Is it Hard to Become a US Citizen?

Becoming a U.S. citizen involves a legal process known as naturalization. While there is no “easy” way to become a U.S. citizen, there are established pathways that eligible individuals can follow. Keep in mind that the process can take time, effort, and often requires meeting specific requirements. Before you begin, you should take a few questions into consideration, including:

Considerations for Seeking Citizenship in the United States

Do I meet eligibility requirements? To be eligible for U.S. citizenship, you generally need to be a lawful permanent resident (green card holder) and meet certain residency and physical presence requirements. You must also be of good moral character and have a basic understanding of U.S. history, government, and the English language. More information about this can be found here: United States Immigration Law.

What forms do I need to fill out? There are a few forms that must be filled out to apply for citizenship. These forms are submitted to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and typically require you to provide personal information, details about your residency, work history, and criminal history if applicable.

Biometrics Appointment: After submitting the necessary forms, you will be scheduled for a biometrics appointment to have your fingerprints, photograph, and signature taken.

Interview and Naturalization Test: Pending the approval of your citizenship application, you will be scheduled for an interview with a USCIS officer. During the interview or in your testing, you will be tested on your knowledge of U.S. history, government, and your ability to speak, read, and write in English. If you pass the test and interview, you could be recommended for approval.

Oath of Allegiance: If approved, you will be scheduled to take the Oath of Allegiance at a naturalization ceremony. This oath is a pledge to uphold and defend the U.S. Constitution and laws. Once you take the oath, you will become a U.S. citizen.

While the process of naturalization requires effort and commitment, it’s a significant step toward becoming a U.S. citizen and enjoying the benefits and rights that citizenship offers.

Do You Need to Speak to an Attorney About the Process of Becoming a US citizen?

If you have questions about becoming a US citizen, call our office at 414-383-6700 to schedule a consultation with an immigration lawyer who can provide the guidance you need.

By Tedia Gamino|2023-11-01T19:24:20-05:00November 18th, 2023|Immigration Law|Comments Off

What’s the Difference Between a Visa and a Green Card?

By Tedia Gamino

If you’ve ever wanted to move or travel to the U.S., the odds are that you might be wondering whether you need a visa, or a green card. These two terms overlap, so it’s important to know the differences between the two.

A visa is required to gain entry into the U.S., but having one isn’t necessarily a gateway to getting a green card.

Let’s explore each in more detail.

What Is a Visa?

If you’re planning to immigrate or travel to the U.S., you must have a visa. Usually, you apply for a visa at a Consulate or U.S. Embassy before traveling.

Visas come in two types:

Non-immigrant visas
Immigrant visas

#1. Non-immigrant Visa

If you’re traveling to the U.S. for a specific purpose, like a medical treatment, or for education, work, or business, you’ll need to apply for a non-immigrant visa. This visa allows you a limited stay in the country.

#2. Immigrant Visa

If you plan to move to the United States to live permanently, you’ll need a U.S. immigrant visa. Perhaps the simplest way to get an immigrant visa is through sponsorship by an immediate relative or family member in the U.S. This could be a spouse who is a U.S. citizen, your fiancée who is a U.S. citizen, certain family members of U.S. citizens, and certain family members of lawful permanent residents (LPR).

What Is a Green Card?

If you’ve received a green card you’ve been granted the ability to permanently live and work in the U.S. Having a visa can help you qualify for a green card. However, having a visa isn’t a guarantee that your green card application will be approved. After receiving your green card, and having lived in the U.S. for 3 to 5 years, you can apply for U.S. citizenship.

Although a green card affords you permanent residence in the U.S., the law requires you to renew your card every 10 years. Additionally, your residency privilege can be revoked if you engage in unlawful activities in the country.

What Makes a Visa Different from a Green Card?

Time of issuance
Duration of stay
Citizenship

#1. Time of Issuance

One of the most significant differences between a visa and a green card is that you obtain a visa before travelling to the U.S., whereas a green card is issued after you arrive in the country.

#2. Duration of Stay

A visa allows you to stay in the U.S. temporarily, while a green card gives you permanent residence in the country.

#3. Citizenship

A green card affords you the ability to apply for U.S. citizenship, but you cannot do so by simply having a visa.

Do You Need to Talk to an Immigration Lawyer About a Revoked Green Card?

If your green card has been revoked, call our office at 414-383-6700 to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced immigration lawyers who can provide the guidance you need.

By Attorney Tedia Gamino

By Tedia Gamino|2022-11-18T20:44:55-06:00December 6th, 2022|Immigration Law|Comments Off

What Happens if You Overstay Your Visa in the U.S.?

By Carlos Gamino

What happens if you overstay your visa in the United States? The consequences of overstaying a visa vary depending on how long you have overstayed and why.

Overstaying a Visa: The Basics

Many people enter the U.S. lawfully, on a valid visa, and end up staying past their authorized period. Though it may not seem like a big deal, it is – and it could result in deportation and a bar to reentry.

Accidentally Overstaying a Visa

Your visa is a document that lets you enter the U.S., and it has an expiration date. However, that expiration date isn’t always the same date that you need to leave the United States. Instead, your Form I-94 says how long you can stay in the country. Unfortunately, that sometimes leads to some confusion about when you’re required to leave.

What Happens if You Overstay Your Visa for Fewer Than 180 Days?

If you accidentally overstay your visa for less than 180 days, you need to leave the country as soon as possible. The next time you return to the United States, the official at the border will be able to see your records – and they’re likely to ask you why you overstayed on your previous visit. You need to be prepared to answer that question truthfully. However, you need to know that the border official may exercise their discretion in deciding whether to let you into the United States at that time. They may deny you entry.

What Happens if You Overstay Your Visa for More Than 180 Days?

If you overstay your visa by 180 days or more, but still less than a year, you’ll be barred from reentering the country for three years. That means you can’t come back, no matter what, until three years have passed. The government will not issue you a new visa during that time.

If you overstay your visa for more than a year, you’ll be barred from reentering the United States for 10 years.

Do You Need to Talk to an Attorney About Bars to Reentry?

If you’ve been barred from reentering the United States, or if you need a visa to come to the U.S., we can talk to you about your immigration options. Call our office at 414-383-6700 now to schedule your consultation with an experienced professional who can give you the guidance you need.

Attorney Carlos Gamino

By Tedia Gamino|2022-09-02T11:45:58-05:00November 8th, 2022|Immigration Law|Comments Off

5 Common Deportation Defenses

By Carlos Gamino

When the government wants to remove a non-citizen from the United States, it begins removal proceedings. Known as deportation, removal proceedings can result in a bar to reentry. However, many Wisconsin immigration attorneys Are able to successfully defend their clients against deportation; In many cases, they’re even able to get their client a green card. Although there’s never any guarantee on how an immigration judge will rule, this guide outlines five possible defenses your attorney may choose to use to fight your removal proceedings.

5 Common Deportation Defenses

There are a number of strategies Your attorney may choose from while determining the best course of action and fighting your deportation. However, here are five of the most common:

Adjustment of status
Asylum
Cancellation of removal
Legalization and registry
Motions to reconsider or reopen

Here’s a closer look at each.

Adjustment of Status and Removal Proceedings

In some cases, it’s possible for an immigrant to adjust their status and get a green card. However, in order to follow this path, and immigrant visa must be immediately available to the person (such as through a family connection with a U.S. citizen) and the immigrant must be admissible as a permanent resident.

Asylum and Removal Proceedings

it may be possible for you to seek asylum in the United states. If you and your attorney can demonstrate that you are unable to return to your home country because of persecution or your well-founded fear of persecution, an immigration judge may grant you asylum. However, if you’ve been convicted of an aggravated felony, found to be a danger to national security, or are outside the time limit to file for asylum, you’re not eligible for this type of defense.

Cancellation of Removal

Sometimes judges grant cancellation of removal to those who qualify. However, you must meet certain criteria, and the judge will consider how much time you’ve resided or have been continuously present in the U.S., as well as whether your deportation would result in an unusual hardship to your family members who currently live in the United States.

Legalization and Registry in Removal Proceedings

If you’ve lived in the United States since before January 1, 1972, and if you have good moral character and are not ineligible for citizenship, an immigration judge may consider giving you amnesty in the form of legalization and registry. However, you must not be deportable on certain grounds to qualify.

Motions to Reconsider or Reopen

Sometimes, attorneys can file motions with the immigration court to ask them to take another look at your case. There are specific deadlines you must meet if you intend to use either of these methods to get the U.S. government to reevaluate its decision on your case.

Do You Need to Talk to an Attorney About Deportation Defense?

If you’re facing removal proceedings, we know it can be scary. However, you have the right to hire legal representation, so call our Wisconsin immigration attorneys at 414-383-6700 to schedule a consultation with someone who may be able to help you.

Attorney Carlos Gamino

By Tedia Gamino|2022-09-02T11:03:17-05:00October 13th, 2022|Immigration Law|Comments Off

Can You Change From a TN Visa to an H-1B Visa?

By Carlos Gamino

If you’re like many people, you want to know whether you can change a TN nonimmigrant visa to an H-1B immigrant visa. This guide explains both types of visas, as well as your options.

TN and H-1B Visa Basics

TN nonimmigrant visas are for Canadian and Mexican citizens who want to work in the United States in certain professions. You may get a TN nonimmigrant visa to work in your field without special certifications, degrees or training. But H-1B visas are different; they’re for any foreign workers employed in the U.S. in certain specialty occupations. To get an H-1B visa, you must have specialized knowledge in your field (and you usually must have at least a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent). You need a U.S. employer to sponsor your visa, too.

The reason many people want to change a TN visa to an H-1B is simple: The H-1B visa allows for dual intent. That means you may use it to later get a green card or become a U.S. citizen. (By contrast, you can’t get a green card when you’re in the U.S. on a TN visa.)

How to Change a TN Visa to an H-1B Visa

In order to change your TN visa to an H-1B visa, you must have an employer sponsor you. If your current employer is eligible to sponsor you for an H-1B visa, all you need to do is ask and hope that they agree. If your employer isn’t eligible, they may become eligible by completing a labor certification process with the U.S. Department of Labor. Then, they can file the appropriate form on your behalf and pay the appropriate filing fees. Otherwise, you may need to find a new employer to sponsor you for an H-1B visa.

Can You Change Visa Types on Your Own?

Unfortunately, for most employment visas in the United States, you cannot apply for yourself. You need an employer to sponsor you for your visa. That means your employer must fill out and file the appropriate paperwork on your behalf. The one notable exception to this rule is the investor visa, but it requires you to invest a certain amount of capital in a United States business that employs United States workers.

Do You Need to Talk to an Attorney About Changing From a TN Visa to an H-1B Visa?

Because you can’t petition for yourself, your employer may need to speak to an attorney about helping you change from a TN visa to an H-1B visa. if that’s the case, we’re here to help. Call our office at 414-383-6700 to schedule a consultation with an experienced attorney who can give you and your employer the legal advice you need.

Attorney Carlos Gamino

By Tedia Gamino|2022-07-19T11:46:57-05:00September 6th, 2022|Immigration Law|Comments Off

What Will Happen to You if You Commit Immigration Fraud?

By Carlos Gamino

Whether you’re applying for green card, a work visa or naturalized citizenship, you’re always required to be completely honest with the United States government. If you’re not completely honest, you could be accused of immigration fraud. This guide explains what happens if the government finds you guilty of committing immigration fraud, and what you can do about it.

What is Immigration Fraud?

Immigration fraud is a broad term, and it can mean any kind of fraudulent activity. For example, immigration fraud can involve intentionally lying on immigration documents or marrying a person so you can get a green card. In any case, failure to be completely honest with the government or intentionally violating laws with the intent to hide information can be considered immigration fraud.

What Happens if You Commit Immigration Fraud?

In the best case scenario, The United States government will reject your petition if it finds out that you committed immigration fraud. However, usually the government takes it farther than that. If you’re already in the United States, you’re subject to deportation – even if you already have a family here and have established your life here. If you’re deported, you can be barred from reentering the U.S. for a certain period of time; some people are barred permanently. That means they can never return to the United States.

What Should You Do if You’re Accused of Immigration Fraud?

If the U.S. Government accuses you of immigration fraud, one of the best choices you can make is to consult with an attorney. You always have the right to hire an attorney to represent you. That’s true whether you purposely committed immigration fraud or you made a mistake and need to remedy it. Your attorney will ask you several questions about your situation, including whether you have an explanation for what the U.S. government is calling “immigration fraud” in your case.

Your attorney will be there to answer all of your questions and help you get the best possible outcome in your situation, whether you simply need to explain yourself to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services or you’re facing removal proceedings.

Do You Need to Talk to an Attorney About Immigration Fraud?

If you need to talk to an attorney about immigration fraud because the government has accused you of committing it, we’re here to help. Call our office now at 414-383-6700 to schedule a consultation with an experienced immigration attorney in Wisconsin who can help you get the best possible outcome in your case.

Attorney Carlos Gamino

By Tedia Gamino|2022-07-19T11:36:55-05:00August 23rd, 2022|Immigration Law|Comments Off

How Do You Appeal an Unfavorable Immigration Decision?

By Carlos Gamino

Is it possible to appeal an unfavorable immigration decision? Absolutely, but if you’re like many people, you could benefit from working with a Wisconsin immigration attorney to do so. That’s because the process can be complex, and usually, you only have one chance to make an appeal. This guide explains.

Appealing an Unfavorable Immigration Decision

There are two main ways you can ask the United States government to change its decision on your immigration case. One is through an official appeal, and the other is by filing a motion to reopen or reconsider.

What is an Appeal in U.S. Immigration?

An appeal in U.S. immigration is a process by which a person who has been denied an immigration benefit, such as a green card or visa, can ask for the decision to be reviewed by a higher authority. The appeals process can be complex, and it is important to understand all of the steps involved before beginning.

If you have been denied an immigration benefit, the first step is to determine whether or not you have a basis for an appeal. There are several grounds on which an appeal can be made, such as if there was a mistake made in the adjudication of your case, or if new evidence has come to light that was not available at the time of the original decision. Once you have determined that you have a basis for an appeal, you will need to file the appropriate paperwork with the court.

What is a Motion to Reopen or Reconsider in Immigration?

A Motion to Reopen or Reconsider is a request made to the immigration court or USCIS to review a previous decision. The motion must state new facts or law that were not previously considered, and it must be filed within a certain time frame. If the motion is granted, the case will be reopened and reconsidered. If the motion is denied, the original decision will stand.

Motions to reopen or reconsider are generally filed by the immigrant or their attorney. However, USCIS may also file a motion to reconsider if it finds that there was a mistake in the original decision.

Do You Need to Talk to an Attorney About an Immigration Appeal?

If you would like to file an appeal or ask the agency that issued the unfavorable decision to have another look at your case, we may be able to help you. Call our office at 414-383-6700 now to schedule a consultation with an experienced professional who can give you the guidance you need.

Attorney Carlos Gamino

By Tedia Gamino|2022-05-20T20:34:54-05:00August 3rd, 2022|Immigration Law|Comments Off

PERM Labor Certification for Wisconsin Businesses

By Carlos Gamino

The U.S. government – specifically, the U.S. Department of Labor – requires employers to meet certain criteria before they’re allowed to hire foreign workers who need visas or green cards. One of those requirements is the permanent labor certification (sometimes called PERM), which this guide explains.

PERM Labor Certification for Wisconsin Businesses

For many companies, it just doesn’t make sense to jump through hoops and file dozens of forms with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services to permanently hire foreign workers – and that’s why many businesses turn to Wisconsin immigration attorneys for help. Your attorney can help ensure that you have all the documentation you need, then fill out and submit a packet for a PERM labor certification on your company’s behalf. (It’s also worth noting that if you don’t intend to hire these workers on a permanent basis, you need a different type of labor certification. Your attorney can help you with that, as well.)

Related: Simple labor certification

What Types of Employees Can You Hire With a PERM Labor Certification?

You can hire permanent employees with a PERM labor certification. That means your employees will be eligible to apply for green cards, which signify lawful permanent residency in the United States. Lawful permanent residents are allowed to apply for naturalized citizenship after holding a green card for at least five years.

For a permanent labor certification, you must hire:

A full-time worker, not a part-time worker
A person for a permanent job, not a temporary job
For a position that meets or exceeds the prevailing wage or actual wage
With reasonable job requirements, which are the same across the industry and cannot be tailored to a particular individual’s background without proving that it’s a business necessity to do so

Do You Need to Talk to a Business Immigration Lawyer About Getting a PERM Labor Certification?

If your company needs to hire foreign nationals for a permanent job, we may be able to help you. Call our office at 414-383-6700 now to schedule your free consultation. We’ll be happy to answer your questions and give you the advice you need.

Attorney Carlos Gamino

By Tedia Gamino|2022-07-19T13:58:20-05:00July 19th, 2022|Immigration Law|Comments Off

What is PERM Labor Certification in Business Immigration?

By Carlos Gamino

Businesses that wish to hire foreign employees to fill permanent positions generally need a PERM labor certification from EU S Department of Labor. But what is that, how do you get it, and how does it impact your ability to hire foreign workers? We have the answers.

What is PERM Labor Certification in Business Immigration?

PERM Labor Certification is the first step in hiring foreign workers for permanent positions in the United States. If the employer is successful in completing the PERM process, they will then be able to file an immigrant petition with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) on behalf of the foreign worker. Many companies find it beneficial to work with a Wisconsin immigration attorney to file for a PERM labor certification.

Does Every Business Need PERM Labor Certification?

No, every business does not need PERM labor certification. The PERM process is generally only required for permanent positions that are professional, managerial or involve highly specialized knowledge. For most other positions, a business can simply file an I-129 petition with USCIS. However, there are some exceptions to this rule – businesses may still need to go through the PERM process if they are located in a “Schedule A” designated area or if the position is considered a “critical occupation.”

How to Get PERM Labor Certification From the U.S. Department of Labor

The PERM labor certification program is the process through which employers in the United States request permission to hire a foreign worker for a permanent position. The Department of Labor (DOL) is responsible for issuing these certifications.

To obtain a PERM labor certification, an employer must first place two advertisements for the position in question, in newspapers of general circulation. The ads must run for at least four consecutive weeks, and they must state that the position is open to all qualified applicants, regardless of citizenship status. After the ads have run, the employer must compile a file of potential candidates for the position. This file must contain information on each candidate’s qualifications, as well as evidence that the employer has considered each candidate equally.

After the file is complete, the employer must submit it, along with a labor certification application, to the DOL. If the DOL approves the application, the employer will be issued a PERM labor certification and can begin the recruitment and hiring process.

Do You Need to Talk to a Business Immigration Attorney About PERM Labor Certification?

If your business has open permanent positions that you’d like to fill with foreign workers, we may be able to help you obtain the appropriate labor certification from the U.S. Department of Labor. Call our office today at 414-383-6700 to schedule a consultation with a professional who can give you the guidance you need.

Attorney Carlos Gamino

By Tedia Gamino|2022-07-19T14:06:40-05:00July 12th, 2022|Immigration Law|Comments Off

Do Kids Automatically Get Green Cards With Their Parents?

By Carlos Gamino

If you apply for a United States green card, your children may be eligible for green cards as well. However, your child’s age and marital status determine their eligibility, as well as whether they need their own green card application. This guide explains.

Does a Child Automatically Get a Green Card When a Parent Does?

Children do not automatically get green cards when their parents do. At minimum, kids need to be listed on a parent’s application for a green card in order for the United States government to process them as lawful permanent residents. The requirements differ based on whether you, the parent, are a United States citizen or a permanent resident (or applicant) yourself.

If you’re a U.S. citizen, you can petition for your children who are unmarried and under the age of 21; you may also petition for unmarried sons and daughters who are 21 or older, and their children may be included on your petition. Finally, you can petition for married sons and daughters of any age, and their children (as well as their spouse) may be included on the petition.

If you’re a lawful permanent resident, you can petition for a green card for your children who are unmarried and under the age of 21; the petition may also include your child’s children. You can also petition for unmarried sons and daughters who are aged 21 or older, as well as their children, on the same petition.

If you are applying to become a lawful permanent resident of the United States, your children will each need their own applications. Even if your kids were listed as derivative applicants on your approved visa petition, separate applications are necessary. Every person who applies for permanent residence, regardless of their immigration status, must file a separate petition.

What Happens if a Child “Ages Out” Before Receiving a Green Card?

Because there are waiting periods before many people can receive a green card, the U.S. Congress passed the Child Status Protection Act, or CSPA. This act prevents children from aging out due to long processing times. That means your child’s age is “frozen” at the time you apply for their green card, which prevents your child from becoming too old to receive one.

Do You Need to Talk to an Attorney About Getting Green Cards for Your Children?

U.S. immigration law is notoriously complicated, and regulations and rules can change at any time. For that reason, many people choose to work with a Wisconsin immigration attorney. If you need help applying for green cards for your children, we’re here for you. Call our office at 414-383-6700 or schedule your consultation online – we can answer your questions and help you get your petitions started.

Attorney Carlos Gamino

By Tedia Gamino|2022-07-19T14:22:15-05:00May 31st, 2022|Immigration Law|Comments Off

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