When you are already located in the United States, but do not have legal status, it is sometimes possible to obtain a green card (also known as lawful permanent residency) through a process called adjustment of status. Immigrants can apply for adjustment of status in the categories of family, employment, or refugee. If you are interested in applying for family-based adjustment of status because you married a U.S. Read More
Understanding VAWA Protections
The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) is a law passed in 1994. Its overall goal is to protect victims of domestic abuse, and one way it does this is by allowing victims to self-petition for status as a lawful permanent resident. Contrary to popular belief, you do not have to be a woman to petition for protection under VAWA, nor do you necessarily need to have been subjected to physical abuse. In today’s post, we’re Read More
Beware: A Notary Public is Not a Lawyer!
There’s a common misconception in immigrant communities causing many to find themselves in sticky situations. In today’s blog post, we’re busting a major myth, explaining how it came to be, and letting you know how you can avoid this issue on your own immigration journey. Firstly, a “notary public” in the United States is not the same as a “notario” in a Spanish-speaking country. A U.S. notary public is qualified to Read More
Do You Need a Prenuptial Agreement?
Despite their usefulness in a variety of situations, there is still a stigma attached to premarital agreements. Many think that the mere mention of the term “prenup” is an implicit admission that the marriage being entered into is doomed. Looking beyond social mores, though, it is clear that premarital agreements can provide a number of benefits to couples. This blog will explore a few of those benefits, along with Read More
Property Division in a New Jersey Divorce
Apart from the issue of child custody, the most contentious part of hashing out any divorce agreement is dividing property between spouses. Commonly, divorcing spouses disagree over who gets the “marital house” in the settlement. Of course, spouses can agree to the terms of the divorce, including the issue of property division, in an uncontested divorce. If you are unable to come to negotiate an agreement with your Read More
Green Card Through the 10-Year Rule: How? Who Qualifies?
What is the 10-Year Rule? For a very limited number of non-permanent residents who have been living in the U.S. for at least 10 years, there is a route to obtain a green card and permanent residency. This avenue is referred to by many as the “10-Year Rule". However, it is actually used as a defense when you have been placed in removal proceedings and is called Cancellation of Removal. It is only granted to 4,000 Read More
Modifying Child Support
A big part of deciding on a divorce agreement is determining whether you will pay your ex-spouse any kind of support, including child support (if the two of you have children together). Of course, child support can be ordered in relationships outside of marriage (and divorce). Regardless of the situation you and your ex-partner found yourselves in when child support was originally ordered, it is likely that, at some Read More
Coronavirus and Immigration: How you may be impacted
Four Ways Coronavirus May Impact Your Immigration Situation As the United States responds to coronavirus, many immigrants are feeling frightened and confused about how this will impact them. While things are changing quickly and it’s difficult to be certain of what we can expect, our team is here for you and wants to help. In today’s blog, we’re looking at a few of the ways COVID-19 has affected the immigration Read More
Filing For a Marriage-Based Green Card? Here is What You Will Need to Provide.
In the State of New Jersey, marriage-based green cards offer immigrants a viable option for establishing and maintaining legal residency. A marriage-based green card offers the person in question the ability to live and work in the United States, travel internationally, and re-enter the US legally and it is a pathway to Citizenship. When marrying a US Citizen, there are no limits on the number of marriage-based green Read More
Protect Your Children and Assets in the Face of Deportation
Many immigrants are justifiably concerned about protecting any assets they may have in this country, and even more worried about the future of their minor children here. Fortunately, there are some options you can take to provide for the well-being of your children and the security of your property, such as establishing a Power of Attorney. Establishing a Power of Attorney can prove critical as you navigate the Read More