Alicia FarrenNew Hope for Visa Cases Stalled by COVID-19
A combination of travel restrictions and suspension of the processing of routine visa services due to COVID-19 have caused severely negative effects in the greater Philadelphia area. Local employers and the families of visa applicants found it nearly impossible to get cases concluded and people where they belong. Many employers, including hospitals in need of […]
» Read More...June 7, 2021
Elizabeth C. Surin and Thomas M. Griffin Selected to 2021 Super Lawyers List
Elizabeth C. Surin and Thomas M. Griffin of Surin & Griffin, P.C. have been selected to this year’s Pennsylvania Super Lawyers List. Super Lawyers is a patented rating service that uses a multi-level process to chose attorneys in over 70 different practice areas. A certified blue ribbon panel thoroughly evaluates credible professional achievements to choose attorneys. Peer reviews, independent research, […]
» Read More...May 26, 2021
When is an Immigration Judge’s Decision Final?
All immigration court hearings are stressful for those facing deportations. It does not matter if someone has just arrived months ago or spent years building a life in the United States, the decision can undo plans and dreams. Each immigration case is unique, which can create a lot of confusion for those awaiting a decision […]
» Read More...May 10, 2021
Are Immigrants in Pennsylvania Struggling to Get The Vaccine?
Pennsylvania is on pace to aggressively inoculate most of its citizens. However, there is a significant segment of that population that is having a difficult time obtaining the vaccine. Immigrants throughout Pennsylvania believe that they are facing mounting obstacles that prohibit them from receiving the vaccine. This can pose a serious risk to the rest […]
» Read More...April 14, 2021
Which Immigration Visa is Right for Me?
When someone is coming to the United States for work, travel, school, or family, they will need to apply for a visa that best suits their needs to ensure a smooth process at the port of entry. There are many different immigration and non-immigration visas available to travelers, and it can be a confusing process […]
» Read More...March 26, 2021
Are Philadelphia Teachers Trained to Deal with ICE Agents?
The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) federal agency is not allowed to engage in immigration enforcement actions in sensitive locations, such as churches, schools, funerals, and medical appointments, unless there is an urgent reason to do so. After an incident at a Philadelphia school last year, many families are concerned whether immigration statuses will […]
» Read More...March 12, 2021
New Eight-Year Pathway to Citizenship Bill Proposed
Congress is considering legislation that would reduce the current wait time to eight years for the 11 million undocumented immigrants who are in the United States illegally, including those that fall under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) executive order who wish to gain citizenship. The U.S. Citizenship Act of 2021 is the cornerstone […]
» Read More...February 26, 2021
What Common Issues Will Foreign Students Face This Year?
This year will mark another difficult one for international students as they continue to grapple with the current immigration policy in the U.S., which could be in flux in the coming year. They will also have to cope with American schools that are still alternating between in-person and remote learning. While the pandemic caused confusion […]
» Read More...February 9, 2021
How is the New Administration Handling Immigration Deportations?
The federal government is changing some of its policies regarding immigration. In a recent memo to major immigration agencies, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said it wants to implement more flexible standards about deportations. It will also conduct an analysis of current immigration policies and determine if any changes are needed. However, the biggest […]
» Read More...January 28, 2021
Should Undocumented Immigrants Fear the COVID-19 Vaccine?
As the Coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine continues to be rolled out across the United States, many undocumented immigrants wonder if they can and should get the vaccine. Among their fears is reprisal, including deportation, because of their immigration status. The U.S. Surgeon General has recently made it clear that no one, including undocumented immigrants, should be […]
» Read More...January 18, 2021