by Andres Gonzales, Journalism student at University of Maryland In a recent novel “Wife of the Gods” by author Kwei Quartey, the age-old custom of Trokosi is discussed as Detective Darko Dawson investigates a murder mystery. The Trokosi practice, originating in the Volta region of Ghana, West Africa, promotes the enslavement of young […]
When a foreign-born child is born out of wedlock, the child has a much better chance of acquiring citizenship if his mother is an American citizen than if the father is the one with a U.S. passport. This law seems premised on little more than the notion that mothers are the ones who should and […]
Derivative Asylum You have two years from the grant of your asylee status to file for your minor children under 21 and your spouse regardless or whether they are in the US or overseas. Failure to do so would foreclose this option to have them granted asylum. If your child is over 21 at the […]
O Visas The O Visas are set aside for aliens with extraordinary abilities in science, arts, education, business, or athletics, certain aliens accompanying or assisting those aliens, and their family members. Some requirements are: The O nonimmigrant must intend to work in their area of extraordinary ability or achievement. No numerical cap is placed on […]
After DV-1 Lottery selection, what happens if the DV Lottery winner marries? 1.) For any changes (i.e. change of address, marriage, or new child) after winning the DV Lottery, the winner will need to update the Consulate detailing the new information. 2.) They will also need to pay additional immigrant visa fees for the new […]
The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) have proposed an increase in the filing fees for certain applications. Generally speaking, the fees will increase by 10% for most applications and three new fees will be added. See us for quick efficient work before the fees go up. In 2007, USCIS increased all filing fees […]
The I-601 Waiver or Inadmissibility is a waiver that certain persons can file if they entered the US illegally or other fraud issues in order to be able to enter the US or to be eligible for a green card or naturalization. Unfortunately, the I-601 waiver process has been a very lengthy one. To solve […]
If you have an immigration issue that you need to discuss with a US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) officer, you can schedule an InfoPass appointment at the USCIS District Office closest to where you live.
In the Arlington and Baltimore Immigration Courts, the percent of asylum cases denied has steadily declined since 2005 (with the exception of a few judges). Not only has there been a steady decline, but there has been quite a large jump within the courts.
Another new program supposedly designed to streamline DHS functions and increase reporting. One wonders if this is just another façade intended to increase the record high 54% federal immigration deportations focused largely on non-violent crimes of 2009.
