Surin & Griffin, P.C.
Blog

Family-based immigration allows families of American citizens and green card holders to reunite and live in the United States. Family-based visas account for nearly 70 percent of legal immigration every year. Family-based immigration allows American citizens and green card holders sponsor family members to migrate and reside with them in the United States. Family-based visas…

The final portion of the citizenship and naturalization process is taking the citizenship test administered by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Upon passing, candidates become American citizens. Those who fail have the option of retaking the test at a later date, though candidates can only do so one time. Those who fail a…

Spouse visas, also known as marriage visas, permit the spouses of American citizens to enter and reside permanently in the United States. Spouses currently residing in the United States with their American sponsor can simply adjust their status to a legal permanent resident, known as the green card, without first obtaining a spouse visa. There…

The United States is welcoming to immigrants from other nations, issuing over 200,000 visas each year. Obtaining a visa and other forms of residence is a privilege that comes with certain rules to be followed. Violating the terms can result in being removed from the United States through deportation, including those who hold permanent resident…

With immigration laws, sometimes change is the only constant. There is a lot going on for 2023 and keeping up with the changes might not be easy. At the end of December 2022, Congress passed the FY (fiscal year) 2023 Omnibus Spending Bill to fund immigration operations. It reauthorized E-Verify and some other immigration programs…

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) offers assistance to foreign nationals affected by unforeseen circumstances, such as natural disasters, while living in the United States or abroad. The USCIS identifies unforeseen natural disasters as earthquakes, hurricanes, tsunamis, droughts, floods, or wildfires, among others. Immigration agencies understand that natural disasters and other catastrophes may affect…

For the last 18 months, Karen Roberts, a Mexican native who has lived in the United States for most of her life, has been stranded in Mexico due to her immigration status. The wife of U.S.-born LaMar Roberts, and mother of their five children, was only meant to be on a four-day trip to Mexico…

The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program was initiated in 2012 by former President Barack Obama as a measure to protect “Dreamers” – the nearly one million undocumented immigrants who were brought into the United States as children. The DACA program protects Dreamers from being deported, many to countries they have never resided in…

The asylum process is a set of steps that individuals must go through to apply for protection in the U.S. from a foreign country. This typically includes filing an application with the U.S. Asylum Office/relevant government agency, gathering supporting documentation, attending interviews or hearings, and waiting for a decision on your case. The process can…

Obtaining a green card, also known as a Permanent Resident Card, identifies you as a lawful resident, allowing you to live and work in the United States. Green cards are valid for 10 years, at which time you have the option of renewing your card. We highly recommend that you apply for naturalization (citizenship) for…