What is Adjustment of Status?

Adjustment of Status is the process used by certain people already in the United States to apply for a green card without having to leave the country. It allows an applicant to move from a temporary nonimmigrant status to lawful permanent resident status inside the U.S., instead of completing the process through a U.S. consulate abroad, which is known as consular processing.

EWI stands for “Entry Without Inspection.” It describes entering the United States without going through an official port of entry or being inspected by an immigration officer. Even if a person later encounters or is processed by border officers, the original entry is still considered EWI. This is a specific legal concept and is not the same as simply saying someone entered the country “illegally.”

What is Consular Processing?

Consular processing is the procedure used when a person applies for U.S. permanent residency through a U.S. embassy or consulate outside the United States. A qualifying family member or employer files a petition, and once it is approved and a visa is available, the applicant completes the immigrant visa process at the consulate in their home country. After entering the United States on that immigrant visa, the person becomes a lawful permanent resident.

Why Do I Have to Consular Process?

Some applicants must complete their green card process outside the United States because of how they entered the country or their immigration status at the time they apply. People who entered without inspection and certain individuals who are out of status on the filing date are often required to leave the U.S. and apply at a consulate in their home country. There are limited exceptions, such as qualifying for relief under section 245(i), that may allow processing inside the United States.

What is the Ten-Year Bar?

The ten-year bar applies to individuals who accrue more than one year of unlawful presence in the United States and then depart. Once they leave, they become inadmissible and are generally barred from returning for ten years. In some cases, a waiver may be available. If the applicant can show that a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident spouse or parent would suffer extreme hardship if they had to remain outside the country, they may qualify for a waiver such as Form I-601 or I-601A.

What are PERM Applications?

PERM is the employment-based labor certification process that many U.S. employers must complete before sponsoring a foreign national for permanent residence. The employer first obtains a prevailing wage determination from the Department of Labor and then conducts specific recruitment steps to see if there are qualified U.S. workers available for the position. If no qualified U.S. workers are found and all requirements are met, the employer can file a PERM application. An approved PERM allows the employer to move forward with sponsoring the employee’s green card.

Habeas, short for Habeas Corpus, is a legal procedure used to challenge unlawful or excessively long detention by the government. In the immigration context, it is often used for people who have been detained for a long time, frequently after receiving a removal order, when the government has not carried out the deportation. Through a Habeas Corpus petition filed in federal court, a judge reviews whether there is legal justification for continued detention and can order the person’s release if the detention is found to be unreasonable.

What Are Removal Proceedings?

Removal proceedings are the formal court process in which the Department of Homeland Security seeks to deport someone it believes is in the United States in violation of immigration law. During these hearings, an immigration judge decides two main questions: whether the person is removable and, if so, whether they qualify for any form of relief that would allow them to stay in the United States. The judge hears evidence and arguments from both sides and issues the final decision.

What is a Master Calendar Hearing?

A master calendar hearing is the first hearing in most immigration removal cases. It is a preliminary hearing where the immigration judge handles scheduling and procedural issues, such as confirming the charges, taking pleadings, identifying any applications for relief, and setting future hearing dates. The judge may also make important decisions at this stage, including whether to schedule an individual merits hearing, deny certain applications, or in some cases order removal if appropriate.

What is Writ of Mandamus?

A writ of mandamus is a lawsuit filed in federal court asking a judge to order a government agency or official to perform a legal duty that has been unreasonably delayed. In immigration cases, it is often used when an application or petition has been pending for a long time without a decision. To succeed, the applicant must show that the agency has a clear duty to act, that the applicant has a right to a decision, and that the delay is not reasonable. If the court agrees, it can order the agency to make a decision on the case.

312-332-2550

CONTÁCTENOS HOY

≡Menu

Ago 28, 2018

By Kriezelman Burton and Associates

Common Immigration Scams

Looking for A Specific Post? Search Below

Each year, thousands of people fall victim to one or more immigration scams. These scams not only falsely promise that you will be able to immigrate to the U.S. or become a citizen, but they obtain your sensitive financial or personal information. If you are in the U.S. as an immigrant or hope to come here, be on the lookout for these scams.

Emails About the Visa Lottery

According to the U.S. Customs and Immigration Services (USCIS) office, this is a popular scam. Victims receive an email informing them that they have won the Visa Lottery. As a result, they often ask that you send payment online.

However, the State Department does not use email to tell people they have been selected by the lottery, so these emails are fraudulent. Instead, the purpose of this scam is to get your personal and financial information.

Telephone Scams

Some fraudsters might call you up and claim to be from USCIS. The purpose of the call is to obtain information from you, such as your financial information or Social Security Number. The scammer on the other end might also ask you to make a payment while on the phone, something USCIS will never ask you to do. If someone calls you up asking for personal information or money, simply say, “No thank you” and hang up.

Notarios Publicos

In certain Latin American countries, a notario publico is a powerful attorney with elite legal credentials. In the U.S., however, a notary public is simply someone who witness documents being signed and who can administer oaths. Notary publics in the U.S. are not attorneys and cannot represent you in immigration proceedings.

Many recent immigrants, unfortunately, fall victim to this scam, wrongly believing that the notary public they are meeting with can help them. If you are looking for an attorney, ask for information about their credentials, such as which bar exam they passed and ask for proof.

Fraudulent Websites

The U.S. government maintains several websites that contain helpful information on immigration. Always look to see that the website ends with “.gov”—your sign that the website is legitimate. Scammer websites will end with “.com” or something else. These fraudulent websites also frequently sell forms to you, which you can get for free at legitimate government websites.

Report a Scam

If you or a friend has fallen victim to a scam, you should report it to the federal government. You can report scams to the Federal Trade Commission by calling 1-877-382-4357 or visiting their website. You can also report any scams to the attorney general in your state.

If you are afraid of being identified by immigration officials, you can report the scam anonymously or ask a trusted friend to report it for you. This way, you can alert authorities to the scam while protecting yourself from deportation.

Skilled Chicago Immigration Lawyers

For legitimate legal advice about any immigration issue, please contact Kriezelman Burton & Associates. Our Chicago immigration lawyers are ready to help you with whatever immigration problem you have. With decades of experience, we have handled every immigration issue imaginable and can help you get the representation you need. To schedule your consultation with one of our attorneys, please contact us today.

Lo que dicen nuestras clientas

Calificación de 5 estrellas | Basado en 200+ reseñas de clientes satisfechos en Google

My experience with Kriezelman Burton & Associates was excellent. We worked with Jennifer Peyton, for removal proceedings due to being detained by ICE. Jennifer worked diligently and was responsive. Jennifer was supportive throughout the whole process and showed compassion. With the help of Jennifer and the help of the firm, we were able to get the removal proceedings stopped and received permanent residency. I am so thankful for Kriezelman Burton…

Sarah P.

The Best human being to have your back when you really need it!!! Mr Burton's professionalism and sharpness saved my family....!!!!!

Jordan K.

I cannot say enough amazing things about Kriezelman Burton & Associates and Attorney Jennifer Peyton. They are truly a godsend. Jennifer worked day and night on my brother’s case, and her dedication never wavered for a single moment. She consistently communicated with my sister-in-law and me, making sure we understood every step of the process and always keeping us informed. She built an incredibly structured and solid case for my…

Daniel P.

I recently had the privilege of working with Attorney Brittni Rivera of Kriezelman, Burton & Associates on a habeas corpus case. From the very beginning, she demonstrated exceptional knowledge, integrity, and attention to detail. She was consistently responsive—always just an email away—and made me feel supported through every step of the process. Her guidance brought clarity during a very difficult time, and I am truly grateful for her dedication and…

Angie S.

So many immigration firms in Chicago who do you choose? I can tell you with certainty this is the place to go for you and your loved ones. My wife came over across the border under the Biden years. Our application was sent in, in May and by November we got approved for her 485. This law firm handles many cases of all different kinds so they just know what…

Amit G.

My God, if I could give 10 stars, I would. My family and I are so grateful, first and foremost to God and to attorney Brittni Rivera, who helped us free my husband. He was detained by ICE in Chicago and transferred to Michigan. The process after hiring attorney Brittni Rivera took only 15 days, when I was given about a month. It was incredibly fast and effective.

Carmen H.

Our family is sincerely grateful to attorney Nicole M. Provax from Kriezelman Burton & Associates, LLC for her professionalism, dedication, and support, as she guided us through every step with care and understanding. Thanks to her guidance, our case reached a positive outcome. We truly appreciate everything she has done for our family and highly recommend her and the firm.

Lesia B.

I am grateful for the guidance and support we received from Kriezelman Burton & Associates. Attorney Andrea was AMAZING, always helpful, responsive, and kept us updated with every new development(even at late hours). We first reached out to her when someone close to us was detained by ICE while working construction inside a friend’s house. Andrea immediately stressed the importance of filing a habeas corpus petition as soon as possible,…

Kristina T.

We are incredibly grateful for the guidance and support we received from Kriezelman Burton & Associates during our family’s Green Card petition process. We had a very complicated case that several other lawyers could not take on, but that was not the case with Kriezelman Burton & Associates. From the beginning, our Attorney Mr. Kevin Raica made us feel heard, supported, and confident that our case was in good hands.…

Joe B.

Highly recommend Attorney Erin Cobb and her entire team. Extremely knowledgeable, compassionate, and urgent to serve and solve any issue.

Edwin S.

See More Reviews

¡Programe una consulta!

Publicidad de abogados. Esta información está diseñada solo para información general. La información presentada no debe interpretarse como asesoramiento legal formal ni como la formación de una relación abogado/cliente. Los resultados y testimonios anteriores no son garantía ni predicción del resultado de su caso, y no deben interpretarse como tales. Los resultados pasados no pueden garantizar el rendimiento futuro. Cualquier resultado en un solo caso no pretende crear una expectativa de resultados similares en asuntos futuros porque cada caso involucra muchos factores diferentes, por lo tanto, los resultados diferirán caso por caso. Al proporcionar información de contacto, los usuarios reconocen y dan su consentimiento explícito para ser contactados a través de los métodos de comunicación proporcionados, incluido SMS. Se pueden aplicar tarifas por mensajes y datos. La frecuencia de los mensajes puede variar. Responda STOP para optar por no participar.

312-332-2550

312-332-2550

312-332-2550

Common Immigration Scams

Looking for A Specific Post? Search Below

Categories

Archives

Search

Emails About the Visa Lottery

Telephone Scams

Notarios Publicos

Fraudulent Websites

Report a Scam

Skilled Chicago Immigration Lawyers