Chicago Immigration Law Blog
USCIS Reopening on June 4, 2020
On May 27, 2020, USCIS confirmed its reopening to the public on June 4, 2020. Although USCIS will resume routine public services, local USCIS field offices will operate at a reduced capacity. The number of appointments and interviews will be reduced to ensure social...
How do H-4 visas work?
The H-1B visa is one of the most common nonimmigrant work visas the United States provides for workers in specialty occupations. If the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (UCIS) approves your petition, you will be able to live and work in the U.S. However, you...
Concerns mount over immigration restrictions
Many Illinois residents may have worked with or gone to school with people from other countries over the years. The United States has a vast array of visa types that allow people legal entry to the country for different reasons. When it comes to working or studying in...
Recent USCIS Denial or Rejection of Green Card Cases
You spent many hours preparing forms and documents, and then submitted a family-based green card case to USCIS. You have heard about the numerous, new requirements that have come out recently, such as the Public Charge rule, April 2020 Presidential Proclamation, and...
Are You Ready for 2020 USCIS Fee Surcharge and Hikes?
In May 2020, USCIS announced its immediate plan to implement a 10 percent surcharge on all applications. You may be wondering why the USCIS is increasing its filing fees, and the reason is that USCIS revenue is entirely dependent on filing fees associated with USCIS...
IRS Tax Transcript Requirement Under the Public Charge Rule and How to Obtain It.
If you plan to adjust status (obtain a green card) or apply for an immigrant visa, you will need to provide the government with tax documents for the most recent tax year. In some cases, you are required to obtain a tax transcript from the IRS and submit it instead of...
Coronavirus Border Restrictions May Be Extended Indefinitely
You may have heard that the United States has banned “non-essential” travel from Canada or Mexico to the United States. On May 13, 2020, it was reported that the Trump administration plans to extend virus border restrictions indefinitely until the Coronavirus is no...
What is the Affidavit of Support?
One of the biggest barriers between aliens who wish to obtain a green card and permanent US residency is the US government declaring them a “public charge.” The definition of a public charge is an individual who is dependent upon means-tested support. In order to...
Update on immigration court hearings
Countless immigrants face the U.S. court system alone. But now, the pandemic is complicating matters even more. As many civil and criminal trials stopped, immigration detention hearings continued until recently, despite nationwide stay-at-home orders. But now, federal...
How do I replace my green card?
If you have a status change, there is incorrect information or you lose your green card, then you will need to replace it. It is essential that your green card documentation has accurate information and conforms to the law. In addition, the U.S. Citizenship and...
/-88.0488434,42.0571733,16/130x130.png?access_token=pk.eyJ1IjoiZmluZGxhdyIsImEiOiJwZGtpQk9zIn0.WLFaIavvqvct9BwQX_HXOA)
/-87.6231106,41.8921395,16/130x130.png?access_token=pk.eyJ1IjoiZmluZGxhdyIsImEiOiJwZGtpQk9zIn0.WLFaIavvqvct9BwQX_HXOA)
/-89.385348,43.075394,16/130x130.png?access_token=pk.eyJ1IjoiZmluZGxhdyIsImEiOiJwZGtpQk9zIn0.WLFaIavvqvct9BwQX_HXOA)