January 25, 2017 Executive Order: Enhancing Public Safety in the Interior of the United States (Regarding Sanctuary Cities)

fickeymartinez • February 3, 2017

Sanctuary Cities are being challenged by the Executive Order. See Below:

Executive Order: Enhancing Public Safety in the Interior of the United States

EXECUTIVE ORDER

– – – – – – –

ENHANCING PUBLIC SAFETY IN THE INTERIOR OF THE
UNITED STATES

By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, including the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) (8 U.S.C. 1101 et seq.), and in order to ensure the public safety of the American people in communities across the United States as well as to ensure that our Nation’s immigration laws are faithfully executed, I hereby declare the policy of the executive branch to be, and order, as follows:

Section 1.  Purpose.  Interior enforcement of our Nation’s immigration laws is critically important to the national security and public safety of the United States.  Many aliens who illegally enter the United States and those who overstay or otherwise violate the terms of their visas present a significant threat to national security and public safety.  This is particularly so for aliens who engage in criminal conduct in the United States.

Sanctuary jurisdictions across the United States willfully violate Federal law in an attempt to shield aliens from removal from the United States.  These jurisdictions have caused immeasurable harm to the American people and to the very fabric of our Republic.

Tens of thousands of removable aliens have been released into communities across the country, solely because their home countries refuse to accept their repatriation.  Many of these aliens are criminals who have served time in our Federal, State, and local jails.  The presence of such individuals in the United States, and the practices of foreign nations that refuse the repatriation of their nationals, are contrary to the national interest.

Although Federal immigration law provides a framework for Federal-State partnerships in enforcing our immigration laws to ensure the removal of aliens who have no right to be in the United States, the Federal Government has failed to discharge this basic sovereign responsibility.  We cannot faithfully execute the immigration laws of the United States if we exempt classes or categories of removable aliens from potential enforcement.  The purpose of this order is to direct executive departments and agencies (agencies) to employ all lawful means to enforce the immigration laws of the United States.

Sec. 2.  Policy.  It is the policy of the executive branch to:

(a)  Ensure the faithful execution of the immigration laws of the United States, including the INA, against all removable aliens, consistent with Article II, Section 3 of the United States Constitution and section 3331 of title 5, United States Code;

(b)  Make use of all available systems and resources to ensure the efficient and faithful execution of the immigration laws of the United States;

(c)  Ensure that jurisdictions that fail to comply with applicable Federal law do not receive Federal funds, except as mandated by law;

(d)  Ensure that aliens ordered removed from the United States are promptly removed; and

(e)  Support victims, and the families of victims, of crimes committed by removable aliens.

Sec. 3.  Definitions.  The terms of this order, where applicable, shall have the meaning provided by section 1101 of title 8, United States Code.

Sec. 4.  Enforcement of the Immigration Laws in the Interior of the United States.  In furtherance of the policy described in section 2 of this order, I hereby direct agencies to employ all lawful means to ensure the faithful execution of the immigration laws of the United States against all removable aliens.

Sec. 5.  Enforcement Priorities.  In executing faithfully the immigration laws of the United States, the Secretary of Homeland Security (Secretary) shall prioritize for removal those aliens described by the Congress in sections 212(a)(2), (a)(3), and (a)(6)(C), 235, and 237(a)(2) and (4) of the INA (8 U.S.C. 1182(a)(2), (a)(3), and (a)(6)(C), 1225, and 1227(a)(2) and (4)), as well as removable aliens who:

(a)  Have been convicted of any criminal offense;

(b)  Have been charged with any criminal offense, where such charge has not been resolved;

(c)  Have committed acts that constitute a chargeable criminal offense;

(d)  Have engaged in fraud or willful misrepresentation in connection with any official matter or application before a governmental agency;

(e)  Have abused any program related to receipt of public benefits;

(f)  Are subject to a final order of removal, but who have not complied with their legal obligation to depart the United States; or

(g)  In the judgment of an immigration officer, otherwise pose a risk to public safety or national security.

Sec. 6.  Civil Fines and Penalties.  As soon as practicable, and by no later than one year after the date of this order, the Secretary shall issue guidance and promulgate regulations, where required by law, to ensure the assessment and collection of all fines and penalties that the Secretary is authorized under the law to assess and collect from aliens unlawfully present in the United States and from those who facilitate their presence in the United States.

Sec. 7.  Additional Enforcement and Removal Officers.  The Secretary, through the Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, shall, to the extent permitted by law and subject to the availability of appropriations, take all appropriate action to hire 10,000 additional immigration officers, who shall complete relevant training and be authorized to perform the law enforcement functions described in section 287 of the INA (8 U.S.C. 1357).

Sec. 8.  Federal-State Agreements.  It is the policy of the executive branch to empower State and local law enforcement agencies across the country to perform the functions of an immigration officer in the interior of the United States to the maximum extent permitted by law.

(a)  In furtherance of this policy, the Secretary shall immediately take appropriate action to engage with the Governors of the States, as well as local officials, for the purpose of preparing to enter into agreements under section 287(g) of the INA (8 U.S.C. 1357(g)).

(b)  To the extent permitted by law and with the consent of State or local officials, as appropriate, the Secretary shall take appropriate action, through agreements under section 287(g) of the INA, or otherwise, to authorize State and local law enforcement officials, as the Secretary determines are qualified and appropriate, to perform the functions of immigration officers in relation to the investigation, apprehension, or detention of aliens in the United States under the direction and the supervision of the Secretary.  Such authorization shall be in addition to, rather than in place of, Federal performance of these duties.

(c)  To the extent permitted by law, the Secretary may structure each agreement under section 287(g) of the INA in a manner that provides the most effective model for enforcing Federal immigration laws for that jurisdiction.

Sec. 9.  Sanctuary Jurisdictions.  It is the policy of the executive branch to ensure, to the fullest extent of the law, that a State, or a political subdivision of a State, shall comply with 8 U.S.C. 1373.

(a)  In furtherance of this policy, the Attorney General and the Secretary, in their discretion and to the extent consistent with law, shall ensure that jurisdictions that willfully refuse to comply with 8 U.S.C. 1373 (sanctuary jurisdictions) are not eligible to receive Federal grants, except as deemed necessary for law enforcement purposes by the Attorney General or the Secretary.  The Secretary has the authority to designate, in his discretion and to the extent consistent with law, a jurisdiction as a sanctuary jurisdiction.  The Attorney General shall take appropriate enforcement action against any entity that violates 8 U.S.C. 1373, or which has in effect a statute, policy, or practice that prevents or hinders the enforcement of Federal law.

(b)  To better inform the public regarding the public safety threats associated with sanctuary jurisdictions, the Secretary shall utilize the Declined Detainer Outcome Report or its equivalent and, on a weekly basis, make public a comprehensive list of criminal actions committed by aliens and any jurisdiction that ignored or otherwise failed to honor any detainers with respect to such aliens.

(c)  The Director of the Office of Management and Budget is directed to obtain and provide relevant and responsive information on all Federal grant money that currently is received by any sanctuary jurisdiction.

Sec. 10.  Review of Previous Immigration Actions and Policies.  (a)  The Secretary shall immediately take all appropriate action to terminate the Priority Enforcement Program (PEP) described in the memorandum issued by the Secretary on November 20, 2014, and to reinstitute the immigration program known as “Secure Communities” referenced in that memorandum.

(b)  The Secretary shall review agency regulations, policies, and procedures for consistency with this order and, if required, publish for notice and comment proposed regulations rescinding or revising any regulations inconsistent with this order and shall consider whether to withdraw or modify any inconsistent policies and procedures, as appropriate and consistent with the law.

(c)  To protect our communities and better facilitate the identification, detention, and removal of criminal aliens within constitutional and statutory parameters, the Secretary shall consolidate and revise any applicable forms to more effectively communicate with recipient law enforcement agencies.

Sec. 11.  Department of Justice Prosecutions of Immigration Violators.  The Attorney General and the Secretary shall work together to develop and implement a program that ensures that adequate resources are devoted to the prosecution of criminal immigration offenses in the United States, and to develop cooperative strategies to reduce violent crime and the reach of transnational criminal organizations into the United States.

Sec. 12.  Recalcitrant Countries.  The Secretary of Homeland Security and the Secretary of State shall cooperate to effectively implement the sanctions provided by section 243(d) of the INA (8 U.S.C. 1253(d)), as appropriate.  The Secretary of State shall, to the maximum extent permitted by law, ensure that diplomatic efforts and negotiations with foreign states include as a condition precedent the acceptance by those foreign states of their nationals who are subject to removal from the United States.

Sec. 13.  Office for Victims of Crimes Committed by Removable Aliens.  The Secretary shall direct the Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to take all appropriate and lawful action to establish within U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement an office to provide proactive, timely, adequate, and professional services to victims of crimes committed by removable aliens and the family members of such victims.  This office shall provide quarterly reports studying the effects of the victimization by criminal aliens present in the United States.

Sec. 14.  Privacy Act.  Agencies shall, to the extent consistent with applicable law, ensure that their privacy policies exclude persons who are not United States citizens or lawful permanent residents from the protections of the Privacy Act regarding personally identifiable information.

Sec. 15.  Reporting.  Except as otherwise provided in this order, the Secretary and the Attorney General shall each submit to the President a report on the progress of the directives contained in this order within 90 days of the date of this order and again within 180 days of the date of this order.

Sec. 16.  Transparency.   To promote the transparency and situational awareness of criminal aliens in the United States, the Secretary and the Attorney General are hereby directed to collect relevant data and provide quarterly reports on the following:

(a)  the immigration status of all aliens incarcerated under the supervision of the Federal Bureau of Prisons;

(b)  the immigration status of all aliens incarcerated as Federal pretrial detainees under the supervision of the United States Marshals Service; and

(c)  the immigration status of all convicted aliens incarcerated in State prisons and local detention centers throughout the United States.

Sec. 17.  Personnel Actions.  The Office of Personnel Management shall take appropriate and lawful action to facilitate hiring personnel to implement this order.

Sec. 18.  General Provisions.  (a)  Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect:

(i)   the authority granted by law to an executive department or agency, or the head thereof; or

(ii)  the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals.

(b)  This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.

(c)  This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.

DONALD J. TRUMP

THE WHITE HOUSE,
January 25, 2017.

Source: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2017/01/30/2017-02102/enhancing-public-safety-in-the-interior-of-the-united-states

Polygamy and US Immigration: Common Issue

By Franchesco Fickey Martinez • April 8, 2025
Polygamy is not recognized in the United States. Polygamy is the historical custom or religious practice of having more than one wife or husband at the same time. It is also called plural marriage. When it is a man having multiple wives, the proper term is: Polygyny . When it is a woman having multiple husbands, the proper term is: Polyandry. Polygamy is illegal and a criminal offense in all fifty states of the US. As a similar note, Bigamy is the crime of being intentionally married to more than one spouse at a time. It is similar to Polygamy, except it focuses on the spouse that connects multiple marriages together. Bigamy is a Crime of Moral Turpitude that may permanently bar an immigrant from ever being able to Naturalize as a US Citizen. Should you apply for a Green Card, if you’ve practiced polygamy? No, if the subsequent marriage is being attempted to be the basis of a marriage-based Green Card filing, and no divorce(s) have occurred. Yes, if all prior marriages have been divorced, AND the marriage that is to be the basis of a marriage-based Green Card filing has been re-married. Should you apply for a Green Card, if you have committed bigamy? No, if the subsequent marriage is being attempted to be the basis of a marriage-based Green Card filing, and no divorce(s) have occurred. No, unless ABSOLUTE FULL DISCLOSURE is completed, zero omissions have occurred, and the adjudicating immigration officer at USCIS or DOS is able to review and decide on eligibility. Should you apply to naturalize if you’ve practiced polygamy? If you had practiced polygamy in the past, prior to coming to the United States, your history of polygamy should not be a barrier to becoming a U.S. citizen. However, if you have practiced polygamy within the U.S., you should not naturalize without first consulting with an immigration attorney. Polygamy is illegal; regardless if you've ever been charged or convicted. Denial is possible; which if there is a denial, deportation is a possibility. Should you apply to naturalize if you have committed bigamy? Depends! If you intentionally committed bigamy and used a bigamous marriage to apply, enter, or immigrate to the US, then NO! If your bigamy was accidental: examples: IF you believed your prior spouse was dead, but they turned out to be alive, or IF you believed that you were divorced, but the divorce filing was never finalized or were forged by the prior spouse THEN you may or may not (heavily depends on the facts) need to wait for five years from the time of the legal divorce to naturalize. You would still need to fully disclose the marital history in the N-400 application. However, the USCIS officer will consider whether you meet the good moral character requirement for naturalizing. Disclaimer: This Blog is made available by the lawyer or law firm publisher for educational purposes only as well as to give you general information and a general understanding of the law, not to provide specific legal advice. By using this blog site you understand that there is no attorney-client relationship between you and the Blog/Web Site publisher. The Blog should not be used as a substitute for competent legal advice from a licensed professional attorney in your state.

US Citizen’s Guide to Marrying in the Philippines and Immigrating a Philippine (Filipina) Spouse to the United States

By Franchesco Fickey Martinez • April 7, 2025
The Philippines, a beautiful country with polite people, delicious food, and a positive culture. Marrying someone from the Philippines is wonderful! This article will discuss the two common questions: How does a US Citizen marry in the Philippines? How does the Philippine Spouse immigrate to the US? If you are interested in the US K-1 […] The post US Citizen’s Guide to Marrying in the Philippines and Immigrating a Philippine (Filipina) Spouse to the United States appeared first on Fickey Martinez Law Firm.

Deeper Dive: R-1 Catholic Teacher Positions - How to locate possible Religious/Education Employment

By Franchesco Fickey Martinez • April 2, 2025
This article will cover specifically Catholics that are considering teaching for a Catholic School under the R-1 Visa for Religious Workers. Over the years, the following article has led numerous J1, F1, and H-1B Teachers to R-1 Teaching Positions: https://www.fickeymartinezlaw.com/r1-visa-for-school-teachers-at-religious-private-schools-an-alternative-to-the-h-1b-visa However, the common questions are always raised: How do I locate Openings at a Catholic School? There are many locations in which to find current availabilities. The primary source is the online listing for any given Dioceses. Our main office is located in NC, which the Charlotte and Raleigh Diocese availabilities can be seen here: https://dioceseofraleigh.org/employment https://charlottediocese.org/employment-opportunities/ N ational listings can be seen here: h ttps://www.catholicjobs.com/search/teacher https://jobsforcatholics.com/jobs/?q=teacher&l= https://careers.ncea.org/ What kind of Schools can Sponsor an R-1 Visa? Catholic schools have a very close connection with the local Parish/Catholic Church, and fall within the organizational structure of the local Dioceses. Now, it is important to note, not every Catholic School may be interested in sponsoring an R-1 Visa. If they have never sponsored before in the past, they may not want to begin now. However, as there is generally a teacher shortage in almost every state, Teachers are in high demand. For a Catholic School, the teacher would also have to be a Catholic/of the same denomination (which that is true for any catholic teacher position, whether hiring a US Citizen or for sponsoring a foreign national). What are the Requirements for the Teacher to Qualify? Yes, the Teacher must Generally: Prove belief in the Catholic Faith for at least 2 years prior to any R-1 Employment, which would be evidenced by certificates of Baptism, Confirmation, and Communion/Sacrament. If you do not have a Catholic Record/Certificate, they can be ordered from the local Parish anywhere in the world. Proof of weekly Mass Attendance, evidenced by support letter from the Priest. If attended Mass at multiple Parishes/Catholic Churches over the years, then evidenced by support letters from the respective Priests. Teacher Specific Items: Passing Score in the PRAXIS Credentialing of any and all education, Credentialing explained below Applying for Teacher Licensure in the state of employment Do you recommend any Credentialing Companies? Our clients have had positive experiences working with World Education Services , International Education Evaluations , and Education Credential Evaluators . However, the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) provides a list of qualifying companies: https://www.naces.org/members . USCIS requires applicants to provide evidence of all degrees, certifications, or licenses received, including specifically include: (1) Transcripts, (2) Diplomas, (3) Degrees, and (4) Certificates. How Long is the R-1 Visa good for? 3 0 Months or 2.5 Years, and it can also receive a 30 Month/2.5 Year Extension. So, in total, the R-1 Employment can be as long as 5 years. Can an R-1 Teacher Position lead to a Green Card? Yes, it is very much possible and common, especially since there is always a shortage of teachers, and Catholic Teachers. Can a J1 that is Subject to the 2-Year Home Residency Requirement apply for an R-1? Yes, it is common for J1 Teachers that are subject to the 2-year Home Residency Requirement to pursue a non-disqualified teaching visa. A J-1 waiver can be applied for during the R1 Teaching period. Meaning, an R1 Visa does not have the same restrictions as an H1B Teaching Visa. Alternatively, the teacher can return to the home country every summer and long break, contributing to the 2-year Satisfaction. If a prior J1 spends 2 years back in their home country, a J1 Waiver would no longer be required as the restriction would have been satisfied. Again, if you send 3 months abroad between the J1 and R1 Employment, then 3 months every summer over the next 5 years, you would have about 18 out of 24 months already "satisfied." What Does the School Need to do? To summarize: Be Interested in sponsoring the visa, providing mandetory documentation, and paying the immigration fees. File Form I-129 on behalf of an alien seeking to enter the United States as a nonimmigrant minister, or a religious worker in a religious vocation or occupation. Provide Proof of Tax-Exempt Status/the IRS 5 01(c)(3) letter Documentation that establishes the religious nature and purpose of the organization, including, but not limited to: A copy of the organizing instrument of the organization that specifies the purposes of the organization; Organizational literature describing the religious purpose and nature of the activities of the organization; and A religious denomination certification, included as part of the Form I-129, Supplement R, stating that the petitioning organization is affiliated with the religious denomination. The religious denomination certification should be signed by an organization other than the petitioning organization, and attest that the petitioning organization is part of the same religious denomination as the attesting organization. Provide Proof of Salaried Compensation showing how the school intends to compensate the religious worker/teacher, including specific monetary or in-kind compensation. Provide Proof of Denominational Membership and Evidence Regarding the Prospective Position of the intended Visa Holder. Disclaimer: This Blog is made available by the lawyer or law firm publisher for educational purposes only as well as to give you general information and a general understanding of the law, not to provide specific legal advice. By using this blog site you understand that there is no attorney-client relationship between you and the Blog/Web Site publisher. The Blog should not be used as a substitute for competent legal advice from a licensed professional attorney in your state.

Immigrant Visa Interview Scheduled: What to Focus on Now and In What Order

By Franchesco Fickey Martinez • April 2, 2025
[Publicación en español] Finally, the interview is here!!!! The finish line is within arms reach. However, many things need to get done, and be done ASAP. But but but THEY MUST BE DONE IN ORDER. Please don’t focus on something minor, when other matters must be done since time is of the essence. First: LOCATE […] The post Immigrant Visa Interview Scheduled: What to Focus on Now and In What Order appeared first on Fickey Martinez Law Firm.

Tarjeta Verde I-551 sin fecha de vencimiento

By Franchesco Fickey Martinez • April 2, 2025
a Tarjeta Verde I-551 es la versión actual de la Tarjeta de Residente Permanente Legal. Sin embargo, existe mucha confusión sobre si las tarjetas verdes “sin fecha de vencimiento” siguen siendo válidas. S i el I551 se emitió entre 1977 y agosto de 1989, la Tarjeta Verde no tendría fecha de vencimiento, pero sigue siendo una Tarjeta Verde válida y aceptable.  Est a Tarjeta Verde vigente fue la edición entre la (1) Tarjeta Verde I-151 que ya no es válida y (2) la Tarjeta Verde I-551 que tiene fecha de vencimiento. Imagen frontal y posterior de la Tarjeta Verde I-551:

Tarjeta verde I-151: cosas que debe saber

By Franchesco Fickey Martinez • April 1, 2025
El antiguo Servicio de Inmigración y Naturalización (INS), ahora USCIS bajo el DHS, emitió el Formulario I-151 (Tarjeta de Recibo de Registro de Extranjero), comúnmente llamado “tarjeta verde”, a extranjeros de Julio de 1946 a 1978 . En 20 de marzo de 1996 , la Tarjeta de Recibo de Registro de Extranjero I-151 dejó de ser válida por ley. El INS (ahora USCIS) recomendó a los titulares de la tarjeta I-151 que solicitaran una nueva tarjeta verde. Aunque no se consideraría que los titulares del I-151 hayan perdido su residencia permanente, han tenido y siempre enfrentarán dificultades para obtener empleo, beneficios y reingresar a los EE. UU. desde el extranjero. Si intenta volver a ingresar a los EE. UU. con la tarjeta I-151, finalmente se le permitirá ingresar a los EE. UU., pero esperará retrasos y complicaciones. Por el contrario, al buscar empleo, la Tarjeta I-151 no es prueba válida de autorización de empleo. Otr a versión de la I-151: 

Me negaron la presentación del formulario I-90 porque tenía una tarjeta de residencia condicional de dos años. ¿Qué debo hacer ahora?

By Franchesco Fickey Martinez • March 31, 2025
Si USCIS proporciona un aviso de denegación para la presentación del I90, el aviso también debe indicar que la ley exige que el titular de la tarjeta verde presente el I-751. El I-751 se centra en el matrimonio subyacente que proporcionó la tarjeta de residencia de dos años. USCIS evalúa el período de tiempo después de que se emitió por primera vez la tarjeta verde, generalmente dos o tres años antes del momento de la denegación de la I-90. Ahora bien, hay dos escenarios que pueden ocurrir. ¿Tiene una presentación I-90 denegada porque presentó el formulario incorrecto? Este es un error común para muchos titulares de una Tarjeta Verde. Cuando busca en línea, ve que el formulario I-90 de USCIS es el formulario de renovación para cuando una tarjeta verde está a punto de expirar. Lo que comúnmente se pasa por alto es que una tarjeta verde (condicional) de dos años tiene la condición de que, cuando esté a punto de expirar, se debe presentar el formulario I-751 de USCIS para convertir la tarjeta verde de 2 años en una tarjeta verde de 10 años. En el primer escenario, solo se puede presentar el I-751 ante el USCIS, lo que el resultado sería una tarjeta verde de 10 años recibida entre uno y cuatro años después de la presentación. El proceso I-751 es extremadamente lento y los tiempos de procesamiento se pueden encontrar aquí ( Tiempos de procesamiento de USCIS ). Segundo escenario, si todavía está casado con el ciudadano estadounidense que le brindó patrocinio y solicitó la tarjeta verde, y el matrimonio sigue siendo amoroso y próspero, puede considerar presentar el I-751, recibir la extensión I-751 de 24 meses y luego solicitar la naturalización N-400. Para calificar para la naturalización, el titular de la tarjeta verde debe haber mantenido su tarjeta verde por un período de al menos tres años si la tarjeta verde se recibió debido al matrimonio con un ciudadano estadounidense y el matrimonio aún existe y está prosperando después de tres años. En este escenario, en lugar de esperar muchos años para que se procese el I751, el tiempo de procesamiento depende de la presentación del N400. En algunas jurisdicciones, como en la oficina local de USCIS en Raleigh Durham, la solicitud de naturalización puede realizarse en unos pocos meses. Cuando compara unos pocos meses de tiempo de procesamiento con la posibilidad de esperar de 1 a 4 años, puede ser más beneficioso simplemente convertirse en ciudadano estadounidense y terminar por completo con el proceso de inmigración. Si ha recibido una denegación I-90, no dude en comuníquese con nuestra Firma de Abogados de Inmigración para programar una consulta para determinar la mejor ruta de inmigración.  Descargo de responsabilidad: Este Blog lo pone a disposición el abogado o el editor del bufete de abogados únicamente con fines educativos, así como para brindarle información general y una comprensión general de la ley, no para brindar asesoramiento legal específico. Al utilizar este sitio de blog, usted comprende que no existe una relación de abogado-cliente entre usted y el editor del blog/sitio web. El Blog no debe utilizarse como sustituto del asesoramiento legal competente de un abogado profesional autorizado en su estado. on it

Common K1 Visa Question: Who Schedules the K1 Visa Interview?

By Franchesco Fickey Martinez • March 30, 2025
Before addressing the Main Question, a few items MUST first be explained regarding timing and expectations: First, the K1 Fiance Visa is 100% Different from a Tourist Visa. It is NOT as fast as a Tourist Visa. It is handled by the Embassy or Consulate’s Immigrant Visa Division, NOT the Nonimmigrant Visa Division. It REQUIRES […] The post Common K1 Visa Question: Who Schedules the K1 Visa Interview? appeared first on Fickey Martinez Law Firm.

¿Puedo Naturalizarme como Ciudadano Estadounidense con una Tarjeta Verde antigua o vencida?

By Franchesco Fickey Martinez • March 28, 2025
Generalmente ¡Sí! Es posible que pueda solicitar la Naturalización N-400 con USCIS aunque tenga una Tarjeta Verde antigua o vencida. ¿Qué constituye una "vieja Tarjeta Verde"? Posiblemente la tarjeta verde "antigua" más común sería una tarjeta I-551 emitida entre 1977 y agosto de 1989. ¿Por qué? Las tarjetas emitidas entre esas fechas no tienen fecha de vencimiento, pero siguen siendo una Tarjeta Verde válida y aceptable. Se puede ver una imagen aquí: https://www.fickeymartinezlaw.com/immigration/i-551-green-card-with-no-expiration-date ¿Qué es una tarjeta verde "antigua" menos común? Esa tendría que ser la Tarjeta Verde I-151, mucho más antigua. Estas Tarjetas Verdes se emitieron entre julio de 1946 y 1978 y tampoco tenían fecha de vencimiento, pero el Congreso forzó/aprobó una expiración en 1996. Se puede ver una imagen aquí: https://www.fickeymartinezlaw.com/immigration/i-151-green-card-things-to-know Para Confirmar, ¿puede una Tarjeta Verde vencida solicitar la Naturalización? ¡Generalmente sí! Sin embargo, la verdadera pregunta sería "¿Por qué" expiró? Si estuvo en el extranjero durante muchos años (solo como ejemplo) y nunca renovó su tarjeta de residencia ni solicitó dicho permiso de viaje, es posible que la tarjeta de residencia haya sido abandonada, lo que hace que alguien no sea elegible para naturalizarse. USCIS también puede solicitar que se presente simultáneamente un I-90 si necesita alguna prueba de residencia permanente legal (también conocida como Tarjeta Verde) mientras el N-400 está pendiente. Si tiene más preguntas o inquietudes, debe hablar con un abogado de inmigración con experiencia. Puede ver más información en nuestra página web de Naturalización: https://www.fickeymartinezlaw.com/practice-areas/naturalization-citizenship

Acabo de recibir la Aprobación de la petición I-129F: ¿Qué esperar a continuación?

By Franchesco Fickey Martinez • March 27, 2025
La Petición I-129F aprobada significa el final de (probablemente) un largo proceso de inmigración y el inicio de un proceso consular (generalmente) más confuso. ¡¡¡¡Felicidades!!!! Pero el viaje aún no ha terminado. . . . estás casi en la mitad del camino. Para empezar, recapitulemos. El proceso de visa de prometido se divide en 3 partes: Parte 1: Petición I-129F para reconocer la relación en USCIS Parte 2: Solicitud de la visa DS-160 y la promesa de casarse y apoyo financiero I-134 (el paso real de la visa K1) Parte 3: Ingrese a los EE. UU., cásese dentro de los 90 días, obtenga una tarjeta de Seguro Social durante el período de 60 días en la SSA y ajuste su estatus con USCIS Esta publicación se ENFOCARÁ principalmente en el período de transición entre la Parte 1/Paso 1 y la Parte 2/Paso 2. ¿Qué significa el Aviso de aprobación I-129F? Significa que USCIS “calificó” la relación para recibir una Visa K1. El Centro de Servicio de USCIS (generalmente en California) enviaría por correo el Aviso de Aprobación al Ciudadano Estadounidense (y al Abogado, si se contrata uno). Por último, USCIS indicaría en el aviso de aprobación que están transfiriendo la presentación al NVC para su posterior procesamiento. A continuación se muestra un diagrama del correo/transferencia I-129F: 
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