Some Tennessee residents who came from another country may find it harder to get a green card or visa. A new Trump administration rule would make it possible to reject applications from those who have used public assistance. It might also result in visa or permanent resident requests being denied if applicants don't have sufficient levels of income or education. These individuals could be seen as more likely to need public assistance in the future.
Asylum-seeking families face clerical errors, other obstacles
Some Tennessee residents may be aware that immigrants who are seeking asylum in the U.S. may have their situation complicated by clerical errors. This was the case for a woman from Honduras who was seeking asylum for herself and her two sons after they fled from violence related to her political organizing. They crossed the U.S.-Mexico border and were released on the grounds that they appear in court when summoned.
Trump administration imposes new asylum bar
People in Tennessee and across the country are deeply concerned about the changes taking place at the U.S. southern border. In the latest development, the Trump administration has issued a rule claiming that all people who pass through another country before coming to the U.S. are ineligible for asylum. The rule aims to exclude Central American refugees in particular from making asylum claims at the border as they must generally pass through Mexico in order to do so. The rule was published in the Federal Register and will apply both to adult refugee claimants as well as children traveling alone to seek asylum.
Children's health could suffer due to immigration law changes
A proposal being supported by the Trump administration could risk access to health care and food for nearly 2 million children in Tennessee and across the country. According to one study, up to 1.9 million kids can be expected to drop out of federal programs providing children's health care and nutrition benefits if the administration pursues its plan to change immigration law. In particular, the Trump administration is proposing a redefinition of the term "public charge."
New USCIS Policy endangers victims of crime
Victims of certain crimes who have suffered substantial mental or physical abuse while in the United States, and who are willing to assist law enforcement or other government officials in prosecuting the crime, are eligible to apply for "U Status." U Status permits victims to remain in the United States, and they are eligible to apply later for permanent residency and ultimately U.S. Citizenship. However, recent policy updates from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services ("USCIS") will make it harder for victims to come forward.
President moves to further restrict immigration
Tennessee residents likely know that those who cross the border may have the right to seek asylum or other legal status. If a child crosses the border into the United States without a guardian, that child generally has the right to make an asylum request to United States Citizenship and Immigration Services . President Trump is looking to put an end to the special status that unaccompanied minors currently have.
Proving "Good Moral Character" when applying for U.S. citizenship
One of the many things U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services reviews when you apply for citizenship is what's termed "good moral character." Several things can bar you from showing good moral character, such as a criminal record, failure to pay taxes or child support, or admission of unlawful activity. While some convictions do not automatically bar you, some convictions bar you permanently and others for a period of 5 years. If you have a conviction barring you for 5 years, you must wait at least 5 years before applying, but even then immigration officers have discretion to review your entire past in determining whether you have good moral character.It is important therefore to have an attorney assist you in preparing supporting documents to show your good moral character. This can be things such as education degrees, employment licenses, letters of recommendation, and evidence of community involvement. An attorney will also be needed to draft a legal memorandum in support of your claim of good moral character. Immigration law is constantly changing and the experiences of other individuals may no longer be relevant to the current policies. If your application is denied, you must wait an additional 5 years before reapplying. If you have questions or plan on applying for U.S. citizenship call the attorneys at Saenz & Maniatis, PLLC at (615) 366-1211.
Could your social media affect your visa application?
Out of all the things that could cause the U.S. Department of State (USDS) to deny your visa, could Facebook be the biggest culprit? In June 2019, the State Department announced they would begin to request "most" US visa applicants' social media account information.
Policy impacting immigration rates
During the fiscal year 2017, there were 748,746 people granted permanent residence via family-sponsored immigration programs. Family migration is the most common way that people get green cards in Tennessee and across the country, but proposed changes might alter the focus of immigration policy, which has been based in employment and family reunification.
How marijuana use can affect citizenship applications
Immigrants in Tennessee who want to become U.S. citizens should avoid any contact with the pot industry, even if it involves going to states where it is legal. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services issued a policy alert on April 19 saying that purchasing or selling marijuana at shops that are state regulated can indicate a lack of "good moral character."
