The goal of many non-citizens and non-lawful permanent residents (LPRs) of the U.S. is to, eventually, obtain a green card so that they are allowed to indefinitely stay in the U.S. Many foreign nationals achieve this goal through an adjustment of status, which is the process through which someone applies for a green card, to become a lawful permanent resident, while they are already legally residing in the U.S. Love Read More

Following the proper immigration process is always important, but it is especially critical when petitioning the United States because you fear for your safety in your home country. The two main options in this type of situation are petitioning as a refugee and petitioning as an asylee. Understanding the difference between these two options will help to ensure you are following the correct processes so you do not Read More

The L-1 visa was created in the Immigration Act of 1990 to allow American companies with foreign operations to transfer skilled employees to the United States for up to seven years. The L-1 visa is a non-immigrant visa category and generally allows a U.S. employer to transfer an employee or executive from one of its foreign offices in order to bring their knowledge and ability to a U.S. office.  The L-1 visa is one Read More

The Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA) is a U.S. federal law that was enacted in 2000 to combat human trafficking. The TVPA has been amended several times over the years to address different issues in human trafficking. In particular, the law provides for the T visa (also known as the "T-1" visa), which is a nonimmigrant status intended to give victims of human trafficking a path to permanent residence in the Read More

Non-citizen victims of domestic violence can receive permanent residency through the Violence Against Women Act, also known as VAWA. Originally established in 1994, VAWA has helped establish several new protections for victims of domestic violence, as well as create programs to provide housing and assistance to those in need. Despite the name, VAWA does not only apply to women - anyone can take advantage of the Read More

For those with abilities that set them apart, the O1A Visa is available as a non-immigrant visa with residency in the United States for up to three years, and the ability to keep applying for extensions of stay. The main requirement of this visa is that you are somehow distinguished in your field and have enjoyed ‘sustained acclaim’, either by national recognition or a record of extraordinary achievement. For those Read More

For anyone who has faced coercion in their work, the T-1 visa for victims of human trafficking may be able to provide both protection from harmful employers and safe harbor in the United States. Because abuse in the workplace is a frequent issue for non-citizens, this visa was created to provide protection to those who face difficulties in their work due to their citizenship status.  The T-1 visa is available Read More

For those with an entrepreneurial spirit, or their employees who would like to establish a business within the United States, the E-2 visa may be your solution. These visas are provided on the basis of commerce, with the intent of bringing new businesses to the American market. Both the business owner and their essential employees can apply for E visas, which allows for their entry to the United States to develop Read More

For citizens or permanent residents who have family living abroad, the family-based immigration system allows their family members a simplified process for immigrating to the United States. Family-Based immigration is currently the largest source of immigration to the U.S., comprising about 65% of immigration per year, or over 80% of immigration in the past decade. Because most other forms of visa applications have a Read More

The United States Congress passed into law the Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act in 2000, creating protections for immigrants who have become victims of coercive labor practices in the U.S.or trafficking into the U.S. (including having to pay for work visas from abroad). Regardless of your documentation status in the U.S., if you were subjected to abuse from an employer, you may be eligible to Read More