Law Office of Mario Zapata

Great to receive positive feedback from client's during the holiday season. We encourage those needing assistance with their immigration process to contact us. Cheers!

If you or a loved one were victimized by Oscar Gil, Judith Gil, Minerva Gil, or their business (FJA and Associates) for immigration services, please contact the District Attorney's office. They have been charged with several criminal charges in providing fraudulent immigration services in Los Angeles County.

7 years ago today, we opened the office ready to assist immigrants build a better future. We want to take this time to thank all friends, staff, clients (new and old), colleagues, and family who have contributed to the success of the business. May everyone experience a Happy and safe 4th of July weekend.

Nueva designacion permite a venezolanos elegibles solicitar TPS y documentos de autorizacion de empleo. Esta nueva designacion de TPS para Venezuela permite a los ciudadanos venezolanos (y las personas sin nacionalidad que residieron por ultima vez en Venezuela) que actualmente residen en los Estados Unidos presentar solicitudes iniciales para TPS, siempre que cumplan con los requisitos de elegibilidad. Si tiene preguntas sobre como esto puede afectarlo a usted o a un se...r querido, comuniquese con nuestra oficina al (714) 441-2800 para una consulta. https://www.dhs.gov//secretary-mayorkas-designates-venezue #immigrationattorney #AbogadoDeInmigracion #tpsvenezuela #immigrationlawyer #ImmigrationUpdates #inmigracion ______________________________________________________________________ New designation allows eligible Venezuelans to apply for TPS and employment authorization documents. This new TPS designation for Venezuela allows Venezuelan citizens (and non-nationals who last resided in Venezuela) who are currently residing in the United States to submit initial applications for TPS, provided they meet the eligibility requirements. If you have questions about how this may affect you or a loved one, please contact our office at (714) 441-2800 for a consultation.

ICE announces temporary guidelines for its enforcement and removal operations. ICE anuncia guías temporales para sus operaciones de ejecución y deportación.

Una buena publicación que brinda información sobre el plan de inmigración del presidente Biden y la cantidad de tiempo y acción que tendrá que tomar hasta que el gobierno de los EE. UU. lo finaliza.

A nice publication providing some insight into President Biden's immigration plan and how lots of time and action will have to take place until something is actually finalized by the US government

These are the changes to immigration law that President Biden is proposing. These are proposals ONLY. It proposes:... 1. Temporary Residence for all immigrants who entered the United States before January 1, 2021; and immigrants deported after January 20, 2017, who show they lived in the United States for 3 years prior to deportation. 2. Permanent Residence 5 years after the start of the Temporary Residence, for those who demonstrate a good record and compliance with the tax reports. 3. Immediate Permanent Residence for immigrants with TPS, DACA and farmers (farmworkers). 4. Citizenship 3 years after Permanent Residence, for those who demonstrate a good record and basic knowledge of American citizenship and the English language. 5. Elimination of waiting line in family petitions. Elimination of penalties of 3 and 10 years for undocumented presence. Waiting for Permanent Residence, within the United States, for beneficiaries of approved family petitions. 6. Removal of Trump's entry bans (BAN). 7. Monetary support for organizations facilitating citizenship applications. 8. Elimination of waiting lines for beneficiaries of Labor Visas; work permits; and option so that their children (even when they become of legal age) can immigrate. 9. Expands U Visa benefits to people who suffer from unfair working conditions. 10. Increased technology and support for border protection. Greater focus against drug trafficking organizations and human traffickers. 11. Support for El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras, in exchange for their cooperation in promoting greater legality and less violence in their country. 12. Greater discretion and support for Immigration Judges. 13. Government payments for attorneys and other organizations that guide vulnerable immigrants and minors. More responsibility for children's sponsors. 14. Elimination of the requirement to submit a political asylum application in the first year from entry. Speeding up the processing time of these cases. 15. Increase in U Visas from 10,000 to 30,000 per year. It would change the long wait for U Visa petitions. The wait time now is 5-7 years. 16. More protections for VAWA cases. (Applications for Victims of Abuse when the abuse is from family members (spouses/children over 21/parents) who are citizens or residents.) 17. More protections for members of the American military. ******* This is not a law. No one can quote you for services or request / apply any of these suggestions. It will take steps to approve any or all or some of these proposals. Stay tuned.

USCIS has released official notice. Initial DACA applications and advance parole requests for DACA recipients are now being accepted! If you know anyone that qualifies or you want to apply, try to do so as soon possible, as there is no saying what the Trump administration may do in the short-term to prohibit such filings. https://www.uscis.gov/i-821d USCIS ha publicado un aviso oficial. Ya estan aceptando aplicaciones iniciales de DACA y solicitudes de... permisos para salir de los Estados Unidos a los recipientes de DACA. Si conoce a alguien que califica o quiere aplicar, trate de hacerlo lo mas antes posible, porque no se que hara la administracion de Presidente Trump hara para prohibirlo en el futuro. #immigration #inmigracion #inmigracion #immigrants #inmigrantes #immigrationlawyer #immigrationattorney #immigrationlaw #immigrationreform #abogadodeinmigracion

On November 14, 2020, Judge Nicholas George Garaufis of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York issued an opinion regarding the July 28, 2020 memorandum signed by Acting Secretary Chad F. Wolf. On December 4, 2020, Judge Garaufis required the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to take certain actions to implement his November 14 opinion. As a result, effective December 7, 2020, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is: Accepting first-time ...requests for consideration of deferred action under Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) based on the terms of the DACA policy in effect prior to September 5, 2017, and in accordance with the Court’s December 4, 2020, order; Accepting DACA renewal requests based on the terms of the DACA policy in effect prior to September 5, 2017, and in accordance with the Court’s December 4, 2020, order; Accepting applications for advance parole documents based on the terms of the DACA policy prior to September 5, 2017, and in accordance with the Court’s December 4, 2020, order; Extending one-year grants of deferred action under DACA to two years; and Extending one-year employment authorization documents under DACA to two years. USCIS will take appropriate steps to provide evidence of the one-year extensions of deferred action and employment authorization documents under DACA to individuals who were issued documentation on or after July 28, 2020, with a one-year validity period under the Wolf Memorandum. DHS will comply with Judge Garaufis’ order while it remains in effect, but DHS may seek relief from the order. https://www.dhs.gov//update-deferred-action-childhood-arri

Una buena publicación que brinda información sobre el plan de inmigración del presidente Biden y la cantidad de tiempo y acción que tendrá que tomar hasta que el gobierno de los EE. UU. lo finaliza.

A nice publication providing some insight into President Biden's immigration plan and how lots of time and action will have to take place until something is actually finalized by the US government

We are an established and reputable immigration law office finding joy in helping immigrants reach their dreams. Have questions? Seek a consult? We are here to help. Appreciate Harry Mack for the shout out. #immigrants #immigrationreform #immigrationattorney #inmigracion #abogadadeinmigracion #greencard

For 100 days, starting January 22, 2021, DHS will pause removals for certain noncitizens ordered deported to ensure we have a fair and effective immigration enforcement system focused on protecting national security, border security, and public safety. The pause will allow DHS to ensure that its resources are dedicated to responding to the most pressing challenges that the United States faces, including immediate operational challenges at the southwest border in the midst of ...the most serious global public health crisis in a century. Throughout this interim period DHS will continue to enforce our immigration laws. Attached is a full reading of the memorandum I just highlighted. _____________________________________________________________________ Durante 100 días, a partir del 22 de enero de 2021, el DHS detendrá las deportaciones de ciertos no ciudadanos cuya deportación haya sido ordenada para garantizar que tengamos un sistema de aplicación de la ley de inmigración justo y eficaz centrado en proteger la seguridad nacional, la seguridad fronteriza y la seguridad pública. La pausa permitirá al DHS garantizar que sus recursos se dediquen a responder a los desafíos más urgentes que enfrenta Estados Unidos, incluidos los desafíos operativos inmediatos en la frontera suroeste en medio de la crisis de salud pública mundial más grave en un siglo. Durante este período interino, el DHS continuará haciendo cumplir nuestras leyes de inmigración. Se adjunta una lectura completa del memorando que acabo de destacar.

Estos son los cambios a la ley de inmigración que propone el presidente Biden. Estas son propuestas ÚNICAMENTE. Propone:... 1. Residencia temporal para todos los inmigrantes que ingresaron a los Estados Unidos antes del 1 de enero de 2021; e inmigrantes deportados después del 20 de enero de 2017, que demuestren que vivieron en los Estados Unidos durante 3 años antes de la deportación. 2. Residencia Permanente 5 años después del inicio de la Residencia Temporal, para quienes demuestren buen historial y cumplimiento de los informes tributarios. 3. Residencia permanente inmediata para inmigrantes con TPS, DACA y agricultores (trabajadores agrícolas). 4. Ciudadanía 3 años después de la residencia permanente, para aquellos que demuestren un buen historial y conocimiento básico de la ciudadanía estadounidense y el idioma inglés. 5. Eliminación de filas de espera en peticiones familiares. Eliminación de penas de 3 y 10 años por presencia indocumentada. Esperando Residencia Permanente, dentro de Estados Unidos, para beneficiarios de peticiones familiares aprobadas. 6. Eliminación de las prohibiciones de entrada de Trump ("BAN"). 7. Apoyo monetario a organizaciones que faciliten solicitudes de ciudadanía. 8. Eliminación de filas de espera para beneficiarios de Visas Laborales; permiso de trabajo; y opción para que sus hijos (incluso cuando sean mayores de edad) puedan inmigrar. 9. Expande los beneficios de la Visa U a las personas que sufren condiciones laborales injustas. 10. Mayor tecnología y apoyo para la protección de fronteras. Mayor enfoque contra las organizaciones de tráfico de drogas y los traficantes de personas. 11. Apoyo a El Salvador, Guatemala y Honduras, a cambio de su cooperación para promover una mayor legalidad y menos violencia en su país. 12. Mayor discreción y apoyo a los jueces de inmigración. 13. Pagos del gobierno para abogados y otras organizaciones que guían a inmigrantes y menores vulnerables. Más responsabilidad para los patrocinadores de los niños. 14. Eliminación del requisito de presentar una solicitud de asilo político en el primer año desde la entrada. Acelerando el tiempo de tramitación de estos casos. 15. Incremento de Visas U de 10,000 a 30,000 por año. Cambiaría la larga espera para las solicitudes de visa U. El tiempo de espera ahora es de 5-7 años. 16. Más protecciones para los casos de VAWA. (Solicitudes para víctimas de abuso cuando el abuso es de miembros de la familia (cónyuges / hijos mayores de 21 años / padres) que son ciudadanos o residentes). 17. Más protecciones para los miembros del ejército estadounidense. ******* Ésta no es una ley. Nadie puede cotizarle por servicios o solicitar / aplicar alguna de estas sugerencias. Tomará medidas para aprobar alguna o todas o algunas de estas propuestas. Manténganse al tanto. Aqui estamos para apoyarle

UPDATE - TPS extended through 10/04/2021 for El Salvador, Haiti, Nicaragua, Sudan, Honduras, and Nepal. "Through this notice, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announces actions to ensure its continued compliance with the preliminary injunction orders of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California in Ramos, et al. v. Nielsen, et. al., No. 18-cv-01554 (N.D. Cal. Oct. 3, 2018) (Ramos) and the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York... in Saget, et. al., v. Trump, et. al., No. 18-cv1599 (E.D.N.Y. Apr. 11, 2019) (Saget), and with the order of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California to stay proceedings in Bhattarai v. Nielsen, No. 19- cv-00731 (N.D. Cal. Mar. 12, 2019) (Bhattarai). A panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit vacated the injunction in Ramos on September 14, 2020. However, because the appellate court has not issued its directive to the district court to make that ruling effective, the injunction remains in place at this time. See Ramos, et al., v. Wolf, et al., No. 18-16981 (9th Cir., September 14, 2020). Beneficiaries under the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) designations for El Salvador, Nicaragua, Sudan, Honduras, and Nepal will retain their TPS while the preliminary injunction in Ramos and the Bhattarai order remain in effect, provided that an alien’s TPS is not withdrawn because of individual ineligibility. Beneficiaries under the TPS designation for Haiti will retain their TPS while either of the preliminary injunctions in Ramos or Saget remain in effect, provided that an alien’s TPS is not withdrawn because of individual ineligibility. This notice further provides information on the automatic extension of the validity of TPSrelated Employment Authorization Documents (EADs); Notices of Action (Forms I-797); and Arrival/Departure Records (Forms I-94), (collectively TPS-related documentation); for those beneficiaries under the TPS designations for El Salvador, Haiti, Nicaragua, Sudan, Honduras, and Nepal. DATES: DHS is automatically extending the validity of TPS-related documentation for beneficiaries under the TPS designations for El Salvador, Haiti, Nicaragua, Sudan, Honduras, and Nepal for nine months through October 4, 2021, from the current expiration date of January 4, 2021." https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2020-27154.pdf

Exciting news to share!!! DACA is back to its original form, meaning USCIS has been ordered to accept initial applications, grant 2-year work permits, and Advance Parole processing under the original criteria. Please share this information to any friends or family that may benefit from such news. For further questions, please contact our office.

USCIS announces revisions to civics test requirements for the Naturalization process. For applicants who apply on or after December 1, 2020, Candidates must answer 12 questions correctly (instead of 6) out of 20 (instead of 10) in order to pass. Passing score still remains 60%. h

On November 3, 2020, the Seventh Circuit has issued an administrative stay of the N.D. of Illinois decision to vacate the DHS Public Charge Final rule pending an appeal which is effective immediately. Accordingly, adjustment of status applications must be filed with the Form I-944.

Some good news for once.

USCIS has issued guidance on its treatment of DACA and DACA-based advance parole applications. Quick summary of it: - Initial DACA applications will be rejected (and filing fees returned) - USCIS will reject DACA renewal requests received more than 150 days before the current grant of DACA expires.... - DACA recipients should file their renewal request between 150 and 120 days before their current grant of DACA expires. The determination whether to grant advance parole to an alien is entirely within the discretion of USCIS and must be made on a case-by-case basis. Some examples of circumstances that may warrant approval include, but are not limited to, situations such as: - Travel to support the national security interests of the United States; - Travel to support U.S. federal law enforcement interests; - Travel to obtain life-sustaining medical treatment that is not otherwise available to the alien in the United States; or - Travel needed to support the immediate safety, wellbeing or care of an immediate relative, particularly minor children of the alien. Even if a requestor establishes that their situation meets one of the examples above, USCIS may still deny the request for advance parole in discretion under the totality of the circumstances.

If you are eligible for Adjustment of Status and you have not filed, please do as soon as possible. Now is the time because the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service has been enjoined from from enforcing, applying, implementing, or treating as effective the Inadmissibility on Public Charge Ground Rules of 2019. Attorneys should be charging less to assist with the process because preparation and filing of Form I-944 (and it supporting documents) are no longer required. This... will save the applicant (and Attorney) significant amount of time in completing the process. _________________________________________________ Si es elegible para el Ajuste de estado y no ha presentado una solicitud, hágalo lo antes posible. Ahora es el momento porque el Servicio de Ciudadanía e Inmigración de los EE. UU. No puede hacer cumplir, aplicar, implementar o tratar como efectivas las Reglas básicas de inadmisibilidad de la carga pública de 2019. Los abogados deberían cobrar menos para ayudar con el proceso debido a la preparación y presentación del Formulario I-944 (y sus documentos de respaldo) ya no son necesarios. Esto le ahorrará al solicitante (y al Abogado) una cantidad considerable de tiempo para completar el proceso.

New DACA Memorandum was just published and released. More litigation will undoubtedly follow. However, here is a quick recap of what it says - No new initial DACAs will be accepted/processed; - Advance parole only in "exceptional circumstances". - DACA Renewals will only processed and approved for one year increments moving forward (starting July 28th).... Full memo here https://www.dhs.gov//20_0728_s1_daca-reconsideration-memo. ______________________________________________________ El nuevo Memorando de DACA se acaba de publicar. Sin duda seguirán más litigios. Sin embargo, aquí hay un resumen rápido de lo que dice - No se aceptarán / procesarán nuevos DACA iniciales; - Permiso para reingresar aprobado solo en "circunstancias excepcionales". - Las renovaciones de DACA solo se procesarán y aprobarán para incrementos de un año en adelante (a partir del 28 de julio). Memo completo aquí - https://www.dhs.gov//20_0728_s1_daca-reconsideration-memo.

Great news on DACA. Federal Judge in Maryland orders that the DHS/USCIS begin accepting new DACA applications.

Continuing to help the immigrant community as best we can after 6 years of being officially open. Continuar ayudando a la comunidad inmigrante lo mejor que podamos después de 6 años de estar oficialmente abierto.

We are receiving several inquiries about DACA. Our office policy regarding the filing of INITIAL cases remains as follows: President Trump can try to end the program again, but for now, DACA stays. We do not yet know if USCIS will start accepting and processing DACA applications for people who have never had DACA before or travel permits for people who currently have DACA. There are several attorneys who are recommending that people apply as soon as possible; however, in the ...interest of caution, I recommend that people wait for official guidance from USCIS. If you apply before there is an official announcement from USCIS, they may reject or deny your application, and you could lose your money. Instead, I recommend that you start gathering documents in order to be ready to file as soon as the official announcement is released. I fully believe in keeping my clients informed of the risks and potential issues so that they can make an informed decision. If you understand that there is no clear guidance from USCIS yet but would still like to apply now based on the Supreme Court’s ruling, please call us ASAP so we can schedule your appointment. _________________________________________________ Estamos recibiendo varias consultas sobre DACA. Nuestra poliza con respecto a la presentación de casos INICIALES sigue siendo lo siguiente: El presidente Trump puede intentar cancelar el programa nuevamente, pero por ahora, DACA se queda. Todavía no sabemos si USCIS comenzará a aceptar y procesar solicitudes de DACA para personas que nunca antes han tenido DACA o permisos de viaje para personas que actualmente tienen DACA. Hay varios abogados que recomiendan que las personas presenten su solicitud lo antes posible; sin embargo, en aras de la precaución, recomiendo que las personas esperen la orientación oficial del USCIS. Si realiza la solicitud antes de que haya un anuncio oficial del USCIS, pueden rechazar o denegar su solicitud y usted podría perder su dinero. En cambio, le recomiendo que comience a recopilar documentos para estar listo para presentar tan pronto como se publique el anuncio oficial. Creo plenamente en mantener a mis clientes informados sobre los riesgos y posibles problemas para que puedan tomar una decisión informada. Si comprende que todavía no hay una guía clara de USCIS, pero aún así desea presentar su solicitud ahora según el fallo de la Corte Suprema, llámenos lo antes posible para que podamos programar su cita.

Some guidance to those hearing about the Supreme Court decision regarding the DACA program: 1. What happened? This morning, the Supreme Court ruled that the Trump Administration's decision to cancel DACA was not done properly and so is invalid. Consequently, that means that the DACA program survives, for now....Continue reading

If you are eligible for DACA but did not get to file for it as an INITIAL applicant, you may now do so. The Supreme Court decision is effective immediately. Should you require assistance, do not hesitate to contact our office at (714) 441-2800. _________________________________________________ Si es elegible para DACA pero no pudo aplicar como solicitante INICIAL, ahora puede hacerlo. La decisión de la Corte Suprema es efectiva de inmediato. Si necesita ayuda, no dude en comunicarse con nuestra oficina al (714) 441-2800.

This morning the Supreme Court ruled against the Trump administration on DACA. DACA still stands for now, updates and analysis of the decision to come. https://www.cnn.com//scotus-daca-decision-06-18/index.html _________________________________________________... Esta mañana, la Corte Suprema falló contra la administración Trump en DACA. DACA sigue en pie por ahora, actualizaciones y análisis de la decisión por venir

Los inmigrantes indocumentados de California pueden comenzar a solicitar el lunes (5/18) pagos de ayuda por desastre de hasta $1,000 por hogar bajo el plan de ayuda de emergencia por coronavirus del gobernador Gavin Newsom. El solicitante debe estar indocumentado, ser mayor de 18 años, no tener derecho a la asistencia federal relacionada con COVID-19, como el cheque de estímulo o las prestaciones por desempleo, y poder demostrar que ha tenido dificultades financieras como res...ultado de la pandemia. Las organizaciones verificarán los documentos del solicitante para asegurarse de que coinciden con la información proporcionada y tomarán las decisiones finales. , : Los Angeles and Orange County: Asian Americans Advancing Justice (213) 241-8880 www.advancingjustice-la.org Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA) (213) 201-8700 www.chirla.org Los Angeles Central American Resource Center (CARECEN) (213) 315-2659 www.carecen-la.org/ Please share with your networks.

Always great to hear back from clients satisfied with our services. Just what we needed to read as tread the muddy waters of Covid-19 and now Trump's executive order. It will reinvigorate our office with energy to fight on behalf of our clients

If you have an appointment or interview scheduled at a US consulate in Mexico, and have not left the United States, please DO NOT GO. They have just announced that all US consulates will be closed beginning March 18, 2020 and until further notice. Sadly, I have two (2) clients who just left for their interview, and will now have to likely wait several months to return. https://mx.usembassy.gov/status-of-u-s-consular-operations/

Great news!! A ray of hope during these troubling times. On March 16th, I posted about all US consulates in Mexico closing beginning March 18, 2020 and until further notice.Sadly, I had two (2) clients in Mexico awaiting their interview scheduled for March 19th. Our office was able to arrange an emergency substitute interview for 03/18 only because prerequisite medical exam and fingerprints were completed that same week. My other client was not so fortunate. Today, I am pro...ud to announce, I was able to facilitate my client's return to the U.S. this morning. He was granted humanitarian parole. He is now reunited with his U.S. citizen wife and children, dealing with Covid-19 together rather than separated. Although his immigrant visa (green card) will have to wait, we celebrate this day as one of reunion. _________________________________________________ ¡¡Una gran noticia!! Un rayo de esperanza durante estos tiempos difíciles. El 16 de marzo publiqué el cierre de todos los consulados estadounidenses en México a partir del 18 de marzo de 2020 y hasta nuevo aviso. Tristemente, tenía dos (2) clientes en México esperando su entrevista programada para el 19 de marzo. Nuestra oficina pudo coordinar una entrevista de reemplazo de emergencia para el 18/03 solo porque el examen médico previo y las huellas digitales se completaron esa misma semana. Mi otro cliente no fue tan afortunado. Hoy, me enorgullece anunciar que pude facilitar el regreso de mi cliente a los Estados Unidos esta mañana. Le concedieron la libertad condicional humanitaria. Ahora se reencuentra con su esposa e hijos ciudadanos estadounidenses, lidiando con Covid-19 juntos en lugar de separados. Aunque su visa de inmigrante (tarjeta verde) tendrá que esperar, celebramos este día como un reencuentro.

USCIS has announced that its closure of offices has extended through May 3rd. Despite closure, they are still accepting applications such as Adjustment of Status, DACA, Asylum, I-601A Provisional waivers, etc.

Si tienen citas/entrevistas en Mexico y estan en los EE.UU., por favor no vayan. Efectivo el 1 de marzo del 2020, cerraran todos los consulados americanos en Mexico. Tristemente, tengo dos (2) clientes que acaban de irse y ahora tendran su citas cancelados hasta que abren de nuevo. https://mx.usembassy.gov//operaciones-consulares-de-la-re/...Continue reading

Two I-601A Provisional Waiver packets ready to be filed. Good way to end a Friday #i601 #inmigración #immigrationlawyer #immigrationlawyer #abogadozapata

I certainly enjoy online reviews from my clients, but what is there not to love about gifts from clients. Always appreciated.

Although arguments on whether to end DACA were heard by the Supreme Court today, please remember that no decision will be made until sometime in Sping 2020 and no later than end of June 2020.

Almost 8 years to the day from when this OC Weekly article was published, and my client was finally granted her Lawful Permanent Resident status this past week! . She now has her green card. So proud of this pro bono case I took on. Thankful to Amin David of Los Amigos de Orange County to have advocated for the Brito family, and connecting them to me through my wife's participation at Anaheim LULAC Council #2848 . https://ocweekly.com/vaya-con-mom-6419607/

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMANT - Presidential Proclamation on Health Care. If you are applying for an immigrant visa, including a diversity visa, on or after November 3, 2019, you must demonstrate to the consular officer at the time of interview that you will be covered by approved health insurance within 30 days of entry into the United States or have the financial resources to pay for reasonably foreseeable medical costs. Inability to meet this requirement will result in the deni...al of the visa application. For more information, read here - https://travel.state.gov//Presidential-Proclamation-on-Hea ANUNCIO IMPORTANTE - Proclamación presidencial sobre atención médica. Si solicita una visa de inmigrante en el Consulado Americano, incluida una visa de diversidad, a partir del 3 de noviembre de 2019, debe demostrar al funcionario consular en el momento de la entrevista que estará cubierto por un seguro médico aprobado dentro de los 30 días posteriores a la entrada en el Estados Unidos o tiene los recursos financieros para pagar los costos médicos razonablemente previsibles. La imposibilidad de cumplir con este requisito dará como resultado la denegación de la solicitud de visa. Para más información, lea aquí: https://travel.state.gov//Presidential-Proclamation-on-Hea

Trumps plan to implement new public charge policy has been blocked through a Judge's order of injunction. If you are eligible to file for Adjustment of Status, do it before it gets trickier and more expensive. https://www.bloomberg.com//trump-policy-aimed-at-denying-i

Interesting items from the I-944 instructions: It is to be filed by the Applicant (Beneficiary) No blanks allowed except for a number box. If the answer is 0, put 'None"... "You must provide an IRS transcript(s) of your Federal income tax returns for the most recent tax year and the IRS transcript(s) of the household members whose income you are including." For income: "Identify whether any of the additional income comes from an illegal activity or source such as proceeds from illegal gambling or illegal drug sales or other activities and identify the amount." "Provide a list of all your liabilities or debts. " "USCIS will review your U.S. credit report and the credit score submitted with your declaration, if available, to review your financial status. " "If you do not have a credit report or credit score, provide documentation that demonstrates that you do not have a credit report or score with a credit bureau. You may provide evidence of continued payment of bills if there is no credit report or credit score." If the Applicant has health insurance they want details, including amount of deductible and premium and effective dates Public benefits, list all, dates, amounts, applications and rejections Any fee waiver applications All employment information and all educational background, occupational skills, language skills, and any retirement information. Must be filed with all documents with the I-485 Estimated time to complete this: 4.5 hours

The newly published Form I-944 is out. Effective October 15, 2019, This form will be required when filing for Adjustment of Status, and now requires applicants to provide detailed information including: household debts/liabilities, receipt of any public benefits, education history, employability, english language certificates, past bankruptcy filings, receipt of public benefits. For a look at the form, go here - https://www.uscis.gov/forms/i-944

Always great to receive a positive review, and one that describes the complexities of issues that our clients (and our office) deal with on a daily basis.

So proud of our newest US Citizen. She hired us after being placed in removal proceedings. We vigorously fought against the charges filed and succeeded in having the matter terminated without opposition by DHS/ICE. Months after termination, she was given an oath ceremony notice. Congratulations Ana!

Motion to Terminate removal proceedings against my client went unopposed by DHS, acknowledging they had issues proving she knowingly claimed to be a US citizen when registering to vote. Client keeps her green card and will pursue citizenship. Extremely happy!!

Back to the office welcomed by 2 I-601A Provisional Waiver approvals. Wooohoo! #I601 #I601A #greencard #immigrationattorney #immigrationlawyer Regresó a la oficina bienvenido por 2 Aprobaciones del Perdón I-601A. Woohooo!

Clients anticipated an approval at the conclusion of their interview, and they were right. First ones to give me a "Thank You" card on the same day of their interview. I love the confidence, and more so the gratitude.

Always great to receive a message and smiling faces from client confirming their Immigrant Visa interview was approved by the US Consulate in El Salvador. Let us help you get similar results by calling (714) 441-2800 Siempre es bueno recibir un mensaje y las caras sonrientes del cliente que confirman que su entrevista de Visa de Inmigrante fue aprobada por el Consulado de los Estados Unidos en El Salvador. Permítanos ayudarlo a obtener resultados similares llamando al (714) 441-2800

Great way to start the week! Satisfied client giving us a 5-star review.

The Supreme Court has chosen to not hear Trump Administration's appeal on the ruling regarding DACA. This means DACA recipients (and past filers) should be able to apply (or re-apply) over the next 10 months.

Leaving the office with satisfied clients expecting arrival of their green card just in time for Christmas!

If you, a friend, or family member who was tricked into registering to vote in 2005/2006 in Southern California, please do not apply for Naturalization and consider obtaining record of your registration and talking with an immigration attorney. I now represent a client who was placed in removal (deportation) proceedings for allegedly "falsely claiming U.S. citizenship" after pre-registering as a 17yo outside a grocery store. Turns out there was massive voter fraud registrati...on committed by solicitors/volunteers in Orange County that were charged and convicted. One of those defendants filled out my client's form, and now we plan to fight the allegation made against her. Sadly, our government (or its agencies) do nothing to invalidate the forms filled out (and handled) by such convicted felons. _____________________________________________ Si usted, un amigo o un miembro de la familia que fue engañado para registrarse para votar en 2005/2006 en el sur de California, no solicite la Naturalización y considere obtener un registro de su registro y hablar con un abogado de inmigración. Ahora represento a un cliente que fue colocado en un proceso de expulsión (deportación) por supuestamente "reclamar falsamente la ciudadanía de los Estados Unidos" después de preinscribirse como residente de 17 años fuera de una tienda de comestibles. Resulta que hubo un registro masivo de fraude electoral cometido por abogados / voluntarios en el Condado de Orange que fueron acusados y condenados. Uno de esos acusados llenó el formulario de mi cliente, y ahora planeamos luchar contra la acusación hecha contra ella. Lamentablemente, nuestro gobierno (o sus agencias) no hacen nada para invalidar los formularios llenados (y manejados) por tales delincuentes convictos.

According to a USCIS Stakeholder's Conference, several questions were answered regarding the newested NTA Policy Guidance that came out a few months ago. For a full read, click on the link. https://www.uscis.gov//USCIS_Updated_Policy_Guidance_on_No For me, the most significant point was that applicants for I-601A provisional waiver will not be issued an NTA after denial simply because they are here out of status.

Esto es un resumen de qué beneficios públicos se incluyen en la evaluación de cargos públicos y cuáles no. Incluido: 1. Beneficios públicos probados por los medios que se enumeran a continuación, que son recibidos por el nacional extranjero individualmente o como parte de un hogar donde el ciudadano extranjero está incluido en la unidad familiar de beneficio. Tenga en cuenta que existe una diferencia entre la unidad de hogar financiera, utilizada para determinar la elegibili...Continue reading

Adjustment of Status (green card) interview for a great couple, who we hope will benefit from her DACA advance parole entry and long-time marriage to a US citizen. #greencard #aos #adjustmentofstatus

Stepped in ready to leave with 2 new lawful permanent residents. #greencard #adjustmentofstatus #245i #AOS

Here for an adjustment of status interview. Client hopes to be approved of her green card after waiting 20 years based on a sibling petition

Hoy conseguimos orden del juez cerrando el caso de deportacion en favor de nuestro cliente basado del caso del Corte Soprema nombrado PEREIRA V. SESSIONS. Con el caso cerrado, nuestro cliente ya no esta debajo amenazo de estar deportado. Aunque el Departamento de Seguridad Nacional (DHS, por sus siglas en inglés) puede apelar la decision o tomar accion para referirle a corte de nuevo, aceptaremos la victoria hoy. El cliente tendra la oportunidad de quedarse en los EE.UU. mas... tiempo y ver si tiene mejor opciones de defenderse en el futuro. _________________________________________ CASO PEREIRA - Caso del Corte Suprema que permite cerramiento de casos de inmigración Que es caso Pereira? En el caso Pereira la corte suprema tomo una Decisión diciendo que "Si una persona está en proceso de deportación y el documento que lo pone en proceso de deportación que se llama NOTIFICACIÓN DE COMPARECENSCIA NTA, por sus siglas en inglés), y esa NTA no dice la fecha, el lugar, la hora en donde la persona se tiene que presentar para su audiencia, entonces esta defectuosa y por esa razón se puede presentar una petición para cerrar el caso. Si lo aprueba la petición, la persona ya no estaría en proceso de deportación. Que está Pasando en las Corte? La decisión de la Corte no está clara. Por eso se hav visto una variedad de decisiones por los juezes de inmigracion. Algunos no están dando un decisión y lo que están haciendo es postergando a espera que el gobierno de su repuesta. Algunos lo estan negando, y otros lo estan aprobando para cerrarlo Si usted está en Proceso de Deportación y si esta yendo a la corte de inmigración, busque la asesoría de un abogado de inmigración. Si necesita ayuda, llame hoy para consultar con nosotros. (714) 441-2800

Recibimos muchas preguntas sobre el afecto de recibir beneficios publicos. Ojala que esta publicacion ayuda a la gente entender cuales tipos de beneficios publicos pueden y no pueden afectar elegibilidad para hacerse residente.

ALERTO! Comunicaciones internas publicadas recientemente por Inmigración y Aduanas (ICE) revelan un plan para reiniciar los casos de deportación de cientos de miles de personas cuyos casos actualmente están cerrados administrativamente. Si tuvieron su caso cerrado administrativamente con el corte de inmigracion previamente, es importante que su informacion de contacto (direccion y numero de telefono) sea actualizado con el corte y su abogado. ________________________________...________________ ALERT! Recently released internal communications at Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) reveal a plan to restart the deportation cases of hundreds of thousands of people whose cases are currently administratively closed. This initiative has the potential to swell the immigration court backlog (currently at 730,000 cases) to over one million cases. If your care was previously administratively closed with the immigration court, it is important that your contact information be updated with your attorney and/or the court.

Another federal judge has stated that DACA must be restored. The judge has agreed to delay official ruling 20 days to allow the Trump administration to respond and appeal, if it chooses .

Out of here. Leaving with good news. Client approved for his green card without USCIS requiring more proof of physical presence under INA 245(i)

Spread the word: Delay for new DACA applications. Yesterday was the day we were supposed to be able to file new DACA applications. However Judge Bates has stayed that order indefinitely. The deadline for all filings with the court is 7/27. Hopefully Judge Bates will rule quickly in favor of new DACA filings within a few weeks.

If you have not heard about the two (2) recent USCIS memos that will increase the number of denials on applications, and likely result in referrals (issuance of Notices to Appear) to Immigration Court, please read it here. It is now more important than ever that people refrain from applying for immigration benefits without the sage advice of an immigration attorney. The stakes have just become bigger.

Our office is celebrating 4 years of being open, and more than 2,800 likes on Facebook. Why do people prefer us? 1. We don't talk to you with lies! 2. In complex cases, we don't sweeten the story. We inform you from the beginning to what you face.... 3. We do not tell you what you want to hear, but what the law indicates. If you can't do something, we won't waste your time and / or money. 4. Our legal knowledge after so many years of practice and for having handled thousands of cases. 5. We focus on results, not promises. Inform yourself, and contact us if you need help!

ALERTO: POR FAVOR COMPARTE Si visita a los centros comerciales de Irvine spectrum, Tustin Marketplace, y el fashion island, una compañía está reportándole al ICE su número de placa de auto. Ten Mucho Cuidado _________________________________________________... ALERT: PLEASE SHARE If you visit the shopping centers of Irvine spectrum, Tustin Marketplace, and Fashion Island, a company is reporting to ICE your license plate number. Be very careful

ALERTO! El 5 de julio del 2018, el Servicio de Ciudadanía e Inmigración de Estados Unidos (USCIS) publicó poliza indicando el requisito de expedir una NTA (notififacion de aparecer en corte de inmigracion) en las siguientes categorías de casos en los cuales una persona resulta deportable: a. Casos en los que se corrobore fraude o falsa representación, y/o cuando un solicitante abuse cualquier programa relacionado a la recepción de beneficios públicos. b. Casos criminales en... los que un solicitante sea convicto o acusado de un delito, o ha cometido actos que pueden ser catalogados como un delito, aún si la conducta delictiva no fue la base para la denegación o deportación. c. Casos en los que USCIS deniega un Formulario N-400, Solicitud de Naturalización, basándose de faltar buen carácter moral. d. Casos en los que un solicitante está presente de manera ilegal en EE.UU. después de estar negado una solicitud o petición. See more

Great summary/article on the new USCIS policy on issuing Notices to Appear (NTA) to applicants who are denied their application. Another reason people need to be careful proceeding through immigration processes on their own, through notarios, and/or attorneys not specialized in immigration law.

If you plan to leave the U.S. to attend your interview at some American Consulate in Latin America and are using a co-sponsor other than family, our recommendation is not to leave. There have been reported cases where the consulate is denying the visa and claiming that one is inadmissible to the United States as a "public charge". "Public Charge " means a person who is likely to become dependent on the government for their subsistence. With such a decision one will have to be outside the U.S. until one can cure such determination and probably need to file a waiver again if they previously accumulated unlawful presence in the U.S. We're talking about a wait of approximately 18 months! Please be careful.

Knowledge is Power. Statement in Response to Sessions' Decision in Matter of A-B- by Retired Immigration Judges and Former Members of the Board of Immigration Appeals "For reasons understood only by himself, the Attorney General today erased an important legal development that was universally agreed to be correct."

If you feeling charitable this Memorial Day weekend and have a few bucks to spare, please consider donating towards this cause. My dear friend lost her mother yesterday. Similarly, please share with friends you think might want to contribute. Thank you.

Never a good day when you find out a US Citizen Petitioner has passed away. Even worse when it is the adult CHILD of the potential immigrant. Thankfully, there remains relief options for the immigrant. Nevertheless, very sad news for our client. For more information on how death of the petitioner may affect an immigrant's process and the existing exceptions to having the case revoked, please read here. __________________________________________________... Nunca un buen día cuando te enteras de que un peticionario ciudadano estadounidense ha fallecido. Peor aún cuando es el hijo adulto del potencial inmigrante. Afortunadamente, sigue habiendo opciones de alivio para el inmigrante. Sin embargo, una noticia muy triste para nuestro cliente. Para más información sobre cómo la muerte del peticionario puede afectar el proceso de un inmigrante y las excepciones existentes para que el caso no sea revocado, por favor lea aquí.

El juez ordena la reapertura de DACA. El Departamento de Seguridad Nacional (DHS, por sus siglas en inglés) tiene 90 días para llegar a mejores argumentos para el desguace del programa. Si no lo hace, el juez introducirá una orden de reintegro de DACA en su totalidad (incluyendo el permiso para viajar "Advance Parole") .

Judge orders reopening of DACA. Department of Homeland Security has 90 days to come up with better arguments for scrapping the program. If it doesn't, the judge will enter an order reinstating DACA in its entirety(including Advance Parole). http://ow.ly/pnpU30jFGxI

ALERT! USCIS to Propose Radical Changes to Public Charge Definition For a full reading, go to https://cliniclegal.org//uscis-propose-radical-changes-pub The administration is expected to publish a proposed regulation soon that would radically alter the way USCIS officers screen applicants for lawful permanent residence for inadmissibility due to public charge. Rather than focusing on the petitioning sponsor’s income as reported on the affidavit of support, the agency woul...d turn its attention to the adjustment of status applicant and any dependent family members. The officers would scrutinize the intending immigrant’s current and estimated income, job history, job skills, health status, assets, and any family history of public benefits receipt. It would increase the barriers to lawful status for low-income immigrants, making approval much more difficult for those who have a spotty employment history, are low income or underemployed, retired, disabled, or suffering from a medical condition that affects their employability. The regulation would dissuade parents from obtaining for their U.S. citizen children benefits for which they qualify, out of fear that they may not be able to regularize their own immigration status in the future. It may even have a chilling effect on immigrant families’ usage of benefits that are exempt under this regulation, due to misunderstanding of the regulation and increased fear of any government contact. Lack of access to public benefits programs may increase poverty, hunger, homelessness, lack of access to health care, and decrease children’s school attendance and performance. This attempt to specifically target the most vulnerable within the immigrant community would create a class of immigrants who are too poor to obtain permanent resident status, and who lack access to the means by which they could improve their wellbeing and prosperity.

Receiving positive reviews on Yelp serves as a great motivator to keep working hard and improving the lives of my clients.

Cualquiera que esté considerando seguir adelante con el proceso consular (trayendo un pariente a los EE. UU.) debe leer nuestra publicación de blog sobre los cambios realizados por el Departamento de Estado a las instrucciones de "carga pública" y cómo podría afectar su elegibilidad para inmigrar

Anyone considering going forward with consular processing (bringing a relative to the U.S.) should read our blog post about the changes made by the State Department to "public charge" instructions and how it could affect their eligibility to immigrate

Cuidado Las personas que preparan impuestos generalmente no son abogados y no han estudiado leyes de inmigracion. NO confie su asunto de inmigracion a personas no calificadas. Llame nuestra oficina para preguntas.... ______________________________________________________ Warning People who prepare income tax returns are generally not attorneys and have not studied Immigration Law. DO NOT entrust your immigration matter to unqualified persons. Call our office for questions.

Mission - 4 green card cases approved today at interviews. Wish us luck! Misión - que 4 casos para la residencia sean aprobados hoy en las entrevistas. Deséanos suerte!

Here is a great example of the importance of having a knowledgeable immigration attorney to represent you and advocate for you. 5 days ago USCIS issued an erroneous denial decision of client's Adjustment of Status (green card application) based on flawed reasoning/analysis. Confidently, I immediately wrote to the USCIS field office supervisor identifying such flaws and how poorly the decision was written stating the following: "I just received quite possibly the most sloppi...ly written denial in the 10+ years I have worked with your office. Just to give you an example, here are some of the errors committed in just one paragraph: "convetced", "Burgalary", "senteced", "Posesson", "Alledged", "juvenie". It was riddled with spelling errors that makes me question the officer's attention to detail, professionalism, and ability to fairly adjudicate cases moving forward." One day later, I received this response "I apologize for the unprofessional presentation of the issues and the decision in your client’s case. I have assigned this case to a different ISO for review, and we will be in correspondence with you shortly." Then two days later, USCIS website update confirmed the case was approved. BOOM!

As expected, the Department of Justice will be filing an appeal to the recent ruling on DACA. People remain eligible to renew their applications so long as there has not been ruling on such appeal. So, DO NOT WAIT! File away if you want the opportunity to be extended longer. Please share this news with friends and family.

I've witnessed several posts and arguments over whether one can file more than 150 days prior to their DACA/work permit expiring. The answer, based on prior applications as well as USCIS FAQ answer (see below), is YES. Please share this post and/or image to anyone arguing you must wait to file. Just keep in mind that by filing sooner it can result in an overlap between your current DACA and your renewal. This means your renewal period may extend for less than a full two years from the date that your current DACA period expires.