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Visa Consultant - CRP
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Visa Lawyer - CRP
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Law Firm - CRP
If it's your dream to live and work in the United States, it's well worth starting the process to obtain permanent residency in the United States. If you're unsure of how to get started, continue reading to discover how to apply for permanent residency in the US.
How To Obtain A Green Card
Discover Your Options
There are numerous different types of green cards which you can apply for. For example, if one of your parents is a US resident or citizen or you are married to a US citizen, it's possible to apply for a family sponsored green card. Alternatively, you can also apply for a green card if you are able to find a US-based employer who is willing to sponsor you for a green card through an employer sponsored visa.
If you feel unsafe in your current country of residence and fear for your safety, you can also apply for a refugee green card. That will allow you to move to the United States, for a fresh start.
If you don't meet the eligibility requirements for any of the green cards listed above, you can also apply for the diversity lottery. Which is a luck-based lottery system that allows individuals from specific countries around the world to enter a draw to effectively win US residency. The diversity lottery is held once per year. So, if you're interested, it's well worth finding out when applications for the next draw officially close.
Fill Out Your Application & Pay Your Process Fees
Depending on the type of visa which you choose to apply for, you'll either need to upload your application online through the USCIS' online portal or to get your sponsor to fill out your form on your behalf. For example, if you intend to apply for an employer-sponsored residency visa, your potential employer will need to fill out your application for you. Which they'll need to submit to the USCIS.
Also, ensure to pay your processing fee when you submit your application as the USCIS will not be able to start processing your application until they receive your full payment.
Wait To Hear From An US Embassy Or Consulate
If the USCIS deems that you are eligible to apply for your chosen residency visa they'll transfer your application to your nearest overseas US embassy or consulate.
The first time that you're contacted by your US embassy or consulate, they'll provide you with a case number. They'll also ask you for more documentation or will invite you to an interview. Keep in mind that your interview will need to be an in-person interview. If your interview is successful, you'll be offered your green card. Although keep in mind that you won't receive your physical green card until you arrive in the United States.
So, if you want to turn your dream of living in the United States into a reality, it's well worth starting the process of applying for residency today. By researching the green card types that you may be eligible for.
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Green Card Lawyer - CRP
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Immigration & Naturalization Service - CRP
If you want to permanently move to the United States or already hold residency status and want to become a fully-fledged US citizen, listed below is a handy guide to obtaining US Citizenship. Which contains useful information such as the number of years that you'll need to hold a green card, before you are eligible to apply for citizenship.
A Guide To Obtaining US Citizenship
- Obtain A Green Card
If you are a foreign national and wish to become a US citizen, the first step in your citizenship process should be to apply for a green card. There are numerous ways to obtain a permanent visa to reside in the United States, you can have a green card sponsored by a US employer, you can apply for a card through an immediate family member or you can win a card through the annual diversity lottery. You can even obtain one by investing a large sum of money in a US business.
- The Five-year Rule
You will need to be patient if you plan on becoming a US citizen as you'll need to wait five years after you have been issued a green card, in order to be eligible to apply for full citizenship. There is a stipulation that you must remain a permanent resident in the United States during this time period. If you spend more than a year outside of the US, you will not be eligible to apply for citizenship on your five-year anniversary of holding a green card.
It may be worth noting that you can actually apply to become a US citizen, 90 days before you reach your five-year anniversary as a United States resident. One of the differences between applying for a residency visa and applying to become a citizen is that you won't be able to submit your application online and instead will need to physically mail your application to the USCIS.
- Mandatory Tests
While you wait out the five-year rule, it's a great idea to start preparing for the two exams that you'll need to pass in order to earn US citizenship. In order to have your application approved you'll need to pass a comprehensive test that will test your knowledge of the English language and a test that will test your knowledge of the US government. If you anticipate that you may struggle with either test, you do have the option of signing up for a preparation course. Which will allow you to learn the information which you'll need to know to pass your exams, with others who are planning on becoming US citizens.
- Swearing In Ceremony
If you pass the necessary tests to become a US citizen, you'll be invited to a swearing in ceremony in which you'll get to recite an oath of allegiance to the United States of America.
So if you want to become a US citizen, it's well worth talking to a lawyer about how you can get a green card as soon as possible, in order to get one step closer to your dream of becoming a fully-fledged US citizen.
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Citizenship Attorney - CRP
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General Practice Attorney - CRP
What is Asylum?
Asylum is granted to nationals of foreign countries who are already present in the U.S. or at the borders to the country who are defined by international law as a refugee.
According to the United Nations Convention of 1951, and the 1967 Protocol, a refugee is
A person who is not able or does not wish to return to his/her home country, and will not get protection there, due to persecution in the past or a well-founded fear of being the subject of persecution in the future for race, religion, nationality, social group membership, or political opinion.
This statement was included in the Immigration Law of the United States, by Congress, in 1980. The U.S. is also a participant in the 1967 Protocol and has a responsibility to give protection to qualifying refugees. According to the U.S. Refugee Act, there are two pathways to get refugee status. The first is to apply abroad as a resettled refugee. The second is to apply from inside the U.S. as an asylum seeker.
Every year many thousands of individuals arrive at the U.S border or apply from within the U.S. for asylum. This is not a simple process to follow and it's complex to understand. The procedure may involve several government agencies.
Successful applicants have a pathway to citizenship and they can also apply to allow their spouse admission, together with any children. When granted asylum, the individual is authorized to find employment. They may apply for social security and can be eligible for some government programs. These include Medicaid and Refugee Medical Assistance. After one year it is possible to apply for a Green Card. Once that is obtained there is a four-year wait before citizenship can be applied for.
Is There A Deadline For A Claim?
Typically, an asylum seeker must make an application for asylum inside one year of arriving most recently in the U.S. Since 2018 the DHS is required to give timely notice of this one-year deadline.
Procedure
2004 and 2019 virtually all noncitizens who presented themselves at the port (or near the border) were listed for expedited removal, which is a way that the DHS tries to rapidly remove certain individuals. People placed on this list are supposed to be put through credible fear and reasonable fear screening so that the U.S. violates neither National Law nor International Law. There is a belief by some people that some CBP officers do not correctly implement this.
Any individual placed on the list for expedited removal should tell the official that they are scared of persecution, or even torture if they are returned to their country. At this point, they are supposed to be given a screening interview by an officer. If this interview is successful in proving a credible fear, then the individual has a significant chance of eligibility for protection. They will be placed before an immigration court. If the interview goes against the applicant, they have one last shot of an appeal in front of an immigration judge before they are removed from the country.
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Asylum Attorney - CRP
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Legal Services - CRP
If you are currently residing in the US or plan to move to the US to start a new life, in the near future, you may want to find out how to avoid deportation. As even if you become a permanent resident in the United States, you are still at risk of deportation.
How To Avoid Deportation
- Become An US Citizen
One way to ensure that you are not deported from the United States is to become a US citizen. As US citizens can't be deported. If you want to become a US citizen through naturalization, you'll need to hold a green card and to reside in the United States for a period of 3-5 years. If you are married to a US citizen, you'll be able to apply for naturalization after just 3 years. However, if you were granted your green card for any other reason other than marriage to a US citizen, you'll need to wait 5 years from the date that your green card was issued, in order to be eligible to apply for US citizenship.
Do keep in mind that the process to become a US citizen once you are eligible to apply for citizenship can be a lengthy process that involves a civics test, an English language test, and a formal interview with a USCIS agent. So if you're already eligible for citizenship, it's a wise idea to file your application as soon as possible.
- Hire An Immigration Lawyer
If it's too late and you have received a summons letter to an immigration hearing as a US resident, your best option is to hire an immigration lawyer. As they'll be able to present key evidence at your immigration hearings that may prove your innocence. Even in the worst-case scenario where your judge decides to serve you with a deportation notice, you will have an opportunity to contest your judge's decision. For example, with the help of an immigration lawyer, you'll be able to appeal the judge's decision if you can come up with proof that the judge misinterpreted key evidence or failed to take a new law into account. As immigration lawyers will be aware of specific laws which you can use to your advantage.
Even if your first appeal to get your deportation notice voided fails, your lawyer will be able to help you escalate your appeal. For example, if you lodge an appeal with the Board of Immigration Appeals, which ends up being denied, you will be able to appeal to the Federal Circuit of Appeals. Even if the Federal Circuit of Appeals denies your petition, you'll be able to appeal to the Supreme Court. So remember, that if the judge who presides over your immigration case rules against you, there is still hope that you'll be able to continue living in the United States.
Conclusion
It pays to become a fully-fledged citizen of the United States as soon as possible if you want to guarantee that you'll never be deported. However, if it's too late or you don't qualify to become a US citizen for several years, it's well worth hiring a qualified immigration attorney.
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Deportation Lawyer - CRP
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Lawyer - CRP
Reasons for Decline of Immigration Appeals
There are reasons that can lead to decline of immigration appeals. One of the challenges that immigrants face while dealing with immigration procedures is declines. It's not uncommon for immigration appeals to get turned down. Knowing the major reasons for declines is important for immigrants. If you ask immigration attorneys, these are the major factors they will say could cause an immigration appeal to get turned down.
Criminal Incidences
If there are cases of criminal activities associated to you, it is highly likely that your immigration appeal will fail. For immigrants coming to the United States, they have to demonstrate their capacity to obey the law. Any criminal activities from their side is a straightforward indication that they can't comply with the laws of the land. If there is evidence of criminal activity, they will have a difficult time convincing judges that they are worthy of permits to be in the country.
Health Related Issues
An immigration appeal case can be turned down because of health-related issues. If you appear before an appeal case and your health status is a threat to you or any other person, chances are high that you won't win in the appeal. For an immigrant to receive an approval to become a lawful resident, there has to be a medical report presented to the relevant persons. A government-sponsored physician should perform the medical procedure. If you're in an immigration appeal process, the health factor carries a great deal of significance. If you happen to have a medical condition that could be dangerous to the public, there will be a decline on your appeal.
Security Issues
Another major reason that could lead to the denial of immigration approval is a person's association with security issues. Any person seeking to be a resident of the United States has to be compliant to the security systems. One cannot be a threat to the security of the country. In the event that one has associations with issues or matters that are of a threat to the security of the country, immigration approval cannot go through. For example, if a person has links with terror groups or groups that violate security procedures, legal authorities cannot approve the person's immigration process.
Immigration Violation
If you happen to violate immigration laws or procedures, you're creating a situation where your immigration appeal case can be denied. For example, if you have violated the visa process or have not adhered to specific visa terms and conditions, chances are high that you could receive a decline for an immigration appeal.
It's prudent to be very careful when handling immigration matters. Any violation can lead to the turning down of an immigration appeal case. In order to be on the safe side, you should work with a qualified immigration attorney to guide you on the things you should do and those you shouldn't do. This will give you the much-needed confidence whenever you have to deal with legal issues and processes related to immigration.
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Appeals Lawyer - CRP
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Bankruptcy Attorney - CRP
Financial issues are a part of life. If you are one among the millions of people out there who are struggling financially, filing for bankruptcy can help you in a great way. Here we will walk you through a brief article on everything that you need to know about Bankruptcy in the State of Texas.
Let us start by seeing how bankruptcy works in the state of Texas.
How it works in Texas?
Filing for bankruptcy in Texas is no different than filing for bankruptcy in any other state in the United States. The process of filing for bankruptcy falls under the federal laws and not in the State laws. The process works by winding up all your contracts between you and all your creditors and then starting afresh.
However, in the entire Bankruptcy filing process, the State laws of Texas also play a significant role. The state laws determine which property you may keep and which property you will have to dispose off as per your bankruptcy filing. As such one thing that gets important is to understand what Chapter to select before filing for bankruptcy.
Which Bankruptcy Chapter to select?
Many people end up filing for bankruptcy either under Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 without understanding the differences between the two. Let us briefly tell you what the two chapters include:
Chapter 7: This is often any bankruptcy filer's number one choice for many reasons. This bankruptcy is cheap and quick to file and takes only a few months to be completed. In this type of bankruptcy, you will not need to pay anything to the creditors. This option is better for people who own the basic essential items to work and survive. If, however you own any luxury items such as an RV, a luxury vehicle etc. which is deemed unnecessary you may have to give them up.
Chapter 13: On the other hand, Chapter 13 bankruptcy requires the filers to pay some or all of what the creditors owe. In this type of bankruptcy, you are given an option to pay off all your debt in the form of a repayment plan which can either be for 3 years or 5 years. But because of these payment plans you get benefits that you will otherwise not get with Chapter 7 bankruptcy. In this type of bankruptcy, you not only get to keep all your possessions your car, and your home. The disadvantage being this can be very expensive.
How will filing for Bankruptcy help?
Filing for bankruptcy can help you wipe out many bills and overdue balances such as credit card balances, medical bills, utility bills, personal loans, and more. You can also get rid of your car or home mortgage if you are willing to give up your car or the house that secures the payment for the car or home that secures the mortgage. But there are certain debts that cannot be discharged and that still needs to be paid as part of bankruptcy.
Final Thoughts
Filing for bankruptcy may be a tiring and overwhelming process and as such it is better to always trust a specialist to help you with the entire process of filing for bankruptcy and more. Look for an expert or an attorney who can help you with the help process of filing for bankruptcy and all the documents that you need to file.
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Barrister - CRP
Guide to Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Court Fees
Chapter 7 bankruptcy comes with some costs. Bankruptcy courts don't offer free services. If you care to understand the basics of Chapter 7 fees you are expected to pay to bankruptcy courts in Texas, here's what you should know.
Document Reproducing Fees
Expect to pay $0.50 per page for reproducing any document or providing a copy of a document in paper form. This fee is charged on behalf of the US when requested documents are available electronically.
Cost of Reproducing & Transmitting Electronic Records
Any electronic document to be reproduced and transmitted outside a bankruptcy court's case management system attracts a fee. This includes document files, video, and audio recordings. A fee of $31 is applied per record.
Important: Audio records of court proceedings can attract separate fees.
Document Certification & Exemplification Fees
Documents in need of certification or exemplification attract a $11 and $23 fee, respectively.
Amendment Fees
When filing amendments to debtor schedules of creditors or amending creditor lists, and mailing lists, a $32 fee is applicable. However, there are some exceptions regarding this fee, such as when a bankruptcy judge waives the charge. Also, the fee isn't charged when the amendment in question is a change in a creditor's address or a change in attorney for creditors listed.
Fees for Searching Bankruptcy Court Records
Searches for bankruptcy records attract a $32 fee per item or name searched.
Complaint Filing Fees
Chapter 7 bankruptcy complaints attract a $350 fee. However, there are exceptions to this fee. For instance, if a trustee/debtor-in-possession files a complaint, the $350 fee is paid by the estate only. What's more, the fee isn't charged if a debtor is a plaintiff or when a complaint is filed by a child support creditor/representative and submits the required form as per 304(g) Bankruptcy Reform Act.
Administrative Fees
Filing a Chapter 7 petition attracts an administrative fee of $78. The same amount applies to a motion for dividing a joint case.
Payment to Trustees
As per 11 USC 330(B)(2), a $15 fee is applicable when filing a number of motions and notices ranging from converting to a chapter-7 case to motions to divide a joint Chapter-7 case or reopen a Chapter-7 case.
Other bankruptcy court fees may be applicable when filing chapter-7 or for other chapter-7 related issues. For instance, filing a document that isn't related to a pending proceeding will attract a $49 fee. It's also worth noting that there are fees that may be payable only from an estate that currently exists before conversion. Given the complexity of all applicable fees and factors determining the exact cost of filing or handling Chapter-7 bankruptcy, hiring a bankruptcy attorney is advisable.
The best bankruptcy attorney in Texas can be able to let you know exactly how much your bankruptcy will cost in court fees and avenues you can use to lower fees. Bankruptcy lawyers understand all there is to bankruptcy court fees and will actually save you from lengthy processes and unnecessary costs.
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Chapter 7 Attorney - CRP
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Civil Law Attorney - CRP
Definition: Chapter 13 Bankruptcy
Chapter 13 is a type of bankruptcy in the US a debtor reorganizes their finances under supervision by a bankruptcy court. The bankruptcy is known as "wage earner's plan" since it enables a person with a typical income to craft a plan that repays part or all of their debt. Under the plan, a debtor proposes a plan that makes debt installment payments over 3 to 5 years.
This bankruptcy type is available to individuals, couples (married), and even self-employed persons or those operating unincorporated businesses. The financial reorganization process involves submission of debt repayment plans by debtors. A debtor must also follow through such plans and repay debt in 3 to 5 years.
Generally, repayment plans must offer substantial payback, which is equal to what other bankruptcies offer. A debtor's disposable income must be used up entirely in a Chapter 13 bankruptcy repayment plan.
Chapter-13 Bankruptcy Process
Debtors must have a comprehensive list of creditors and what they owe them. They should also list all their property, income sources and amounts, detailed expenses, and other related information pertaining to income and expenses.
This process follows an agreement by the debtor to pay an agreed amount monthly to a court-appointed impartial bankruptcy trustee who is then supposed to distribute the money to a debtor's creditors. In Chapter 13, debtors shouldn't directly deal with creditors.
Eligibility: When Should You Use Chapter 13?
Chapter-13 is a viable bankruptcy option for persons who have a certain amount of secured and unsecured debt. You can only qualify for Chapter-13 if your secured debt is $1,257,850 or below. If you have unsecured debt, it must be $419,275 or less. These limits apply as of February 2019 and subject to review after three years.
A debtor must also complete mandatory credit counseling for them to be eligible for Chapter-13 bankruptcy.
Chapter-13 Bankruptcy Example
If you lose your job or income or suffer an emergency that forces you out of work, you can consider Chapter 13 if you have debt and creditors are demanding payment. For instance, if you have a mortgage and are in arrears leading to foreclosure, you can file for bankruptcy to protect your home. Chapter-13 can stop foreclosure giving you to get a new manageable debt repayment plan over 3-5 years.
Summary
The above information introduces you to Chapter-13 bankruptcy. There's obviously more to this type of bankruptcy. However, you understand the most important basics i.e., the debt limits for secured and unsecured debt and the information you must submit to be considered for Chapter-13 bankruptcy. Chapter-13 also has a limit of 3-5 years, making it suitable for debt that can be comfortably repaid within this period. As a result, you need some form of income to use this type of bankruptcy.
If you wish to file for Chapter 13 in Texas, talk to a seasoned bankruptcy attorney before making a final decision. Considering there are many types of bankruptcies, a legal expert is the best-suited professional to advise on which type is best for your circumstances.
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Chapter 13 Lawyer - CRP
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Leander TX
Leander, Texas is a large, rural town, though it is rapidly becoming a suburb of Austin. Austin is roughly twenty five miles to the south, and people are moving north to escape high housing costs and crime. The average home in Leander is roughly 120,000 dollars cheaper than a comparable home in Austin. This is why Leander is one of the fastest growing cities in the state of Texas.
In 2010, it had a population of 26,000. In 2020, it had more than 60,000 residents. This is partially due to the fact that the city has a commuter rail connection to downtown Austin via the CapMetro Commuter Rail line; this stop is the northern terminus of the Capital Metro rail system. This rail station ties into Leander's history. The town was originally founded because of a stop on the Austin and Northwestern Railroad Company. The city also has several bus lines that connect to Austin.
The town itself is named for Leander "Catfish" Brown. He was one of the officials responsible for completing the rail line. Leander also made history when a ten to thirteen thousand year old burial was found in the area. Named the Leanderthal Lady, it is one of the earliest intact burials found inside of the continental United States.
The town is located between Cedar Park and Liberty Hill. It is west of Georgetown. It sits in both Williamson and Travis counties. The town has annexed land along Highway 183 and Farm to Market Road 279 though there is little there yet. Highway 183 splits into Highway 183 and 183A (business 183) inside of Leander. However, the city has not yet annexed the area where State Highway 29 and Highway 183 meet. Furthermore, the city has annexed a narrow strip of land so that it could claim a long stretch of Ronald Reagan Boulevard. This has resulted in a large unincorporated area full of suburban homes like the Marbella-Pacesetter subdivision and the homes around Rouse High School. Neighboring Knox Wily Middle School is within the city limits. Glenn High School sits at the north end of town.
Leander has its own independent school district or ISD. That school district covers Leander, Cedar Park, a few neighborhoods in northwest Austin and a few people in Round Rock and George Town. This explains how a city of less than seventy thousand people can justify having six high schools. The school district was given an A plus rating by Niche.com It is considered the best school district in Williamson County. Leander is home to the newest Austin Community College campus. The San Gabriel Campus is located in Leander.
Devine Lake Park is next to Devine Lake. Benbrook Ranch Park is a large park a few blocks west of Devine Lake, but it does not reach the waterfront. There are a number of small parks inside of the city like Lakewood Park and Robin Bledsoe Park. The Crystal Falls Golf Club is inside of the city limits. The massive Cimarron Hills Golf and Country Club are outside of the city limits. It sits on Highway 29. It almost touches Sawyer Park to the north. That park borders the North Fork of the San Gabriel River. Sandy Creek and Lakewood Park are located along Lake Travis. Lakewood Park also has splash pads and a playground. Southwest Williamson County Regional Park is several miles to the east off FM 175.
Leander was ranked the fourth best place to buy a house in the Austin area by Niche. It received an A for its public schools, a B for crime and safety, A for the amenities like parks and a B minus for nightlife. However, you can go to Round Rock to the east and enjoy the amenities of what has been nicknamed a super suburb. Round Rock has all the amenities of a city, because it is home to a number of high tech employers like Dell. This results in a large number of people with high incomes and everything from bars to indoor obstacle courses you won't find in a small town. Leander maintains its rural feel, and eighty percent of residents own their home. Of the twenty percent that do rent, average rents are 1500 dollars a month. This is similar to the rental rates in Austin. This is due to the relative lack of rental units and the high average household income in the area. The median household income in Leander is 100K, 40K above the national average.