What Is Happening with the Parole In Place Program? Everything You Need to Know by Serving Immigrants Tuesday, 03 September 2024 5 min read share A Texas judge has temporarily suspended the "Parole In Place" program for spouses of U.S. citizens. Explore the Concept What is "Parole in Place?" "Parole in Place" is a program that speeds up the process for foreign spouses of U.S. citizens to obtain legal status. The decision to suspend it represents a setback for Joe Biden’s immigration policy, just weeks before the presidential election. Understand the Context The Suspension of "Parole in Place" President Biden’s plan, announced in June, aimed to benefit approximately half a million undocumented immigrants in the United States. However, Federal Judge Campbell Barker in Tyler, Texas, accepted a lawsuit filed by 16 Republican state attorneys general. These attorneys general accused the Biden administration of circumventing Congressional jurisdiction and implementing the measure for political purposes. Consider the Impact Implications for Immigrants The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services…Read More
Parole in Place: The Application Period Has Begun Don’t Miss Your Opportunity! Don’t Miss Your Opportunity! by Serving Immigrants Monday, 26 August 2024 7 min read share On Monday, August 19, the official application period for the Parole in Place program for spouses of U.S. citizens, announced by the Biden administration, began. If you want to verify your eligibility and receive experienced legal advice, it should be your top priority. Parole in Place (PIP) is a crucial option for immigrant families, allowing some spouses who are in the U.S. without legal status to regularize their situation while remaining in the country. Explore the Program and Its Benefits What is Parole in Place? Check out our previous article here to learn more about the program, its criteria, and how it can help you. How to Submit Your Application? To apply for Parole in Place, you must submit your application to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Ensure that you meet all the requirements and provide…Read More
Celebrating Success: Serving Immigrants debuts on the prestigious INC 5000 list. by Serving Immigrants Thursday, 15 August 2024 7 min read share We are pleased to announce that Serving Immigrants has been included in the prestigious Inc. 5000 list, which celebrates the fastest-growing private companies in the United States. This recognition not only marks a significant milestone in our journey but also underscores our ongoing commitment to excellence and innovation in the field of immigration. Celebrating Milestones An Achievement Highlighting Our Excellence and Growth Among the 5000 companies recognized, Serving Immigrants ranks 1483rd. This ranking is a testament to our growth and success in a highly competitive market. You can check our position and explore more details at the following link: Inc. 5000. Being part of the Inc. 5000 list is an immense honor. This ranking is awarded to companies that have demonstrated exceptional growth in revenue and impact, and we are thrilled to be in good company with other leading firms in the sector.…Read More
2024 Presidential Elections: Candidates' Stances on Immigration by Serving Immigrants Wednesday, 07 August 2024 5 min read share The 2024 presidential elections are just around the corner, and as with every electoral cycle, immigration is emerging as a crucial issue that could significantly impact policies and the lives of millions of people. In this article, we will analyze how the proposals of the main candidates might influence the field of immigration and why, regardless of who takes office, it is essential to regularize the immigration situation. Reformist Approach Kamala Harris After former President Biden stepped down, Vice President Kamala Harris now leads the Democratic Party. The Biden-Harris program supports a pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants and better visa procedures. Their vision includes modernizing the system to be more inclusive and efficient, addressing both border security and migrant workers' needs. They prioritize regularizing immigrants already in the country to strengthen the economy and ensure social justice, while also emphasizing the need for strong border security…Read More
What does the Credible Fear Interview entail in the United States? The credible fear interview is essential in the US immigration system to assess if asylum seekers genuinely fear persecution or torture upon return to their home country based on race, religion, nationality... This article offers a detailed guide on the interview process, covering common questions and support services from organizations like Serving Immigrants. The Interview Eligibility Requirements For the credible fear interview to be approved, the applicant must demonstrate being at risk of sexual abuse, physical harm, or other significant harm. The Biden Administration justifies these restrictions by arguing they will benefit those with legitimate claims of protection while attempting to reduce the impact of unfounded applications that congest the system. The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) considers "credible fear of persecution" as a real possibility that the applicant will face persecution if returned to their country, based on reasons such as race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group (including discrimination…Read More
Introduction of the Initiative Starting on August 19, 2024, the application process for the program announced by the Joe Biden administration will open, which offers the possibility of settling status for some spouses of American citizens without having to leave the country. In the program, which was announced in July, each case will be evaluated individually. Eligibility criteria include demonstrating continuous residency for at least 10 years prior to June 17, 2024, being present in the U.S. without admission or temporary presence permit, not posing a security threat, and being in a valid marriage to a US citizen before June 17, 2024. Addressing Challenges The new parole program tackles these challenges by allowing eligible individuals to apply for adjustment of status within the U.S., thus eliminating the requirement to depart the country for visa interviews, which could otherwise trigger extended reentry bans. Importantly, even if the program is suspended or reversed in the future, individuals granted parole will retain a pathway to pursue lawful permanent…Read More
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has signed a new law that toughens penalties for driving without a valid license in the state, primarily affecting immigrants. The law, which comes into effect on July 1st, increases the maximum penalty for this offense from 60 days to one year in jail in cases of recidivism, with a minimum penalty of 10 days for those caught driving without a license for the second or third time. This legislation, known as HB1589, does not allow undocumented immigrants to obtain a legal license in Florida and is part of a more restrictive stance on immigration, according to the policies of Governor DeSantis. Additionally, the law also impacts licenses issued by other states that are specific to unauthorized immigrants and are not recognized as valid in Florida.Read More
Civil rights groups, including the American Immigration Council (AIC) and the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), have filed a federal lawsuit to block a new anti-immigrant law in Iowa. This law, known as SF 2340, permits state police to arrest undocumented individuals who have previously been denied entry to the U.S. or deported. The lawsuit, filed on behalf of the Iowa Migrant Movement for Justice and the immigrants it aids, aims to prevent the law from taking effect on July 1. The controversial law creates new offenses for anyone, including children, who reenters the U.S. after deportation, even if they are authorized to remain in the country. Legal experts from AIC and ACLU argue that the law conflicts with federal law and could have severe consequences for Iowa residents. The U.S. Department of Justice has also warned that it might sue Iowa, claiming the state law violates the U.S. Constitution by creating a separate state immigration scheme. Governor Kim Reynolds has defended the law, asserting…Read More
Asylum seekers in the United States face a constantly evolving legal landscape, and recent regulatory adjustments have made the process even more challenging. Our firm is dedicated to assisting those in need of protection by staying abreast of the latest rule changes and how they affect asylum claims. The Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Justice have jointly issued new rules intended to streamline asylum procedures. These changes include tighter deadlines for filing applications, modified criteria for initial screenings, and new guidelines for immigration judges that could expedite court proceedings but may limit thorough case examination. The new regulations aim to reduce the backlog of cases and ensure that genuine asylum seekers receive protection more swiftly. However, they also raise concerns about due process and the ability of asylum seekers to adequately prepare their cases. Our team is committed to providing the most current and effective legal representation for asylum seekers affected by these changes. With expert knowledge and compassionate guidance, we help…Read More
The EB-2 visa category, a preference for professionals holding advanced degrees or individuals with exceptional ability, includes an option that can bypass the labor certification process: the National Interest Waiver (NIW). Recent updates have made this pathway more accessible and defined, particularly beneficial for entrepreneurs, researchers, and those in STEM fields. A significant development that has recently come to light involves the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) refining the adjudication process for NIW applications. This change stems from a need to align with modern advancements in various industries and to support national interests more effectively. The core criteria for an EB-2 NIW remain the same, requiring applicants to demonstrate that their work has substantial merit and national importance, that they are well-positioned to advance their proposed endeavor, and that, on balance, it would be beneficial to the United States to waive the job offer and labor certification requirements. However, the recent policy updates have clarified these requirements, making it slightly easier for applicants to…Read More