Generally, people who are or were members of, or affiliated with, a communist party or any other totalitarian organization are inadmissible to the United States. There are, however, some exceptions. And, it is sometimes possible to get a waiver of inadmissibility. You...
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San Jose Immigration Law Blog
I signed an affidavit of support for my spouse. Now we’re divorced.
When you sponsored your spouse for lawful permanent residency (a green card), you signed Form I-864, Affidavit of Support under Section 213A of the INA. This is a legally enforceable contract with the government that you will provide any necessary financial support to...
Biden adds eligible countries, extends TPS program benefits to 2022
The Temporary Protected Status (TPS) program offers a way for desperate people to live and work in the United States temporarily because of dangerous conditions in their home countries. The relief is only available to people from countries that have been designated by...
Can green card holders bring family members to live in the U.S.?
Yes, although the process can take a while. Part of being a lawful permanent resident – a green card holder – is having the right to petition for your close family members to become lawful permanent residents, too. Green card holders can petition for the following...
What’s the difference between an immigrant and nonimmigrant visa?
One of the ways to divide up the many visas available for people to come to the U.S. is to consider immigrant vs. nonimmigrant visas. Immigrant visas are for people who intend to live and work permanently in the U.S. These visas can lead to status as a lawful...
After winning the diversity visa lottery, some wait as time runs out
Each fiscal year, the United States issues up to 50,000 visas to people from countries that have historically been under-represented in U.S. immigration. These are immigrant visas, which allow the beneficiary to apply for lawful permanent residence (a green card)....
COVID-19 shots now required for immigrants, green card applicants
Effective October 1, COVID-19 vaccinations have been added to those required for immigrants who are subject to the required medical examination. This generally includes new visa applicants and those applying for permanent lawful residency (a green card). Immigrants to...
Alison Yew named to Super Lawyers list for fourth consecutive year
Alison Yew Rated by Super Lawyers loading ... Attorney Alison Yew has been selected to the Super Lawyers list for immigration law in Northern California for the fourth year in a row. The honor is only given to 5% of all practicing attorneys. Super Lawyers uses a...
How to apply for an E-2 ‘treaty investor’ visa
The United States’ E-2 visa for treaty investors allows people to come to the U.S. to develop and direct a business in which they are the primary investor. E-2 visas are also available for critical employees of the enterprise and for family members of the investor or...
US to stop deporting Hong Kong residents, with some exceptions
In June 2020, the People’s Republic of China (PRC) imposed new national security rules on the people of Hong Kong. Since that time, according to the U.S., the PRC has taken significant, repeated actions to undermine the rights and freedoms historically enjoyed by Hong...