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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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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Exciting News From the Biden/Harris Administration
On Friday, January 8, 2021, President-elect Joe Biden announced he will introduce immigration legislation “immediately” after his inauguration on January 20, 2021. Once in office, President Biden’s Attorney General designate, Merrick Garland, will begin an investigation into the separation of more than 2,600 children from their families at the U.S southern border and whether criminal […]
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Major USCIS Application Fee Increase Coming Soon
USCIS Announces Fee Increases Starting October 2, 2020 Beginning October 2, 2020, application fees for many USCIS applications will substantially increase including for Form I-130, Form I-192, Form I-212, Form I-290B, Form I-539, Form I-601, Form I-601A, Form I-751, Form I-765, Form I-929, Form N-336 and many others. Some of the most notable fee increases […]
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Certain USCIS Deadlines Extended
Responding to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and acknowledging the difficulties which may be faced by applicants in meeting certain deadlines, USCIS has again extended some deadlines. The USCIS deadline extension notice says that USCIS will accept a response received within 60 calendar days after the due date listed in the request or notice. This applies […]
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Cuban Deportations
Dramatic Increase in Removal of Cubans For decades Cubans fleeing communist Cuba have found a safe haven in the U.S. In 2014, President Obama began restoring diplomatic relations with Cuba, opening up communication between the governments. At the very end of his term, President Obama suddenly ended what was known as the “wet foot, […]
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Administration Attacks Birthright Citizenship for Children Born Abroad
A new policy announced on August 28, 2019 states that all non-citizen children living outside of the U.S. with their parents who are stationed abroad will not be considered for acquiring citizenship. The new rule goes into effect October 29, 2019. USCIS stated the following in a policy alert: “USCIS no longer considers children […]
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Applying for U.S. Citizenship
A Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) can apply to become a U.S. citizen though a process called naturalization. While many permanent residents must maintain their resident status for at least five years before applying for citizenship, persons who are married to U.S. citizens, including certain applicants who obtained their residence following approval of a self-petition under […]
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Getting a Florida Drivers License
Many foreign nationals may qualify for a Florida Drivers License or Florida Identification card if they are able to provide specific documents to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). For example, persons with pending U-visa applications, applications for adjustment of status, persons with valid tourist visas, and even people who have an upcoming hearing, can […]
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