Immigration Law Frequently Asked Questions

Q. I am a refugee and I filed for Green Card (I-485 Application for Adjustment of Status over 6 month ago.  When I call immigration service they tell me that FBI checks my records.  I do not have criminal records or any violations of US immigration law.  How long should I wait for?

A. Dear Refugee, as of February 28, 2008, US immigration services must consider your application favorably and send you your green card (assuming that all your other documents and evidence are in order and make eligible to green card otherwise) because your FBI check has been pending for over 180 days.

Q. I am a Legal Permanent Resident and I lived in the US for 12 years.  I committed a crime and my conviction term was 2 years in prison.  I was released on parole after 9 month.  I started seeing my parole officer once a week and one day when I came to see the officer I was detained by ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) and put into removal proceedings.  Is there a way for me to stay in the US?

A. Dear Detainee, the short answer is “it depends”.  You might be eligible for cancellation of removal. Cancellation of removal for permanent residents, (previously known as 212(c) relief), is available to an alien who is inadmissible or deportable from the United States if the alien: (1) has been an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence for not less than five years, (2) has resided in the United States continuously for seven years after having been admitted in any status, and (3) has not been convicted of any aggravated felony.

Q. I came to the US on tourist visa and I overstayed. Now I live in the US illegaly. My US Citizen brother filed I-130 Petition for Alien Relative on my behalf three years ago.  US immigration services approved his petition and I was waiting for the next available visa.  One month ago my brother passed away and now all my hopes to obtain American legal permanent residence are gone.  I have a US Citizen sister in the US but I'm afraid I would have to wait for many more years.

A. Dear Beneficiary of the Immigration Petition, fortunately for you, the petition that your US Citizen brother had filed for you did not die with him.  Your US Citizen sister can become a substitute sponsor to enable your to obtain Legal Permanent Residence.  This a discretionary relief and among other evidence you should be prepared to demonstrate strong ties to the US community. 

Q. I came to US on Student Visa F-1 and finished my studies last semester.  I plan to return to my home country but I would like to travel in the United States.  How long can I stay in the US without causing myself immigration problems?

A. Dear Student, staying beyond the period of time authorized by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and being out-of-status in the United States is a violation of U.S. immigration laws, and may cause you to be ineligible for a visa in the future for return travel to the U.S.  According to US immigration laws ( 8 CFR 214.2(f)(5)(iv) (“Duration of Status”)) an F-1 student who has completed a course of study and any authorized practical training following completion of studies will be allowed an additional 60-day period to prepare for departure from the United States or to transfer in accordance with paragraph (f)(8) [School transfer] of this section.  It is important that you depart the U.S. on or before the last day you are authorized to be in the U.S.

Each time you present yourself to port of entry or US consulate or for adjustment of status, you must demonstrate that you are admissible. Therefore, if you is looking to apply for a green card, a new visa, or admission at a port of entry, you may have to seek a waiver based on the conduct that you allegedly committed.

Q. Dear Immigration Attorney, I am married to a US Citizen spouse and I have had a permanent Green Card for over 3 years. I heard that I can only apply for US Citizenship after 5 years.

A. Dear Legal Permanent Resident,
If you are applying based on 5 years as a Permanent Resident or 3 years as a Permanent Resident married to a U.S. citizen, you may file for naturalization up to 90 days before you meet the continuous residence requirement. For example, if you are applying based on 3 years of continuous residence as a Permanent Resident married to a U.S. citizen, you can apply any time after you have been a Permanent Resident in continuous residence for 3 years minus 90 days. You may send your application before you have met the requirement for continuous residence only. Therefore, you must still have been married to and living with your U.S. citizen spouse for 3 years before you may file your application. You must also meet all the other eligibility requirements when you file your application with USCIS.

Please contact our experienced Connecticut immigration lawyers to schedule an appointment to discuss your situation.

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