Stratton Immigration, PLLC

The Biden Administration announced a parole in place ("PIP") program for undocumented spouses of United State citizens. There is no official policy in place. This is done through Executive Order which is ripe for being tied up in litigation, much like DACA. There is no process completely in place yet. It looks like to be eligible you have to be married by June 17, 2024 and have been in the country for 10 years and no criminal history.

Each case will need careful case by case review to determine eligibility. Also, remember that this is the announcement. There is no process or official policy in place.

Please call our office you think that this new policy may apply to you to set up a consult.

FACT SHEET: President Biden Announces New Actions to Keep Families Together | The White House Since his first day in office, President Biden has called on Congress to secure our border and address our broken immigration system. As Congressional Republicans have continued to put partisan politics ahead of national security – twice voting against the toughest and fairest set of reforms in d...

https://www.dhs.gov/news/2023/09/21/el-secretario-mayorkas-anuncia-la-extension-y-redesignacion-de-venezuela-para-el

There is a change in the TPS designation for Venezuelans. If you are from Venezuela and were here before July 31, 2023 you can apply for Temporary Protected Status. We can't apply just yet, but it has been announced.

El secretario Mayorkas anuncia la extensión y redesignación de Venezuela para el estatus de protección temporal | Homeland Security El Secretario de Seguridad Nacional, Alejandro N. Mayorkas, anunció hoy la extensión y redesignación de Venezuela para el Estatus de Protección Temporal (TPS) por 18 meses, debido a condiciones extraordinarias y temporales en Venezuela que impiden que las personas regresen de manera segura. 

Congrats to Carlos on becoming a citizen! Many of you know Carlos is the smiling face of our firm and likely the first person you talk to when you call the office. I tested Carlos on the questions you have to answer to become a citizen yesterday. I know he worked hard studying and it paid off. Congrats Carlos!!

Hello everyone. We are looking for someone to join our office as a legal assistant. Let me know if there is anyone interested. Details Below:
Stratton Immigration, PLLC is a Seattle based immigration law firm dedicated to serving non-U.S. citizens and their families. We are a small but fast-paced office in which initiative and eagerness to learn are as valuable as previous experience. Our office consists of two attorneys and two legal assistants. We offer health benefits, Orca pass and a 401k after a probationary period.
Primary Responsibilities:
• Management of a caseload;
• Scheduling clients for meetings with the attorney;
• Immigration Court document preparation;
• Filling out Immigration forms;
• Working with clients in gathering evidence and information;
• Providing occasional Spanish interpretation and translation assistance in office and at immigration interviews;
Qualifications:
• Bachelor’s degree;
• Experience or familiarity with immigration processes or immigration agencies preferred;
• Fluent in Spanish and English, including the ability to speak, read, and write in both languages;
• College degree and 1-2 years in office experience preferred;
• Excellent organizational skills and Attention to detail;
• Sensitivity, discretion, confidentiality and a commitment to serving immigrant communities;
• Ability to multitask, work independently and be a self-starter;
• Experience with data management and databases;
• Experience with Microsoft Office, Excel Spread sheets and Google/gmail;
• Excellent professional judgment;
• Ability to work collaboratively, and preferably, prior experience working with attorneys, law firms, or other legal service providers
Please submit your resume and a short statement on past work with immigrant communities or why you want to work with immigrant communities.
**We have a federal contract that requires us to E-verify all employees**
Job Type: Full-time
Salary: DOE

I little lesser known fact is that the Irish have connections to Mexico. The Irish fought with Mexico against the United States in the St. Patricks Battalion.

https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/mexican-american-war-irish-immigrants-deserted-us-army-fight-against-america-180971713/

During the Mexican-American War, Irish-Americans Fought for Mexico in the 'Saint Patrick's Battalion' Anti-Catholic sentiment in the States gave men like John Riley little reason to continue to pay allegiance to the stars and stripes

USCIS has designated TPS for Ukrainian Citizens. This is for those Ukrainians that are currently in the United States.

https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/news-releases/secretary-mayorkas-designates-ukraine-for-temporary-protected-status-for-18-months

Secretary Mayorkas Designates Ukraine for Temporary Protected Status for 18 Months The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the designation of Ukraine for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for 18 months.

A positive update on the initial applications for DACA. Part of the problem and reason that the Texas court was able to stop initial DACA application is because of the way that DACA was created. President Obama created DACA through executive order. Critics of DACA have argued that DACA needed to be made through a notice and comment period that congress can do before creating new law, or in this case an immigration benefit. The Biden administration announced yesterday that they are going to do a notice and comment period for DACA which would essential, and permanently, fix the issue to ensure that DACA continues. This will hopefully end the nervous breakdowns of your immigration attorney about our DACA clients not being able to continue.

https://www.dhs.gov/news/2021/09/27/dhs-publish-notice-proposed-rulemaking-daca

DHS to Publish Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on DACA The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) today a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) that would preserve and fortify the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) policy. DHS will open a 60-day public comment period for the public to submit comments relevant to the proposed rule.

I know there is a lot of questions out here about the recent DACA decision. Here is some information from NWIRP who we support. Hang in there. It's a bumpy ride but somethings got to work out.

https://www.nwirp.org/uploads/2021/07/DACACommunityAdvisory_English.pdf?fbclid=IwAR1CqKmPVcYr2JRlzNTmcsQQPvzLAZ_JNH-vcRrvSD8IN_IuJdMQNynp7Ac

www.nwirp.org

Today is the last day to apply for the WA Covid-19 Immigrant Relief Fund. Apply by 9pm!

Informacion sobre el fondo de asistencia por COVID-19 para inmigrantes de Washington. Pueden encontrar mas informacion en la pagina de WA Immigrant Solidarity Network -Red de Solidaridad de Inmigrantes en WA. Abierto hasta el 21 de mayo.

Information about the Washington COVID-19 Immigrant Relief Fund, open until May 21. More information can be found at the above page.

Hello everyone. There are a lot of questions around the immigration policies announced by President Biden. There are a lot of hopeful things included in his proposal, HOWEVER, there is no change in the law yet. The proposal has to go through congress who can take away and add things. We are waiting until congress passes new laws to make sure we can help people gain immigration status. We are hopeful but waiting to see what happens to make sure we do the right thing for our clients. One thing that is in President Biden's power is he is letting DACA stay and is not trying to use the courts to overturn DACA, which was always a concern. If you think you may be eligible for DACA let us know and we can consult with you about DACA and make sure you are eligible.

https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2021-01-15/biden-to-send-congress-bill-to-legalize-11-million-immigrants-who-lack-documentation

There is a lot to happen until Immigration reform goes through. We will be watching the proposed laws go through congress. In the meantime. Get together your birth certificates, passports, evidence of taxes, including W-2s and pay stubs. I will continue to post as the proposed immigration reform moves through congress. Finally some good news!

Biden plans early legislation to offer legal status to 11 million immigrants without it During his first days in office, President-elect Joe Biden plans to unveil a legislative proposal that would include a path to citizenship for 11 million immigrants in the U.S. illegally, according to activists in communication with his transition team.

https://www.dhs.gov/news/2020/12/07/update-deferred-action-childhood-arrivals

Here is the official word. Let’s file applications!

Update: Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals On November 14, 2020, Judge Nicholas George Garaufis of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York issued an opinion regarding the July 28, 2020 memorandum signed by Acting Secretary Chad F. Wolf. On December 4, 2020, Judge Garaufis required the Department of Homeland Security to r...

DACA returns! What does the Batalla Vidal v. Wolf decision mean to you? DACA has been restored to its original status, which means initial or 1st time DACA applicants will be able to apply and also, if you have DACA, you can apply for advanced parole again. As always, small things can change your case and you should always consult with an attorney to review your case.
Initial DACA applicants had to prove the following:
1. Under the age of 31 on June 15, 2012
2. Came to the US before turning 16 years old
3. Continuously present in the US from June 15, 2007 to Present
4. Present in the US on June 15, 2012
5. No Immigration Status on June 15, 2012
6. In school or a High School Degree or GED
7. No or little criminal history. It depends and always consult with an attorney if you have had any contact with police or law enforcement of any time.

The dust is still settling. USCIS is supposed to update their website to reflect the changes and they have not yet. Keep checking back and we will continue to update as things develop. You can also check for updates here https://www.nilc.org/issues/daca/daca-class-action-lawsuit/

Schedule a consult to see if you can qualify as an initial DACA applicant.

DACA Class Action Lawsuit - National Immigration Law Center DACA Class Action Lawsuit Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) Class Action Lawsuit Make the Road New York | National Immigration Law Center | Jerome N. Frank Legal Services Organization SIGN UP FOR MORE INFORMATION On November 14, 2020, we won a court decision protecting DACA-eligible immi...

Start getting evidence together if you are a first time applicant. Call the office to make an appointment to see if you can qualify for Daca. Such great news. We love our daca clients.

Federal judge restores DACA, orders DHS to accept first-time applications from immigrants “Dreamers” will be allowed to apply for protection after a judge rules that the DHS order was not valid.

Fantastic news! DACA is fully back. There is going to be more information on Monday on the USCIS website. Stay tuned!

https://www.nytimes.com/2020/12/04/us/daca-reinstated.html?referringSource=articleShare&fbclid=IwAR1e9rSKwvVmiwmywoYBlqPwjkSBt5dOJLaHZ84xGWp_yzPm4qh1spiPY7k

Judge Orders Government to Fully Reinstate DACA Program Up to 300,000 additional undocumented immigrants could be allowed to apply for protection from deportation under a new court ruling. President Trump had sought to cancel the program.

Deadline is December 6th.

Great news for your DACA clients. Stay tuned for updates.

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/federal-judge-rules-acting-dhs-head-chad-wolf-unlawfully-appointed-n1247848

Federal judge rules acting DHS head Chad Wolf unlawfully appointed, invalidates DACA suspension "This is really a hopeful day for a lot of young people across the country," said Karen Tumlin, a lawyer in the case and director of the Los Angeles-based Justice Action Center.

Scholarship information for all of the DACA recipients that need to renew. Stay safe out there.

http://www.elcentrodelaraza.org/get-help/daca/

Fantastic news for our DACA dreamers! The Supreme Court decided that DACA can stay!
https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/supreme-court/supreme-court-rules-trump-cannot-end-daca-big-win-dreamer-n1115116?fbclid=IwAR1K0eOZerFQKXOz_kT8Dz6VfjXPlqUPMWAoaljbAQ33f1ZN7kd-DR8CV2k

Supreme Court rules Trump cannot end DACA in big win for ‘Dreamer’ legal immigrants The U.S. Supreme Court ruled Thursday that the Trump administration cannot carry out its plan to shut down the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, which has allowed nearly 800,000 young people, known as "Dreamers," to avoid deportation and remain in the U.S.

Great resource for those worried about the public charge and Covid-19 related issues. It's from the Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs in Seattle.

http://www.seattle.gov/iandraffairs/issues-and-policies/public-charge

Public Charge - IandRaffairs | seattle.gov Learn more about the facts behind Trump’s “public charge” rule change.

Some good resources for immigrants in Washington.

https://medium.com//immigrant-advocacy-group-launches-vetted-covid-19-resource-finder-for-undocumented-families-in-a08a7fe222ab

Immigrant Advocacy Group Launches Vetted COVID-19 Resource Finder for Undocumented Families in… WAISN Resource Finder provides vetted, trusted COVID-19 resources to immigrants and organizations — Over 800 resources are listed in a…

Hello everyone, the president has restricted the issuance of green cards for 60 days to immigrants who are outside of the United States and do not have a current immigrant visa. However, there are many exceptions, such as spouses and children under 21 of US citizens that are exception to the green card 60 day ban.

Remember, the difference between nonimmigrant and immigrant. A nonimmigrant includes visitor visas and K-1 fiance visas. The fiance visa is an odd one because though they are considered "nonimmigrants" the fiances are coming to live in the United States. Immigrant visas of course are people coming to live in the United States through either a business or a family member that has petitioned for them to be immigrants.

Also remember that many US consulates are closed to consular interviews for intending immigrants. It is likely that they consulates will be closed for a while, perhaps extending beyond the 60 day ban. Be sure to check the particular consulate or embassy where your interview would be for further information. If you have further questions about your particular case please contact the office.

https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/proclamation-suspending-entry-immigrants-present-risk-u-s-labor-market-economic-recovery-following-covid-19-outbreak/

Proclamation Suspending Entry of Immigrants Who Present Risk to the U.S. Labor Market During the Economic Recovery Following the COVID-19 Outbreak | The White House The 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) has significantly disrupted the livelihoods of Americans. In Proclamation 9994 of March 13, 2020 (Declaring a Nation

https://weareoneamerica.org/2020/03/23/covid-19-coronavirus-resources-for-immigrants-recursos-para-inmigrantes/

COVID 19 (Coronavirus)- Resources for Immigrants / Recursos para Inmigrantes | We Are One America COVID 19 (Coronavirus)- Resources for Immigrants / Recursos para Inmigrantes We are living in an unprecedented and unpredictable cultural moment. We’ll only get through it by coming together. This moment calls on us to go all in for all of us. Our families and neighborhoods are stronger, safer an...

Hello everyone. We, much like yourselves, are concerned with the president's announcement regarding stopping immigration for 60 days. Though there isn't much solid information available yet, Green Cards are not going to be issued for 60 days. The U.S. Consulates abroad are closed, USCIS is closed through May 3rd. So, in other words, people who need interviews either at a U.S. Consulate abroad or with USCIS will have to wait until reopening. Unfortunately we expect the backlog to continue. Hang in there! I'll update again when there is more solid information.

Hola a todos. Nosotros, iqual que ustedes, estan preocupados con el anuncio del presidente en parar inmigracion por 60 dias. Aun que no hay mucha informacion buena todavia, los micas no le van a dar por 60 dias. Los consulados de los Estados Unidos estan cerrados y USCIS esta cerrado hasta el 4 de Mayo. En otras palabras, los que estan esperando una entravista van estar esperando todavia hasta que reabren. Desafortunadamente esperamos que sigue el atraso de los casos. Cuidense Mucho! Voy a actulizar cuando hay mas informacion.

Hola! Espero que esten bien en esta situacion. Yo se hay muchas preguntas sobre el desempleo. NWIRP esta haciendo una charla sobre los beneficios. Por esto siempre apoyamos a NWIRP por la cosa que hacen por la comunidad.

Northwest Immigrant Rights Project on Twitter “¿Tiene preguntas sobre el COVID-19 y los beneficios de desempleo? ¡El Proyecto de la Ley de Desempleo está organizando un seminario web con video en Español a las 5 de la tarde! Este seminario web va a estar abierto al público y se puede entrar aquí: https://t.co/YUWTrNTPRn”

Buena informacion de lo que esta pasando y como protegerse.

https://elcomitewa.com/covid-19/

COVID-19 ¡Todxs deberíamos de practicar el distanciamiento social!Nos ayuda a proteger a nuestra comunidad, especialmente a aquéllos más vulnerables a enfermarse. El 23 de marzo el Gobernador Jay Inslee emi…

https://www.scholarshipjunkies.org/relief

Relief | COVID-19 Relief Fund for WA Undocumented Folks Our undocumented community is one of the most vulnerable populations during the COVID-19 pandemic in Washington State. Due to Governor Jay Inslee’s “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” order made on Monday March 23rd 2020, many non-essential businesses are now closed. The reality is that many undocumente...