Law Office of Tanya M. Lee 1.480.559.9529

Archive for the ‘immigration tips’ Category

Discussion re Comprehensive Immigration Reform

This is a great discussion on how Scott Brown’s election in Massachusetts could affect the Obama Administration’s plans for immigration reform in 2010.  Bottom line: coalitions of different ethnicities need to be built in order to strengthen demand for reform.  The US immigrant community has historically been a key player in the labor movement, and reform benefiting immigrants will help this Administration move forward in the creation of jobs, lessening the impact of a down economy on families and business alike.

I was recently interviewed by Attorney Shimane Smith on his radio show, “Nothing But the Truth.” I fielded questions about the controversy surrounding President Barack Obama’s birth certificate, specifically why under the U.S. Constitution it matters whether he was born in Hawaii or Indonesia. This is a fascinating aspect of nationality law, and I explain the constitutional requirement that a U.S. President be a “natural-born citizen,” not a naturalized citizen or a U.S. citizen born “abroad.” I also discuss how this requirement has relevance to both John McCain and Arnold Schwarzenegger as well.

In the second part of the interview, I talk about options for immigration relief  for victims of domestic violence as well as some of the immigration consequences of criminal conduct, including removal (deportation) for even long-term Permanent Residents (green card holders) for seemingly minor violations or misdemeanors. Please click on the audio file below to hear the interview.

In an upcoming post I will share a second interview where I discuss marriage fraud and tips for a successful green card interview for foreign nationals married to U.S. citizens.

In order to become a naturalized citizen, an applicant must demonstrate that s/he can read, write, and speak basic English and answer correctly a certain number of American civics questions.

Exception to the Rules

Some people are exempt from this requirement, such as age 50+ who have been green card holders for 20 years, or those who are age 55+ who have been green card holders for 15 years.  In addition, people who have a physical or mental impairment may qualify for a waiver of the tests.

To see if you are eligible for a waiver, and for any other legal assistance with citizenship, green cards, and visas, contact The Law Office of Tanya M. Lee, PLLC. 480-559-9LAW;  info@aboutUSvisas.com.

By Carolyn Mason, Contributor

Support letters can be very helpful in immigration, particularly when seeking naturalization (citizenship), a waiver of something that prevents you from obtaining a visa to enter the country, or when fighting removal (deportation). Strong support letters are critical if there is anything in your background that may lead to discretionary denial of the benefit or relief you are seeking. A number of solid support letters may favorably influence the consular or immigration officer or judge, and are well worth your time to arrange.

Consider asking your current and any past employers, family members who are U.S.citizens or legal permanent residents, the elected officers of any organizations to which you belong, friends and neighbors– in short, anyone who can provide a good character reference for you.

What makes a good support letter?

The letter should include the following:

1. The citizenship status of the author or writer
2. The nature of the relationship with you (Example: friend, co-worker, supervisor, etc)
3. The length of time the author has known you (10 years, 2 months, etc)

For example,

I am a U.S. citizen and I have been Mr. X’s employer for the past five years.

The purpose of the letter is to provide a good character reference for you, and may include details concerning the your involvement with charitable causes, anecdotes concerning the subject’s deeds to help friends and neighbors, or stories showing the your dependability and care of family members.Alternatively,a letter may present a specific economic, emotional, or other hardship the author of the letter will face if the you are denied the specific immigration relief or benefit being sought.

Where to get a good letter?

Letters from employers should be on company letterhead, and letters from organizations should be on the organization’s letterhead, if one is available. All letters should be originals, if possible, and signed by the author in blue or black ink.

The few minutes it takes to request a support letter from a friend, employer, or colleague may mean the difference between achieving your immigration goal and missing it, and you may be surprised how many people are willing to help you.

For advice on preparing strong support letters for visa or green card interviews or when fighting removal (deportation), contact The Law Office of Tanya M. Lee, PLLC at info@aboutusvisas.com or 1-888-628-0644 and 480-559-9LAW (529).

By Carol Mason, Contributor