4 Little Known Florida Immigration Facts

Each year several people from around the globe migrate to various parts of the United States either temporarily or permanently. They basically migrate to the US because of two reasons -  better job opportunities and education. And Florida is one of the most commonly chosen places.

Do you know Florida has a long history of Caribbean immigration and resettlement? In fact, this place has been a trade and immigration center for the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean for a long time. This means, different types of people have made their travel journey through Florida, and some of them decided to settle down there. Due to its great immigration history, Florida has one of the largest foreign-born populations throughout the United States.

If you’re planning to migrate to Florida, we, at Wildes & Weinberg, have collected some of the little-known Florida immigration facts that you need to know. Sometimes, you may be asked questions about Florida immigration during your interview. Well, we have sourced these facts from the American Immigration Council (AIC) to help you out.

Here are the top five Florida immigration facts. If you have any query about immigration process and requirements, you must seek an experienced immigration lawyer.

One in five people in Florida is an immigrant - Till the year 2015, immigrants account for 20.2% of the population in Florida. This is equivalent to nearly 4.1 million people, who provide valuable contributions to the economy, culture, and local communities in Florida. Apart from Florida’s large immigrant population, 2.5 million people were Florida-born citizens with at least one immigrant parent in 2015.

Most Floridians are naturalized citizens - Do you know naturalized citizens have a great contribution to their home states and the United States? This means, they bring unique world views and skills, which broaden horizons and help improve communities throughout the United States. Well, Florida is no exception. In fact, nearly half immigrant residents in Florida are naturalized citizens. According to the reports, 2.2 million immigrants were naturalized citizens in 2015, and nearly 784,395 people became eligible for naturalization in the same year.

25% of workers in Florida are immigrants - Starting from the entrepreneurs to H-1B beneficiaries, Florida’s immigrants account for one-quarter of the entire working population - 2.5 million people, 25.4%. As of 2014, nearly 6.2% of workers in Florida are undocumented immigrants.

Immigrants have a great contribution to Florida’s economy - According to American Immigration Council, family led by immigrants paid around $17 billion in federal taxes and $6.4 billion as state and local taxes. Additionally, undocumented immigrants contributed approximately $600 million more in the form of state and local taxes. However, as per American Immigration Council estimation, if these immigrants were provided with legal status, the number would increase to over $650 million.

On the other hand, when it comes to spending, the immigrant families owned an impressive $73.1 billion in “spending power” that is after-tax income. This shows that immigrants have a great contribution to Florida’s economy.

The Bottom Line

As a matter of fact, immigrants do play a significant role in improving the culture and economy of various states of America. The rich history and great culture of Florida are the result of immigration and integration.

If you have any questions or doubts about immigration, get them cleared at the earliest. At Wildes & Weinberg, we have experienced immigration lawyers who can answer all your questions, and guide you through your immigration visa process. Get in touch with us today -  (212) 753-3468.

Tips For Filing Form I-601a - Application For Provisional Unlawful Presence Waiver

As per instructions by the USCIS, the spouses, children, and parents of US citizens with unlawful presence and files immigrant visa applications are eligible for filing Form I-601A. However, this form should be filed before they leave the United States, and return back to their countries, and wait until their visas get an approval. And only the immediate relatives of US citizens who have accumulated unlawful presence are allowed to file Form I-601A. Like most other USCIS forms, there are specific instructions that will help you easily complete the Form 1-601A.

Do you know USCIS can reject petitions that do not abide by the required for filing and the biometrics fee? However, they can also reject your petition, if you’re not eligible for this waiver. Therefore, having the best immigration attorney in Miami will help you meet all the requirements related to Form I-601A.

Below, we have explained the Form I-601A checklist that will help you make sure you have all the appropriate documents, forms, and fees. Nevertheless, we also advise on working with the best immigration law firm in Miami, to make sure you’re eligible and file the form correctly.

Here’s what should be included in a provisional waiver application

1. USCIS Form I-601A - This form is available on the USCIS website.

2. Receipt of processing fee - Well, you will be required to send payment receipt to the Department of States once your petition gets approved but you are sent for a consular interview. Therefore, you should place the receipt on the top of Form I-601A. 

3. Application fee- The basic application fee for a provisional waiver application is $585.

4. Biometrics fee- If your age is less than 79, you’re required to pay biometrics fee that is $85.

5. Documents proving that USCIS has approved your family-based visa petition - Send a copy of your USCIS Form I-797 approval notice.

6. Proof of the US citizen status of your qualifying relative - You must send a copy of a birth certificate, passport, and naturalization certificate of your qualifying relative with US citizen status.

7. Documents proving your relationship with your qualifying relative - For this, you should send a copy of a marriage if you’re a spouse or birth certificates if you're a parent or child of a US citizen.

8. Proof presenting the extreme hardship that your qualifying relative may experience - This usually depends from one person to another. For example, if your US citizen suffers from any medical condition, which requires constant care from you, sending a doctor’s letter and copies of test results are enough.

Once you assembled all these documents, make a copy of all documents, and send it by the US mail with return receipt.

These are the tips you need to keep in mind while filing Form I-601A. Keep a note, send only photocopies of all original documents other than the USCIS form.

Difference between U.S. citizenship and U.S. green card

People often get confused between the words “U.S. citizenship” and “U.S. green card,” thinking that both are the same thing. Although both allow immigrants to live in the United States legally for an unlimited period of time, there are some differences between the two. Therefore, before you apply for the US immigration visa, it is important to know the differences.

Although hiring one of the best immigration attorneys in Los Angeles will help you meet all the requirements, you must be aware of the steps required during the process.

The process - from obtaining a green card to becoming a U.S. citizen

Are you a foreign national considering to migrate to the United States on a permanent basis? If so, first, you need to apply for a green card to become a legal resident. You can obtain a legal permanent residence status with a sponsored visa either by the US employers or family members.

On the other hand, asylees and refugees can also obtain a permanent residence status after a certain period of time.

Once you become a legal resident, you may become eligible candidate to apply for US citizenship. For this, you need to file Form N-400. However, you cannot start the process soon after obtaining a green card. To apply for naturalization, you must wait for five years as well as meet few requirements.

The following are the major differences between US citizenship and US green card.

Both green card holders and US citizens have certain rights and responsibilities while living in the United States. However, the rights that are granted to US citizens may not be granted to the green card holders.

When it comes to permanent residents, they are usually issued with ten years Green Cards. And lawful residents must keep their identity documents with them at all times. Besides this, US employers hire permanent residents with valid green cards. Most importantly, lawful residents cannot travel abroad without green card and they are allowed to live in foreign countries for a long time. In case they do, the United States immigration authority will revoke their Green Cards. But this is not the case with US citizens. They are allowed to remain in the foriegn countries for as long as they want without worrying about the cancellation of their status.

Likewise, the US citizens will not be deported by the United States immigration authorities for any reason. However, the United States can deport Green Card holders if they found guilty in any criminal case or don’t abide by the immigration laws while living in the US.

The bottom line

If you’re a foreign national looking for immigration to the United States, you can apply for permanent residence through sponsored visa either by family members or US employers. And if you already have a permanent residence status in the US, you can apply for a US citizen through the process called “naturalization.” Moreover, consulting the best immigration law firm in Los Angeles can help with proper assistance throughout the process.

A Guide to O-1 Visas for Models

Professional models from all over the world dream of traveling to the United States to make a mark in the lucrative fashion industry. A fashion model’s work in the United States can consist of walking prestigious runway shows, participating in advertisements, being an ambassador of a luxury brand, or even being a show stopper.

But there are a number of things to consider when planning to immigrate to the US. Hence, this is one of the main reasons why models plan to hire best immigration attorneys in Miami.

Models who wish to enter the US must get a proper work visa. This blog will help you navigate the criteria needed to get an O-1 Visa. Nevertheless, we advise consulting an experienced immigration attorney from a best immigration law firm in Miami to determine eligibility criteria and to complete the process.

Insight on coming to the United States to work as a Model

It has been said that a number of undocumented models come to the United States and walk on the runways without a work visa. Nevertheless, this is not suggested under any circumstances as it may lead to severe immigration issues. Experienced, successful, and foreign non american models normally enter the US via an 0-1 Visa. This is a visa that is made for people who have extraordinary abilities in the industries mentioned below:

• Athletics
• Business
• Education
• Arts
• Sciences

How to start the process?

To get started with the procedure, your prospective employer is required to file a petition for a Nonimmigrant worker, and submit it to the US Citizen and Immigration Services along with all the supporting evidence. This has to happen at least 45 days before you plan to start your new job.

Meet eligibility requirements

The application process for the 0-1Visa requires various documents. Again, you cannot just say that you are a prominent, successful model working in some other country. It is mandatory for you to prove your prominence with videos, pictures, documents, and certificates.

Once the procedure is completed, you can stay and work in the US, initially for 3 years, which can also be extended indefinitely, in increments, so long as you maintain eligibility.

If you would like our help to determine your eligibility for an O-1B visa, Contact the best immigration attorneys from a law firm in Miami.

How to find the best immigration Law Firm in Miami?

Every year thousands of people get immigrated to foreign countries. But at the same time there are hundreds who are deported to their respective countries or are denied permanent residences for various reasons. And, sometimes the cases are so severe that an immigrant might not even get a second chance to apply for PR. This is where an immigration attorney in Miami comes into the picture.

The best immigration attorney in Miami can make all the difference in your case. There are many lawyers who are honest, and considerate, and really want to help their clients. However, a notorious lawyer can fool you, overcharge you and may complicate your case further. Thus, it’s quite crucial to find the best immigration law firm in Miami that can provide a qualified, honest and considerate immigration attorney for your case.

Here we have provided a few tips to help you find the best immigration attorney in Miami.

Avoid attorney at USCIS

When visiting an immigration office, you might encounter many “high volume, low value” immigration lawyers who wander around immigration office trying to get clients. First of all, it is not ethically right according the legal bar. Secondly, if you want the best immigration attorney in Miami, this is not where you would find them. Any qualified and experienced immigration lawyer would rather be working in a legal firm rather than prowling the hallways of an immigration office.

Comparison is a must

It is always recommended to get in touch with 4 5 different immigration attorneys before finalizing the final one. And once you have collected all the reference and made a list of at least 5 to 10 Best immigration attorney in Miami or Best Immigration Law Firm in Miami, it's time to do the comparison. Also, it is recommended to visit these attorney to have a better idea of their services, professionalism and experience. Before you visit, be well prepared and must check that they are licensed and are happy to give references of their previous clients. Brief them about your case and must jot down what they suggest you.

Get a cost estimate

Cost is one of the major factors to consider when looking for an attorney. After all, you don’t want to hire an attorney that charges a lot. But remember a reputed attorney is not cheap and obviously their services will be quite expensive. So make sure you have a good budget set aside for this. At the end, visit their website to check the reviews and comments of the customers.

Keeping these points in mind, you can easily figure out which immigration law firm in Miami is the best for you.

When do you need to hire the best immigration attorney in Los Angeles?

Since the presidency of Donald Trump, the H-1B visa has been in breaking bulletins. Immigrants have been facing problems with citizenship, and naturalization. However, the fact is immigrants residency has been a bone of contention for many decades. Hiring the best immigration attorney in Los Angeles has always helped immigrants looking to settle in the US.

As an immigrant, you are always surrounded with tons of issues such as citizenship, naturalization, green cards, deportation issues, and employment. The best immigration companies push their limits to bring happiness on the faces of thousands of immigrants. And if you are an immigrant facing immigration challenges, getting in touch with the best immigration law firm in Los Angeles is your best bet.

Here are few situations when you should hire an immigration attorney.

Multiple rejected immigration applications: When your immigration applications have been rejected multiple times, an immigration lawyer is the only reliable resource to get into the matter and seek the right assistance. They not only help you fix the issue but also guide you on how to apply for green card again. Moreover, with the help of an immigration lawyer, you can rest assured that your application is in good hands.

Been deported: Have been deported? If so, getting in touch with an immigration lawyer can help you get back in the country. Deportation is a process where an individual is removed from the country. When an immigrant is deported, they often get disheartened. However, getting in touch with a reliable immigration attorney can help you get out from this situation and can even get the entry back in the United States in the right manner.

Helps speed-up your application process: Last but not the least; not everybody is well aware of the application process, especially the deadlines and waiting time. This often leads to huge mistakes in forms submitted. And as a result, your application gets rejected. With the help of an immigration lawyer, you can ensure that your forms are filled with the right information. Moreover, an immigration lawyer also helps in speeding up your application process.

Apart from these, there are many other situations when hiring the best immigration attorney in Los Angeles will help. If you are looking for the best immigration Law Firm in Los Angeles, Wildes & Weinberg, P.C. is your safest bet.

Reasons Why Immigration Attorneys Are The Safest Bet To Get a Green Card.

The United States is known for the never ending opportunities. A number of people are immigrating to the US to receive better quality of life. Nevertheless from last few years, the US is deporting the non green card immigrants out of the country. Some immigrants are hiring the best immigration attorney in New Jersey to help them with the situation.

It is essential for the immigrants to hire an experienced attorney from the best immigration law firm in New Jersey. Moreover, it is also important that the immigration attorney has proper understanding about the immigration laws and knows how to present them well in the court. However, there are people who wonder why an experienced immigration attorney should be hired.

Laws are a large domain: The laws of the immigration system in the US are not simple. A single law and huge amount of bylaws. Hence, an inexperienced attorney won’t be able to help you. When you opt for best immigration attorney in New Jersey, you get the best advice from an experienced attorney and a huge amount of experience.

New changes in law: The immigration laws change every day. The lawyers need to be on top of every single change made. Hiring the best immigration lawyer will have a huge impact on your case. It is the lawyer who will represent your case in the court and the judge will listen to the lawyer only.

Reputable firms

There are a huge amount of immigration firms in the country. These immigration attorneys play a huge role in the future of the immigration. One such firm is Wildes and Weinberg. With office all around the country, the expert attorneys work hard to help people settle in the country and help them get their nationalization.

Whether you want to immigrate the country or want to get your nationalization in the United States, experts at Wildes and Weinberg are the one for you. They are the leaders in their field with a team of expert immigration attorneys.