If you pay attention to the news stories, you have likely heard discussions about undocumented immigrants. It may make you wonder how undocumented immigrants come to the country and why they do not apply for citizenship once they are here. The American Immigration...
Federal Lawsuit in Massachusetts against USCIS’ Proposed Citizenship Fee Increase
Starting on October 2, 2020, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) plan to increase the fee for citizenship applicants. A Massachusetts-based non-profit is challenging the new USCIS rule, suing the agency in federal court to both declare the...
Reviewing U.S. immigration quotas
Given the complexities involved the U.S. immigration process, it may seem to you (as it does to many others in Schaumburg) that there is no rhyme or reason in the application approval process. Such is the assumption many bring to us here at the Francis Law Center. ...
Naturalization Ceremony After June 2020 USCIS Reopening
USCIS was reopened to the public on June 4, 2020, and has already begun scheduling naturalization oath ceremonies. You need to aware of new procedures to attend the ceremony due to COVID-19. What to Bring: First off, make sure to verify the time, day, and location of...
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...
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...
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...
The impact of criminal charges on immigration
Those involved in the immigration and naturalization processes know that simply earning the right to enter the United States does not signal the end of their journey. Several factors beyond their admittance can have an impact on their ability to remain and (if it is...
Understanding deportation
Immigrants who are living in the United States face the chances of deportation, which is removal by the federal government. There are various reasons for deportation, and they apply to those who are living here illegally. If faced with deportation, there are a few...
Naturalization fees rise while Illinois’ immigrant pop. falls
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services have seen an influx of applications filed by immigrants across Illinois, Wisconsin and the United States who were seeking citizenship within the last year, and the reason for the increase may be two-fold. According to CNBC,...