Our Legal Blog

A Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for a Green Card for Your Family

Living as a DACA recipient in Colorado comes with its own set of challenges and opportunities. To make the most of the latter and effectively handle the former, it's imperative to have the right guidance. This is where a Dreamers attorney steps in – a specialized legal aide who understands the unique situations faced by Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients.  Understanding DACA and Its Impact Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) is an American immigration policy allowing some individuals with unlawful presence in the United States after being brought to the country as children to receive a renewable two-year period of deferment from deportation and become eligible for a work permit. It serves as a lifeline for many young people to work legally in the U.S. and avoid the risk of deportation. For Colorado residents who are also DACA recipients, this status is particularly crucial for their livelihood and sense of security. Here, I outline how consulting with a Dreamers attorney can support you or someone you know in this community. Dreamers Attorney: Your Guide and Advocate A Dreamers attorney is well-versed in the intricacies of immigration law, especially as it pertains to DACA policies. Here’s how they can help: Legal Advice Tailored to Your Needs: Every DACA case is unique. A Dreamers attorney can provide personalized legal advice based on an individual's situation. Assistance with DACA Applications and Renewals: The application and renewal process can be complex. An attorney can ensure accuracy, completeness, and timeliness. Representation in Immigration Matters: In any situation where legal representation is necessary, a Dreamers attorney can be a strong advocate. Protection Against Changes in Law: With immigration laws constantly evolving, an attorney can help DACA recipients understand and prepare for potential changes that may affect their status. Why Colorado Dreamers Need an Attorney Now More Than Ever In the current political climate, DACA policies are subject to change, making it even more critical to have legal counsel who can react quickly and effectively. Colorado has unique state laws and resources for DACA recipients, which a Dreamers attorney can help you access and understand. Community and Resources in Colorado Colorado is home to numerous advocacy groups, organizations, and community resources dedicated to supporting DACA recipients. By engaging with a local attorney, you tap into a vast network of support and information tailored to the needs of Dreamers within the state. If you or someone you love is a Dreamer in Colorado, it's more important than ever to be proactive about your legal status. Work with an attorney who specializes in this area of law to help safeguard your future. Remember, you are not alone, and there is a community of legal professionals ready to support you.

For many Colorado residents seeking to enter the United States, navigating the complexities of U.S. immigration law can be overwhelming. One common hurdle for those looking to secure legal status is a waiver of inadmissibility. A waiver of inadmissibility is a form of legal relief that allows certain individuals who would otherwise be barred from entering the country to gain admission or adjust their status. In this blog post, we’ll explore what waivers of inadmissibility are, who may be eligible, and how an experienced immigration lawyer can help you navigate this process. What is a Waiver of Inadmissibility? A waiver of inadmissibility is a discretionary decision by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) or the Department of State (DOS) to forgive certain grounds for ineligibility for admission into the United States. The most common grounds for ineligibility include criminal convictions, immigration violations, and health-related issues such as communicable diseases. If you are deemed ineligible for admission due to one or more of these grounds, you may be able to apply for a waiver. Who May Be Eligible? Not everyone who is found inadmissible will qualify for a waiver. Generally speaking, waivers are only available to applicants who can demonstrate that their denial would result in extreme hardship to themselves or their U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident family members. For example, if you have been convicted of certain crimes but can show that your deportation would cause extreme hardship for your spouse and children who are U.S. citizens, you may be eligible for a waiver. How Can an Immigration Lawyer Help? Navigating the complex world of immigration law can be challenging without proper guidance and support. An experienced immigration lawyer can help you determine whether you may be eligible for a waiver of inadmissibility and guide you through the application process. Your lawyer can help you gather the necessary evidence to support your case and prepare a strong waiver application that addresses all relevant legal requirements. What Happens After I Apply? After you submit your waiver application, USCIS or DOS will review it to determine whether you meet the legal requirements for a waiver. This process can take several months or more, depending on the complexity of your case. If your waiver is granted, you will be able to enter the United States or adjust your status. If your waiver is denied, you may have the option to appeal the decision or reapply with new evidence. If you are facing inadmissibility issues and believe that a waiver may be an option for you, it’s important to consult with an experienced immigration lawyer who can help guide you through this complex process. At our law firm, we specialize in helping Colorado residents navigate all aspects of U.S. immigration law, including waivers of inadmissibility. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you achieve your goals for legal status in the United States.

How an Attorney Can Assist You When Sponsoring a Second Spouse for a Green Card

What Happens When You Overstay Your Visa in Denver?

The United States is a land of opportunities and a dream destination for many. But, when it comes to traveling to the US, the visa process can be perplexing and time-consuming, causing many individuals to feel overwhelmed. In this guide, we will discuss what visa you need to travel to the US, how long it lasts, what happens if you extend your stay, and how an attorney can help streamline your visa process.  1. What visa do you need? Before planning any trip to the US, the first and foremost thing to determine is whether you need a visa or if you qualify for a visa waiver. Citizens of certain countries may visit the US for up to 90 days without a visa but require an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). If you need to apply for a visa, you must determine the purpose of your travel, such as business, study, or tourism. There are several types of non-immigrant visas that correspond to these purposes, including B1/B2, F, J, H1B, and more. Each visa carries specific requirements and conditions. 2. How long does it last? The duration of your visa depends on the type of visa you apply for and your intended purpose of travel. For instance, a visitor visa (B1/B2) may be issued for up to 10 years, but each stay must be no longer than six months. If you are traveling for a specific purpose, such as studying or working, your visa validity will correlate to the length of your program or job contract. 3. What happens if you extend your stay? If you need to stay in the US longer than your authorized stay, you must apply for an extension. The process of extending your stay can be detailed and stressful, and it is best to get advice from an attorney to avoid making any mistakes. If you overstay your authorized stay, it could create difficulties for you to enter the US in the future. Overstaying your visa could also result in deportation, fines, and visa revocation. 4. How can an attorney help you? Navigating the visa process on your own can be tedious, confusing, and overwhelming. An experienced immigration attorney can help you determine which visa is right for you while keeping in mind the legal requirements and best possible options. An attorney can also assist you in filing your application, gathering the necessary documentation, and preparing for your visa interview. Furthermore, an attorney can help you avoid common mistakes that could lead to visa rejection or denial. Obtaining a US visa requires patience, timing, and careful consideration of the applicable regulations. Talk to an experienced attorney to ensure you have all the necessary information to make a successful visa application and avoid any complications. The visa process can be a hassle, but it should not stop you from achieving your goals of traveling to the United States.

Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA, is a program that allows those who came to the US as children to receive temporary protection against deportation. It has helped thousands of young people achieve their dreams of education, employment, and stability, and has offered a way for them to contribute to their communities. However, applying for DACA can be complicated, with many forms to fill out and requirements to meet. In this article, we will provide you with some tips to make the DACA filing process more manageable and increase your chances of getting approved. 1. Filing the most updated forms: The forms required to apply for DACA can change, so before submitting your application, make sure you have the most up-to-date version of each form. The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website is the best source of information to find updated forms. Also, make sure you're using forms with correct dates, since USCIS rejects outdated forms. 2. Submit all the paperwork: Gathering all documents to prove eligibility for the program is critical. Make sure you have copies of all required documents before submitting the application. It is recommended to make a checklist and mark off documents as you gather them. If you have questions or need help, seek assistance from a qualified immigration lawyer or authorized community-based organization. 3. All documents are signed: Triple-check to ensure that all your paperwork is signed. USCIS will return any documents that do not have a signature, and failing to sign can cause significant delays or even lead to denial of the application. 4. Documents are accurate: Make sure all personal information requested on the forms matches your official records, including your name, date of birth, and social security number. If the information doesn't match, it can raise red flags that could delay or negatively impact your application. 5. Don't e-file documents: USCIS recommends not electronically submitting documents with any DACA applications. Always send any required documents as photocopies, because USCIS will not return any original documents, especially Social Security cards, driver's licenses, or passports. Keep a copy of everything sent for your records. 6. Make copies: Make a complete copy of the entire application packet, including the check or money order for the filing fee. USCIS recommends making two copies to keep for your records. If the application needs to be redone for any reason, the process will be faster and less confusing with a complete copy. 7. How can an attorney help me? DACA can be complicated, and every case is unique. An experienced immigration attorney can review applications and documentation to assist in providing the strongest possible case for immigration relief. They can explain eligibility criteria, potential risks, and benefits. An attorney can also provide support and representation if necessary. Applying for DACA can be a stressful and complicated process, with many forms, eligibility criteria to meet, and documentation to provide. However, with careful preparation, accuracy, and the help of qualified professionals, you can increase your chances of being approved. The tips provided in this article will help you to start your application on the right track, ensuring that you have the best chance of success in achieving authorization to work lawfully, remain in the US, and contribute to your community.

Are you planning to marry someone from another country and bring them to the United States? If so, you're probably wondering how the immigration process works and what you need to do to ensure a smooth transition. This guide is designed to provide an overview of marriage-based immigration, including the various steps involved and important considerations to keep in mind. Whether you're a Colorado resident or from another state, understanding the details of this process is essential to achieving your goals.  1. The Marriage Process The first step in the marriage-based immigration process is, of course, getting married. This could involve either a traditional wedding ceremony or a civil union, depending on your preferences and circumstances. Once you're officially married, you'll need to apply for a marriage certificate, which can be obtained from your local courthouse or government office. 2. Filing the I-130 Petition After your marriage is official, you'll need to file an I-130 petition with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This petition establishes that you're legally married and allows your spouse to apply for a visa to come to the United States. As part of the I-130 process, you'll need to provide evidence of your relationship, such as marriage certificates, photos, and other documentation to prove that your marriage is legitimate. 3. Consular Processing Once your I-130 petition is approved, your spouse will need to go through consular processing at a U.S. embassy or consulate in their home country. This involves submitting additional documentation and attending an interview to determine their eligibility for a visa. If all goes well, your spouse will then receive a visa and can come to the United States. Alternatively, they may be eligible to adjust their status to that of a permanent resident if they're already in the United States legally. 4. Conditional Residence If your spouse is granted a visa or adjusts their status to a permanent resident, they will initially receive conditional residence status for two years. During this time, you'll need to file an additional application with USCIS to remove the conditions and obtain permanent residence. This involves demonstrating that your marriage is still valid and providing additional evidence of your relationship. 5. Potential Challenges While marriage-based immigration is a commonly used method for bringing spouses to the United States, it's not without its challenges. Depending on your specific circumstances, you may encounter difficulties obtaining the necessary documentation or proving your relationship. In addition, your spouse may face challenges during the consular processing phase, such as a higher likelihood of visa denials if they have a prior immigration violation or criminal record. Overall, marriage-based immigration can be a complex and time-consuming process, but it's a viable option for many couples who want to be together. If you're a Colorado resident who is planning to marry someone from another country, it's important to understand the various steps involved and the potential challenges you may face. By being well-informed and working with experienced immigration professionals, you can increase the likelihood of success and achieve your goal of building a life together in the United States.

Understanding the Rights of Dreamers (DACA)