Under VAWA, noncitizen victims of domestic violence may “self-petition” for U.S. residence without the cooperation of an abusive spouse. Victims may also self-petition if they are divorced as long as the marriage to the abusive spouse was terminated within two years of filing the petition. An approved VAWA self-petition provides the applicant with work authorization, […]
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5 Common Myths about the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) self-petitions
The abuse must be physical. One requirement to qualify under VAWA is that the petitioner has been subjected to battery or extreme cruelty. Domestic violence may be physical, but verbal abuse or emotional abuse are also forms of domestic violence and depending on the specific circumstances, may amount to extreme cruelty. Only women qualify for […]
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What is the Current Status of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)?
The fate of over 650,000 young immigrants, who are American in every way except for being undocumented, rests in the hands of the U.S. Supreme Court. Although the DACA program is flawed in that it does not offer a pathway to permanent status in the U.S., it is critical as it protects its recipients from […]
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Frequently Asked Questions about President Trump’s April 22nd Presidential Proclamation on Immigration
When does the order go into effect? The order goes into effect April 23, 2020 at 11:59 pm and is effective for 60 days, although it may be modified at any time. What does the order do? Temporarily suspends new immigration into the U.S. for certain categories of people who are not already in the […]
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Ten Tips for Hiring the Right Immigration Attorney
Make sure they are an attorney and not merely a notario or consultant, and that the attorney is a member in good standing with their state bar. Check them out on-line. Do they have good reviews from others in the community? Are other clients pleased with the attorney’s work on their case? See if the attorney […]
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5 FAQ’s About Immigration Bonds
En Español What is an immigration bond? When a person is detained and held in the custody of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), their immigration and criminal history is reviewed and a determination will be made whether the person qualifies for a bond. Payment of the bond is required for the person to be released […]
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The Immigration Consequences of Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol
En Español In addition to public safety considerations, driving while under the influence (DUI) of alcohol is a crime in every state in the U.S. A DUI conviction may cause serious immigration problems for a foreign national. For people without lawful status in the U.S., an arrest for a DUI in Jacksonville will result in […]
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Choosing an Immigration Attorney
Four things to consider when choosing your immigration attorney. Immigration law is complex and is constantly changing. Find an immigration lawyer who practices only immigration law. Someone who dabbles in immigration, or does an immigration case here or there is probably not an experienced immigration attorney. Find an attorney with experience in your particular type […]
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