What is a Waiver of Inadmissibility?

Posted on January 8, 2015 by Katz Law Office

Chicago immigration attorneys, immigration violations, national security risks, provisional waiver, unlawful presence, waiver of inadmissibilityWhen immigrating, it is important to be scrupulously honest in all your paperwork. That includes disclosing any criminal record or disease that you may have. While you might think that disclosing things of that nature would be a proverbial deal-breaker, this is not the case. For most problems, waivers are available if the correct process is followed.

Reasons for a Waiver of Inadmissibility

There are many reasons why someone might be declared inadmissible to the United States, and there are waivers available for most of them. Inadmissible simply means someone is not able to be admitted to the United States as an immigrant or nonimmigrant visitor (depending on what type of visa he or she obtained). If the condition that makes him or her inadmissible can either be removed or sufficiently explained, a waiver can be granted. A waiver essentially forgives whatever past transgression made the person inadmissible.

The most common reasons people apply for waivers are either due to health problems or a past criminal record, both of which can be grounds for a permanent bar. Immigration violations, in particular, can be difficult to overcome. However, the only criminal record for which no waiver is possible is for crimes involving national security risks—anything advocating the overthrow of the government or membership in certain groups, such as the Nazi Party. For a green card applicant, there is no waiver possible if he or she is a drug addict or trafficker, or has committed murder (political or otherwise).

In theory, no waivers are supposed to be possible for other categories, but waivers may be granted on humanitarian grounds, provided that a showing of “unusual and extreme hardship” to the alien’s qualifying relatives can be made. Merely having U.S. citizen children and requiring them to move to a new country is not enough to meet the standard.

How to Obtain a Waiver

The waiver for which most, if not all, will apply will involve the I-601 form, or Application for Waiver of Grounds of Inadmissibility. This is the waiver that applies to those with immigration violations, except sometimes for those who previously entered without inspection; those who have been unlawfully present for a certain period of time will simply have to exit the country and wait out the three or 10-year bar.

For those who are eligible, the I-601 works very similarly to other immigration requests, and full and complete documentation must be provided along with the application. However, there is also another option for those who have a bar they must wait out. It is called a provisional waiver of unlawful presence, and it enables those who must wait out a three or 10-year bar abroad to apply to return a bit quicker. But, this is only available for those who have no other inadmissibility problems. With a provisional waiver, those who are inadmissible due to an overstay can actually apply for the waiver before they leave the U.S., which significantly shortens the waiting time abroad.

Contact an Immigration Attorney

If you are in a situation where you need to apply for a waiver of inadmissibility, or you have a loved one who is eligible for a provisional waiver, the Chicago immigration attorneys at Katz Law Office, Ltd. can help. We have multiple convenient Chicagoland locations, as well as one in Mexico City, where we can put our expertise to work for you. Contact us for a consultation today.

Posted in Chicago Immigration Attorney, Immigration | Tagged , , , , , | Comments Off

USCIS Implements New myE-Verify System for Employees

Posted on December 30, 2014 by Katz Law Office

Chicago immigration attorneys, MyE-Verify, travel authorization, visa assistance, deportation defenseAnytime an employer hires an individual to work in the United States, the individual must complete an Employment Eligibility Verification Form I-9 to verify that he or she is authorized to work in the United States. To streamline the process of verifying employment eligibility, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security offers free web-based service for employers called “E-Verify.”

The E-Verify system allows employers to compare information from an employee’s Form I-9 with data from U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Social Security Administration records.

After an employee completes a Form I-9, an employer enters an employee’s Form I-9 information tin E-Verify. Within seconds, an employer can confirm whether an employee is authorized to work in the United States. Notably, E-Verify compares information with U.S. Department of Homeland Security information, such as:

  • U.S. passport and visa information;

  • Immigration and naturalization records;

  • State-issued driver’s licenses and identity document information; and

  • Social Security Administration records.

There are several differences between Form I-9 and E-Verify. Notably, unlike Form I-9, E-Verify is voluntary. I-9 does not require a Social Security number, while E-Verity does. Additionally, E-Verify may not be used to re-verify expired employment authorization; instead, Form I-9 must be used.

More than 500,000 employers use the E-Verify system at more than 1.4 million job sites.

USCIS Launches Similar E-Verify System for Employees: myE-Verify

While the E-Verify process can be relatively simple for U.S. citizens, immigrants and non-immigrants who are authorized to work in the United States through work visas sometimes have a more difficult time with the I-9 and E-Verify processes.

In an effort to alleviate some of these problems and to combat fraud, protect identities, and educate workers, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has recently launched myE-Verify—a new website designed for employees. MyE-Verify is designed to provide employees with “a free and secure way to participate in the E-Verify process by accessing features dedicated for employees, including Self Check and the Employee Rights Toolkit.”

MyE-Verify provides employees with several new tools:

  • MyE-Verify accounts that allow employees to manage their personal information;

  • Self Lock permits employees to lock their social numbers to prevent unauthorized or fraudulent use within E-Verify. This is important because it prevents other individuals from illegally using one’s social security number to gain employment; and

  • MyResources is a tool that educates employees about their rights and responsibilities concerning the employment eligibility verification process.

USCIS Director León Rodríguez described the myE-Verify program as providing “a significant step forward for added transparency, features, and identity protection.”

MyE-Verify will initially be limited to five states, not including Illinois, but will come to other states on a rolling basis.

Contact a Chicago Immigration Attorney

If you are an immigrant or non-immigrant worker in the United States and have questions regarding E-Verify and myE-Verify, Katz Law Office, Ltd. can help answer your questions. Our experienced Chicago immigration attorneys can help you with all your immigration needs, including employment and travel authorization, visa assistance, and deportation defense.

Contact our immigration attorneys today for an initial consultation. We have several offices located throughout the Chicagoland area.

Posted in Chicago Employment Immigration Attorneys, Deportation, Immigration | Tagged , , , , | Comments Off

Setting the Record Straight: The Visa Waiver Program

Posted on December 19, 2014 by Katz Law Office

Illinois immigration attorney, Visa Waiver Program, entering the U.S., VWP, immigration noncompliance, ESTA, Chicago immigration attorneyIf you ask a traveler about the U.S. Visa Waiver Program (VWP), he or she may not be sure what it is or what it provides in regards to entering the country. Individuals interested in coming to the United States, however, should be aware of the VWP, what type of travel it allows, and how to qualify.

Eligibility Requirements

The VWP is extended to nationals of member countries only, and it allows them to travel to the U.S. for up to 90 days without a visa. However, this is contingent on meeting all of the requirements the State Department has set out. The requirements include the following:

  • The purpose of the travel must be something that would normally qualify for a B visa, which is a visitor visa for business or tourism;
  • A person must travel in the appropriate manner—on an approved air or sea carrier (if the person arrives by train, all carriers are acceptable) and with a round-trip ticket showing his or her intention to leave the country;
  • A person may not have a previous history of noncompliance with immigration decisions or be inadmissible at the time he or she wants to travel;
  • A person must have the correct type of passport—usually a machine-readable passport, sometimes with required biometrics or personal data, embedded in a chip in the front; and
  • A person must have an authorization under the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). ESTA is the system used to keep track of entries to the United States. Proponents argue that it is a security measure. However, critics argue that as it is currently established, ESTA allows for too much leeway to capriciously deny applications. For example, until recently, people who were HIV-positive were often barred from entry, even if they possessed the proper waivers.

Country Politics

Not all countries are part of the program, and there are specific requirements that a country must meet before being accepted. These requirements are laid out in 8 U.S.C. §1187, and the primary factors concerning a country’s eligibility are the country’s passport security and a very low refusal rate of immigrants from said country, implying that citizens of that country are able to comply with the requirements.

It is also implied, though not stated, that U.S. allies are given participation in the program. One notable omission from the list is Israel, which has quite close ties. However, feathers have been ruffled both by the affair of Jonathan Pollard, and by the alleged mistreatment of Americans of Palestinian origin by Israel. Lobbyists have attempted to bridge the gap, but as of this writing, Israel remains off the list.

Contact an Immigration Attorney

If you have questions about the Visa Waiver Program, the Illinois immigration attorneys at Katz Law Office, Ltd. will do their best to assist you. We have a long history of success in immigration matters, with multiple Chicagoland locations and one in Mexico City, for your convenience. Contact us for a free consultation today.

Posted in Chicago Immigration Attorney, Immigration | Tagged , , , , , , | Comments Off

President Obama Announces Executive Action Immigration Plan

Posted on December 17, 2014 by Katz Law Office

Chicago immigration attorney, executive action immigration plan, Illinois immigration attorney, President Obama’s immigration plan, Deferred Action for Parental Accountability, immigration plan, deportation, DACA, Deferred Action for Childhood ArrivalsLast month, on a nationally televised public address, President Barack Obama announced an executive action immigration plan that will provide relief for millions of immigrants living in the United States. Under the president’s immigration plan, certain undocumented immigrants who pass a criminal background check and pay taxes will be able to temporarily stay in the United States without fear of deportation.

Notably, the new immigration plan expands the immigrants eligible for the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program to include immigrants who came to the United States before they turned 16. Furthermore, work authorization under the DACA will be extended from a period of two years to three years.

In addition, the Obama’s immigration plan includes a new Deferred Action for Parental Accountability program, which allows “parents of U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents who have been present in the country since January 1, 2010 to request deferred action and employment authorization for three years.”

For family members who feared deportation, this new program will provide temporary relief to help keep immigrants in the country and to keep family units intact. Immigrants under the Deferred Action for Parental Accountability must pass a criminal background to qualify for the new program.

Illinois Reacts to Obama’s Executive Action Immigration Plan

Throughout Illinois, people have reacted to President Obama’s immigration plan with praise, as well with criticism. Local Illinois politicians, business groups, and families believe that the new immigration plan is a step in the right direction.

The chair for the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights said Obama’s action is “a major benchmark in the fight for immigrant rights.” In addition to having a humanitarian effect and helping millions of families, the executive action plan will also have an economic impact through taxes and by helping businesses throughout Illinois and the country.

Illinois leaders, however, believe that eventually more needs to be done for immigrants’ rights. Mayor Rahm Emanuel said Obama’s immigration plan is the “beginning,” and he wants Chicago to be the gold standard in providing relief for immigrants. U.S. Rep. Luis Gutierrez and U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin believe that a more comprehensive immigration bill needs to be passed.

Conversely, Republicans have criticized President Obama’s unilateral, partisan immigration plan. Republican members of Congress have called the plan “a lawless move that will ultimately do more harm than good.” Whether or not this is true remains to be seen.

In the interim, however, President Obama’s immigration plan will at least provide immediate relief to certain immigrants who feared being deported. The effect that this will have on the lives of immigrants and family units will benefit millions of people, which, in and of itself, is a good thing.

Contact a Chicago, Illinois Immigration Attorney

If you have questions regarding President Obama’s executive action immigration plan, the Chicago immigration attorneys at the Katz Law Office, Ltd. can help answer your questions. We can advise you on who is eligible, what the new executive action plan will do, and how you can take advantage of the new plan. Contact one of our Chicago immigration attorneys today for a free consultation. Or, you can visit one of our offices located throughout the Chicagoland area.

Posted in Chicago Employment Immigration Attorneys, Chicago Immigration Attorney, Deportation, Immigration | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Comments Off

Refugee Status in Central America: Helping Children Find a Home

Posted on December 4, 2014 by Katz Law Office

refugee status, American immigration law, asylee status, asylum claims, helping children find a home, Illinois immigration attorneys, refugee claims, refugeesThe unprecedented number of Central American children trying to enter the United States this year has been perpetually in the news. While those already in the United States have certain protections and options, the picture remains bleak for those who may try to enter in the future. However, there have been encouraging signs that show the tide may be changing. Recently, President Obama went on the record as saying he would begin allowing children from Central America, specifically Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras, to apply to join family members in the United States as refugees.

Refugees and Asylees

One hears the word ‘asylum’ often when discussing American immigration law; the average person might wonder how asylee status differs from refugee status. The major difference is that one must acquire refugee status while outside the United States; one can only become an asylee when he or she has already arrived in the country. Both can get someone a way to stay in the United States on a permanent basis. But while the criteria to become a refugee is actually more stringent, more refugee claims than asylum claims are granted each year.

Both refugees and asylees must prove that they cannot go back to their own country due to a fear of persecution. They also must prove that that persecution is related to specific factors about them, including race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group. The persecution criteria comes from the 1951 Geneva Convention, which defines a refugee in detail. This definition is still used by the United Nations and many other countries.

Refugee Status as Applied

President Obama announced on October 1, 2014 that the U.S. State Department intended to set up programs in Central America—especially in the most directly affected countries—to allow people to apply for refugee status from home, instead of making the long journey to the U.S. border to be detained and imprisoned. However, the same memo issued a change in the number of total refugee numbers that would be accepted from Latin America and the Caribbean: 4,000, down from 5,000 the previous year.

It is also important to note that only children with family members already in the United States will be considered. This is not a free pass to status; it is a way to join family members who can provide a place to live.

The same criteria as always are in force for these new applications:

  • The applicant must be outside the United States;

  • He or she must fit the Geneva Convention definition listed above;

  • The case must be of ‘special humanitarian concern’ to the United States; and

  • The applicant must be admissible (in other words, he or she may not have anything in his or her past which would make him or her ineligible to enter the United States as a non-refugee).

An Immigration Attorney Can Help

If you believe you or a family member may qualify for this new program, we can assist you. Our experienced Illinois immigration attorneys have several Chicagoland locations, as well as one in Mexico City. Contact us for a free consultation today.

Posted in Asylum, Chicago Employment Immigration Attorneys, Chicago Immigration Attorney, Immigration | Tagged , , , , , , | Comments Off

Chicago: Una Ciudad Acogedora para los Inmigrantes Nacidos en México

Posted on November 28, 2014 by Katz Law Office

Abogado de Inmigración de Chicago, inmigrantes nacidos en México, la discriminación racial, residentes legales permanentes, estatus migratorioVarias ciudades y estados de Estados Unidos ha promulgado leyes imponiendo medidas extremas en contra de los inmigrantes. Por ejemplo, en 2010, Arizona aprobó una ley que exige a la policía examinar el estatus migratorio de una persona detenida o presa cuando hay “sospecha razonable” de que él o ella no están residiendo legalmente en los Estados Unidos. Esto impone una carga para los no inmigrantes y inmigrantes a llevar documentación que confirma su estatus en los Estados de estado.

La Unión Americana de Libertades Civiles ha criticado la ley porque “invita a la discriminación racial generalizada en contra de los latinos, asiáticos-americanos, y otros presuntos” extranjeros “en base a cómo se ven o su acento.” Por otra parte, la policía podrá parar a cualquier persona que considere sospecha que viene de otro país, y solicitar documentos para probar su ciudadanía o estatus migratorio.

Los esfuerzos de Chicago para hacer la ciudad más amigable para los Inmigrantes

Sin embargo no todos los estados y ciudades, imponen medidas extremas a los no inmigrantes y inmigrantes. Algunas ciudades y estados han sido más acogedores para los inmigrantes. Chicago es una ciudad que ha abierto sus brazos a los inmigrantes, más específicamente a los nacidos en México.

Razón por la cual el alcalde de Chicago Rahm Emanuel, anunció una política para dar empleos municipales y prácticas de trabajo a los inmigrantes ilegales. En julio de 2014, el alcalde Emanuel anunció su deseoque Chicago albergara a 1.000 niños centroamericanos indocumentados a finales de 2014. Más recientemente, el alcalde habló de su plan que busca aumentar la ciudadanía entre los residentes permanentes legales.

Chicago está clasificada como segunda ciudad para los inmigrantes nacidos en México

Todos estos esfuerzos hacen de Chicago una ciudad relativamente acogedora para los inmigrantes, especialmente a los nacidos en México. Según el Instituto de Política Migratoria, Chicago es el hogar de la segunda población más grande de inmigrantes nacidos en México en los Estados Unidos. Chicago se ubica detrás de Los Ángeles, pero por delante de otras áreas metropolitanas como Dallas, Houston y Phoenix.

Vías para no inmigrantes y inmigrantes en los Estados Unidos

Dada la posición de bienvenida de Chicago hacia los inmigrantes, es lógico suponer que Chicago seguirá atrayendo inmigrantes de todas partes del mundo. Para los ciudadanos de otros países que buscan ingresar a los Estados Unidos, hay varias vías para no inmigrante e inmigrante. Varias de estas opciones incluyen:

  • Visas de no inmigrante, incluyendo visas temporales de negocios, visas de estudiante, visas de trabajo, y otras visas temporales. Estos incluyen H-1B y H-2B, F-1, L, J, TN y / B-2 visas B-1;
  • Residencia legal permanente o tarjeta verde, incluyendo visas de inmigrante basadas en el empleo;
  • Visas de asilo político;
  • Visas familiares; y
  • Visas de diversidad.

Póngase en contacto con un abogado de inmigración de Chicago

Si usted tiene preguntas acerca de sus opciones de como venir a los Estados Unidos, por favor póngase en contacto con un abogado en inmigratoria en Chicago. Nuestros abogados de inmigración en Katz Law Office, Ltd. pueden ayudarlo y guiarlo a través del proceso de inmigración. Nuestra firma tiene amplia experiencia ayudando y asistiendo a hombres y mujeres con visas, permisos de trabajo, y naturalización en todo Chicago y en la Ciudad de México. Llame 773-364-6626 para programar su consulta inicial gratuita.

Posted in Abogado de Inmigración de Chicago, Inmigración | Tagged , , , , | Comments Off

Chicago: A Welcoming City for Mexican-Born Immigrants

Posted on November 26, 2014 by Katz Law Office

Chicago immigration attorney, illegal immigrants, immigration status, legal permanent residents, mexican-born immigrants, racial profilingVarious cities and states in the United States have enacted legislation imposing cumbersome obligations on immigrants. For example, in 2010, Arizona passed legislation that requires police to determine the immigration status of a person arrested or detained when there is “reasonable suspicion” he or she is not legally residing in the United States. This imposes a burden on nonimmigrants and immigrants to carry documentation confirming their status in the United Status.

The American Civil Liberties Union has criticized the law because it “invites rampant racial profiling against Latinos, Asian-Americans, and others presumed to be ‘foreign’ based on how they look or sound.” Furthermore, for anyone whom police stop and suspect coming from another country, police can request documents to prove citizenship or immigration status.

Chicago’s Efforts to Make the City Friendlier for Immigrants

Not all states and cities, however, impose such onerous obligations on nonimmigrants and immigrants. Some cities and states have been more welcoming to immigrants. Chicago is one city that has opened its arms to immigrants and, more specifically, Mexican-born immigrants.

In Rahm Emanuel’s tenure as Mayor of Chicago, he announced a policy to give city jobs and internships to illegal immigrants. In July 2014, Mayor Emanuel announced a desire for Chicago to house 1,000 undocumented Central American children by the end of 2014. Most recently, the Mayor discussed his plan to launch an effort to increase citizenship among legal permanent residents.

Chicago Ranked as Number Two City for Mexican-Born Immigrants

All of these efforts make Chicago a relatively welcoming city for immigrants, especially for Mexican-born immigrants. According to the Migration Policy Institute, Chicago is home to the second largest population of Mexican-born immigrants in the United States. Chicago ranks behind Los Angeles, but ahead of other metro areas such as Dallas, Houston and Phoenix.

Nonimmigrant and Immigrant Pathways to the United States

Given Chicago’s welcoming position toward immigrants, it is logical to assume that Chicago will continue to draw immigrants from all over the world. For citizens of other countries looking to enter the United States, a variety of nonimmigrant and immigrant pathways exist. Several of these options include:

  • Nonimmigrant visas, including temporary business visas, student visas, work visas, and other temporary visas. These include H-1B and H-2B, F-1, L, J, TN and B-1/B-2 visas;

  • Lawful permanent residency or green card, including employment-based immigrant visas;

  • Political asylum visas;

  • Family visas; and

  • Diversity visas.

Contact a Chicago Immigration Attorney

If you have questions regarding your options to come to the United States, please contact an experienced Chicago immigration attorney. Our immigration attorneys at Katz Law Office, Ltd. can help guide you through the immigration process. Our firm has extensive experience helping men and women with visa assistance, work permits, and naturalization throughout Chicago and Mexico City. Call 773-364-6626 to schedule your free initial consultation.

Posted in Chicago Immigration Attorney, Immigration, Immigration Status | Tagged , , , , , | Comments Off

Resumen y Análisis de Los Cambios en Inmigración Noviembre 2014

Posted on November 21, 2014 by Katz Law Office

Inmigracion Noviembre 2014, Abogado de Inmigración en ChicagoOfrecer Acción Diferida para Mas Jóvenes Entrantes y para Padres de Residentes o Ciudadanos

  • Padres de residentes legales o ciudadanos (hijos existentes en 11/20/14) quienes estuvieron presentes en EEUU desde Enero 1, 2010 (y presentes en 11/20/14) y quienes no son prioridades para deportar* recibirán acción diferida (pausa en no ser deportable) y así serán elegibles para solicitar un permiso de trabajo;
  • DACA para jóvenes expande a ofrecerse a todos los quienes entraron antes de sus 16 años de edad sin importar su edad actual;
  • Expandir el tiempo del permiso bajo DACA a tres años (eran dos);
  • Cambiar la fecha de entrada a EEUU de Junio 15, 2007 a Enero 1, 2010;
  • Costara $465 incluso lo biométrico y el permiso de trabajo;
  • Para jóvenes dentro de 90 días aproximadamente se podrá aplicar, para padres dentro de 180 días.

Expandir el Programa de Perdones Provisionales

  • Ofrecer que también esposos e hijos de residentes permanentes tanto como los hijos adultos de ciudadanos poder manejar su perdón desde adentro de EEUU sin tener que viajar para tramitarlo;
  • Dar mas claridad sobre del definir lo que significa “daño extremo” al pariente residente o ciudadano como consecuencia de aplicarle el castigo de 3/10 años a su pareja;
  • Proveer criterio bajo cual se presumirá bajo la ley que si existen daños extremos.

Política de Arrestar, Detener y Remover a Inmigrantes Indocumentados

  • Prioridades para enfrentar deportación serán bajo distintos niveles de “prioridad”:
  • Prioridad Uno: (a) terrorismo; (b) entrantes al país sin permiso; (c) delitos de pandilla; (d) delitos de felonía; (e) delitos de felonía agravada bajo INA 101(a)(43);
  • Prioridad Dos: (a) tres misdemeanors excepto los de trafico o recibido por indocumentado; (b) misdemeanors significativos como violencia domestica, abuso sexual, robo, armas, vender droga, DUI, 90 días o mas de custodia; (c) entrantes y reentrantes al país quienes no estuvieron desde Enero 1, 2014; (d) abusadores de visas;
  • Prioridad Tres: los con orden de remoción dado después de Enero 1, 2014;
  • Raramente detener a los no sujetos a detención mandatorio;
  • Toma efecto Enero 5, 2015.

Riesgos del Programa

  • Como la mayoría de estos beneficios proceden por orden ejecutiva y no por acto del Congreso, podrían cambiarse al cambiar el presidente: o sea, no hay ninguna garantía de que no enfrentarías deportación después de Enero 20, 2017 cuando se cambia el mandatario y ya todos tus datos están en el sistema;
  • Habrán infinitos huecos en el proceso: oficiales negligentes, documentos que podrán ser vistos como fraudulentos, mínimo derecho al amparo por negaciones erróneas, cargos de perjurio o fraude, entre otros.

Consejos Esenciales

  • Solo hacer caso a un abogado licenciado por las cortes con un “doctorado jurídico” o un representante acreditado de la corte de inmigración. Acuérdate que los “notarios” no son nadie en EEUU para dar consejos legales, solo son gente sin requisito ninguno de nivel de estudio que nada mas tienen el sello para comprobar que su firma en un documento legal es verídico. Si existe cualquier sospecha sobre el tema, con confianza pida una copia de su credencial que debe ser otorgado de la corte suprema de un estado o territorio de EEUU o en el caso del representante acreditado que solo podrá trabajar para una agencia sin fines de lucro que sea de la corte de inmigración (EOIR);
  • Juntar los documentos que podrán averiguar su: (1) identidad; (2) relación de parentesco a residentes o ciudadanos; (3) estancia en el país para cinco años o mas;
  • Gente con delitos problemáticos por declararse culpable, averiguar con un abogado con conocimiento en ley migratoria y ley criminal si el juez te aconsejo sobre el posible impacto migratorio al declararse culpable, o/y si hay otro posible error en el proceso que podrá darse la oportunidad de reabrir el caso y poder cambiar su resultado y así el nivel de problema que sea para migración;
  • Personas con cualquier arresto anterior pedir a un abogado de migración el mandar checar sus huellas y analizar el resultado para asegurar que no existe orden de arresto ni delitos que podrán impedir tu posibilidad de arreglar un permiso bajo las nuevas pólizas;
  • Pedir a su abogado el interrogarte sobre posibles manchas en tu record como el uso de identidades falsas en temas financieras o en tramitar prestaciones gubernamentales como el desempleo o demás temas que podrán complicar tu tramite y ponerte en riesgo de negación o deportación—a veces una revisión de tu crédito podrá ser útil en revelar la existencia de alguna posible confusión con otra persona que también podría complicarte el tramite;
  • Pedir a su abogado aconsejarte sobre cuales documentos podrán servir en tu caso especifico para comprobar su elegibilidad y el revisar tu caso para dar una opinión legal sobre (1) si eres elegible para uno de estos programas (2) si el beneficio en tu caso es mejor que el riesgo al aplicar y (3) si hay otro camino mas seguro para lograr un estatus migratorio en EEUU que conviene mas que este proceso.

Para mas preguntas y para su consulta gratuita recuerda siempre estamos a sus ordenes en el 773-847-8982.

Posted in Abogado de Inmigración de Chicago, Inmigración | Tagged , , , | Comments Off

Conozca sus Derechos: ¿Qué es Detención Obligatoria?

Posted on November 21, 2014 by Katz Law Office

Abogado de Inmigración de Chicago, detención obligatoria, detenido, inmigraciónCuando no ciudadanos entran a los Estados Unidos, a veces el servicio de Inmigración y control de Aduanas de Estados Unidos (“ICE”) podría detener a los no ciudadanos por diversas razones. Tras la detención, uno de los primeros factores que el funcionarios del ICE determinarán si El no ciudadano tiene derecho a una audiencia de fianza.

Una audiencia de fianza es un proceso en el cual frente a un juez de inmigración uno puede pedir ser liberado pagando una fianza. Una Fianza permite a un individuo ser puesto en libertad tras el pago de dinero o en libertad condicional. Según la ley, sin embargo, no todo el mundo que se encuentre detenido tiene derecho a una audiencia de fianza.

Detención obligatoria

Bajo la Sección 236 (c) de la Ley de Inmigración y Nacionalidad, ciertas personas no ciudadanas al entrar a los Estados Unidos deben ser detenidos cuando llegan a la custodia del ICE. Esto se conoce como “detención obligatoria.” Estas personas no son elegibles para una audiencia de fianza y no pueden ser liberadas.

Cuando un inmigrante ilegal ha cometido un determinado delito, el ICE podría detener a la persona sin audiencia. Estos delitos incluyen:

  • Ciertos delitos de infamia moral;
  • Actividad terrorista;
  • Prostitución;
  • Trata de personas;
  • Lavado de dinero;
  • Delito mayor con agravantes;
  • Espionaje, sabotaje o traición a la patria; o
  • Abuso de drogas o adicción.

Esta no es una lista exhaustiva de los crímenes por los que el ICE podría detener a un inmigrante ilegal sin una audiencia de fianza. Por otra parte, ciertos delitos no requieren una convicción; sin embargo, todo lo que pueda ser requerido como admisión de culpabilidad son elementos suficientes para establecer la culpabilidad.

¿Qué debo hacer si soy detenido?

Si usted es detenido por las autoridades de inmigración y cree que está siendo detenido indebidamente y sin una audiencia de fianza, usted puede solicitar lo que se conoce como “José Audiencia.” Durante una Audiencia de José, un juez de inmigración determinará si el inmigrante ilegal es sujeto a detención obligatoria y de hecho es deportable.

El propósito de una Audiencia José es evitar privaciones arbitrarias de las libertades de un inmigrante. Un juez considerará la condición de la detención lo que significa “no para facilitar la deportación o por protección al riesgo de fuga o de peligrosidad, pero a encarcelar por otras razones.”

Demanda de Acción de Clase ACLU Archivos Desafiando la detención obligatoria

La Unión Americana de Libertades Civiles presentó recientemente una demanda colectiva alegando que ciertos no ciudadanos estaban siendo indebidamente detenidos bajo el programa de detención obligatoria sin la oportunidad de ser escuchados. La acción desafió la legalidad de la detención de los no ciudadanos sobre la base de los delitos que se cometieron hace muchos años.

En un importante fallo, el tribunal sostuvo que estos grupos de no ciudadanos tenían derecho a una audiencia de fianza y “no plantean un riesgo de fuga o peligro que justifique que continúe la detención.” Un representante de la ACLU señaló que la decisión previene “bloqueo obligatorio desde arriba simplemente porque tenían roces con el sistema de justicia penal, hace muchos años. La decisión del tribunal evita la detención irracional, injusta de personas sin el debido proceso básico de la ley.”

Póngase en contacto con un Abogado de Inmigración de Chicago

Si usted tiene alguna pregunta sobre la detención obligatoria o deportación, nuestros experimentados abogados de inmigración de Chicago pueden ayudarlo y guiarlo a través del proceso. Nuestros abogados de defensa de deportación quieren ayudar a proteger sus derechos. Póngase en contacto con nuestra oficina hoy al 773-364-6626 para una consulta gratuita. Tenemos varias oficinas en toda el área de Chicago.

Posted in Abogado de Inmigración de Chicago, Inmigración | Tagged , , , | Comments Off

Know Your Rights: What is Mandatory Detention?

Posted on November 20, 2014 by Katz Law Office

bond hearing, Chicago immigration attorneys, conditional parole, criminal justice system, deportation, illegal immigrant, immigration judge, Joseph Hearing, mandatory detention, what is mandatory detentionWhen non-citizens enter the United States, sometimes the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (“ICE”) will detain non-citizens for various reasons. Upon detention, one of the first factors that ICE officials will determine is whether a noncitizen has the right to a bond hearing.

A bond hearing is a process in front of an immigration judge during which one can ask to be released on a bond. A bond allows an individual to be released upon payment of money or upon conditional parole. Under the law, however, not everyone who is detained is entitled to a bond hearing

Mandatory Detention

Under Section 236(c) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, certain non-citizens upon entry into the United States must be detained when they come into the custody of ICE. This known as “mandatory detention.” These individuals are not eligible for a bond hearing and do not have to be released.

When an illegal immigrant has committed a certain offense, ICE is permitted to detain him or her without hearing. These offenses include:

  • Certain crimes of moral turpitude;
  • Terrorist activity;
  • Prostitution;
  • Human trafficking;
  • Money laundering;
  • Aggravated felony;
  • Espionage, sabotage, or treason; or
  • Drug abuse or addiction.

This is not an exhaustive list of the crimes for which ICE is permitted detain an illegal immigrant without a bond hearing. Furthermore, certain offenses do not require a conviction; instead, all that may be required is an admission of guilt or sufficient evidence to establish guilt.

What Should I Do if I Am Detained?

If you are detained by immigration authorities and believe you are being improperly detained without a bond hearing, you can request what is known as a “Joseph Hearing.” During a Joseph Hearing, an immigration judge will determine if the illegal immigrant being held is subject to mandatory detention and is in fact deportable.

The purpose of a Joseph Hearing is to prevent arbitrary deprivations of an immigrant’s liberties. A judge will consider whether the detention is meant “not to facilitate deportation or to protect against risk of flight or dangerousness, but to incarcerate for other reasons.”

ACLU Files Class Action Lawsuit Challenging Mandatory Detention

The American Civil Liberties Union recently filed a class action lawsuit arguing that certain non-citizens were being improperly detained under the mandatory detention program without the opportunity to be heard. The action challenged the lawfulness of detaining non-citizens based on offenses that were committed many years ago.

In an important ruling, the court held that these groups of non-citizens were entitled to a bond hearing and “did not pose a flight risk or danger warranting continued detention.” A representative for the ACLU stated that the decision prevents “mandatory lock-up simply because they had run-ins with criminal justice system many years ago. The court’s decision prevents the irrational, unjust detention of these individuals without basic due process of law.”

Contact a Chicago Immigration Attorney

If you have any questions about mandatory detention or deportation, our experienced Chicago immigration attorneys can help guide you through this process. Our deportation defense attorneys want to help protect your rights. Contact our office today at 773-364-6626 for a free consultation. We have several locations throughout the Chicagoland area.

Posted in Chicago Immigration Attorney, Deportation, Immigration | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Comments Off