Common Hurdles to Adjustment of Status
Obtaining a green card is a dream for many immigrants. Once you adjust your status to Lawful Permanent Resident, you can live and work in the U.S. indefinitely. However, the process is anything but straightforward. Many applicants stumble when they hit some well-known hurdles, so it is critical to employ the services of an experienced green card lawyer immediately. We can identify any possible challenges on the horizon and implement a plant to address them. Call The Law Office of Jason M. Sullivan, PLLC, to speak with a Portsmouth, NH immigration lawyer.
5 Hurdles & How to Overcome Them
- Identifying the Requirements for a Green Card
There is no single path to adjusting status. Instead, the rules that apply will depend on how you qualify, such as through employment or a family relationship. The first challenge is identifying what steps you must take based upon your status.
- Failing to Provide Complete and Accurate Documentation
The adjustment of status process is heavy on paperwork. You will need to provide complete supporting documentation. Some documents include:
- Birth certificates or marriage certificates
- Translations of certain documents
- Financial sponsorship forms
If you are missing documentation, then USCIS can send a Request for Evidence (RFE), but the entire process can get bogged down. It’s best to submit everything required all at once when you submit your application.
- Addressing Any Past Immigration Violations
If you want to adjust your status, then you should expect USCIS to take a full review of your past compliance with immigration law. Any violation in your past could operate as a bar to admissibility.
For example, you might have entered without permission or overstayed a visa. Those facts will come out during the green card process and can result in a denial.
- Addressing Criminal History
Another hurdle is having a criminal record, which could bar you from receiving a green card. For example, any crime of “moral turpitude” is a barrier. These crimes include crimes based on dishonesty, such as fraud or theft, as well as assault or domestic violence. Even one conviction could trigger inadmissibility, frustrating your ability to adjust status.
Other disqualifying crimes include drug offenses, vice crimes, money laundering, and smuggling or human trafficking. Those with two or more convictions may also be disqualified. Contact our office to review your criminal record before applying.
- Preparing for Your Interview
The interview is a critical part of the application process. No applicant should overlook it. Instead, prepare for the interview by talking about common questions with your attorney. Preparation can help you answer questions truthfully and confidently.
Speak with a Green Card Lawyer in Portsmouth or Miami
Immigration regulations continue to change with dizzying speed. The Trump Administration has already upended established rules and procedures for millions of noncitizens. Call the Law Office of Jason M. Sullivan today to discuss the adjustment of status process. A green card lawyer in Portsmouth, New Hampshire and Miami, Florida can discuss whether you qualify to request a waiver of inadmissibility and help find supporting documents.