Common misconceptions people have about green card

For most people across the globe, settling in the United States is a big dream. Lawful immigrants in the U.S. are granted with the green card by immigration services of United States. Green card, also known as permanent residence card, is proof of people’s legal status in the U.S., which allow them to live and work here. Usually, the green card is the initial step toward becoming a citizen of America for immigrants. However, there is lots of misconceptions floating around about green card. If you consult the best immigration law firm, they will provide you with correct information about getting a green card in the United States. 

 Here are some of the common green car misconceptions you need to know.

Lawyer is not required to get green card - You can get necessary information and application forms for a green card at the USCIS website. Hiring an immigration lawyer is not necessary, but, with an experienced attorney at your side, you tend to make fewer mistakes.

Getting a green card is easy - Although there are various ways to get a green card, getting married to an American citizen is the most common. Another most common method to receive a green card is through employment. Immigrants who can prove that they have the demanding skills are provided with work visas and green cards in the United States. When it comes to issuing green cards, there are several balances and checks to ensure only the deserving candidate receives it. Most people live with this myth that green cards are easy to get. But, in reality, they are very difficult to get.

Once you get green card you can’t be deported - Except for American citizens, rest all people can deport to their respective countries. Even green card holders can be deported, and if they get involved in a crime, they will lose their green cards.

Green cards last forever - Yes, all green cards come with an expiration date. A green card holder needs to renew the green card or apply for citizenship before the expiration of the green card. Plus, every green card has a different life span. Green cards that are issued through family sponsorship are valid for 10 years, while green cards issued through marriage last only for 3 years.

Green card holders enjoy the same rights as citizens - Well, green cards holders do not have the same rights as citizens of the United States. The former cannot vote, and they don’t have the right to permanent residence in the U.S.

If you’re planning to apply for green card in the U.S., staying informed as much as you can is crucial in the long run. Do you need the Best immigration lawyer in New York? Contact Wildes & Weinberg.

Immigration and Trump administration's misleading spin

In the last few years, America has lost its shine as one of the leading countries for immigration. This is partly due to the Trump administration and their want to degrade the immigrants. The uncertainty that the current administration is providing has lead to the immigrants hire the best immigration attorney in Miami.


Currently, President Trump and his team of administrators want to erect the border wall as they believe that border will ensure that the thousands of terrorists and criminals can be stopped, deported and arrested by the US authorities. January 2nd, 3rd and 4th saw the administration making statement with different statistics for each of them.

 

“In the last two years, ICE officers arrested 235,000 criminals who were able to come in over the years through the United States.”
— President Trump at the White House, Jan. 2

“This group has apprehended, last year, 17,000 criminals trying to get across the border. Seventeen thousand. And that’s one category. There are plenty of others.”
— President Trump briefing with border officials, Jan. 3
“3,755 Known or suspected terrorists prevented from traveling to or entering the U.S. by DHS (FY17)”
— Border security briefing from the Department of Homeland Security, Jan. 4

The three different number showcase the way the administration has spun the numbers. This has increased the fear in the hearts of immigrants and made them worried about their future in the country. The legal immigrants to the illegal ones, everyone needs a expert attorneys who can fight for their future. About 22 immigrants have died in the ICE detention centers in past two years. While the deaths precede the trump administration, Roxana Hernandez’s was the most profiled death that happened during current term.


Filing for immigration papers especially for naturalization in the US is a tough and requires someone who is expert in such matters. With best immigration lawyer in Miami by your side, the process will be so much easier to be understood.


Are you looking for lawyer to help you to complete your immigration process? Contact Wildes and Weinberg. They are the leading law firm in the country with an expert team of best immigration attorney in Miami. They have offices in four different cities namely Miami, New Jersey, New York City, and Los Angeles.

The dos and don’ts of becoming a U.S. lawful permanent resident

The process of becoming a U.S. lawful permanent resident is long and often complicated. Only an expert in the laws of a country such as best immigration lawyer, NY can help the immigrants get their green card. However, not all immigrants are eligible to work in the country. It is necessary for the immigrants to know the necessary dos and don'ts of getting their green card. 

 

Here is the comprehensive list of dos and don’t assembled by the best immigration attorney in New York that can help an immigrant get understanding of the green card process.

The Dos

• It is crucial that you follow the instructions present on the Bureau of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) forms. Failure to follow and provide the information can lead to significant delays in the green card process.
• Remember to attach the documents that are asked for and provide appropriate translations where required. If the documents are missing, the USCIS will not process the forms
• USCIS requires the green card applicant to get photographed. Check your local USCIS office to check if they have onsite photographer; if not check the protograph instructions provided.
• English is the non native language of the majority of immigrants. The USCIS offices have interpreters present if need arises. Green card applicant can also get their own interpreters.
• If as an immigrant you have been denied entry to the country, convicted of crime, overstayed a visa, deported or are in the country illegally, make sure you hire best immigration attorney in New York.
• Make sure that you tell your attorney in depth about the previously denied entries and any problems with USCIS. An experienced attorney would be able to find a solution for your problem.
• It is necessary that you hire an attorney, if you are accepting any public benefits, you can lose your green card. 
  
  
  

The Don’ts

Here are a few things that you shouldn’t do when you have applied for green card:

• Do not commit any crime. You will be deported.
• Do not engage in any kind of politically subversive activities
• Do not give legal advice for money. Your experience as a green card holder does not make you an expert.
• Do not smuggle any illegal immigrants in the country.
• Do not create an impression that you are not living in the country.
• Do not lie on any USCIS form.
• Do not lie to any USCIS officers.

The process of getting a green card in United States takes time and patience. Make sure you hire best immigration lawyer, NY to help you out. Contact Wildes & Weinberg. They are leading immigration attorneys with offices in five cities.

Becoming a U.S. citizen via neutralization

If you’re already a permanent resident of the United States, you may be eligible to become a U.S. citizen with a neutralization process. However, you need to fulfill the visa requirements created by Congress in the Immigration and Nationality Act. With the best immigration attorney in NYC, you can remain carefree about the required documents and the entire process.

The following are the steps of becoming a citizen of the United States through neutralization.

Complete and submit the U.S. citizenship application form - In order to become eligible to apply for U.S. citizenship through neutralization, you need to fulfill the below requirements.

• You must be 18 years old and above
• Should legally hold a green card for five years
• Need to possess a good moral character
• Must be physically present in the U.S. for at least five years.
• Possess basic knowledge of the English language.
• Must be familiar with the U.S. history and government.
  

Fulfill the biometric services

• Once you receive the application receipt notice provided by the USCIS, make a visit to the local Application Support Center as addressed in the USCIS letter to get your fingerprint.
• Meanwhile, the USCIS conducts a proper background check according to the information that you’ve given in the application form.
• In some cases, the USCIS may also ask for other supporting documents from your side.

Appear for the interview and exam conducted by the USCIS

• If the USCIS has analyzed your background check and found no discrepancies, you will be sent an interview appointment letter.
• When it comes to appearing for the interview make sure you reach half an hour before your interview time. Also, don’t forget to bring the USCIS letter with you.
• Bring your photo and copies of the photo that you submitted with your application.
• Try giving simple and honest answers to your interviewer.
• Appear for the English and history tests.

• If you clear your interview and test, you will get to know on the same day, or you may have to wait for a few days.

Become a part of the oath-taking ceremony - If you pass the interview and exam, you will get another letter from the USCIS with the time, date and location of the oath-taking ceremony.

• Make sure you arrive 30 minutes to one hour before the specified time on the invitation letter.
• For this occasion, you must dress formally.

• Return your permanent resident to the USCIS.
• Become a part of the oath ceremony along with other applicants.
• Receive your neutralization certificate, which confirms that you are now a citizen of the U.S.

It is necessary to meet all the requirements given to you by the USCIS to become a U.S. citizen via neutralization. Are you searching for the best immigration attorney in NYC? Contact Wildes & Weinberg P.C.They have the experienced and reliable immigration lawyers in New York.

Top green card alternatives to the EB-5 investor visa

When it comes to the U.S. immigration system, the U.S. immigration system, it is all about uncertainties and complexities. Although there are several routes an overseas investor can take to alter EB-5 investor visa to a green card, even the most well-known ways are not easy. If you’re considering to become a permanent residence in the United States, you should be aware of the taxation on international income. For this reason, make sure you hire the best immigration attorney in New York to better assistance throughout the process.

As per the EB-5 program, immigrant entrepreneurs and their families become U.S. citizens by investing $500,000 to $1,000,000 in a commercial business within the U.S. and should create ten permanent jobs for U.S. citizens. However, during the scrutiny period, either the business may fail, or the funds could be limited to keep the company running. Therefore, we have come up with top green car alternatives to the EB-5 investor visa.

Extraordinary ability - The EB-1A extraordinary ability petition is an excellent option for people who have experienced backlogs with EB-5 investor visa. To be eligible for this category, an applicant needs to possess extraordinary abilities in their respective fields from being pro researchers to professors. Most permanent residence paths have significant backlogs, but EB-1A extraordinary ability petition usually doesn’t have any backlog. Besides this, extraordinary ability category is also eligible for premium processing service, which means USCIS will give a decision within as much as 15 days. The applicant must meet three out of ten criteria determined by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services to be eligible for extraordinary ability.

EB-1C multinational manager - The EB-1C multinational executives or manager category is another excellent alternative for foreign entrepreneurs. According to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), an applicant requires employment in a U.S. company for at least a year. The USCIS also requires the foreign national to hold the position of executive or manager.

Do you want to apply for citizenship in EB-1C multinational manager category? Keep in mind that the affiliate, subsidiary or corporation should be based in the United States and should in the field for more than a year. There are several immigration lawyers in NYC offering proper assistance throughout the application process.

EB-2 national interest waiver - This category is an option for entrepreneurs who possess exceptional skills, which can have an impact on the U.S. If you’re choosing EB-2 national interest waiver category, make sure you hold ten years of experience in your respective field, take home a high salary, have licenses, are a member of professional associations, and have recognitions for your achievements.

The high investment and backlogs for individuals in countries such as China and India make the EB-5 program to lose its credibility. Are you looking for the best immigration attorney in New York? Contact Wildes & Weinberg

Requirements for an EB-5 investor visa

With EB-5 visa, foreign investors can get immigrated to the United States by investing a minimum of 1 million US$ in a commercial business and create at least 10 full-time jobs for the U.S. citizens. However, to become eligible for the EB-5 visa program, each candidate has to fulfill certain criteria established by the USCIS. In most of the cases, people hire an immigration lawyer for better assistance from the application process to the interview. Although there are many immigration lawyers, you have to choose the best immigration lawyer in New York. 

If you’re planning to apply for the US investor visa, you must know the basic eligibility criteria and requirements. The following are the important requirements for an EB-5 investor visa.

USCIS requirements:

• Job creation requirement
• Investment requirement
• Business entity requirement
• Benefits to the U.S. economy requirement

Initial investor requirements and documents

While applying for an EB-5 visa, there are many documents an applicant has to submit. But, the document checklist varies from one investor to another. Generally, an investor and the family members have to submit the following documents.

Personal documents

Here are the documents candidates and their family members such as spouse and unmarried children under 21 years have to provide.

• The applicant and family members have to submit a complete personal bio.
• Identification documents such as passports, birth certificates, driver’s license, social security cards and national identity cards of the applicant and family members.
• If the investor is married, the candidate and spouse have to provide their marriage certificate.
• Employment and business history.
• An immigrant investor has to submit certified copies of education diplomas and degrees.
• If the applicant  was convicted for a crime, the court and prison records have to be provided.
• Each member of the family has to submit two passport size color photographs and passport.

Financial documents

The following are the financial documents foreign investors have to submit to the USCIS.

• Documents proving source of income.
• Proof of capital funds.
• Ownership and tax documents.
• Other financial documents such as bank statements, security agreements, loan and mortgage documents, stock certificates and promissory notes.

Application forms required for EB-5 investor visa

Given below are the application forms an immigrant and his family members need to fill and submit.

• Form I-526 - As a proof of required investment.
• Form DS-230 - For foreign investors who want to apply for conditional permanent residency.
• Form I-485 - Required for investors who are already living in the US and want to apply for conditional permanent residency.
• Form I-829 - This form is for removing the conditions required for an EB-5 visa.

Do you want to know your eligibility for EB-5 investor visa? You must hire the best immigration lawyer in New York. Need an immigration lawyer in NYC? Contact Wildes & Weinberg P.C.  They employee some of the best immigration lawyers in NYC.

E2 visa: How to convert it into a green card

The E-2 is the primary investor visa that allows a foreign national to set their business in the United States by investing a substantial amount of investment in a U.S. business. If you’re the one holding a U.S. E-2 visa, we’ll brief you with top ways of converting your investor visa into a green card to get the permanent residence of the U.S. However it is always recommended to hire an expert for better assistance. There are various well-qualified and experienced immigration lawyers in New Jersey who can help you in getting a green card. Here are the tops ways to convert your E-2 visa into a green card.

Invest more capital and obtain EB-5 green card — Typically, every foreign national entering into the US to set a business by obtaining an E-2 work visa is obliged to invest a substantial amount of money. They need to invest at least $200, 000 USD and their business should create a minimum of five jobs for US citizens in five years. However, if you have more money, you could also apply for an EB-5 green card while continuing to operate your business in the U.S. under the E-2 investor visa. To apply for an EB-5 visa, you have to invest $1 million dollars and create 10 new jobs to qualify your company. It’s mandatory that the money you invest is traceable.

• Invest in a regional project and obtain a EB-5 visa — Instead of directly investing $1 million in your own business, you could also invest $500, 000 into a regional center project while continuing to run your own E-2 visa business. The requirement to create 10 jobs can be fulfilled indirectly by the regional center project. Well, this is a comparatively less expensive way to obtain an EB-5 visa. You can always get the assistance of experts by hiring the best immigration attorney in NJ.
• Find an employer to sponsor you — Another way is to find an employer who would sponsor you, or maybe your spouse, for a permanent residency. In some cases, if someone is hired for the right position and possesses enough qualifications to be exceptionally capable, they can even get an exemption from a PERM labor certification.
• Get sponsorship by a family member — If you have a close relative in the U.S. who is holding a U.S. green card or citizen, that relative can sponsor you EB-5 green card while you continue to manage and your business under the E-2 vis

One thing, you should always remember while converting E-2 visa into a green card is that lots of requirements need to be fulfilled for a green card which is not required for E-2 visa. If you’re searching for reliable and qualified immigration lawyers in New Jersey, contact Wildes & Weinberg. They have the best immigration attorney in NJ.