Law Offices of Paul HerzogLaw Offices of Paul Herzog2026-08-13T03:18:11Zhttps://www.employment-familysponsoredimmigration.com/feed/atom/WordPress/wp-content/uploads/sites/1502074/2020/04/cropped-favicon1-32x32.pngOn Behalf of Law Offices of Paul Herzog<![CDATA[A key difference between asylum and refugee status]]>https://www.employment-familysponsoredimmigration.com/?p=495702026-08-13T03:18:11Z2026-08-13T03:18:11ZThere are certainly similarities between those who come to the United States as refugees and those who seek asylum. Often, they are worried about persecution. This may be based around a characteristic that they cannot avoid, such as their ethnic background, their race or their inclusion in a specific social group. It could also be based on things like political opinion or religion.
When people have a well-founded fear of persecution, they may fear for their lives or the well-being of their family members, so they are seeking safety in the United States. While asylum seekers and refugees alike may have this main goal, there is one specific difference to be aware of.
The geographical location
The key difference is where the person is located when they decide that it is time for them to seek safety in the U.S.Refugees are often in refugee camps outside of the United States. They may have left their home country and entered the camp in a nearby country, seeking temporary safety. They then apply for refugee status so that they can immigrate legally to the United States.Asylum seekers, however, may already be in the United States or at a port of entry. They have fled the persecution and danger in their home country, and they may even have illegally entered the U.S. But now that they have arrived, they are seeking asylum because deportation would expose them to the very danger that they were fleeing to begin with.
Navigating the immigration process
As you can see, it is important to be aware of the similarities and differences between different immigration statuses, especially when facing significant danger in your home country. If you find yourself in this position, it can help to work with an experienced immigration attorney.]]>On Behalf of Law Offices of Paul Herzog<![CDATA[Will you lose your student visa if you drop out?]]>https://www.employment-familysponsoredimmigration.com/?p=495682026-07-29T17:31:24Z2026-07-29T17:31:24ZYes, if you have a student visa that allows you to attend a college or university in the United States, dropping out of that program could violate the terms of your visa and cause you to be out of status. This is true for either an F-1 or an M-1 visa.
Generally speaking, students need to be wary of taking a break for more than five months. If they are not enrolled in classes for a short time, such as when switching programs within the school or perhaps transferring to another university entirely, they can keep their status. But once they have exceeded the five-month deadline, they no longer legally qualify as a student under current immigration laws.There are cases where students will be away from classes beyond this deadline, but want to return to school. In order to do so, they often have to apply for a new student visa. Their old visa can no longer be used because they have lost their status.
Would they have to leave the country?
It depends on whether they can achieve reinstatement of their status. The application for reinstatement needs to be filed with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This is done using Form I-539. The student will likely also need to file Form I-20 through the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS).In some cases, a student can have their status restored, and, as long as their original visa has not expired at that time, it can continue to be valid. However, if they are denied reinstatement, they lose their status. This often means that they immediately need to leave the country, and failing to do so could qualify as unlawful presence.Much like a work visa, which does require employment in order for someone to keep their status, it is generally best for students to remain enrolled and actively taking classes as long as they are in the country on a student visa.
Exploring your options
If you are worried about your status, there are avenues to pursue, such as seeking a new visa, applying for reinstatement, adjusting your status or seeking a different type of visa. It is very important to know all of your options at this time, especially if you are facing the risk of deportation, and an experienced immigration attorney can help.
]]>On Behalf of Law Offices of Paul Herzog<![CDATA[Can permanent residents travel to other countries?]]>https://www.employment-familysponsoredimmigration.com/?p=495672026-07-21T20:44:48Z2026-07-21T20:44:48ZYes, someone who is a permanent resident in the United States can still travel to another country. Just because they have a green card does not mean they have to stay in the U.S. indefinitely.
For instance, maybe you moved to the United States years ago when you enrolled in college and had a student visa. You met a citizen who was also a college student, the two of you got married, and you were able to secure a green card. If you want to go back to your home country to visit extended family members, you are allowed to do so. You are not going to lose your green card.
Potential complications
That being said, there are a few details to keep in mind. One is that the above applies to brief trips, but an extended trip could be more problematic.As a rule of thumb, your trip should be under a year. If it lasts for more than a year, then you could have trouble re-entering the country. An extended absence can sometimes cause the government to say that you have abandoned your status or that you never intended to live in the U.S., and so your green card is being revoked.There may be a case where you need to leave the country for more than a year. If so, one of the best ways to protect your green card is to apply for a reentry permit in advance, using Form I-131. Having this paperwork in your possession when you return can help you re-enter the country without issue.
Protecting your status
It is very natural that you would be concerned about losing your green card status, as it can be hard to obtain. To learn more about how to protect your status or what legal steps to take, it can be helpful to talk with an experienced immigration attorney.
]]>On Behalf of Law Offices of Paul Herzog<![CDATA[3 new U.S. immigration updates to know]]>https://www.employment-familysponsoredimmigration.com/?p=495662026-07-08T18:23:14Z2026-07-08T18:23:14ZImmigration rules in the United States can change quickly, and those changes may affect your paperwork and timing. Whether you are applying for a visa, seeking a green card or helping a loved one, staying informed can help you avoid mistakes.
Recent updates focus on registration, filing requirements and background checks. Some changes may introduce new steps, while others tighten existing procedures or increase scrutiny. These updates do not affect everyone the same way, so it is important to understand how each rule may apply to your specific situation and immigration goals.
1. A new check-in rule for some noncitizens
In 2026, the government finalized a rule requiring certain foreign nationals to register online with the Department of Homeland Security. This applies to people who do not already have complete registration records. If you are properly registered, this rule may not require another filing. However, you should confirm that your record is current, especially if your status, address or documents have changed.
2. Signatures now carry more weight
USCIS issued a rule giving officers clearer power to reject or deny immigration benefit requests with signature problems. Missing, incorrect or unauthorized signatures can create serious trouble. Before sending any form, review every signature line. A paperwork issue can delay a case or force you to start again.
3. Security reviews are getting tighter
USCIS has expanded fingerprint-based background checks for many immigration applications. This may affect green card applications, citizenship applications and filings that require biometrics. Officers receive more criminal history information before approval. For applicants, this means old records or unresolved matters may need attention before filing. These changes show why immigration paperwork should not be treated as routine. A form that looked simple last year may carry new risks today. If you are unsure how the latest rules affect your case, it is vital to seek clarification from an experienced legal professional. ]]>On Behalf of Law Offices of Paul Herzog<![CDATA[3 benefits of becoming a naturalized citizen]]>https://www.employment-familysponsoredimmigration.com/?p=495642026-06-22T23:48:51Z2026-06-22T23:48:51Z1. The right to vote
Permanent residents generally do not have the option of voting in important elections. Immigrants who naturalize can shape policy by voting on ballot initiatives and choosing candidates whose promises and voting record align with their personal priorities.
2. Increased immigration options
Citizens have the most legal right to sponsor others for entry into the United States. Those hoping to bring parents or siblings to the United States may need to become citizens first.
3. The end of travel limits
Green card holders can travel abroad, but there are restrictions on how long they can stay in another country. People who become citizens are no longer subject to restrictions on the duration of their international travel. For those who want to spend time with family in another country or who travel frequently for work, citizenship offers more flexibility for travel.
Retaining an immigration attorney can help people understand their immigration options and manage the challenges of naturalization. Immigrants often need help understanding their rights and managing the paperwork necessary when seeking visas, adjusting their status or pursuing naturalization, and that’s okay.]]>On Behalf of Law Offices of Paul Herzog<![CDATA[Does asylum result in work authorization in the United States?]]>https://www.employment-familysponsoredimmigration.com/?p=495632026-06-08T00:29:21Z2026-06-08T00:29:21ZAsylees have indefinite work authorization
Many people legally living in the United States must specifically apply for permission to work in the country. They must renew their work authorization in addition to renewing their visas.
Asylees have an indefinite legal right to remain in the United States. Therefore, they have automatic and indefinite work authorization as well. Asylees typically do not need to apply separately for work authorization.
When seeking employment, they can provide their Form I-94, Arrival/Departure Record, stamped with a notice indicating their asylee status. As long as they continue to qualify for asylum, they can reside and work in the United States legally.
The process of securing asylum can be challenging, and people may only have one opportunity to seek humanitarian immigration protection while they are legally in the United States. Working with an attorney familiar with immigration employment rules and asylum standards can help those who need to stay in the country to avoid mistreatment elsewhere.]]>On Behalf of Law Offices of Paul Herzog<![CDATA[When does a work visa qualify an immigrant for a green card?]]>https://www.employment-familysponsoredimmigration.com/?p=495612026-05-27T01:20:19Z2026-05-27T01:20:19ZThe ability to pass a background check
For an immigrant professional to adjust their status and secure a green card, they must undergo a background check looking at their criminal record in the United States and the country where they lived previously. Those with serious recent criminal convictions may be ineligible for a green card.
A qualifying job
There is no minimum residency requirement for employment-based green card eligibility. However, the federal government maintains different preference categories based on the type of work the immigrant performs.
Priority workers with extraordinary capabilities received the highest level of preference when applying for green cards. The second preference category applies to professionals with advanced degrees and those with exceptional abilities.
The third preference category is for skilled workers and even professionals holding jobs that do not require years of training or experience. The fourth preference category is for certain special professionals, including those who work for religious organizations or who have held jobs for the United States government in another country. The final category is for immigrant investors.
Securing a green card as a foreign professional working in the United States can be a complicated process. The support of an immigration attorney can help people evaluate their eligibility, complete the necessary paperwork and pursue a green card that allows for lawful permanent residency in the United States.]]>On Behalf of Law Offices of Paul Herzog<![CDATA[What families should understand about long immigration timelines]]>https://www.employment-familysponsoredimmigration.com/?p=495602026-05-19T11:11:07Z2026-05-19T11:11:07ZFamilies sometimes choose to try to come to the United States to build a better life, but that doesn’t necessarily happen all at once. Family-based immigration can take months or years, depending on the type of petition that’s being filed. Other factors, such as visa availability and agency processing time, can also affect how long it takes.
One thing to remember if you’re going through a family-based immigration application is that having to wait doesn’t mean that something is wrong. Some delays are simply because of the working nature of the immigration system.
Why some cases take longer than others
Some processing delays are because the immigration agency needs more information. They may be waiting for background check results, or there may be a waiting list for the specific visa category. Even if a family-based immigration petition looks good on paper, the additional steps like reviewing interviews, financial sponsorship forms and medical requirements may hold up the process. Another issue that sometimes comes up has to do with the relationship between the sponsor and applicant. Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens will typically follow a different timeline than individuals in other preference categories. Country of birth, category limits and filing dates are also factors that can affect how long it takes for an application to be processed. Family-based immigration can often be complex, and it’s usually stressful for the entire family. Careful preparation of applications can help to prevent avoidable setbacks, but that won’t help the standard delays. It may be beneficial to work with someone familiar with the specific immigration situation you’re dealing with so they can assist throughout the process.
]]>On Behalf of Law Offices of Paul Herzog<![CDATA[The limits of a conditional spousal green card]]>https://www.employment-familysponsoredimmigration.com/?p=495592026-04-30T06:17:47Z2026-04-30T06:17:47ZConditional green cards are temporary
Technically, all green cards require renewal and are not actually permanent instruments in their own right. Every permanent resident must renew their green card once a decade to preserve their legal status in the United States.
A conditional green card is valid for a much shorter period. A spouse’s conditional green card is only valid for two years, which is a means of validating the bona fide marital relationship that made them eligible for the green card.
The immigrant spouse must prove during the renewal process that they still meet the criteria for a green card. They must still be married to their citizen spouse and must avoid any serious criminal charges.
They can apply to remove the conditions from their green card in the months before it expires. There is a brief window of opportunity in which to do so, and the failure to take action can cause significant immigration challenges.
Working with a professional familiar with family-based immigration rules can help those married or engaged to foreign nationals understand their options. Conditional green cards are an important part of the family immigration system for couples, but they also create obligations that newly-married must fulfill.]]>On Behalf of Law Offices of Paul Herzog<![CDATA[Will you be deported if you lose your H1-B job?]]>https://www.employment-familysponsoredimmigration.com/?p=495582026-04-14T17:37:26Z2026-04-14T17:37:26ZWhen you initially decided to come to the United States, it was to look for work. You had a job offer from an American company. You used this to get an H1-B visa, allowing you to legally live and work in the U.S. even though you are not a permanent resident or a naturalized citizen.
As such, you may be concerned about losing your job. If you are terminated from your position or if the company does layoffs, would your status be at risk? Could you be deported if you lose your job, considering that having that job is one of the conditions for the H1-B visa?
There is a 60-day grace period
It is true that losing your job can put your status at risk. An H1-B visa does require employment, so if you just stayed in the U.S. indefinitely without a job, you would violate the terms of that visa.However, this does not happen right away. There is a 60-day grace period. This gives you a chance to seek another job that may allow you to retain your visa. You do not have to worry about being deported or asked to leave the country immediately.If you cannot find another job that satisfies the visa requirements, it may be time to explore your options to adjust your status. For instance, maybe you have been working on getting your green card and becoming a permanent resident. If you complete that process within the 60 days, then it does not matter that you are in violation of the terms of the H1-B visa. As a permanent resident, you can still legally stay in the United States, and you could take longer to seek another form of employment.All of this can be fairly complex, and it is very important to your future that you understand exactly what legal steps to take. This is why it often helps to work with an experienced attorney.]]>