Posted on September 16,2024 in Immigration

Being denied a visa can be a disappointing and frustrating experience. It can sabotage plans you may have to live, work, or study in the United States. It can also separate you from your family.

There are several reasons why the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) might deny someone a visa. They are referred to as grounds for inadmissibility. To avoid being rejected, it is important to understand these reasons so you can take the appropriate steps. One of the best ways to avoid visa denial is to consult an experienced Florida immigration attorney who can guide you through the visa application process.

Here are the most common reasons why visas are denied.

Criminal History

Visa applicants with a criminal record may be denied a U.S. visa. Light misdemeanors like petty theft may not necessarily jeopardize your eligibility, but you are likely to be rejected if you have committed more serious crimes, such as:

Continue Reading ››

 Posted on August 15,2024 in Immigration

People who come to the United States seeking protection from persecution in their home countries may be able to apply for asylum. Asylum is a legal process that, if followed correctly, can lead to citizenship. There are two types of asylum:

• Affirmative asylum: This means actively seeking asylum when you are in the United States.
• Defensive asylum: This is when you seek asylum because you are in the process of being deported.

To help you better understand the process, this article will discuss four things to consider when seeking asylum in the United States. The best way to protect your rights is to hire an experienced Florida asylum attorney who can guide you through the process.

You Will Be Asked About Your Family On the Application

When you go through the application process for asylum, you will be asked for a lot of information. For example, you will need to disclose where you currently live and you will be asked to provide your fingerprints.

Continue Reading ››

 Posted on July 18,2024 in Immigration

Moving to Florida to work can be exciting, but you need the right visa. Temporary work visas allow people from other countries to work in the U.S. for a limited time. There are three types of temporary work visas individuals should know about H Visas, L Visas, and E Visas. Each one has different rules. An attorney can assist you in deciding which temporary work visa makes the most sense for you.

H Visas: For Skilled Workers

The H Visa is for people who have special skills. There are different kinds of H Visas:

• H-1B Visa – This is for workers in jobs like tech, engineering, or medicine. You need a job offer and a college degree.

  Continue Reading ››

 Posted on June 19,2024 in Immigration

Immigrating to the United States can be a dream for many people around the world. However, certain criminal convictions on your record can stand in your way of making it a reality. It is important to understand these crimes and how they can affect your immigration application. If you are concerned about a criminal conviction you believe may make you ineligible for immigrating to America, contact a lawyer for assistance.

Drug-Related Offenses

One of the most common reasons for being denied entry into the United States in 2024 is having a drug-related offense on your record. This can include possessing, selling, or manufacturing illegal drugs. The U.S. government takes drug crimes very seriously and has strict laws against them. Even if the drug offense was minor and happened years ago, it could still impact your ability to immigrate. 

Continue Reading ››

 Posted on May 17,2024 in Immigration

If you want to bring a close family member to the United States while living in Florida, an immediate relative (IR) visa may be a good option. These visas are for close family members of U.S. citizens and do not have yearly limits, which makes them quicker to obtain compared to other family-based visas. To make sure you understand the requirements and documents needed for an IR visa, contact an immigration lawyer.

Who Qualifies for an IR Visa?

IR visas are for close family members of U.S. citizens. The eligible categories are: 

• IR-1 – Spouses of U.S. citizens.

• IR-2 – Unmarried children under 21 of U.S. citizens.

• IR-3 – Orphans adopted abroad by U.S. citizens. 

  Continue Reading ››

 Posted on April 17,2024 in Immigration

If you are an immigrant looking to live and work in the United States, obtaining a green card is a significant step toward making your goals a reality. A green card, also known as a Permanent Resident Card, grants you the legal right to live and work in the U.S. permanently. Here are the key things you should know about green cards and how an immigration attorney can help you achieve your goals.

At Vasquez Law Firm, PLLC, our Spanish-speaking attorneys are ready to handle every part of your case. We understand the excitement many feel as they look to build a life for themselves in the United States. When clients hire us, they can feel confident knowing we will do everything we can to assist them in making their goals of pursuing the American dream a reality.

Understanding Green Cards 

A green card is a legal document that proves your status as a lawful permanent resident of the United States. A green card allows you to live and work in the country indefinitely, enjoy certain rights and benefits, and eventually apply for U.S. citizenship if you meet the eligibility requirements.

Continue Reading ››

 Posted on April 12,2024 in Immigration

If you are a same-sex couple in Florida facing immigration challenges, it is important to know that you have options. To learn what these options are, contact a local immigration attorney. By contacting an attorney, you can ensure that you and your significant other understand what options are available to you and then make the decision that best fits your circumstances.

At Vasquez Law Firm, PLLC, our Spanish-speaking team of qualified attorneys offers honest and reliable representation to those facing immigration challenges in Florida. If you need immigration help, give us a call to get started on your case.

Understanding Immigration Laws for Same-Sex Couples

In 2013, the U.S. Supreme Court and President Obama directed the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services to review immigration visa petitions in the same way opposite-sex visa petitions are reviewed. This landmark moment in United States history paved the way for immigrants in same-sex relationships, in Florida and across the country, to have the right to sponsor his or her partner for a green card or other immigration benefits, just like opposite-sex couples.

Continue Reading ››

 Posted on March 28,2024 in Immigration

If you are trying to figure out how to get permission to enter the United States but find the rules in Florida confusing, you are not alone. Even though it may be hard, it is important to know about different ways you can apply for a waiver. This is true for people who are already in the U.S. and people who want to come into the U.S. but are not here yet.

There are special rules for people who have been in the U.S. without permission, those who need protection because they are in danger, and victims of violence or human trafficking. It is always a good idea to work with a lawyer who knows a lot about immigration laws to help you through this process.

Our team at Vasquez Law Firm, PLLC is made up of experienced immigration lawyers who are ready to help people in Florida with their immigration needs. We are here to give you the detailed advice you need, no matter how complicated your situation is.

Continue Reading ››

 Posted on February 12,2024 in Immigration

Getting married is a significant milestone in life, and for couples who live in different countries, marriage may require them to navigate the complexities of immigration law. In situations where one partner is a U.S. citizen, and the couple wants to live together in the United States, the couple may need to apply for a K-1 fiancé visa. If an application is approved, the K-1 visa will allow the foreign fiancé to enter the country with the intention of getting married within 90 days. However, what happens if the couple gets divorced after obtaining the K-1 visa? An experienced immigration attorney can provide guidance in these situations, helping a foreign fiancé or spouse understand what options may allow them to continue living in the United States.

K-1 Fiancé Visa Overview

A K-1 fiancé visa allows foreign nationals who are engaged to be married to enter the United States for that purpose. The U.S. citizen fiancé(e) will file Form I-129F, Petition for Alien Fiancé(e), with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The foreign fiancé(e) will be required to attend an interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate, and once their visa is approved, they will receive authorization to enter the United States.

Continue Reading ››

 Posted on January 11,2024 in Immigration

For immigrants who are currently living in the United States, the process of obtaining legal permanent residency, also known as a Green Card, can be complex and confusing. One potential pathway to obtaining a Green Card is through an adjustment of status. This option allows certain eligible immigrants to change their immigration status from nonimmigrant to immigrant without having to leave the country. An attorney with experience in immigration law can help immigrants and their family members determine when this option may be available, and they can provide legal support during the process of applying for a Green Card.

What Is an Adjustment of Status?

An adjustment of status allows eligible immigrants who are in the United States to apply for lawful permanent residency or a Green Card without being required to return to their home countries. This can save time and money compared to applying for a visa at a U.S. consulate abroad.

Continue Reading ››