Guerra & Associates Law Group, P.C.

Joe Biden has made more use of immigration “parole” than any American president to bypass an uncooperative Congress, but he’s hardly the first.

Immigration 'parole' is a well-worn tool for US presidents. It faces a big test in 2024 elections Joe Biden has made more use of immigration “parole” than any American president to bypass an uncooperative Congress, but he’s hardly the first.

The share of immigrants in the U.S. labor force has steadily increased for more than a decade, and that growth is poised to continue — a trend economists say benefits the American workforce and economy.

Immigration is 'taking pressure off' the job market and U.S. economy, expert says Immigrants are helping the U.S. labor force grow, counterbalancing trends such as lower birth rates and an aging population that would otherwise shrink it.

U.S. immigration law imposes penalties for unlawful presence in the country. Staying in the U.S. without a visa or other permission can prohibit a person from reentering for three years, 10 years or even permanently. However, applicants for certain immigration benefits may be exempt or may qualify for a waiver from the ban. An experienced immigration attorney can determine what relief may be available.

Visas come in two main types—immigrant and nonimmigrant. An immigrant visa is for people who wish to live permanently in the United States, with a green card. Nonimmigrant visas are for those who only wish to stay in the U.S. on a temporary basis, for purposes such as work, tourism or study. An immigration attorney can help you decide the best visa for your situation and advise you about the necessary petitions and applications.

More than 9 million legal permanent residents in the United States are eligible to apply for U.S. citizenship but haven’t done so, according to the Office of Homeland Security Statistics. On April 1, the cost of the application to naturalize is climbing as much as 19%.

The cost of US citizenship is about to rise Nine million legal residents are eligible to become U.S. citizens. The cost of becoming a naturalized U.S. citizen is about to rise.

The White House announced that Palestinians living in the U.S. will be shielded from deportation as the Israel-Hamas war continues, citing “significantly deteriorated” conditions on the ground in Gaza.

Palestinians living in US will be shielded from deportation, the White House says The White House has announced that Palestinians living in the U.S. will be shielded from deportation as the Israel-Hamas war continues, citing “significantly deteriorated” conditions on the ground in Gaza.

If you are not an American citizen and are interested in working in the United States, you will need a social security number to be employed in the U.S.

How Non-US Citizens Can Get a Social Security Number and Card Find out the eligibility of non-US citizens for a social security number, and how foreign workers who want to work in the United States can get a SSN.

The United States announced a new visa restriction policy for those it said were misusing commercial spyware.

US to restrict visas for those who misuse commercial spyware The United States on Monday announced a new visa restriction policy for those it said were misusing commercial spyware.

Final rules hiking fees for employment-based visas and overhauling the lottery process for H-1B speciality occupation visas were released by the USCIS.

H-1B Lottery Revamp, Higher Visa Fees Finalized in New Rules (1) Final rules hiking fees for employment-based visas and overhauling the lottery process for H-1B speciality occupation visas were released Tuesday by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services.

Foreign nationals have a variety of employment opportunities in the United States, but rules and regulations apply to working here. The type of visa and work permit you'll need will vary.

Guidelines for Working in the US If You’re From Another Country If you want to work in the U.S. but are from another country, you’ll need to follow guidelines in order to get a job. Learn how work visas, green cards, and more work.

A limited number of H-1B workers now can begin applying to renew their visas without leaving the US, the first time in two decades the option has been available.

H-1B Domestic Visa Renewal Pilot Program Begins as Demand Soars A limited number of H-1B workers now can begin applying to renew their visas without leaving the US, the first time in two decades the option has been available.

Data compiled by researchers at Syracuse University highlights just how big the backlog has grown at immigration courts – and which states are home to the most cases.

These States Have the Largest Immigration Court Backlogs There are more than 3 million pending cases across the country, and nearly a third are in Florida and Texas, according to a Syracuse University research institute.

Regulations to modernize the H-1B visa program, including a revamp of the annual lottery for the specialty occupation visas, are under review at the White House’s Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs.

H-1B Visa Program Overhaul Undergoing White House Rule Review Regulations to modernize the H-1B visa program, including a revamp of the annual lottery for the specialty occupation visas, are under review at the White House’s Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs.

The Supreme Court appeared divided on Monday over what counted as proper notice for the government to give to people facing deportation hearings. The argument centered on whether undocumented immigrants should be allowed to challenge deportation orders if their initial notice to appear in court failed to list a time and date for the hearing.

Supreme Court Appears Split Over Notice Requirements for Immigration Court Although the legal question was narrow, the argument reflected broader debates about the immigration system.

A green card authorizes an individual to live and work in the United States permanently. A green card is valid for ten years and must be renewed subsequently.

How To Get a Green Card to Work in the U.S. What is a green card to work in the U.S., different types of employment green cards, the green card lottery, and how to get a job-based green card.

The nation's immigration court backlog swelled by more than 1 million cases in 2023, according to new data.

As migration surges, immigration court case backlog swells to over 3 million There are now more immigrants in the U.S. with a pending immigration case than people living in Chicago.

According to newly released data from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), more foreign-born workers in science, technology, engineering, and math fields are being awarded O-1A and STEM EB-2 visas after a change in guidance criteria for those visa categories.

New U.S. immigration rules spur more visa approvals for STEM workers Changes clarify route to a green card within annual cap set by 1990 immigration law

Green card holders must meet residency requirements to qualify for U.S. citizenship through the naturalization process. Generally, you'll need to have lived in the United States for at least five years (or three years if you are married to a U.S. citizen). And you must have been physically present in this country for at least half of that time.

Overstaying your visa without obtaining an adjustment in status, or some other type of relief, will result in automatic visa cancellation. Additionally, your unlawful presence in the United States can result in a three- or ten-year bar on reentry. If your out-of-status date is looming, it's crucial to take action now. An immigration attorney can help you understand your options.

Lawful permanent residence in the United States, signified by a green card, is available to spouses, parents, children and siblings of U.S. citizens, as well as spouses and children of current permanent residents. In some cases, permanent residence can also be granted to spouses and children eligible green card applicants. If you are considering applying for a family-based green card, an attorney from Guerra & Associates can help.

Employers have submitted enough petitions for H-1B specialty occupation visas to reach the annual limit of 85,000 for fiscal year 2024, US Citizenship and Immigration Services announced Wednesday.

H-1B Specialty Occupation Visa Cap Reached for Fiscal Year 2024 Employers have submitted enough petitions for H-1B specialty occupation visas to reach the annual limit of 85,000 for fiscal year 2024, US Citizenship and Immigration Services announced Wednesday.

A visa provides entry into the United States, and depending on the type of visa, may allow you to work in the U.S. The guidelines for obtaining authorization to work in the U.S. vary depending on the type of visa and its eligibility requirements.

U.S. Work Visas and Eligibility Requirements Foreigners looking to work in the U.S. face a dizzying array of visa types and requirements. Learn about work visas, including eligibility requirements and how to apply.

Immigrants seeking another shot to prove their deportations would cause unusual hardship for their family appear likely to prevail at the US Supreme Court.

Justices Set to Broaden Judicial Review in Deportation Cases (1) Immigrants seeking another shot to prove their deportations would cause unusual hardship for their family appear likely to prevail at the US Supreme Court.

A limited number of H-1B specialty occupation workers will be able to renew their visas in the US as soon as January, State Department officials announced.

H-1B Worker Domestic Visa Renewal Pilot to Start in January (2) A limited number of H-1B specialty occupation workers will be able to renew their visas in the US as soon as January, State Department officials announced.

Navigating the complex world of immigration law can be overwhelming, but you don't have to do it alone. At Guerra & Associates, our team is passionate about helping individuals and families achieve their immigration goals.

H-1B visas a way for employers to hire foreigners with at least a bachelor’s degree in fields like technology and engineering. The visas are temporary, lasting up to six years, but foreign workers who initiate the process of applying for a green card for permanent residency can renew their H-1Bs indefinitely as long as an employer sponsors their visa.

Analysis | How H-1B Visas Work and Why They’re Back in Headlines Migrants who enter the US uninvited at the nation’s southern border dominate the political debate over immigration. But there’s a fight as well over tens of thousands of people who enter the US legally every year as part of a visa program, known as H-1B, largely designed to attract guest workers...

U.S. residents who have held green cards for five years (or sometimes less) may qualify for citizenship. An applicant must be an adult of good moral character, must have lived principally in the U.S. over a certain time period and must pass English language and American civics exams. However, there are potential stumbling blocks in the naturalization process that may call for an attorney’s advice and assistance.

The United States extended temporary deportation relief status through 2025 for Cameroonians living in the United States, citing armed conflict and human rights abuses in the Central African country.

US extends deportation relief for immigrants from Cameroon The United States on Friday extended temporary deportation relief status through 2025 for Cameroonians living in the United States, citing armed conflict and human rights abuses in the Central African country.

The federal government would be barred from immigration policies that separate parents from children for eight years under a proposed court settlement announced Monday that also provides families that were split under the Trump administration with temporary legal status and short-term housing aid.

Settlement over Trump family separations at the border limits future separations for 8 years A proposed court settlement prevents the government from policies to separate migrant parents from their children at the border for eight years.

The Biden administration will be opening a new legal immigration pathway for certain immigrants from Ecuador in a bid to dissuade people in the South American nation from trekking to the U.S.-Mexico border, according to internal federal government documents obtained by CBS News.

U.S. to create new immigration program for Ecuadorians aimed at discouraging border crossings The initiative is the latest Biden administration attempt to reduce illegal border crossings by offering migrants pathways to enter the U.S. legally.