have lived here for years and who hold a green card, being granted citizenship through the naturalization...
Read MoreRecent Changes in Immigration Law
Our Nashville immigration attorneys list some recent changes in immigration law that you or your loved ones may need to be aware of. There has been a flurry of recent activity regarding immigration laws and policies, which are likely to impact large numbers of visa applications. Our experienced Nashville immigration...
Read MoreCourt: Immigrants with Temporary Protected Status May Have to Return to Former Countries
A recent appeals court decision may jeopardize immigrants who came to the U.S. after fleeing natural disasters and wars in their home countries. The current administration has taken a tough stance on immigration, especially those fleeing from dangerous conditions, wars, and natural disasters. While immigration advocates appeal policies in federal...
Read MoreThe Road to Citizenship Just Got a Little Easier
Recent updates have made major improvements in immigration services provided online, streamlining the processes of applying for citizenship and getting green cards renewed. For people seeking to live or work in the United States, gathering information online about Immigration services, is often one of the first steps. Government websites can...
Read MoreImmigration Services Could Close by the Summer
Financial problems experienced by USCIS may prevent people from obtaining green cards, visas, and other important immigration services. COVID-19 has had major financial impacts for businesses and government agencies throughout the United States. As the country continues struggling with a high number of cases, federal funding is needed to keep...
Read MorePandemic Effect on Getting a Green Card or Visa
As a result of the coronavirus pandemic, tighter restrictions on immigration to the United States will impact your ability to get a green card or visa. The United States continues to experience impacts as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. As cases have slowly declined, businesses and government agencies are...
Read MoreDo You Get Deported if Arrested in TN?
Being arrested is scary. For immigrants, however, the situation may be even more dire. Immigrants in the United States are expected to follow immigration laws. When they are accused of violating these laws, they may face deportation, even if they are green card holders. One of the most common reasons...
Read MoreHas the Path to Citizenship Been Delayed?
Residency requirements could delay your path to citizenship through the naturalization process. Through the naturalization process, people from other countries may qualify for citizenship status in the United States, provided they fulfill certain requirements. In addition to being found of good moral character, having a basic knowledge of English and...
Read MoreAre Legal U.S. Immigrants in Danger of Losing Status During the Coronavirus Outbreak?
Government agency closures due to the coronavirus pandemic could impact your legal status in the U.S. Schools and businesses throughout the United States have been ordered to close as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. In an effort to reduce community spread, many of the services we count on are...
Read MoreTrump’s New Immigration Rule Can Cause Your Family Problems
Under new immigration rules, needing public assistance now or in the years to come could cause your family to be denied citizenship in the U.S. Public assistance programs have long been a hotly contested issue. They were designed to ensure people living in the U.S. have a roof over their...
Read MoreDMV Getting Stricter
News of a federal review of state DMV records has many undocumented immigrants in the state concerned. The new year is always a time of celebration and resolutions. However, this year it was also a time that Homeland Security took aim at state immigration laws. Individual states have the authority...
Read MoreImmigration Services Gets Grant, Allows More Applications for Citizenship Program
After receiving additional funding, immigration services will be accepting more applicants across the country for its citizenship preparation program. Immigration is a hotly contested topic in the United States today. Among green card holders and those aspiring to become citizens, it is natural to have questions about the citizenship process...
Read MoreDoes Marriage Guarantee You a Green Card?
If you marry a U.S. citizen, you can become a Green Card holder and maintain lawful permanent resident status. For those who have dreams of immigrating to the United States or/and remaining within America permanently, understanding the various options for obtaining lawful resident status is a must. For those who...
Read MoreCan You Visit the U.S. if You Have a Criminal Record in Another Country?
If you are trying to enter the U.S. with a criminal record, working with an experienced immigration lawyer can provide insight and guidance. If you are not a U.S. citizen, traveling to the United States, even just for a vacation, can be difficult; the United States does not let just...
Read MoreWhat Does Asylum Mean for Immigrants?
At Ozment Law, PLC, our Nashville immigration attorneys provide strong, compassionate legal representation to those seeking asylum in the United States. Immigrating to the United States is often a lifelong dream for people from other countries. However, while some seek an education, better jobs, or reunification with family members, others...
Read MoreDo Family Sponsorships Work?
As experienced Nashville immigration attorneys, we can guide you in reuniting with your family members. In the United States, the entire immigration system is undergoing a dramatic overhaul. The laws that apply in different situations are changing, as are the requirements for obtaining citizenship. Family petitions and sponsorships continue to...
Read MoreWhat is Chain Migration?
The term “chain migration” has been in the news as of late. Donald Trump has ardently vowed to put an end to what he has dubbed a “horrible” system of chain migration. But what exactly is chain migration, and is it as bad as our nation’s top leader has made...
Read MoreTennessee’s “New Sanctuary” City Law (Part 1)
I have recently been hearing a lot of talk and concern from clients about the new “sanctuary city” law which was passed by the Tennessee State Legislature in April 2018. They are right to be alarmed, because this law, if/when fully enforced, will devastate the Latino community. But it will...
Read MoreDACA May Be Restored
Another federal judge has ruled against President Trump on his attempted shutdown of the DACA Program. This Order came from District Court Judge John Bates in D.C. And he ordered Trump to restart in full the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals. The order will not become effective until August 23...
Read MoreSpouse Wants Divorce Without Signing I-751
Getting a divorce does not necessarily mean a loss of permanent residency status. Let our Nashville immigration attorneys guide you through your options. It is not uncommon for those who immigrate to the United States to receive their residency status based on their marriage to a United States citizen or...
Read MoreWhat is Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS)?
Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) can be granted to juveniles who have faced abuse, abandonment, or neglect by a parent. How does immigration law deal with juveniles? In other words, do juveniles go through the same immigration system as adults, or are there particular laws that apply to juvenile immigrants...
Read MoreAre You Eligible for a P Visa?
Let Our Immigration Lawyers Assist You in Understanding Your Options for Traveling to the U.S. There are a number of different visas available to those who want to travel to the United States. While some of the most common types of visas are work or family visas, P visas may...
Read MoreWhen Temporary Protective Status is Discontinued
When a person has Temporary Protective Status, or TPS, they have legal recognition from the United States government as an individual who is temporarily permitted to remain with the U.S., and they are protected from being detained or deported as such. TPS is a designation that is given to those...
Read MoreWhat to expect during an immigration interview
Oftentimes those who are seeking a visa, residency or citizenship will be called into the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) offices for an interview before their application is approved. This is often done so that they can better gauge whether you are who you profess to be on...
Read MoreThe many types of immigration relief program
If you are facing deportation or some other type of problem as it relates to your immigration status, it’s important to learn more about your legal rights. There is more than one type of immigration relief program, including but not necessarily limited to the following: Asylum. Depending on how long...
Read MoreOpen Letter: Thank You, Tenn. Attorney General Herb Slatery, for Rescinding DACA Lawsuit Threat
Our founding attorney Elliott Ozment wrote an open letter to Tennessee Attorney General Herb Slatery regarding his decision to remove Tennessee from the threatened lawsuit on Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA). The Tennessean newspaper published Mr. Ozment’s op-ed on Sept. 18, 2017. Dear General Slatery: This letter is to extend a sincere thank-you...
Read MoreOzment Law featured on News Channel 5 discussing DACA
Our office in Nashville has received numerous calls from concerned clients and community members concerning the future of DACA and what to do. News Channel 5 in Nashville interviewed Mr. Ozment on Tuesday, and Mr. Ozment addressed common questions callers have asked: Ozment said if your DACA status expires between now and...
Read MoreWhere are most U.S. immigrants from?
In the early 2000s, most immigrants to the United States were simply arriving over the border from Mexico. That idea is still ingrained in many people’s minds, leading them to think that the majority of immigration comes from the United States’ southern neighbor. While immigration from Mexico is still popular,...
Read MoreWhat if DACA ends?!
¡Español abajo! There are over 800,000 Dreamers in the United States, almost 10,000 of whom live in Tennessee. We are now hearing increasing talk about President Trump considering seriously whether to end DACA, the Executive Order signed by President Obama on June 15, 2012, which gave legalized presence to qualified Dreamers. One of...
Read MoreApplying for asylum
In order to get asylum granted in the United States, you must be in the process of arriving or physically present within the United States. Applying for asylum in the United States can be done through filling in Form I-589. This form must be handed in to a Service Center no...
Read MoreObtaining a green card: Is a waiver necessary?
Do you have reason to believe that you qualify for a green card? Are you ready to take action as to gain entrance into the country? While it may sound relatively simple to obtain a green card, you could soon come to the conclusion that there is a reason why...
Read MoreTime in the U.S. does not matter (usually)
Many unauthorized immigrants to the United States have been in the country a long time. In fact, about 66 percent have been in the United States 10 years or more. If this applies to you or a loved one, you may think you (or the loved one) have more rights to...
Read MoreMan arrested for deportation in Nashville
A man has been arrested in Nashville, and now he’s slated to be deported from the United States. Reports indicate that he was facing charges for operating a motor vehicle without having a driver’s license. He went to the courthouse to go in front of the judge. That’s when officers...
Read MoreElliot Ozment on Inside Politics
Mr. Ozment appeared on Inside Politics last Friday (June 30) to discuss immigration law and policy. During the interview, Mr. Ozment discusses Metro’s attempt to detain individuals without a contract or outstanding warrant. See the interview here: https://www.newschannel5.com/plus/inside-politics/inside-politics-elliot-ozment Pat Nolan of News Channel 5 notes, “Mr. Ozment probably has the largest...
Read MoreA work accident should not threaten your immigration status
The Tennessee Workers’ Compensation Act requires most employers to carry workers’ compensation policies. Those policies generally must offer benefits to workers injured on the job, regardless of who may have been at fault. Yet despite this no-fault approach, many employers have fears about claiming their rightful share of workers’ compensation...
Read MorePossible Solutions for Holders of TPS (Temporary Protected Status)
¡Español abajo! In May 2017, Department of Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly rocked the world of immigrants that hold “temporary protected status” (TPS) by announcing a limited 6-month extension of TPS for the 58,706 Haitians who are enrolled in the program. But the end is coming, DHS officials warned, telling these Haitian...
Read MoreImmigration bill vote delayed by council members
Earlier this year, Ozment Law, PLC filed a lawsuit against the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County, alleging that detention of suspected non-citizens by the Davidson County Sheriff violates the law and detainees’ constitutional rights. At the same time, two bills (sponsored by Councilmen Bob Mendes and Colby Sledge,...
Read MoreNeed more workers? Turn to your laborers’ loved ones for help
Earlier this year, Ozment Law, PLC filed a lawsuit against the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County, alleging that detention of suspected non-citizens by the Davidson County Sheriff violates the law and detainees’ constitutional rights. At the same time, two bills (sponsored by Councilmen Bob Mendes and Colby Sledge,...
Read MoreLearn about immigration factors that might affect your case
Coming to the United States is a dream for many people. The opportunities here seem to call people who are looking for a better life. When you have a family and want to come to the United States, you probably want to come as a family. We understand that will...
Read MorePreparing for your green card marriage interview
When you apply for a green card after marriage to a U.S. citizen, you will have to clear several procedural hurdles. If you are already in the U.S., your spouse will need to submit a relative petition, along with your application for adjustment of status and supporting evidence. Once USCIC processes...
Read MoreAre authorities restricting immigration protections for refugees?
Immigrants seeking to remain in the United States need to pursue a legal procedure called an adjustment of status. If approved, an applicant will become a lawful permanent resident of the United States and no longer need to apply for immigrant visas. Our law firm focuses on immigration law. There are...
Read MoreIs the government hiring more deportation officers?
In several recent posts, we’ve discussed proposed changes in immigration policy. Some of those proposals, such as the executive immigration orders, are currently locked up in legal battles. Others have been introduced with much less media scrutiny. Specifically, three bills would drastically beef up current immigration enforcement efforts. Two of...
Read MoreWhat is the status of the immigration refugee program?
Several months ago, our Nashville immigration law firm was featured in the media. Specifically, we offered our opinion regarding the Trump administration’s recent executive orders on immigration, including the travel ban and suspension of the refugee program. Our advice was to not expect a speedy resolution. As readers may know, federal...
Read MoreWhen do local Tennessee officials contact immigration officials?
In our last post, we talked about “sanctuary cities,” places where local officials might decline to help federal immigration authorities. Today’s post takes a closer look at the requests that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement authorities might make upon Tennessee officials. Reporting One source of contact involves the local police....
Read MoreAre 'sanctuary cities' defying federal immigration policies?
As federal law, immigration policies typically supersede local or state practices. However, some of the more controversial immigration requirements have resulted in so-called “sanctuary cities:” municipalities that may not be enforcing one or more federal immigration mandates. Local resistance typically takes the form of ignoring Immigration and Customs Enforcement orders....
Read MoreTennessee immigrant’s case to be heard by the U.S. Supreme Court
It may surprise readers to learn that a Tennessee immigration case, Lee v. U.S., has made it all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court. At issue is whether an immigrant from South Korea is properly facing deportation charges after pleading guilty to an alleged drug crime. The man, who is...
Read MoreAre authorities searching for abuses in the H-1B visa program?
A recent statement from the Justice Department suggests that federal officials are poised to prosecute abuses of the H-1B visa program. The H-1B visa allows businesses to hire skilled foreign workers. This year, 85,000 new visas will be issued under the program. Yet the definition of what constitutes skilled labor...
Read MoreHow to get a student visa
Foreign citizens who wish to study in the United States must go through a process to obtain a visa to be able to enter the U.S. Most students need an F-1 visa to go to a college or university, high school or a language training program. There is also an M-1 visa...
Read MoreImmigrants provide vital support to local Tennessee economy
Some of the new administration’s negative claims about immigration have suggested a detrimental impact to American workers. Fortunately, a recent article sets the record straight. For example, readers may be surprised to learn that Tennessee is home to over 322,000 immigrants. In 2014, immigrants in Tennessee earned $7.9 billion and...
Read MoreForeigners and their rights
Many immigrants in Nashville are unsure of their civil rights. They may think they do not have any because they are not citizens of the United States, and they do not realize they do not have to suffer the many forms of mistreatment and harassment they often receive. Many of the...
Read MoreWhat federal laws apply to immigrants in the workplace?
Several important federal laws apply to all employees in the workplace, including immigrants. The Fair Labor Standards Act sets minimum wage and overtime pay for workers in most industries. The FLSA provides other protections, as well, requiring that overtime pay be disbursed on regular paydays and prohibiting employers from taking...
Read MoreCould an executive order endanger your permanent residency?
More executive orders on immigration may be on the way. According to reports, a new travel ban would identify travelers from seven predominantly Muslim countries, but offer exemptions to those who already have United States visas. Specifically, the targeted countries would likely include Iran, Iraq, Syria, Yemen, Somalia, Sudan and...
Read MoreAre immigration detainees receiving unconstitutional treatment?
A recent article explored the treatment of immigrants who are being detained pursuant to the new administration’s policies. The findings are uncertain. As background, several months ago the U.S. Justice Department announced it would be returning to government-run correctional facilities. The decision marked the end of the federal government’s trial...
Read MoreHas the H-1B visa program strayed off course?
The H-1B visa program was established under the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952. These temporary visas were intended to help American companies. If qualified American workers were not available, a company could look overseas and offer a suitably skilled candidate a temporary visa. However, a 2013 settlement suggests that...
Read MoreDo immigration officials exercise discretion over deportations?
Immigration policy has been a media topic of late, stemming in part from reactions to several of President Trump’s executive orders. Although a federal appellate court recently enjoined the travel ban imposed by one order, another executive order calling for more enforcement and deportations may still be in effect. A...
Read MoreEmergency alert: Keep proof of two years’ presence in your pocket (mantenga prueba de dos años presencia)
(Español abajo) If you are living in the Nashville area and crossed the border illegally at least two years ago, and you are arrested under Trump’s immigration crackdown, you have a right to a hearing before an Immigration Judge. That’s not all bad, because there are several forms of relief you may obtain...
Read MoreStrategic tips for pursuing an immigration appeal
If your immigration petition was initially unsuccessful, it is important to remember that there are appeals available to you. However, there are usually deadlines for filing any appeals, so make sure you consult with an immigration law firm to protect your rights. When considering whether you might have a chance...
Read MoreNew Trump priorities for immigration enforcement
On January 25, 2017, President Trump issued a new executive order that immediately affects immigration law in Nashville and throughout the country, entitled “Enhancing Public Safety in the Interior of the United States.” Español abajo. Press reports have focused on the provisions that penalize “sanctuary cities” for failing to identify...
Read MoreImmigrant criteria for cancellation of removal
If you have received a notice for removal (also known as deportation) proceedings from the Department of Homeland Security, the immediate thought for many is that you will be sent back to the country of your origin. You may be a student who overstayed a visa, entered the country to...
Read MoreWhat would Attorney General Jeff Sessions mean for immigration law?
What impact can the attorney general–who heads an entirely separate agency outside the Department of Homeland Security–have on immigration law in Nashville and across the country? John Sandweg, who was acting director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement in 2014, said, “He can have a tremendous impact.” That’s an understatement. Here...
Read MoreU visas help non-immigrant victims of domestic violence or abuse
Immigrants who have suffered mental or physical abuse should not be afraid to come forward and seek help from authorities. Fortunately, a type of visa is designed just for that purpose. Congress created the U non-immigrant status, or simply the U visa, with its passage of the Victims of Trafficking...
Read MoreThe fear of deportation should not subvert basic human rights
A suburb of Nashville recently issued a proclamation that ostensibly affirms the city’s commitment to upholding federal immigration laws. However, some immigration advocates may infer a different meaning. By a 5-0 vote, commissioners in the city of Mt. Juliet recently passed a resolution that draws sharp distinctions between legal and...
Read MoreAdoption & immigration law
Due to the turbulence of the election, our office has been receiving numerous inquiries about the possibilities of adopting a child that might otherwise be deported from the United States under the new Trump administration. Here are some thoughts for you to consider if this is an issue that’s on your mind....
Read MoreImmigrants and employers worried about Trump presidency
Español abajo Many Tennessee immigrants are understandably frightened about what President Trump’s immigration law policies will be after he takes office. He has made some promises and formed some alliances that are extremely troubling: First, he has promised to “move ‘criminal’ aliens out of the country ‘day one.'” Obama has been doing...
Read MoreWoody Guthrie’s ‘Deportees’ describes dehumanization of immigrants
This song and the story behind it teach us much about immigration today. Stop what you’re doing and listen, then read the notes below: (Español abajo) On Thursday morning, January 29, 1948, a legendary songwriter – Woody Guthrie – started reading his copy of The New York Times. As he was thumbing through...
Read MoreHomeownership and immigration
Coming to a new country is hard, and constantly worrying about legal status is another burden piled on top of the daily stresses. It’s something that naturalized citizens don’t understand. It’s not just about finding work, but it seeps into every facet of daily life. Most immigrants avoid very American...
Read MoreVisas are often denied due to misunderstanding immigration law
After entering the United States and deciding to settle here in Nashville, non-citizens need to apply for visas in order to stay in the country. To many applicants’ surprise, their visa applications are denied. This is often due to a misunderstanding of this country’s immigration law. The federal government assumes...
Read MoreWhat is our country’s current policy on naturalization?
With a shift in presidential administrations, readers may be concerned about the potential impact to immigration policies. Although our immigration law firm cannot predict legislative trends, we stay on top of the latest developments in immigration policy. In that spirit, we believe it is important for our readers to understand...
Read MoreWhat are the grounds for a hardship wavier to deportation?
An undocumented immigrant seeking permanent legal residence may have a long wait in store. Under normal immigration rules, anyone who has maintained an illegal presence in the United States for over a year may be required to leave the country and wait 10 years before lawfully reentering. Fortunately, an extreme...
Read MoreSponsoring a parent for green card approval
Having been through it yourself, you already know how hard and how long it can take to get approval to live in the United States. However, if you have citizenship now, it’s easier to help your immediate family enter the country because you can sponsor them yourself. The US government...
Read MoreThis year’s Nobel Prize winners are all immigrants
With a growing segment of the population concerned with immigration and the potential influx of dangerous people, it’s no surprise that one presidential candidate is literally suggesting building a wall to keep out illegal immigrants. However, as many recent articles have pointed out, many of America’s Nobel Prize winners are...
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