Illegal Immigration Reform And Immigration Responsibility Act
An anti-illegal immigration bill amending the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), IIRIRA covered everything from border control to penalties on immigrants and employers who violate the immigration laws to allowable benefits for immigrants. Many immigrants were affected by new three- and ten-year bars to admissibility for having been "unlawfully present" in the United States (having entered without any inspection or overstayed a nonimmigrant visa). New vaccination requirements for immigrants were also added.
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After an immigration arrest, how soon will the undocumented immigrant be deported?
Most likely, no. The federal Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) and similar state laws give employees the right to refuse work only in very limited and extreme circumstances.
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Can I Apply for Asylum If a Family Immigration Petition Has Been Filed for Me?
In terms of basic legal procedures, foreign nationals who live in the U.S. and fear persecution in their home country are allowed to file a claim for asylum even if they have other immigration petitions pending with the U.S. government. There are advantages and disadvantages to filing an asylum claim while awaiting an immigrant visa or green card, however, particularly if you are living in the U.S. without permission, as an undocumented person. This article will help you to weigh these factors carefully before deciding what to do.
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Do I Need an Immigration Lawyer for Help Filing a VAWA Case?
Safety and Privacy Considerations for Victims
Be sure to consider the privacy of your computer, smartphone, or tablet when seeking help online or over the phone. Some victims might use the same device, network, or phone plan as the abuser, allowing the abuser to see the victim’s search or call history or otherwise track their activity. Many smart devices contain cameras or GPS tracking that can be used to locate and monitor your whereabouts.
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How Becoming a U.S. Citizen Can Speed Up Immigration for Foreign Spouse
If you are a green card holder looking to bring your foreign-born spouse to the U.S. to live, you might want to consider becoming a U.S. citizen in order to speed up the process. Immigrant visas are immediately available for U.S. citizens’ spouses, while the same visas for the relatives of U.S. permanent residents can sometimes be held up for months or years, owing to annual limits on visas.
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Immigration And Customs Enforcement (Ice)
This agency of the Department of Homeland Security handles enforcement of the immigration laws within the U.S. borders; for example, by going to workplaces and checking for undocumented workers.
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Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS)
Formerly, the federal agency in the Department of Justice that administered and enforced immigration and naturalization laws. In 2003, however, the INS officially ceased to exist, and its functions were taken over by various branches of the Department of Homeland Security.
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Living in the U.S. and Married to a U.S. Permanent Resident: What Are the Immigration Options?
If you are a foreign national in the United States—whether you are here lawfully or unlawfully—and you are married to a U.S. lawful permanent resident, you are, at the moment, NOT immediately eligible to obtain permanent residence (a green card). Only foreign nationals married to U.S. citizens are immediately eligible for permanent residence.
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Penalties for Committing Immigration Marriage Fraud
The crime of immigration marriage fraud can take several forms. For example, the would-be immigrant might pay a U.S. citizen to marry or offer to perform a favor in exchange for marrying. Or, there are “mail-order” marriages, where the couple have no preexisting relationship and either or both know the marriage is a fraud. Sometimes an immigrant defrauds a U.S. citizen who believes the marriage is legitimate, while the immigrant knows it is not. Here, we'll look at what penalties the U.S. legal system has put into place for those who are caught perpetrating immigration marriage fraud.
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United States Citizenship And Immigration Services (USCIS)
A branch of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). USCIS is primarily responsible for handling immigration benefits, such as applications for asylum, work permits, green cards, and citizenship.
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What to Do If You Can't Make Your Immigration Court Removal Hearing
If you are a foreign-born person in the U.S. whom the immigration enforcement authorities are placing in removal proceedings, you will receive what's called a Notice to Appear (NTA). The NTA will specify the date and place of your removal hearing in immigration court. You will be expected to personally attend your hearing, even if your lawyer (or another representative) attends as well.
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When Proof of Good Moral Character Helps an Immigration Application Or Doesn't
Many people wonder what they can do to show that they are a good person when submitting an application for an immigration benefit or when defending against deportation. People frequently begin collecting evidence of their good character and other accomplishments to show U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) or the Immigration Court even without knowing whether this evidence is needed.
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When Religious or Traditional Marriage Ceremonies Are Valid for Immigration Purposes
When foreign nationals seek U.S. visas or green cards as the spouses of either U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or other persons with qualifying legal status, they are required to establish the validity of their marriage for immigration purposes. But that can be tricky when the ceremony was a religious one, or done in accordance with ethnic tradition, but never registered with any civic authorities.
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