Planning for Your Citizenship - Part I

Becoming a citizen of the United States is a dream for many immigrants. However, achieving this dream requires careful planning since many find their dreams unexpectedly shattered. This article is the first in a two-part series reviewing the basic eligibility requirements for naturalization while warning of some common pitfalls.

ICE Increases Deportations

It is true. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has set goals to deport more individuals. Read the article. If you or your loved one is facing deportation proceedings, contact an experienced law firm that focuses on protecting your immigration rights.

New Security Measures to Affect Travel

Department of Homeland Secretary announced new enhanced security measures to take place for U.S. bound international flights. These measures are a response to the attempted terrorist attack on December 25, 2009. Thus, passengers traveling to the United States on international flights may notice additional screening measures.

The new screening measures may include the use of “explosives trace detection, advanced imaging technology, canine teams, or pat downs, among other security measures.”

A New Member Country of the Visa Waiver Program

Greece is now the 36th member country of the U.S. Visa Waiver Program. Under this program, nationals of the member countries may enter the U.S. to visit for business or pleasure up to 90 days. Following is a list of the countries covered under this program: Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.

H-1B Update

As of April 8, 2010, USCIS has received an estimated number of 13,500 H-1B petitions toward the general cap of 65,000 and 5,600 toward the 20,000 cap for individuals with advanced degrees. These numbers are for the fiscal year 2011.

Thus, anyone with an offer of employment for a “specialty occupation,” requiring a bachelor’s degree or higher, may be eligible for this valuable H-1B employment visa.