NON-IMMIGRANT VISAS

Non-immigrant visas are appropriate for individuals coming to the United States on a temporary basis. There are approximately thirty categories of non-immigrant visas, which may be used for employment purposes, personal reasons or in relation to student status. Our office has over 30 years of experience with a wide array of non-immigrant visas from individuals from over 60 countries around the world.

IMMIGRANT VISAS

To become a permanent resident, a foreign national must apply for an immigrant visa petition, based on either an employment or familial relationship.  Once the employer or family sponsor files the immigrant visa petition, the foreign national receives a priority date, which marks the place in line for a visa number. There are rare circumstances where the individual may “self-sponsor” an immigrant visa, for example based on extraordinary ability or by performing work in the national interest.

CITIZENSHIP

Many permanent residents may decide to apply for naturalization to become US citizens. There are many benefits to becoming a US citizen, including the right to vote, the right to travel on a US passport, and the rights associated with US government protection and assistance when abroad.

WORKSITE ENFORCEMENT

The Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) division of Department of Homeland Security focuses on worksite enforcement through worksite audits, resulting in civil penalties and criminal charges against employers and their employees. 

ICE has identified form I-9 audits as the most important administrative tool in building criminal cases and bringing employers into compliance with the law.  Form I-9 audits may result in civil penalties and lay the groundwork for criminal prosecution of employers who knowingly violate the law.