The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) was a groundbreaking move in 1994 to address and mitigate the deeply rooted issues of domestic and sexual violence in the U.S. While physical violence often stands out as the most visible form of abuse, VAWA’s acknowledgment of emotional abuse represents a crucial step towards understanding the multifaceted nature […]
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How to Make an Appointment with USCIS
This month USCIS launched a new system through which applicants or their attorneys may request an in-person appointment at their local office. Once the form is completed and information submitted, USCIS will review the request and determine if an in-person appointment is available at the local Field Office. https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/alerts/uscis-launches-online-appointment-request-form When making the appointment you can […]
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Overview of the Naturalization Process and Basic Requirements
Naturalization is the process by which a lawful permanent resident applies for and is granted U.S. citizenship. U.S. citizenship is a legal status that offers many benefits and responsibilities, including the ability to vote in U.S. federal elections, serve on a jury, travel with a U.S. passport, and bring family members to the United States. […]
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New Asylum Office in Tampa, Florida
USCIS is opening a new asylum office on August 2, 2021. This will be the eleventh asylum office in the nation, and the second in Florida. Florida currently leads the country in asylum applications, with more than 25% of the nations affirmative asylum applications filed by applicants living in Florida. The new Tampa Asylum Office […]
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Administrative Closure
Administrative Closure is Back! Persons in removal (deportation) proceedings may again request that, in an exercise of prosecutorial discretion, their cases before the Immigration Court be administratively closed. Administrative closure is a judicial remedy allowing a case to be temporarily taken off of the courts active docket. This can be an excellent option for persons […]
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Prosecutorial Discretion is Back!
There is major welcome news for many people in removal (deportation) proceedings. One great way Prosecutorial Discretion (PD) in the immigration court context can be used is to administratively close or terminate cases which shouldn’t be a priority for the government to deport. OPLA has just issued a memo clarifying how and when DHS should […]
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TPS for Venezuela
Wonderful news for stranded Venezuelans – US will offer Temporary Protected Status (TPS) to Venezuelans! TPS provides temporary protection from deportation, and access to employment authorization. This is long overdue relief for our Venezuelan friends, many of whom had no choice but to leave their entire lives in Venezuela behind. […]
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TPS for Haiti
On May 22, DHS announced a new 18-month designation of Haiti for Temporary Protected Status (TPS). TPS will protect eligible Haitians from deportation and offer them the ability to apply for employment authorization. In addition to meeting other eligibility requirements, Haitian nationals residing in the U.S. as of May 21, 2021, will be able to […]
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BIG Changes in Immigration Law
President Biden has proposed a sweeping immigration bill that would make many persons eligible for lawful status. As of today’s post (January 30, 2021), Congress has not yet passed this bill into law so the specifics of any new immigration options are currently unknown, but the Law Office of Karen Winston is closely monitoring the […]
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