Immigration Law
Immigration law is a very arcane and complex field to navigate. The law has changed often through the years, to become a specialty field in law. It is important to consult with an immigration lawyer well-versed in the field and experienced to help you obtain a greencard, avoid deportation or obtain a visa for yourself or family.
As of a couple of weeks ago, USCIS announced that it no longer has available H1B visas for this fiscal year. Applications for the next fiscal year will begin to be accepted in April.
Some more information on particular issues:
Guide to Applying for a Fee Waiver when applying for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) – for Haitians:
Fee Waiver Request for TPS
If you are unable to pay the costs necessary to apply for Temporary Protected Status, you may request a fee waver from USCIS. Your written statement should be signed and dated and include: reasons why you are unable to pay the fee, all assets owned by you or your dependents, your monthly income from all sources including your dependents, your monthly essential expenditures, and a list of your dependents and their addresses. If applicable you should also include evidence that you are receiving a federal or state benefit and evidence of humanitarian considerations.
For more information on fee waiver requests, please visit www.uscis.gov and see “Questions and Answers: Requesting Waiver of Fees: Temporary Protected Status Applicants” document online.
F-VISA / SEVP schools
Rhode Island immigration lawyer Claudia Gregoire can help with questions about coming to study in the U.S. One must obtain an F-visa to study legally in the U.S. This type of visa is considered non-immigrant, because the immigrant must not intend subjectively to remain in the United States indefinitely.
The United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) recently updated their list of Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) approved schools.
The schools listed have all been certified to participate in the program. The program allows foreign students interested in obtaining an education in the United States to complete a visa petition, pay the required fee, and attend a U.S. College or University. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) created a web based system called the Student Exchange Visitor System (SEVIS) which maintains information on the foreign students accepted into the program. The SEVIS monitors the students for the duration of their approved stay, as required by the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act (IIRAIRA) of 1996. Contact a Rhode Island or Massachusetts immigration attorney (Providence immigration attorney or Cambridge immigration for more information).
Rhode Island and Massachusetts Immigration lawyer Claudia Gregoire maintains a highly updated immigration law blog to remain at the cutting edge of this specialized and arcane field. The blog is aimed at helping individuals understand immigration law and to gather new information as it appears on this developing field, from the perspective of a Rhode Island and Massachusetts immigration lawyer.
Providence Rhode Island immigration lawyers George J. West & Associates have on February 2, 2010 successfully represented a foreigner seeking a family-based greencard.
Providence Rhode Island and Cambridge Massachusetts immigration lawyers noted that on February 5, 2010, immigration law sources reported the unveiling of Secretary Napolitano’s proposed budget for FY 2011. The budget was heavy in the enforcement areas, with ICE and CBP obtaining 30% and service areas like USCIS granted only 5%.
Claudia Gregoire, a Rhode Island and Massachusetts immigration lawyer, is also an active member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA).
Rhode Island and Massachusetts immigration lawyer, Attorney Gregoire speaks fluent French and Spanish as well as proficient Italian.
The Rhode Island and Massachusetts immigration attorney Claudia Gregoire is on the list of the attorneys of the French Consulate, with whom she collaborates often.
To reach her by e-mail, click here. To reach her by phone, please call 401-861-9042 for the Providence, RI location, or 617-864-8055 for the Cambridge, MA office.
The Providence Rhode Island and Cambridge Massachusetts immigration law practice of George J. West & West includes Deportation Defense, Asylum, Cancellation of Removal, Naturalization, Family Visas (adjustment of status and consular processing), Employment based immigrant visas, Nonimmigrant Visas, including: H-1B – Professionals; K-1 – K-4 Fiancee and family member visas; L-1 – Intracompany transferees; O-1 – Aliens of Extraordinary Ability; and R-1 – Religious Workers.
