Law & You Questions or Comments

Total: 774 Pages: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13   Simone NJ You should not have a problem. Submit your I-94 when the time comes. By Clairmont M. Chung, Esq. @   973 242 3493 Wednesday, October 19, 2005   change of status Hello, I am an F-1 student and I had transferred my SEVIS file to another school for my Masters. My funding didn't come through so I couldn't get an I-20 from the graduate school. I also had to withdraw from the school and defer till Fall 2006. Now I'm trying to regain my OPT and get my undergraduate institution have my SEVIS file transferred back to them. They're telling me that this is a long shot and I most likely won't have my file transferred back and therefore won't get OPT. Are there any other options I could explore so that I can remain in the US? By newyorker @ NY, USA  nkechi_15@yahoo.com Wednesday, October 12, 2005   Should I worry hello I am a F1 status holding individual and iam about to be married to Us citizen in November> my old passport expired and i applied and recieved the new one .However i misplaced the old passport . will there be a problem when my fiance when then husband files for me.I have my approval notice from INS and the new 1-94 card as i change my status here. the only thing is in the old passport i have my old expired visas and all the previous times i was in the states what should i do. By Simone @ New Jersey  Tuesday, October 11, 2005   Is there a wait No there is no wait. You cant file for your children. But your spouse can file for them now. By Clairmont M. Chung, Esq. @   1 800 310 1121 Tuesday, October 11, 2005   No answer Dear TJ There is no official timetable for an INS reply. Since you do not have a green card as yet, you must wait. You could write and ask for an update. By Clairmont M.Chung @   1 800 310 1121 Tuesday, October 11, 2005   Is there a wait i just recently got married to a Us citizen and my petition is still pending can i file for my children now or do i have to wait until my petition is approved.. By @   Monday, October 10, 2005   filing for children Is there a waiting period after i have recieved my greencard to file for my children By kevin @ queens, Ny  Monday, October 10, 2005   Parents Yes> As a citizen, you may file for your parents or siblings. However, the length of time varies depending on the home country. Countries with high numbers of applications take longer. the INS usually publishes a list of estimated times. But these are only estimates. Good luck By Clairmont Chung @   Monday, October 10, 2005   No answers I had my interview early this year , however the doctor left off one of the test i had done ,I went ahead and had the doctor do the corrections and sent the results in early April. As of today I am yet to recieve any new results from INS.What steps should i take from here. In November It will be 2 yrs since I am Married to my husband. TJ Michigan By Tasha @ USA, Michigan  empressnickcky@yahoo.com Monday, October 10, 2005   Parents After u become a cit can you file for you parents/siblings? How long does the process takes ? By Leila @ NY  Friday, October 7, 2005   Deb Apply next year. good luck By Clairmont M. Chung, Esq. @   973 242 3493 Monday, October 3, 2005   Card Yes its a 10 yr green card , and Jan. 30 I will be married 3 yrs. By Deb @   Sunday, October 2, 2005   How long you must wait for citizenship Deb Yes, you are eligible next year for citizenship. You must be married to a citizen for three years , not have the card for three years. However, the card must be a permanentgreen card, not a conditional green card.: It must be valid for more than 2 years By Clairmont M.Chung @   Saturday, October 1, 2005   Confused. We have been married 2 yrs thus far, and i just got the card 2-3 months ago. Do i wait 3 yrs AFTER getting the card, or since we have been married 2 yrs then i only have 1 more year to wait? By Deb @   Friday, September 30, 2005   deb NO arrest or anything, and yes to a cit! Valid everything so far. By deb @   Friday, September 30, 2005   Deb Deb If I understand you, you said you have a valid passport and green card. If thats the case you can travel and return without a problem; unless you have a conviction. In the latter case, you need to seek professional advice. Further, if you obtained your green card by marriage to a citizen, then you need only wait three years to adjust to citizenship; not five. Good luck By Clairmont M. Chung, Esq. @   Thursday, September 29, 2005   deb They said i cant apply for 3 yrs, that i have to hold the green card for 5 yrs and since i been married 2 yrs then i only have 3 to go. But i really want to visit home, and its crap that they wont let me visit with a valid passport and green card. By @   Thursday, September 29, 2005   Expired passport An expired passport is just a piece of cardboard/paper. It has no value under the law. It is at the discretion of the INS officer to allow you to re-enter the US if s/he is convinced of your resident status. Save yourself the embarassment. Get a passport. Apply for citizenship. good luck By Clairmont M. Chung, Esq. @   Wednesday, September 28, 2005   Monique I am in the same boat as her , and Mine expired and was told the same thing. I am very worried though. By @   Monday, September 26, 2005   other Good Service By Frank Johnson @ MA  azw1649@radar3000.com Saturday, September 24, 2005   Babylon Free Jah Cure I want him. I need him. I need to see him longing to love my baby....Big up to Mr. Alcock from town love u much i wanna talk to him:( ya future! By latina @ Nassau Bahamas  latinarobinson43@hotmail.com Saturday, September 24, 2005   Returnee Monique Only the INS can answer that question. Everyone must understand that a non-citizen has no right to entry or re-entry. Historically, US based tourists are permitted to visit some Caribbean countries without a passport. With the new security requirements in place, I can't see this practice continuing. Be on the safe side and get a passport or apply for your citizenship. By Clairmont M. Chung, Esq. @   Monday, September 19, 2005   immigration I am a jamaican citizen and a US resident. I will be travelling to jamaica this year but I heard that you need a jamaican passport. I called the Jamaican consulate and they said I don't need it before January 2006.....will I be allowed entry back in the US with only my green card?? By Monique @ US, florida  yardy_posse@yahoo.com Monday, September 19, 2005   Separated Only you can decide whether to follow through with the petition your wife filed. That a personal decision. You know what they say about 'a bird in the hand'.I do not believe you are in a position to proceed on your own. But you need someone to review all the facts. good luck By Clairmont M. Chung, Esq. @   Thursday, September 15, 2005   Separated We never had an interview, at the time my wife was not working so they asked us to provide a copy of my visa, our birth certificates, letter form her pervious job, and an affidavit of support, I gave them all my information and paper work but she never gave her paperwork, so I dont really no where to go from here. She has recently contacted me about going thru with the paperwork, but at this point I'm not really sure whether her motives are sincere, and keeping in contact with her is diffcult because she disappears from time to time. The reason for the separation was that I found out that she was an alcholic, and had other problems that I could not deal with. By Fox @ US  GuyFox1013@yahoo.com Wednesday, September 14, 2005   separated You did not say whether you already interviewed with the INS. Your self- petition would have a better chance of success if filed after your initial interview with the INS. Usually, at the initial interview, you establish a bona fide marriage. If you separate later, then you need only show a legitimate basis for the separation. Either way you need to retain a qualified professional to review your entire file before a legal opinion can be given By Clairmont M. Chung, Esq. @   Wednesday, September 14, 2005   Immigration I am married to a US citizen for 2yrs, and separated for 1yr, We started my paper work process, but she was not working at the time so that put a hold on my process, now that we are separated due I still need her to file my paper work or can I file for myself. By Kirk @ US  GuyFox1013 Tuesday, September 13, 2005   Deported I discussed your situation with a few of my colleagues. They felt there is a legal precedent for an appeal. But this depends on the date of your last hearing and whether you waived your right to appeal. There is a case referred to as St. Cyr which protects people in your position. However, if you waived your right to appeal or the time has expired you may be out of luck. If there are other convictions, you may not qualify.You would need to contact an attorney, indicate the location of your hearing and obtain the file for review. By Clairmont M. Chung, Esq. @   Thursday, September 8, 2005   Ally B's Friend Hi Tiffany (Ally B's Friend) Good luck in the new school year. Make us proud. One love By Clairmont M. Chung, Esq. @   Wednesday, September 7, 2005   Deported I was deported last year for a 1998 conviction I had . i had possession charge for a$5 BAG OF MARIJUANA WHICH I WAS PLACED ON PROBATION FOR A YEAR whici completed. When travelling bk to USA the held me fo rsix mnyhs in PR stating that for immigration purposes it was dportable the contradiction is the charge was a state felony but for Federal it was considered a misdemenaor. I could have appealed with the Federal court but it would have taken about 2 yrs menaning locked up so I opt out and was deported. The judge told me i can get a pardon through a n Attorney general to return . Do you have any suggestionI miss my son so bad. By livinstone @ An  rooseiii@yahoo.com Tuesday, September 6, 2005   Fed Up You appear set. Good Luck By Clairmont M. Chung, Esq. @   clairmont@muzikmedia.com Tuesday, August 30, 2005   Ally B's Friend, The law and you My friend Alycia's uncle rocks!!!!! By Tiffany @ United States, Georgia  SummerSunset_2424@hotmail.com Monday, August 29, 2005   Fed up! So in other words , even if I leave him they can't take back the green card and deport me? By Natasha @ Florida  N/A Sunday, August 28, 2005   Fed Up It appears you have a permanent card and need not return for a 2nd interview. Regarding a divorce, No law forces anyone to stay in an abusive/unhappy marriage. Consult a qualified professional with the details. You need a valid passport to travel anywhere. Good luck By Clairmont M. Chung, Esq. @ 973 242 3493 or 1800 310 1121  clairmont@muzikmedia.com Saturday, August 27, 2005   Fed up! When i wrote hat this moring i checked mail today and its was there it expires in 10 yrs! So what is that a Per? What can or should i do now. Like i said befor ei really dont want to stay with him. But i mean isnt getting divorce so soon gonna look funny? What will INS think? My friend also tol dme to make sure to renew my passport before i go back to JA is this true? By Natasha @ Florida  N/A Friday, August 26, 2005   Ex Wife Hi Sunita I need to know more about this case. Did your husbands ex-wife withdraw her application during the initial interview with the INS? Your husband may still be eligible for a waiver since he is married to a citizen. He has nothing to lose. Call my office By Clairmont M. Chung, Esq. @ 973 242 3493 or 1800 310 1121  clairmont@muzikmedia.com Friday, August 26, 2005   Fed Up Hi Natasha Yes! you may still get your green card. You did not say whether you will receive a permanent or conditional card. If you receive a conditional card, you must apply to remove the conditions. Depending on the date of issue, you must file your application 90 days before the end of the 2nd year after receiving the card. This application usually requires signatures of both you and your husband. However, if you are separated you may still apply on your own. You need to speak with an attorney about the procedure. Of course if you receive a permanent card you need not worry. You may leave the marriage whenever you desire. By Clairmont M. Chung, Esq. @ 973 242 3493 or 1800 310 1121  clairmont@muzikmedia.com Friday, August 26, 2005   Petition Hi my husband was married before and his ex file his paper but when she went to INS she said it was fraud. So his record show that. However, now that we are together I want to file his paper. Do you think they will send him back to his country or she stand a chance to get it. He came with a visa but its expired. I live in NJ is there a good lawyer u can recommend it its possible for him to get his paper. By Sunita @ USA New Jersey  Rnarain2002@yahoo.com Friday, August 26, 2005   Breaking up before you ger green card. My husband and I have been married for 14 months, been together since i was 18. However i just got a letter last week saying , like a welcome letter and that i should get the card in the following 3 wks. Thing is I want to leave him , and cannot stay with him anylonger. I was searching around for a lawyer . But my friend brought this up that I will be deported? Is this true. I really don't want tostay with him, he has cheated on me one too many times. This is a real marriage , but i also dont want to be deported as well. By Natasha @ Florida  N/A Friday, August 26, 2005   Husband in Prison Hi Taquetta: Based on the facts you gave, I believe very little could be done for your husband. From the length of his sentence, I gathered he was convicted of an aggravated felony as described in the immigration laws of the US. However, I suggest you speak with an attorney as other options may exist. If nothing else, some qualified person should ask some additional questions: For example, what was the date of the crime? Is their an appeal pending? Was the offense drug related. Do you have children together. Is he a green card holder or undocumented. Again, things do not look good. But keep the faith. There are powers higher than the law. By Clairmont M. Chung, Esq. @   Monday, August 22, 2005   Immigration Question Hello...I'm an US citizen and I'm Married to a jamica citizen an we have been married for 10 years now. He's in jail an faceing deportion they are saying when he finsh his time which will be in 4 years that he will be deported.What can I do with all the new laws now..... By Taquetta Marshall @ Usa,NewYork  niamarcus@optonline.net Sunday, August 21, 2005   Insurance Dear Kay If the savings portion of the account is now a joint account, you should be able to make changes upon presentation of proper identification. It should not matter in which country you reside. You must contact the insurance company / bank for the procedure. A copy of the policy should have all the information you need. I am not sure what you mean by others uising you for insurance purposes. Call for further assistance 973 242 3493 or 1 800 310 1121 Good Luck By Clairmont M. Chung, Esq. @ USA  clairmont@muzikmedia.com Saturday, August 20, 2005   Life Insurance If a parent creates a life insurance/savings account for a child and the child then becomes of age, but is not in the same country and is unsure how to go about making changes to the account and/or collecting the money. What is the process? Who should be contacted? What can be done to stop family from using your information for insurance purposes without your knowledge. By Kay @ Canada  monique_1st@yahoo.com Saturday, August 20, 2005   how long Dear Sir/Mde: No one knows the answer to that question. I have had petitions take 4 months and others 4 years. However most petitions are approved with 90 days but the actual adjustment to green card status could take 8 to 12 months on average. By Clairmont M. Chung, Esq. @ 973 242 3493  chungesq@aol.com Thursday, August 18, 2005   good morning I want to know how long it will take to get my green card cause i am married to an american citizen By hasina @   Thursday, August 18, 2005   Groom to be There should be no problem with bride's entry using the existing visa. You may marry here or there. You may also apply for her before marriage as your fiancee. Check with an attorney for details or contact my office. 973 242 3493 By Clairmont M. Chung, Esq. @   chungesq@aol.com Wednesday, August 17, 2005   Immigration Question Good Morning, I am a US resident with green card and I have applied for my naturalisation proceedings. I have lived in the US for 5yrs and filed taxes etc. I am getting married in 2006 to my girlfriend of 10yrs. the thing is she is a non-immigrant. She resides in the the C/bbean, I would like her to join me up in the states after we get married and wondered what procedures would I have to have to do first to ensure everything is legal? and would it be a problem when she comes up with me to enter with just her visa? By V. Tonge @ Brooklyn, NY  valtonge@hotmail.com Tuesday, August 16, 2005   Green Card I heard that Castello PPL are exempt from the visay lottery. Is dat true? By Daytone @ Atl, GA  gt4nr Saturday, August 13, 2005   Security and entry This is the web site for SECURITY requirements http://www.dhs.gov/dhspublic/interapp/editorial/editorial_0527.xml By Clairmont m. Chung @   Friday, August 12, 2005   Security and entry Thank you for your quick response. Where can I find more information about security, entry and the countries that are mandated? By gp @ USA, NY  knighttaylor2001@aol.com Thursday, August 11, 2005   security and entry Yes. I believe the Bahamas is one of the countries whose citizens are subject to the new security checks. Marriage is the most certain of the options available to your boyfriend. There are other options but these are more complicated and less certain. I would need more info. By Clairmont M.Chung @   Wednesday, August 10, 2005   security and entry Yes. I believe the Bahamas is one of the countries whose citizens are subject to the new security checks. Marriage is the most certain of the options available to your boyfriend. There are other options but these more complicated and less certain. I would need more info. By Clairmont M.Chung @   Wednesday, August 10, 2005   fingerprinting My boyfriend lives in the Bahamas and I wanted to know does Immigration do the fingerprinting and eye imaging on Bahamians when coming through customs? When he reaches is there any papers that can be filed for him to stay besides getting married By gp @ USA, NY  kngihttaylor2001@aol.com Wednesday, August 10, 2005   petition denial Cheryl You did not say the reason INS denied your husband's adjustment. Maybe something can be done for him yet. His recent legal problems will not help. I would need to review all the facts and documents before offering any suggestions. The 'hold' on him suggests INS will seek to remove him. Call my office 973 242 3493 By Clairmont M.Chung @   chungesq@aol.com Monday, August 8, 2005   immigration i am a us citizen married to a jamaican for 3 years we have 2 children, when i met him he already had overstayed his visit. we filed for him but immigration denied his adjustment of status but they approved my petition as a wife. the problem is that he recently got locked up on a gun charge which was dropped down to a misdemeanor 8 months but immigration placed a hold on him do you think they will try to deport him? is there anything i should try to do? By cheryl @ new york USA  miss_mention_69@yahoo.com Tuesday, August 2, 2005   True I was married 2 yrs but we only started filing after one year . And i got my card 1 mopnth ago . So in fact it only took me after the lawyer submit it Nov of last year.....7 months. By Anyo @ FL  Anyo@gmail.com Wednesday, July 27, 2005   time to process applications No one can predict the length of time any given application may take to process. Some take as little as 4 to 6 months and others can take as much as 4 years. By Clairmont M.Chung @   clairmont@muzikmedia.com Wednesday, July 13, 2005   sup i want to know and i am married to an american citizen and will like to find out how long my paper will come throuhgt.Thank you in advance By ama @ canada  babelove22000@yahoo.com Wednesday, July 13, 2005   Re-entry I apologize if I scared you. If you have a valid passport, green card, and no convictions, you should not have a problem re entering. On marriage: if you marry and file now you receive a earlier priority date. However, if you wait and become a citizen, a visa is usually immediately available. I usually advise that if you love the person, get married. Citizenship requires a green card holder to wait 3-5 years depending on who sponsored you. And it may take approximately 1yr from the date of application to your swearing-in ceremony. By Clairmont Chung @   clairmont@muzikmedia.com Friday, July 1, 2005   CiT I think you have to become a cit first. And it takes 10 years or 5 in some cases. Not too sure about that . By Dee @ FL  Same Friday, July 1, 2005   Citizenship fiance + I have been together almost 4 years he doesn't have his papers and I'm a resident. Does it make a difference if we get married b4 or afta I become a citizen? If I have to do the citizenship first how long is the process? By Charli @ USA, S. Florida  jamdown321@yahoo.com Friday, July 1, 2005   Got Ok then with only stayin 2 wks and valid passport and sticking to the rules. They shouldnt bother me about enterting the states again should they? By same @ FL  same Thursday, June 30, 2005   Green Cards and Your Re entry A green card is also known as your resident alien card. It means you are a resident but still an alien. You are only a resident and can be removed under a ceratin set of circumstances like convictions. But if you are abroad and try to re enter you have less rights. For example if you stay abroad for more than 6 months, re entry is at the discretion of Homeland Security. By Clairmont M, Chung @   Clairmont @Muzikmedia.com Tuesday, June 28, 2005   entitle you to re-entry Y does it not entitile u to enter back in the US if you have a green card and a passport. Im now scared to travel to jamaica. By Same @ FL  Same@gmail.com Monday, June 27, 2005     Total: 774 Pages: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13