In a previous article, we discussed that one reason that the wait time and backlogs for U.S. citizenship applications have increased so significantly is that U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services’ (USCIS’s) focus on investigating thousands of old citizenship applications for…
To lawfully work in the United States, some foreign workers need both an employment authorization document (EAD) from the U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS), and a Social Security Number (SSN) from the Social Security Administration (SSA). Prior to October,…
In a past article, we had advised that if you apply for a green card based on marriage to a U.S. citizen (USC) or lawful permanent resident (LPR), you will receive a “conditional green card” if your marriage is less…
Lawful permanent residence (green card) applicants and some other applicants are required to complete an immigration medical examination as part of their application process. The medical examinations are performed by civil surgeons. Civil surgeons are physicians whom United States Citizenship…
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, on March 30, 2020, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) extended the deadline to respond to certain requests, notices and appeals. Due to the ongoing pandemic, USCIS has since further extended the extensions. Requests…
USCIS (United States Citizen and Immigration Services) has announced new policy updates in several different areas intended to improve and modernize the U.S. immigration system. These include 1) clarifying the criteria and circumstances for expedited processing, 2) improving request for…
In past articles, we advised that Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has taken the position that it has the ability to examine your electronic devices, without a warrant, at U.S. airports and ports of entry. We also discussed what precautions…
In a previous article (Green Cards and Marijuana-Related Conduct), we discussed the major implications that marijuana-related conduct can have for a noncitizen applying for his or her green card. Here, we provide more detail regarding the naturalization process and marijuana-related…
In a previous article (Immigration and State Legalization of Marijuana), we highlighted some issues that may arise at various stages of immigration-related matters when it comes to a noncitizen’s marijuana-related conduct (use, possession, purchase, sale, etc.). We explained that because…
In 2012, Washington and Colorado became the first states to legalize the recreational use of marijuana. Since then, 16 more states have legalized recreational marijuana. An additional 18 states have legalized medical marijuana. As of May, 2021, 36 states have…