Newsletter August - September 2002

ATTENTION: PERMANENT RESIDENTS WHO PLED GUILTY TO CRIMES BEFORE APRIL 1, 1997

Relief from deportation has been restored (known as "212(c) relief"). If you had your deportation case denied, but have never left the U.S., you may qualify to reopen your case and reclaim your green card. DON'T MISS THE DEADLINE!! The deadline will soon be set. This is your only opportunity, so contact an attorney immediately!

LABOR CERTIFICATION

Great Way to Get a Green Card

This law "freezes" a child's age for immigration purposes at the time a petition or application is filed. Under the old law, a petition or application had to be finalized before the child turned 21 years of age and no longer fell under the definition of a "child." When this "age-out" occurred, many children lost their immigration benefits due to uncontrollable government delays. Now, children who turn 21 years of age during the pendency of the process will still be eligible. Take advantage and file now!

NICARAGUANS, SALVADOREANS AND HONDURANS - ASK ABOUT TPS AND WHETHER YOU QUALIFY

245i Update

INA section 245i allows people who entered illegally to remain in the United States and obtain their green cards. It expired on April 30, 2001, but its renewal is still pending in Congress. Be prepared and file your family petition or labor certification immediately.

BEWARE OF I.D. SCAM

Targeting Noncitizens

Noncitizens are receiving official-looking letters and forms, purportedly from their financial institutions or the Internal Revenue Service, requesting detailed personal and financial data. One such bogus form is entitled the "Certificate of Foreign Status of Beneficial Owner for United States Tax Withholding," and bears the form number W-8888. Make sure you verify the authenticity of any form before you send it!

LABOR CERTIFICATION GET YOUR GREEN CARD THROUGH YOUR JOB CALL FOR MORE DETAILS

SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBERS ("SSN's")

  • Are not available to obtain driver's licenses
  • Some employers will fire the employee if IRS records do not match the SSN
  • Soon the authenticity of SSN's may be verified on the internet.

Consult an attorney about how to obtain a valid SSN. WARNING: some common methods used by non-attorneys to obtain a SSN may result in deportation/removal proceedings!

REMINDER - THE DEADLINE TO FILE LATE AMNESTY APPLICATIONS IS JUNE 4, 2003