Category Archives: Immigration
What to Do After Receiving a Notice of Intent to Deny
The Notice of Intent to Deny (NOID) plays an important role in the immigration process. Its purpose is to notify an applicant that USCIS has sufficient evidence to deny your application, but they are giving you a chance to respond before they issue a final notice. An NOID is different from a Request for… Read More »
What is a National Interest Waiver?
Foreign nationals hoping to come to the United States to work usually need a job offer in hand. Their employer must also receive a labor certification before they can come to the U.S. and begin working. Obtaining a national interest waiver is an exception to these requirements. At The Law Office of Jason M…. Read More »
What is the Difference Between Lawful Presence and Lawful Status?
Regular changes to immigration law confuse many of our clients. Sometimes terminology is also confusing, leading some noncitizens to overstay their visas or otherwise remain in the country without legal permission. The concepts of “lawful presence” and “lawful status” are significant in immigration law. Contact The Law Office of Jason M. Sullivan, PLLC, to… Read More »
What is Immigrant Intent?
Although the U.S. welcomes millions of visitors each year, the government is much more selective about who it allows to immigrate to the U.S. to live and work permanently. Immigrant intent is an important concept which could come into play in your immigration case. If USCIS believes you intend to immigrate, they can deny… Read More »
Benefits of Strategic Immigration Planning
The complexity of immigration law means that things can go wrong at any time. Maybe USCIS finds something in your background which causes them to question whether to naturalize you. Or they uncover contradictory information on social media accounts, so you are questioned thoroughly before they will grant a green card. Some law firms… Read More »
Family Unity as a Positive Immigration Factor
Family unity is a significant factor in the discretionary analysis for adjustment of status. With recent changes to USCIS policy, applicants and their lawyers must spend additional time strengthening the justifications for an immigration benefit, otherwise a green card could be out of reach. Because family unity is a central consideration, we encourage anyone… Read More »
Immigration Fraud Prosecutions Are on the Upswing
Applying for a visa or immigration benefit is a challenging process. There is always a risk you will be denied. But there is another, more serious risk: that you will commit fraud in the process. USCIS has increased its immigration fraud detection, even searching through applicants’ social media profiles to ensure that information contained… Read More »
Understanding USCIS Officer Concerns Before Filing
USCIS officers play a critical role in our immigration system. These individuals have primary responsibility for determining if an applicant should receive adjustment of status or some other benefit. This fact surprises many people who wrongly assume that the courts play a leading role in doling out immigration benefits, but that is not the… Read More »
Community Ties and Adjustment of Status
Evidence of community ties is a critical factor when USCIS decides whether to adjust status. Under the current administration, adjustment of status is an “act of grace” and not the norm. USCIS officials will first determine if an applicant meets the minimum requirements, but they do not stop there. Then the officer must weigh… Read More »
Strategic Immigration Planning for Those Seeking Citizenship
In 2024, more than 800,000 became naturalized citizens in the U.S. The news media shows photographs of smiling adults raising their hands and pledging allegiance to the flag. Although a happy day, the naturalization ceremony comes at the end of a long process. Anyone hoping to obtain citizenship must engage with strategic immigration planning… Read More »