Frequently Asked Questions about Immigration in the United States

Welcome to our section of Immigration FAQ. We know that the migratory process can raise many questions, so we've gathered here the Immigration FAQ what else our clients do to us. If after reviewing these answers you still have concerns, do not hesitate to Contact us directly — we're here to help you find the YES where others only see a NO.

What is a green card or permanent resident card?

The green card is an official document issued by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). You are considered a lawful permanent resident and are granted authorization to live and work freely in the U.S. With a green card, you can also apply for U.S. citizenship after meeting certain time and residency requirements.

Why can a green card application be denied? The U.S. government can deny a permanent residency application for several reasons: errors on forms, incomplete documentation, inability to prove eligibility, criminal history, or insufficient financial resources. This is one of the Immigration FAQ most important if your case was denied, we can help you. Learn more about Immigration waivers and pardons.

Can a U.S. citizen be deported?

In general, U.S. citizens cannot be deported. However, the government can attempt to revoke the citizenship of naturalized individuals in cases where fraud is proven during the naturalization process, such as omitting a criminal record or falsifying information on the application. For more official information, consult the website of USCIS about citizenship.

My visa expired, what can I do?

If your visa has expired, it is urgent that you contact an immigration lawyer as soon as possible. Time is critical: depending on your situation, there may be several options such as renewal, adjustment of status, an application for an extension, or applying for a different visa. Do not wait, acting quickly can make a difference in your case. Check out our services Work and Travel Permits Hello U Visa according to your situation.

What is the U Visa and who can apply for it?

The U Visa is designed for victims of certain crimes who have suffered mental or physical abuse and have cooperated with law enforcement or judicial authorities in the investigation of the crime. It is a legal path that can lead to permanent residency. If you were a victim of a crime in the U.S., you may qualify — consult with our office to evaluate your case.

What is the VAWA Visa and how does it protect victims of domestic violence?

The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) allows victims of domestic abuse, including spouses, children, and parents of citizens or permanent residents, to apply for a green card independently, without the abuser needing to participate in the process. This mechanism protects victims and allows them to seek safety without fear of deportation.

Frequently Asked Questions about Work and Travel Permits

Can I work while waiting for my Green Card? In many cases, yes. You can apply for an EAD while your residency case is pending. An attorney can confirm if it applies to your situation.

Can I travel outside the US with only my EAD? No. The EAD only authorizes you to work. To travel, you need an Advance Parole or a valid travel document. Traveling without the correct permission can seriously affect your immigration case.

What happens if my work permit expires? You must renew it before it expires. Submitting the renewal on time is crucial to avoid losing your employment authorization.

Can you apply for EAD and Advance Parole together? Yes. In many cases, both are requested at the same time. This saves time and reduces costs.

Frequently Asked Questions about the U Visa and Consular Processing

Can I apply for a U Visa if the crime happened years ago? Yes, although time can affect the availability of evidence and the cooperation of authorities. It is advisable to start the process as soon as possible.

Yes, a U Visa allows you to bring qualifying family members with you to the United States. Yes. With a U Visa, you can also include certain family members (called “derivatives”), such as your spouse, children, and in some cases, parents or siblings, depending on your age.

How long do I have to apply for consular processing after my petition is approved? Once your petition is approved and a visa number is available, you must proceed with the process within the timeframe indicated by the NVC. Ignoring deadlines may result in the closure of your case.

What happens if I live in a country where there is no U.S. consulate? There are special procedures for applicants in countries where the U.S. does not maintain diplomatic relations or whose consulate is closed. An attorney can advise you on the available options.

Frequently Asked Questions about Citizenship and Waivers

Can someone who naturalized have their citizenship revoked? In exceptional cases, the government may attempt to revoke the citizenship of a naturalized person if it is proven that the naturalization process involved fraud, such as concealing a criminal record or providing false information on the application.

How long does the naturalization process take? Processing times vary depending on the case volume at each USCIS office, but on average, it can take between 8 and 24 months from filing Form N-400.

What happens if my waiver is denied? If your waiver is denied, in some cases it is possible to appeal the decision or submit a new application with additional documentation. An immigration attorney can help you evaluate your available options.

Does a waiver guarantee approval of my case? No. A waiver is a request for forgiveness, not a guarantee of approval. However, with a well-founded legal strategy and the correct documentation, the odds of success increase considerably.