Category Archive Immigration Information in Fresno CA

ByPhillip Kim

When Will Immigration Reform Pass?

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The new immigration reform will grant a pathway to citizenship for the 11 million undocumented immigrants in the U.S. as well as tighten border security and boost the economy, but when will congress reach an agreement on the issue?

The immigration reform bill was supposed to be decided by August before the congress’s annual month-long summer recess, but the debate has been prolonged because Republicans and Democrats have not been able to reach an agreement on the provisions of the bill. Now, the nation has to wait until after the August recess to hear an answer, and many fear that the issue will die down and congress will set the issue aside.

What it comes down to is whether Republicans will come to an agreement or the bill will die a slow death with the voices of millions being drowned out by the indecisiveness of congress.

ByPhillip Kim

How to Get a Green Card as a Relative of a U.S. Citizen

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There are multiple ways to get a green card as a relative of a U.S. citizen. As the spouse, unmarried child, or parent of an adult citizen (over 21 years old) you qualify as an immediate relative. Green cards for immediate relatives are unlimited, so there is no waiting for a visa as an immediate family member. Receiving a green card will allow you to live and work in the U.S. as a permanent resident.

If you are already in the United States, to receive a green card, you will file need to file for permanent residence. Second, you will petition for your status as an immediate relative of a citizen. For immediate relatives of U.S., these two steps can be done at the same time or you can submit your petition and then file for residence.

If you are not yet living in the U.S., you must submit your petition for residence as a family member of a citizen first. After your petition is submitted, there is a waiting period for a visa to allow you to travel to the U.S. This process is the same for immediate and non-immediate family members of citizens.

Remember to keep in mind that your status as a child will most likely be counted from the date of your petition, and that to keep the status of child you must be 21 years old or younger. Also, children under 21 must be unmarried through the green card process in order to count as immediate relatives. If you are the married child of a U.S. citizen you do not count as an immediate relative, but can still petition for residence as a family member of a U.S. citizen.

ByPhillip Kim

Same Sex Couples May Receive Immigration Benefits

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Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano addresses that the Supreme Court will ensure implementation of the ruling on the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), which grants same-sex couples equality of legal benefits. President Obama has taken measures to eliminate discrimination so that same-sex couples receive the same consideration as opposite-sex couples when filing for a visa petition. This change is effective immediately for the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services to follow. Couples are eligible to apply even if they currently live in a state that does not allow same-sex marriages, in which case, USCIS will consider the law of the state of residence in addition to the law of the state of celebration of the marriage.

ByPhillip Kim

Naturalization Test: What Happens After

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So you’ve applied for naturalization, gone to the interview, and passed all exams and requirements. What happens after? After the USCIS approves your naturalization, you will be required to attend a naturalization ceremony and take the Oath of Allegiance at your scheduled time and location.

At the ceremony, you will be required to return your permanent resident card at check-in. You will then be directed to take the Oath of Allegiance and be given your Certificate of Naturalization. Make sure all the information on the certificate is accurate before leaving the ceremony.

Now that you are a U.S. citizen, you are advised to apply for a United States passport immediately. This is because a passport is an official proof of your citizenship in the United States. You should also update your Social Security information 10 days after your naturalization ceremony.

ByPhillip Kim

Immigration Reform Gets Delayed

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It appears that the passage of President Obama’s new immigration reform bill will be delayed once again. The president wanted the decision to be made in August, but House Republicans have not yet reached an agreement regarding their piecemeal approach. President Obama agrees that America needs to make a decision on the immigration issue once and for all—we cannot afford putting it off again.

The immigration reform bill was designed to strengthen border security, provide a pathway for citizenship, expand programs for skilled workers, and set up guest worker permits. Republicans, however, are hesitant on the part of the bill that includes citizenship for the 11 million undocumented citizens. Instead, they want to focus on the Dream Act for legalization of those who were brought into the United States illegally as children. The chances of reaching an agreement by the August deadline are slim, but Republicans will have to come to an agreement sooner or later.

ByPhillip Kim

Tips for Passing the Naturalization Test

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Part of the process of becoming a U.S. citizen is passing the naturalization test which will be administered at your naturalization interview. You will be tested on the components English and Civics, although you may be eligible for an exemption or waiver. Be prepared to answer questions about your background and know your application front to back.

At your interview, you will be asked 10 questions out of the prepared list of 100 questions in English, and you must be able to answer six out of the 10 correctly to pass the civics portion of the test. You may be qualified to take the civics test in the language of your choice if you meet specific requirements.

The English part of the test incorporates reading, writing, and speaking. You must be able to write one out of the three sentences correctly, and the USCIS will determine your English proficiency based on your applications.

Repetition, interaction, and practice are keys to performing well on Civics and English. You will be given two chances to take the naturalization test and must be retested within 60 – 90 days of your first examination. To ensure success, it is important to familiarize yourself with the test and prepare with a qualified immigration attorney.

ByPhillip Kim

Obama to Appear on Spanish TV for Immigration Reform

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There are four television interviews scheduled for Spanish television networks this week by President Obama to discuss the matters of immigration reform. He will be using the Spanish network as a platform to stress the importance of passing the immigration reform bill by discussing its benefits to our nation’s economy.

The Congressional Budget Office and President Obama agree that the immigration reform bill will help reduce the nation’s deficits and improve the economy. By appearing on Spanish television, he hopes to gain support of the Hispanic population and push Republicans to come on board as well. Republican John McCain defends Obama and says he believes the president would be willing to work with Republicans to reach a compromise.

ByPhillip Kim

Will Democrats and Republicans Agree on Immigration Reform?

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Both Democrats and Republicans agree that America needs a solution to the illegal immigration problem, but each party has a different opinion on the new immigration reform bill, a measure to eventually grant citizenship to the 11 million undocumented immigrants.

Democrats believe undocumented citizens should be able to obtain citizenship if, after ten years, they register, pay taxes, do not received government benefits, and have no severe criminal records. They agree that if illegal immigrants are able to fulfill those requirements, then their citizenship will not be considered amnesty.

Republicans stress the importance of one criterion—to tighten border security. They claim that we would not have such a serious immigration issue if we had enforced border security back when illegal immigrants were 3 million, much less than what we have today. Some say they cannot agree with the immigration reform bill proposed because although they claim border security will be bolstered, it may not be actually enforced.

Although both parties may not agree with each other’s points, they both agree that something needs to be done about illegal immigration now.

ByPhillip Kim

How to Get a Green Card through a Job Offer

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There are several steps to apply for a green card, also known as permanent residency, if you believe you qualify through a job opportunity in the United States, and if you are an employer, you may help sponsor an employee for permanent residency.

If you live outside the U.S., you must go through a consular processing where you will be issued a visa, if available, when your petition gets approved. If you reside in the United States, you can obtain a green card by adjusting your status.

There will be several documents required when filing for your petition. Supporting documents include evidence of inspection during entry into the United States, copy of approval notice by the USCIS, proof of employment offer, two colored passport photos, biographic information, medical examination, affidavits, and other forms pertaining to your eligibility.

ByPhillip Kim

Children of Illegal Immigrants Face Educational Hardships

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According to a study, there is a gap in education between U.S. citizens’ children and illegal immigrants’ children. The study was conducted by a University of California, Irvine Professor and 3 other researchers. While the children of citizens end up going to school for a total of 13 years, noncitizens’ children only go for an average of 11 years.

There are higher drop-out rates amongst students whose parents are not legal citizens. Why? Some students say that they have very limited options of continuing their education past high school. The majority of illegal immigrants do not earn more than minimum wage and, with undocumented parents, it’s impossible to afford college fees.

What’s more, without proper salary documentation, it’s impossible to apply for scholarship, grants, and loans. So even if you can’t afford college, chances are, you don’t have the option of going out and finding other means of funding your education either. Lack of tax information puts illegal immigrants’ children in a difficult position. Often times, teenagers drop out of high school to work and help their families pay for bills and rent.

Students whose parents have citizenship or green cards are found to be more successful in high school and eventually move onto college. This is because the financial stability of these families creates a more positive environment in which students feel free to pursue their education.

Altogether, this study shows us that immigration status matters more than about whether or not a person is here legally. Immigrants’ status in the United States has an impact on their financial status, ability to afford living in the U.S., and opportunities available to students and other workers.