Entering into a sham marriage only for the purpose of obtaining immigration benefits is a serious matter that could have many consequences. It could lead to the deportation of the alien spouse and a bar on the approval of future immigrant visa petitions.
Fraud or willful misrepresentation of a material fact is a ground of inadmissibility that prevents an alien from getting a green card. The act of entering the United States under a different name is an example.
Professionals can qualify under the employment-based second preference (EB-2) category if they have a master’s degree or higher and if the position requires an advanced degree. This category is appropriate for workers in highly skilled occupations, such as physical therapists, doctors, lawyers, engineers and pharmacists.
Most people think that a person who is born outside of the United States can only become a U.S. citizen through naturalization or by deriving citizenship through a parent’s naturalization. For many people, naturalization is a process fraught with years of waiting and much expense.
The USCIS issued new guidance on same-sex marriage last July 26 which answers frequently asked questions on filing of petitions, applying for immigration benefits, reopening previously denied petitions, changes in eligibility, residency requirements for naturalization and inadmissibility waivers.
There has been a recent increase in the number of Requests for Evidence (RFE) issued by the USCIS particularly in I-751 petitions and employment-based I-485 applications.
A U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident who petitions or sponsors a family member for a green card must submit with the relative’s adjustment of status application or immigrant visa application an affidavit of support or form I-864 to guarantee that the intending immigrant will not become a public charge.
The nursing profession is one of the fastest growing careers in the United States. The number of employed registered nurses is expected to grow 26% from 2010 to 2020, making it the top occupation in terms of job growth. Licensed practical nurses and licensed vocational nurses are expected to increase 22%. Even during the economic downturn, 182,000 RNs were employed.
Read more: Immigration Reform Needed to Address Nursing Shortage
The August 2013 Visa bulletin shows that the Family-based 2A preference category which refers to spouses and children of lawful permanent residents (LPR) is current for all countries.
Read more: Great News for Spouse and Children of Green Card Holders