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 deportation and allows them to receive employment authorization. Through these protections, the DACA program has provided immigrant youth with access to higher education, better paying jobs, […]
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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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NOTARIOS ARE NOT LAWYERS
What is the Difference Between an Immigration Attorney and a Notario/Notary Public? A notario (notario publico) translates to “notary public” in English. In the U.S., a notary public is a person who is authorized to witness the signing of documents. They may not give legal advice or provide immigration legal services. Florida law requires notaries […]
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What is an Immigration hold
What is an ICE Hold? In Jacksonville, Florida, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (JSO) has an agreement with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) through section 287(g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), allowing JSO officers to collaborate with ICE by performing certain tasks usually reserved only for federal agents. Jacksonville has a jail based 287(g) […]
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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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New Green Card Rules will affect people receiving Public Housing, Food Stamps and other Government Assistance.
On Monday, August 12, 2019, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the final rule regarding who will be considered a “public charge” and therefore inadmissible to the U.S. pursuant to INA § 212(a)(4). While there has long been a public charge ground of inadmissibility, the new rule greatly expands the types of […]
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Parole in Place For Military Families
What is Military Parole in Place (PIP), and how can it help my family? Military parole in place (PIP) allows certain close family members of persons who have sacrificed for our Nation through their service in the U.S. military to lawfully reside in the U.S. This applies to the family of service members who are […]
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Removing the Conditions of Your Residence
Foreign nationals who have been married to their U.S. Citizen spouse for less than 2 years will be granted conditional residence, instead of permanent residence, if their request for residency based on marriage to their spouse is approved. This is a way for U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to again determine that the marriage […]
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