Los Angeles Immigration Law Blog
Government increases number of temporary worker visas
A variety of different types of visas are available to foreign nationals who want to come to California or elsewhere in the United States. These include visas for tourists as well as for workers. In April, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced that the...
The various steps to U.S. naturalization
Immigrants who are looking to live in California for the rest of their lives will need to apply for naturalization. This is a lengthy process that involves both fees and appointments. Understanding the entire process of naturalization will help you to better...
Retaking a citizenship test
Immigrants living in California who are legal permanent residents may enjoy a path to citizenship through naturalization. Candidates for naturalization must first become permanent residents for five years. The rights of naturalized citizens are no different than those...
Can I work in the U.S. if I have a pending asylum application?
California is home to many immigrants who are seeking asylum. While waiting for asylum to be granted, one may wonder if they're able to stay within the United States or if they will be deported home. Due to the nature of an asylum claim, the decision about deportation...
What if you missed your asylum interview?
If you're seeking asylum in California or another state in the U.S., you'll need to attend an asylum interview. The interview will be held with USCIS and be scheduled after the submission of Form I-589. If you filed for asylum, it's likely you have a lot of questions...
Can I be denied citizenship for smoking marijuana in a legal state?
As more and more states legalize marijuana, you might be wondering what that means for citizenship status. Recreational marijuana use is legal in California and several other states, but it’s not legal on a federal level yet. So if you smoke marijuana in a legal...
The H-1B visa process
The H-1B visa program allows business owners in California to sponsor foreign workers interested in America. The non-immigrant visa is valid for six years, but workers may find it possible to adjust their status while in the country to allow for a continued stay....
Migrant caravans told to wait for better time
Residents of California and the Los Angeles area, in particular, might want to know more about the recent action of the new administration toward those seeking asylum; a caravan of migrants is on its way to the U.S. border from Honduras. According to a report in Fox...
What changes will President Biden bring for asylum seekers?
When President-elect Joe Biden takes office and the Democrats have control of both Congress houses, changes should come in the asylum system. Those changes, however, will probably not happen quickly across California and the rest of the nation. Deferred Action for...
What is a National Interest Waiver?
Obtaining a green card under current U.S. immigration law is a lengthy process that usually requires a labor certification or sponsoring employer, as well as job eligibility or a job offer. However, the National Interest Waiver (NIW) is an avenue by which a foreign...