The Waiting Game: Appealing An Order of Removal

Posted on October 23, 2014 by katz

appeal a removal order, Board of Immigration Appeals, Chicago immigration attorneys, order of removalGoing through immigration court proceedings is very difficult, and for most, profoundly frightening. If a judge refuses to grant cancellation of removal, all the work and preparation may end in tears. However, there is a way to appeal a removal order, and it is never a bad idea to use all one’s options before conceding defeat.

The Board of Immigration Appeals

If ordered removed by a district court, the next step is to appeal to the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA). The BIA is an arm of the Justice Department, and it hears appeals from immigration cases as well as cases between an official or arm of the Department of Homeland Security and an individual or business. It also affirms the status of those entitled to argue before it. BIA decisions are subject to judicial review in federal court, but the overwhelming majority of immigration decisions simply do not wind up there; the court usually determines there is no need for further review.

The BIA will either agree with, or oppose, the immigration judge’s order of removal. If the BIA does not think you are removable, it will either order a remand, meaning that your case will go back to the immigration judge for another look, or it will grant you relief under its own mandate. If the BIA agrees with the immigration judge that you are removable, the next step is to appeal to federal court.

Appealing a “Final Order”

28 U.S.C. §158, also known as the Hobbs Administrative Review Act, governs the appeal of final orders of removal and grants jurisdiction to the federal courts. An order becomes final when it meets one of six criteria laid out in 8 CFR (Code of Federal Regulations) 1241.1. The criteria are as follows:

  • When an appeal is dismissed by the BIA;

  • When the respondent (the non-citizen) waives the right to appeal to the BIA;

  • When the BIA appeal period expires and nothing has been filed;

  • If certified to the Board or the Attorney General, on the date of the subsequent decision ordering removal;

  • If you are ordered removed in absentia (while you are not present), upon immediate issuance of that order; or

  • If you are granted voluntary departure and do not take it, or if you outstay the period of voluntary departure.

An order from an immigration judge also counts as final if an appeal to the BIA is not certified. If any of these situations has occurred in your case, your order is final and you do have the right to appeal to the federal Circuit Courts of Appeals.

An important caveat to realize is that filing an appeal to the federal court does not automatically result in a stay of removal. In other words, it does not allow you to stay in the United States just because you have an appeal pending. The exception to this is if you are a resident of the Ninth or Second Circuits. Illinois falls within the Seventh Circuit, meaning that if you file an appeal, you must also file a motion for a stay of removal— without a stay in place, Immigration & Customs Enforcement is entitled to arrest and detain you. However, even if you are deported, the Court of Appeals will still hear your petition.

Contact An Immigration Attorney

If you need help understanding your options regarding your order of removal, the Chicago immigration attorneys at the Katz Law Office, Ltd. are here to help. We have several convenient Chicagoland locations, and a history of success. Contact us today.

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Residentes Permanentes Legales: El Alcalde de Chicago Busca Aumento de Ciudadanía

Posted on October 21, 2014 by katz

Abogado de Inmigración de Chicago, campaña de inmigración, residente permanente, residentes permanentes, tarjeta de residente permanenteUn residente permanente legal (LPR) en Estados Unidos es una persona que reside en los Estados Unidos bajo el estatus de residente permanente legalmente reconocido y legalmente registrado como inmigrante. El estatus de LPR permite a un individuo vivir y trabajar en los Estados Unidos de forma permanente. Existen varios métodos para obtener el estado de LPR. Los métodos más comunes son a través de un familiar o un empleador de Estados Unidos.

Un LPR es provisto de una tarjeta de residente permanente para confirmar su estatus en los Estados Unidos. Este documento es referido a veces como una “Green Card.” Una tarjeta de residente permanente permite un LPR salir y volver a entrar a los Estados Unidos varias veces al año, mientras que Él o Ella no pretendan permanecer fuera de los Estados Unidos durante más de un año. Si un LPR se queda fuera de los Estados Unidos durante más de un año, al reingresar a los Estados Unidos, la LPR puede ser negada a la entrada y podría perder el estatus LPR.

Como previamente discutimos, los Estados Unidos cada año limita el número de inmigrantes que pueden obtener el estatus de residente permanente. Para los inmigrantes procedentes de ciertos países, como China o México, los tiempos de espera para obtener un estatus LPR pueden ser de años.

Es importante señalar, sin embargo, que el estado de LPR no significa que el individuo es ciudadano estadounidense. Esto puede causar que una familia que vive en los Estados Unidos pueda estar compuesta por diferentes Estatus. Por ejemplo, los padres pueden vivir en los Estados Unidos como residente permanente, pero los hijos pueden ser ciudadanos estadounidenses porque nacieron en los Estados Unidos. A veces, esto puede crear inestabilidad entre familias inmigrantes en los Estados Unidos.

Campaña “Ciudades para Ciudadanos” para aumentar la ciudadanía de un residente permanente

En un reciente esfuerzo para aumentar la ciudadanía entre LPRs, el alcalde de Chicago Rahm Emanuel y los alcaldes de Nueva York y Los Ángeles planean lanzar una nueva campaña de inmigración llamada “Ciudades para ciudadanos.” Estas ciudades planean expandir programas de naturalización en sus ciudades para ayudar a inmigrantes asegurarles asesoramiento jurídico y asistencia proporcionando asistencia financiera.

Por ejemplo, según alcalde de Nueva York Bill de Blasio, hay unos 450.000 residentes permanentes en Nueva York que está a un paso de convertirse en ciudadanos estadounidenses, pero no lo ha hecho debido al costo para completar el proceso. Ciudades para ciudadanos está destinada a aliviar las cargas y los costos asociados con el proceso de naturalización.

Los beneficios potenciales son aparentemente doble: en primer lugar, se supone que ayudan a mantener a las familias unidas, proporcionando beneficios económicos y reducción de la pobreza. En segundo lugar, los informes han demostrado que el aumento de naturalización puede tener importantes beneficios económicos en las economías locales.

¿Qué significa esto para usted y su condición de inmigrante en los Estados Unidos?

Mientras que la nueva campaña no está destinada a reformar las leyes de inmigración actuales, la campaña pretende sensibilizar y ayudar a residentes permanentes a través del proceso de naturalización.

El alcalde de Chicago Emanuel ha declarado que el objetivo para Chicago es ser la ciudad “más amigable para los inmigrantes” en el país. La campaña Ciudades para Ciudadanos es uno de los esfuerzos de la Alcaldía para hacer de Chicago más amigable para el inmigrante.

Póngase en contacto con un abogado de inmigración de Chicago

Si usted tiene alguna pregunta relacionada con el proceso de residente permanente legal o cualquier otra pregunta de inmigración, póngase en contacto con nuestros abogados de inmigración de Chicago. Tenemos varias oficinas en toda el área de Chicago. Visite nuestras oficinas o llámenos para programar una consulta. Nuestros experimentados abogados de inmigración desean ayudarle hoy.

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Legal Permanent Residents: Chicago Mayor Seeks Increase in Citizenship

Posted on October 16, 2014 by katz

immigration attorneys, immigration campaign, immigration friendly, lawful permanent resident, legal permanent residents, LPR, permanent residence status, green card, naturalization processA lawful permanent resident (“LPR”) in the United States is an individual who resides in the United States under legally recognized and lawfully recorded permanent residence status as an immigrant. LPR status permits an individual to live and work in the United States on a permanent basis. There are several different methods to obtain LPR status. The most common methods are through a family member or a U.S. employer.

An LPR is provided a permanent resident card to confirm status in the United States. This document is sometimes referred to as a “Green Card.” A permanent resident card permits an LPR to leave and re-enter the United States multiple times per year, as long as he or she does not intend to remain outside the United States for more than one year. If an LPR stays outside the United States for more than one year, upon re-entry to the United States, the LPR may be denied entry and lose LPR status.

As previously discussed, the United States each year limits the numbers of immigrants who may obtain permanent resident status. For immigrants from certain countries, such as China or Mexico, the wait times to obtain LPR status may be years.

It is important to note, however, that LPR status does not mean that the individual is a U.S. citizen. This can cause a family living in the United States to be comprised of different statuses. For example, the parents may live in the United States as LPRs, but the children may be U.S. citizens because they were born in the United States. At times, this can create instability among immigrant families in the United States.

“Cities for Citizenship” Campaign to Increase Citizenship of LPRs

In a recent effort to increase citizenship among LPRs, Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel and mayors from New York and Los Angeles plan to launch a new immigration campaign called “Cities for Citizenship.” These cities plan to expand naturalization programs in their cities to help immigrants secure legal counseling and assistance by providing financial assistance.

For example, according to New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio, there are about 450,000 LPRs in New York who are one step away from becoming U.S. citizens, but have not done so because of the cost to complete the process. The Cities for Citizenship is intended to ease the burdens and costs associated with the naturalization process.

The potential benefits are apparently twofold: First, it is supposed to help keep families together by providing economic benefits and reducing poverty. Second, reports have shown that increasing naturalization can have significant economic benefits on the local economies.

What Does This Mean for You and Your Immigrant Status in the U.S.?

While the new campaign is not meant to reform any current immigration laws, the campaign is intended to raise awareness and to help LPRs through the naturalization process.

Chicago Mayor Emanuel has stated that it is his goal to make Chicago “the most immigrant-friendly” city in the country. The Cities for Citizenship campaign is one of the Mayor’s efforts to make Chicago more immigration friendly.

Contact a Chicago Immigration Attorney

If you have any questions regarding the lawful permanent resident process or any other immigration questions, contact our Chicago immigration attorneys. We have several office locations throughout the Chicagoland area. Visit our offices or call us to schedule a consultation. Our experienced immigration attorneys want to help you today.

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Legislación Para Proteger a Los Trabajadores Migrantes No Inmigrantes y Minorías

Posted on October 15, 2014 by katz

Abogados de inmigración de Chicago, inmigrantes en Chicago, trabajadores migrantes, inmigrantes y minoríasEn los últimos años, Illinois ha promulgado leyes y tomado varios pasos para hacer al estado más amigable y servicial para los inmigrantes de Illinois. Por ejemplo, el año pasado, gobernador de Illinois, Pat Quinn firmó una ley que permite a inmigrantes indocumentados en Illinois obtener licencias de conducir temporal sin temor a repercusiones de deportación. Además, el alcalde de Chicago Rahm Emanuel ha recientemente conseguido albergar hasta 1.000 jóvenes inmigrantes en Chicago.

Illinois continúa en busca de la reforma migratoria

Illinois ha apoyado reformas y tomado medidas para ser de Chicago e Illinois más acogedores para los inmigrantes. El mes pasado, el gobernador Quinn firmó la legislación “para proteger a los trabajadores inmigrantes en Illinois del trabajo inseguro y las condiciones de vida en los campos de mano de obra migrante.”

Bajo la ley de Illinois, un campo de trabajo migrante es definido como uno o más edificios, estructuras, carpas, remolques o vehículos operados o mantenidos como vivienda para 10 o más migrantes trabajadores o cuatro o más familias con trabajadores migrantes que se dedican a actividades agrícolas. Un trabajador migrante es cualquier persona que se mueve estacionalmente de un lugar a otro, dentro o fuera del estado, con fines de empleo en las actividades agrícolas.

Los trabajadores migrantes son a menudo compuestos por trabajadores inmigrantes, portadores de la visa H-2A. El programa H-2A permite a los empleadores de Estados Unidos traer extranjeros a Estados Unidos para realizar trabajo temporal o estacional. Los trabajadores migrantes también son a menudo compuestos por minorías, como los Latinos.

Las minorías y los trabajadores inmigrantes son a menudo susceptibles a abuso de mano de obra ya que pueden ser temerosos a la deportación si ellos reportaran a su empleador por violaciones laborales. Illinois esta tomado medidas en espera poder ayudarles y mejorar las condiciones de la mano de obra migrante en los campos.

La nueva legislación, El Bill del Senado 3551, prevé más cortos períodos de tiempo en el cual los operadores de campo migrantes pueden solicitar licencias e inspección para prepararse mejor para el cambio temporal de cosecha. La nueva legislación también permite que el Departamento de salud pública de Illinois a gravar las violaciones alentando a los empleadores corregir las violaciones y ha mejorar la seguridad y la salud de los trabajadores migrantes de Illinois.

Intención de la nueva legislación de trabajador migrante

Al analizar la importancia de la legislación, el gobernador Quinn declaró que:

“La naturaleza móvil de trabajadores migrantes, junto con las barreras del idioma y ciudadanía, hacen difícil para los trabajadores responsabilizar a los empleadores y los deja vulnerables a las condiciones laborales injustas e inseguras. Esta ley ayudará a proteger a los trabajadores de las prácticas de trabajo peligroso.”

Es más, la Senadora del estado Iris Martínez—uno de los patrocinadores del proyecto de la ley—cree que la legislación es un paso importante para ayudar a salvaguardar el bienestar de la población de trabajadores.

Esta ley está destinada a continuar con la agenda del gobernador Quinn para mejorar la seguridad pública y garantizar que todos los trabajadores de Illinois son tratados justamente.

Póngase en contacto con un abogado de inmigración de Illinois

Si tienes alguna pregunta con respecto a sus derechos como trabajador migrante en Illinois, comuníquese con nuestros experimentados abogados de inmigración de Chicago. Nuestros abogados de inmigración pueden ayudarle a informarse sobre sus derechos. También podemos ayudarle con el proceso para obtener su visa de no inmigrante H-2A. Tenemos varias sucursales en toda el área de Chicago y ofrecemos una consulta inicial gratuita. Llámenos hoy mismo al 773-847-8982.

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Legislation to Protect Non-Immigrant and Minority Migrant Workers

Posted on October 10, 2014 by katz

Chicago immigrants, Chicago immigration attorney, Illinois immigrants, immigration reform, migrant workers, protect migrant laborers, temporary driver’s licensesOver the past several years, Illinois has enacted legislation and taken various steps to make the state more friendly and accommodating for Illinois immigrants. For example, last year, Illinois Governor Pat Quinn signed legislation permitting undocumented immigrants in Illinois to obtain temporary driver’s licenses without the fear of deportation repercussions. In addition, Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel has recently sought to house as many as 1,000 youth immigrants in Chicago.

Illinois Continues on Path of Immigration Reform

Illinois has continued to enact reforms and take steps to make Chicago and Illinois more welcoming for immigrants. Last month, Governor Quinn signed legislation “to protect migrant laborers in Illinois from unsafe working and living conditions in migrant labor camps.”

Under Illinois law, a migrant labor camp is defined one or more buildings, structures, tents, trailers, or vehicles operated or maintained as living quarters for 10 or more migrant workers or four or more families containing migrant workers who are engaged in agricultural activities. A migrant worker is any person who moves seasonally from one place to another, within or without the State, for the purpose of employment in agricultural activities.

Migrant workers are often composed of immigrant workers, such as H-2A visa holders. The H-2A program permits U.S. employers to bring foreign nationals to the United States to fill a job that is temporary or seasonal in nature. Migrant workers are also often composed of minorities, such as Latinos.

Immigrant workers and minorities are often susceptible to labor abuse because they may be fearful of deportation if they report their employer for labor violations. Illinois has taken steps to hopefully easy these concerns and improve worker conditions at migrant labor camps.

The new legislation, Senate Bill 3551, provides for shorter time periods in which migrant camp operators can apply for licenses and inspection in order to better prepare for fluctuating harvest seasons. The new legislation also allows the Illinois Department of Public Health to levy violations to encourage employers to correct violations and to improve the safety and health of Illinois’s migrant workers.

Intent of New Migrant Worker Legislation

In discussing the importance of the legislation, Governor Quinn stated that:

“The mobile nature of migrant workers, along with frequent language and citizenship barriers, make it difficult for workers to hold employers accountable and leaves them vulnerable to unfair and unsafe labor conditions. This law will help protect workers from dangerous workplace practices.”

What is more, State Senator Iris Martinez—one of the bill’s sponsors—believes the legislation is an important step to help safeguard the wellbeing of this population of workers.

This legislation is meant to continue Governor’s Quinn’s agenda to improve public safety and ensure all Illinois workers are treated fairly.

Contact an Illinois Immigration Attorney

If you have any questions regarding your rights as a migrant worker in Illinois, contact our experienced Chicago immigration attorneys. Our immigration attorneys can help advise you on your rights. We can also help you with the process to obtain your H-2A nonimmigrant visa. We have several convenient locations throughout the Chicagoland area and offer a free initial consultation. Call us today at 773-847-8982.

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Asilo Podría Ampliarse Para Incluir Casos de Violencia Doméstica

Posted on October 9, 2014 by katz

asilo, marido abusivo, determinado grupo social, violencia doméstica, refugiado o asilado, Abogado de Inmigración de ChicagoHistóricamente, las personas que solicitan la condición de refugiado o asilado en los Estados Unidos han tenido que demostrar que experimentaron (o experimentarían, en caso de regresar a casa) la persecución por parte del gobierno de su país, o una parte del mismo. Sin embargo, poco a poco, los jueces de inmigración están comenzando a reconocer que una persona puede experimentar miedo legítimo de persecución por parte de una entidad no gubernamental. De hecho, un reciente fallo sobre el tema de la violencia doméstica puede haber abierto la puerta para que a más mujeres se les conceda asilo.

El Caso

El caso de una mujer guatemalteca no identificada fue llevado recientemente ante la Junta de Apelaciones de Inmigración (BIA), que es el máximo órgano administrativo del sistema de inmigración. Ella había entrado ilegalmente en los EE.UU. en 2005, después de huir de su marido, que la había golpeado y la había violado en repetidas ocasiones y amenazado a sus hijos. Ella argumentó que, dado que la policía en su país se había negado hacer algo para detener el abuso, y ella temía por su vida si ella fuera a regresar a su casa, por lo tanto ella era elegible para el asilo.

Históricamente, desde que un marido abusivo no es un agente de un gobierno, se ha negado este tipo de solicitudes de asilo. Sin embargo, en este caso, la BIA no impugnó este argumento, al constatar que la mujer no identificada fue miembro de un “grupo social particular una mujer guatemalteca casada que no puede dejar a su relación.”

Esto no quiere decir que la mujer se le concedió asilo. Sin embargo, sí significa que su caso no será perdido por completo, como tantos han sido antes de ella. Es un enorme paso en la dirección correcta, especialmente para las mujeres de América Latina, que a menudo se enfrentan a lo que el BIA llama una “cultura del machismo y la violencia familiar.” Esto se ve confirmado en las estadísticas, ya que los estudios han demostrado que el 53 por ciento de las mujeres latinas en Estados Unidos han sido afectadas por la violencia mental o física.

Los requisitos para el asilo

Los Estados Unidos otorgan la condición de asilo a los que huyen de la persecución en sus países de origen, si pueden demostrar que son incapaces o no están dispuestos a regresar a su país de origen debido a la persecución, “o un temor bien fundado de persecución por motivos de raza, religión, nacionalidad, pertenencia a determinado grupo social u opinión política. “

La categoría “determinado grupo social” siempre ha sido un cajón de sastre, especialmente para los factores como la orientación sexual, pero debido a los numerosos casos, especialmente en la última década, en que las víctimas de violencia doméstica alegaron que sus situaciones eran meritorias a condición de asilo.

Otros países del hemisferio occidental han concedido el estatus de asilo sobre esta base previamente, sobre todo Canadá. Durante los últimos dos años, la violencia doméstica ha sido un motivo válido para el asilo en los tribunales de Ottawa, y a pesar de las críticas estadounidenses a la política podría decir, estas solicitudes sólo constituyen aproximadamente el 2 por ciento de las aplicaciones de los refugiados en Canadá, -sin haber un gran repunte en las solicitudes de refugio. Los abogados de inmigración ven este nuevo fallo como otra vía para ayudar a sus clientes a mantenerse a salvo.

Un abogado de inmigración puede ayudarle

Si necesita ayuda para navegar en el proceso de refugio/asilo, tener un experto a su lado puede ser muy valioso. Póngase en contacto con nuestros abogados de inmigración del condado de Cook experimentado en una de nuestras muchas oficinas de Chicago hoy.

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Asylum Grounds Widened to Include Domestic Violence Cases

Posted on October 2, 2014 by katz

asylum, Chicago immigration attorney, Cook County immigration attorneys, domestic violence, awarded asylum, seek asylum, asylum status, fleeing persecutionHistorically, people applying for refugee or asylee status in the United States have had to prove that they experienced (or would experience, if returned home) persecution by their country’s government, or an arm thereof. However, slowly but surely, immigration judges are beginning to recognize that a person may experience legitimate fear of persecution from a non-governmental entity. In fact, a recent ruling on the subject of domestic violence may have opened the door for more women to be awarded asylum.

The Case

The case of an unnamed Guatemalan woman was recently brought before the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA), which is the immigration system’s highest administrative body. She had entered the U.S. illegally in 2005, after fleeing from her husband who had beaten and raped her repeatedly and threatened her children. She argued that since the police in her country had refused to do anything to stop the abuse, and she feared for her life if she were to return home, she was therefore eligible for asylum.

Historically, since an abusive husband is not an agent of any government, these types of asylum claims were denied. However, in this case, the BIA did not contest this argument, finding that the unidentified woman was a member of a “particular social group—a married Guatemalan woman who could not leave her relationship.”

This does not mean that the woman will be granted asylum. However, it does mean that her case will not be dismissed out of hand, as so many have been before her. It is an enormous step in the right direction, especially for Latin American women, who often face what the BIA called a “culture of machismo and family violence.” This is borne out by statistics, as studies have shown up to 53 percent of Latin American women have been affected by mental or physical violence.

The Requirements for Asylum

The United States grants asylum status to those fleeing persecution in their homelands, if they can prove that they are unable or unwilling to return to their country of origin because of persecution “or a well-founded fear of persecution on account of race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion.”

The ‘particular social group’ category has always been a catch-all, especially for factors like sexual orientation, but there have been numerous cases, especially in the past decade or so, where domestic violence victims alleged that their situations merited asylum status.

Other countries in the western hemisphere have granted asylum status on this basis previously, most notably Canada. For the past two years, domestic violence has been a valid ground for asylum from Ottawa courts, and despite what American critics of the policy might say, these claims only make up approximately 2 percent of Canada’s refugee applications—there has not been a large uptick in refugee claims. Immigration attorneys see this new ruling as another avenue to help their clients stay safe, and in many situations they will likely be proven right.

An Immigration Attorney Can Help

If you need assistance navigating the refugee/asylum process, having an expert on your side can be invaluable. Contact our experienced Cook County immigration attorneys at one of our many Chicagoland locations today.

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Improper Deportation of Immigrants through Voluntary Returns

Posted on September 29, 2014 by katz

Voluntary Returns | Chicago Immigration AttorneysAs defined by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, deportation is the “formal removal of an alien from the United States when the alien has been found removable for violating the immigration laws.” An immigration judge orders deportation, but does not impose punishment.

The threat of deportation and the deportation itself can be quite stressful for an immigrant and his or her entire family. In addition, the deportation process involves a complicated framework of immigration laws and regulations, which can be daunting for anyone, but especially for an immigrant who may not understand English. This creates a situation that is ripe for an immigrant’s rights to be violated.

Violation Of Deportation Rights

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) helps immigrants protect their rights and prevent abuses by immigration officers. In 2013, the ACLU filed a class-action lawsuit on behalf of several Mexican immigrants in Southern California whom the government expelled through a deportation process known as “voluntary returns.”

Voluntary returns is a process that permits immigrants to voluntarily depart the United States, as opposed to being expelled through formal proceedings. “Voluntary return” can trigger a 10-year bar against an immigrant returning to the United States.

The ACLU filed its complaint alleging that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Border Patrol misinformed immigrants about the consequences of “voluntary return” through coercive and deceptive practices. The ACLU claimed these individuals should not have been expelled through voluntary return and had the right to receive a fair immigration hearing. These individuals had significant family ties in the United States and lacked criminal histories, which led them to have strong claims to remain in the United States.

After litigating the matter for more than a year, the ACLU entered into a settlement agreement that now requires government officials to undergo significant reforms to its “voluntary return” system in Southern California. These measures include:

  • Provide lawyers meaningful access to clients detained by Border Patrol or ICE;

  • Cease pressuring or coercing individuals to accept “voluntary return”;

  • Allow non-citizens to utilize a telephone, offer them a list of providers of legal services, and give them two hours to contact an individual before choosing to accept “voluntary return”; and

  • Provide detailed information regarding the consequences of taking “voluntary return.”

Importantly, the immigrants who were subject to the pressures of the voluntary return process will be allowed to return to the United States and have a hearing before an immigration officer.

Contact an Experienced Illinois Deportation Attorney

If you or a loved is facing deportation or has questions regarding the deportation process, please contact our Chicago immigration attorneys. We have several locations throughout Chicago and offer a free initial consultation.

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Work Visas and the I-9 Form

Posted on September 26, 2014 by katz

Chicago employment immigration attorney, temporary work authorization, temporary work visa, work visa, I-9 Form, Form I-9 violationsA temporary work visa allows foreign nationals to enter the United States for employment lasting a fixed period of time. However, the visas are not permanent or indefinite. Temporary worker visa categories include H-1B, H-2A, H-2B, L, O and TN. These types of visas provide foreign nationals with the necessary permission to legally work in the United States.

Employers Are Required to Use I-9 Form to Ensure Work Eligibility

After a foreign national obtains the necessary work authorization, but before one starts employment in the United States, an employer is required to complete the Employment Eligibility Verification Form I-9. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services requires that an employer use this form in order to verify an employee’s identity and to confirm that the individual is authorized to work in the United States.

The employee must submit documentation that establishes both identity and employment authorization. The Form I-9 provides three categories of acceptable documentation: Lists A, B, and C. Documents listed under List A establish both identity and employment authorization. If an employee cannot provide a document from List A then the employee must provide some combination of documents from List B and C.

Examples of List A documents include an unexpired U.S. passport, a temporary resident card, an unexpired employment authorization card, or an unexpired foreign passport with an I-551 stamp or with a Form I-94 that indicates unexpired employment authorization.

Examples of List B documents include a U.S. driver’s license or a federal or state I.D. card.

List C documents include an unexpired employment authorization card, a U.S. citizen I.D. card, a certificate of U.S. citizenship, or a certificate of naturalization.

Notably, foreign nationals with temporary work visas are limited in the number of documents they can provide to satisfy both identity and work authorization. Specifically, they need to provide a foreign passport with an unexpired Form 1-94 or with an employment authorization document issued by the Department of Homeland Security.

I-9 Form and Discrimination

The I-9 Form provides a conspicuous Anti-Discrimination Notice. It is illegal for employers to discriminate against work-authorized individuals in hiring, discharging, recruiting, or referring for a fee. Additionally, an employer may not discriminate against an employee based on one’s national origin or citizenship.

If an employee provides any valid documentation required by the I-9 Form then the employer must accept the document. USCIS has a detailed list of what the employer may not and must do. Depending on the type or number of violations, an employer may be subject to significant civil fines and criminal penalties for Form I-9 violations.

Contact Our Immigration Attorneys

If you have any questions regarding the I-9 process, please contact our experienced Chicago employment immigration attorneys. We help foreign nationals obtain temporary work authorization and help prepare them for work in the United States. We also help employers comply with the necessary steps to legally hire foreign workers, including I-9 compliance and audit issues. We provide a free initial consultation, and we have several convenient locations in the Chicagoland area.

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Fact or Fiction? Number of Undocumented Immigrants is on the Rise

Posted on September 16, 2014 by katz

Chicago immigration attorneys, undocumented immigrants, immigration reform, immigration attorney, immigration mythThe number of undocumented immigrants in the United States in the past few years has stayed, in defiance of all odds, nearly at the same level. Since 2010, the number has remained around 11.2 million people, according to Pew Research. However, the myth persists that the number of “illegals” is rising every year, and for a variety of reasons, this is simply not the case. A more accurate statement is that undocumented immigrants are remaining in the country longer than they used to, while fewer new people are entering. They are becoming part of American society.

The Numbers

The data simply do not bear out the statements about steady increases in the undocumented population. Pew found that the numbers actually peaked back in 2007, before the U.S. recession and rising unemployment. Since then, the estimates have actually fallen, going down by about one million people from 2007-2009. The jobs simply dried up for many.

Another notable data trend is how long the average undocumented immigrant has remained in the country. According to Pew’s data, in 2003, most undocumented residents of the U.S. had lived in the country for approximately eight years. Ten years later, in 2013, that number had risen to 12.7 years. In other words, the undocumented were staying for longer periods of time before being deported or voluntarily leaving the country. There is evidence that some undocumented immigrants simply left of their own volition, especially after 2007 when the economy began to slump.

However, staying so long does imply certain life events—putting down proverbial roots, paying taxes (which most undocumented immigrants do) and raising children. Many stay in the country because they have given birth to children here, which makes those children U.S. citizens under the Constitution’s Fourteenth Amendment. Life events like these bond someone to their place of residence, even if they are there without proper documentation.

What the Numbers Mean

These numbers can directly affect President Obama’s course of action regarding immigration reform. If immigration reform does happen, as it may via executive order, the questions of family ties and length of residence in the U.S. will almost certainly come into question. Even now, when applying for Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) status, continuous presence in the country is a requirement. Family ties and length of residence are both factors that can influence a person’s allegiance; if life is good, someone is more likely to support the status quo.

The numbers do bear out the statement that many undocumented immigrants have both family ties and longevity. Thirty-eight percent of undocumented immigrants currently live with their U.S. citizen children, Pew found, and of those parents, three-quarters had lived in the country for a decade or more. Also, only 15 percent of currently undocumented immigrants have been here for five years or less; the majority (about six in 10) had been in the U.S. for over a decade. If President Obama does enact some measure of immigration reform, there will be many who will directly benefit.

Contact an Immigration Attorney Today

If you need help with an immigration matter, our experienced Chicago immigration attorneys can help. We have multiple Chicagoland locations, and a history of results for our clients. Contact one of our offices for a free consultation.

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