First and foremost, all of us at Walther Goss Law hope that you and your families remain safe and healthy during this pandemic. We are committed to giving our clients the best possible service under the circumstances while keeping our staff and clients as safe as possible. Effective immediately, we are reducing in-person client meetings as much as possible and we are no longer accepting walk-ins to our office. Most meetings will be done by phone or video. Do not … Continued
As we all figure out how to contain the spread of COVID 19, the novel coronavirus, courts and government agencies have been adjusting their policies as well. We will contact clients as they are affected, but below is general information about the courts and agencies we deal with at Walther Goss Law. Immigration court (EOIR): All immigration courts have stopped non-detained hearings, including master calendar hearings and individual hearings, through April 10, 2020. If you have a hearing during that … Continued
First and foremost, all of us at Walther Goss Law hope that you and your families remain safe and healthy during this pandemic. We are committed to giving our clients the best possible service under the circumstances while keeping our staff and clients as safe as possible. Effective immediately, we are reducing in-person client meetings as much as possible and we are no longer accepting walk-ins to our office. Most meetings will be done by phone or video. Do not … Continued
Protect yourself against new expedited removal rule Expedited removal, a form of removal (deportation) that does not require a hearing or review by an immigration judge, has been around for several years. Until now, it has only applied to people who have been in the US for less than 2 years and who are within 100 miles of the US border. As of July 23, 2019, it has been expanded to include the entire country, not just areas within 100 … Continued
In immigration court, you do not have the right to an attorney as you would in criminal court. You only have the right to bring an attorney that you have hired, at no cost to the government. If you cannot afford an attorney and are unable to find a pro bono (volunteer) attorney to help you, you must represent yourself in court. Even if you do not have an attorney, if you are detained by immigration, ask to be seen … Continued
An employer should only ask for your documents once they offer you a job, not before. If you are authorized to work and your documents come up as ‘no match’, you can appeal within 8 business days. Your employer may use E-Verify, an internet-based system that quickly compares your information with the Dept. of Homeland Security and Social Security Administration. Regardless of your status, you have the right to earn minimum wage, to be paid overtime if eligible, and work … Continued
You do not have to open the door to immigration or to police unless they have a signed arrest or search warrant. Ask to see any warrant under the door or through a window by your door. Do not open your door to see the warrant. If you open the door, officials will assume you are giving them permission to enter. Once inside, ICE may ask for documents and ID of all persons inside. A warrant is a document signed … Continued
If immigration or the police signals you to stop your car, you should do so. They can ask for your name, driver’s license, insurance and registration. Show them these documents if you have them. Always carry a valid form of ID even if you are not eligible for a driver’s license. Do not carry false ID with you! You have the right to remain silent beyond giving your name. Your passenger has the right to remain silent, but it may … Continued
Gather Documents Gather copies of important documents in a safe place. These may include passports and IDs for all family members, birth certificates of US citizen children, marriage certificates, and proof of your time living in the United States. Develop a Family Plan Discuss a plan with your friends and family of what to do in case you are detained. Write down important information about your children (their schools, doctors, allergies or illnesses, medication, etc.). Ensure your children know who … Continued
One of the most common and well-known methods of gaining legal immigration status in the United States is via marriage to a US citizen (“USC”) or lawful permanent resident (“LPR”), commonly known as a green card holder. If you are granted a green card through marriage to a USC, you are eligible to apply for citizenship three years later. However, the mere fact of getting married to a USC or LPR does not necessarily mean that you can get legal … Continued
With the ongoing government shutdown, we’ve received many calls from concerned immigration clients wondering what is open, what is closed, and how the shutdown affects their immigration case. USCIS (US Citizenship & Immigration Services) is not affected by the shutdown. USCIS services are paid by your filing fees so they remain open. Applications will continue to be received and processed even though the government is shut down. Biometrics (fingerprint) appointments will continue as scheduled, as will interviews. If you do … Continued
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