Immigration Reform

The desire to immigrate has historically been one of the most popular options for a change of life. While some people may choose to change careers or go back to school, immigration has offered another option for a new life. Going to a new country, especially with a family, can be a brand new lease on life, offering new job opportunities, education opportunities, and a brand new culture to embrace. That being said, there are millions of people that choose to immigrate to America every year. Unfortunately for them, the immigration system in America is broken, leaving hundreds of thousands of immigrants detained in prisons and unsure about their future in the country. This broken system forces immigrants to tread carefully, taking life-threatening risks and illegal actions to stay in the country.

The broken system of immigration in America has been cause for concern for a long time. Since the Bush administration increased the amount of immigration agents and increased the amount of raids in random workplaces and communities, the amount of immigration cases given to the immigration courts has grown exponentially. In 2008, over 350,000 immigration cases were brought to the court, a third of which were never resolved. This backlogging of the courts has led to immigration courts being overwhelmed, and the immigration judges adjudicating immigration cases have become discouraged. It is for this reason and many others that the United States must reform their immigration laws. Here are a few more reasons to consider:

* Undocumented workers have been subject to unfair labor practices, breaking up families who immigrate illegally. Reform could bring these undocumented workers into the workforce, driving the wages of Americans up.

* Many people immigrate with their families, and the family is the most important building block of society. The broken immigration system has forced many who immigrate to our country into detention, breaking up families and forcing the roots out of our own soil.

* The country’s economy will grow with proper organization. However, with the unreliable immigration system, companies are unable to prepare workforces and understand their future, with the Baby Boomers retiring at a rapid rate.

* The country’s security will also increase. Ironically, the immigration system set up by the Bush administration has actually increased the marker for smugglers and illegal immigrants. With proper reform, people from other countries can immigrate to America legally, and allow the government to direct their resources to where it matters — such as smugglers who traffic drugs and weapons.

Immigration reform will change the system for the better, allowing immigrants to legally immigrate without fear of unfair treatment or deportation. It will also allow us to diversify our country and show the world that America is still a land of freedom and opportunity. Should we keep the system, immigrants will continue to be treated unfairly, detained for months or even years or forced out of the country, leaving their families broken and helpless.

Immigration Laws

Immigration law in America is in heavy need for reform. Many immigration laws have been molded and changed to meet the racial and geographic issues affecting the country and its immigration policy. Without proper reform of immigration law, the borders of the United States will continue to struggle with holding back smugglers of drugs and guns. Additionally, the security of the United States will be at risk with the weak, undefined immigration laws we employ today.

However, although immigration law hears a call from many for change, there has been little to no action regarding policy change. With the new Obama presidential administration comes promise of immigration law reform. The new President believes that the broken immigration system can be fixed, but only through an organic approach ignoring politics. With this bold approach, the President wants to secure the border, enforce immigration laws, and reinforce America as a country of immigrants. Additionally, he believes that immigration law should be shaped around the benefit of the American economy and the American worker, something that our country can surely get behind. There are 5 main points that the President is focusing on:

* Strengthening the Border – Strengthening the borders of America is one of the most important goals of immigration law. Immigration laws in America will, hopefully, protect the borders by offering additional personnel, technology, and structure at all ports of entry and borders of the country.

* Improve the Broken System – A complete revisiting of the broken immigration system in American can fix the unfair bureaucracy and enable legal immigration. This legal immigration would allow immigrants to legally enter the country and keep their families together; illegal immigration would be severely limited.

* Remove Incentives For Illegal Immigration – In addition to adding legal immigration to the slate, the President is aiming to remove incentives for immigrants to enter the country illegally, including enforcing immigration laws that would prevent American employers from hiring undocumented workers.

* Allow Hiding Immigrants A Chance – Those living in the country undocumented may be allowed to pay a fee, learn English, and have a chance for becoming an American citizen. This approach is very different from the fear-induced, ignorant system in place today that keeps many immigrants on watch for their life and the well-being of their family.

* Working with Mexico – Working with Mexico to promote economic development will encourage Mexicans to stay in their country, instead of illegally immigrating to the United States.

This immigration reform, while seemingly far away, shows a lot of promise. President Obama has signed the Children’s Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act, which aims to provide health care to 4 milion kids who were uninsured, effectively removing barriers that prevented legal immigrant children from having health care coverage. Additionally, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act provides over $400 million in funds aimed to improve security and ports of entry on the Southwest border. These actions are only a glimpse of what American immigration laws have to look forward to in the future.

Immigration Attorney

Immigration is a complicated legal process that can confuse the millions of people who are forced to deal with it. The broken immigration system has forced millions of immigrants into the immigration courts, starting from the first “notice to appear” to the final administrative decision made by the immigration judge. For many immigrants, this complicated legal system is impossible to understand, especially with the unavoidable language and cultural barriers that come with immigrating to a new country.

In these cases, the complex set of laws and guidelines can be best explained through the help of a qualified immigration attorney. An immigration attorney is well-versed in immigration law and can help an immigrant with the language and legal barriers that they face. Immigration attorneys are plentiful, the supply meeting the demand of hundreds of thousands of immigration cases held in courts every year. Utilizing immigration attorneys allow immigrants to have better chance of making it through the immigration system of the United States. Finding the proper immigration attorney can be tough, as there are many to choose from. However, there are several ways of finding the right immigration attorney for a specific situation:

* Using the Internet may be the best bet for finding both information about immigration law and policy and finding immigration attorneys. There are many websites, in multiple languages, that allow immigrants to understand visas and immigrant law. Additionally, the Internet is a hub for thousands of immigration attorneys, as well as all other types of attorneys. In fact, there are even government sponsored websites that may provide help to immigrants, including providing information regarding immigration attorneys.

* Asking friends may also be an effective strategy for finding an attorney. If a friend has been in a similar situation, he or she may already have information about an immigration attorney. The friend can also offer their opinion about the attorney, and provide a recap of their experience with the attorney. This information is important in choosing the right immigration attorney.

* There are verified immigration attorneys that can represent immigrants at every step of the legal immigration process. Although it can be expensive, all immigrants are permitted representation in gaining citizenship or a visa in America.

* Many local communities have resource centers that provide information and tools for immigration. Though these resource centers may not provide immigration attorneys, they can educate immigrants to better understand the immigration system.

* There are many organizations, including immigration attorney associations, state bars, or other organizations focused on immigration that provide immigration help and attorneys.

The system of immigration in America is not only broken, but also extremely complicated. As such, hundreds of thousands of immigrants are in need of immigration assistance every year. Finding the right immigration attorney, whether through the Internet or other means, may prove to be the difference between a citizen and an illegal immigrant.

Naturalization in America

Naturalization is defined as the acquisition of citizenship or nationality by a person who was not a citizen or from the country when he or she was born. Immigration and naturalization have always been intertwined, as naturalization is the goal for all individuals immigrating to another country. Generally speaking, naturalization requires that the applicant be a legal resident for a certain amount of time and swear to uphold the laws of the country. However, naturalization in America is a bit more complicated. It requires the individual to be a permanent resident, or a green card holder, before naturalization is even considered. According to US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), people may be considered for naturalization if:

* You have been a permanent resident for at least 5 years and meet all other eligibility requirements.

* You have been a permanent resident for 3 years or more and meet all eligibility requirements to file as a spouse of a U.S. citizen.

* You have qualifying service in the U.S. armed forces and meet all other eligibility requirements.

* Your child may qualify for naturalization if you are a U.S. citizen, the child was born outside the U.S., the child is currently residing outside the U.S., and all other eligibility requirements are met.

These eligibility requirements differ according to each specific situation, but generally involve being over 18, having 5 years of residency, and being able to read, write, and speak English. Additionally, immigration and naturalization requires that the immigrant have an understanding of U.S. history and government as well as being considered a person of good moral character, and not prone to breaking the law. While these requirements seem relatively simple, achieving naturalization is not easy. However, many Americans achieve their citizenship through their parents, as they will automatically achieve citizenship if their parents do before their children reach the age of 18.

Even if an individual meets all of the requirements, they will be required to take a naturalization test. For those having to deal with immigration and naturalization, the test is the final step in obtaining citizenship in the United States. The test may seem simple and trivial for American citizens, but for immigrants, the test can pose some trouble. At the test, a USCIS officer will test the individual’s ability to read, write, and speak English, as well as test their knowledge of civics. The individual will be required to read and write one out of three sentences correctly in English and speak English during the interview. Additionally, the individual will be required to answer 6 out of 10 questions correctly. If the individual fails, he or she can retake that portion of the test between 60 and 90 days of the test date.

Immigration and naturalization are part of a larger immigration system, which many Americans consider broken. Many immigrants may take advantage of naturalization through marriage, leading to marriages aimed only at obtaining US citizenship.

Immigration Lawyer

Immigration lawyers have some of the best job security in the entire United States. By all accounts, immigration in the United States will continue to grow, providing clients for immigration lawyers around the country. Becoming an immigration lawyer also allows you to be well compensated and help others get their life in order. For those interested in helping others and those interested in immigration law, representing immigrants in court and fighting for their rights can be very rewarding. With the impending immigration reform with the new Presidential administration, immigrant lawyers have a bright future ahead of them.

Becoming an immigration lawyer, however, requires much discipline and commitment. Here are the steps you must take to become a lawyer representing immigrants:

* Before applying to law school, consider your undergraduate courses to match up with your goal of becoming a lawyer. There are no set “pre-law” undergraduate courses, so choose courses that you are interested in and relate to the fields of sociology, psychology, criminal justice, English, and history. This will allow you to prepare for law school and, if you work hard, keep a high GPA. Additionally, courses on immigration and immigration history can prove to be beneficial.

* Bringing your high GPA with you, apply to a law school that best fits your situation. In this case, finding a law school that has a strong immigration department is ideal. Study for the LSAT, as good school look for high marks in admissions. Apply to the school that calls out to you, one that fits your beliefs and offers the teachers and resources related to your interest.

* When you get into the law school, apply for the immigration department. It is likely that you will still need to be explicitly accepted into the immigration department after your first year of education, which generally includes introductory law classes. As each school has different requirements, consult with an administrator to figure out what you will need to accomplish. Becoming an immigration lawyer may also require internships or volunteering to obtain the immigration experience required.

* After you graduate, you should seek immigration law firms that interest you. Immigration attorneys not only work in immigration law firms, but also government work and other options are available. If you had good grades in law school, you will have a much easier time looking for a joke.

The field of immigration law is continually growing and can prove to be an exciting career. This is magnified even more with the constant changes in immigration law and policy. Additionally, immigration lawyers receive impressive compensation and benefits in addition to helping others through their troubles. If an immigration lawyer focuses his or her efforts on helping others, they will be handsomely rewarded for the long hours and stressful times they may experience on the job.

Green Card

Under immigration law, there are a number of different ways that an immigrant can receive a green card. Obtaining a greencard has specific requirements that, if met, allow an immigrant to receive permanent residence in America. A greencard allows for an immigrant to be considered a permanent resident given most rights of citizenship. This designation is only one step away from becoming a U.S. citizen, which is the goal for most immigrants dealin with immigration law. Other designations of inhabitants in the country include: aliens not legally permitted in the country, an individual on a temporary visa permitting a limited time of residence, and a certified U.S. citizen.

Obtaining a greencard, as mentioned earlier, allows an immigrant to receive permanent resident status. Permanent residents in the United states are granted authorization to live and work in the United States on a permanent basis, despite not being a U.S. citizen. Obtaining a greencard can be done in a number of different ways. While some individuals may be able to choose from a number of different paths, other individuals may only have one choice based on their specific circumstances. For example, if an individual is currently living inside the United States, the process of obtaining a greencard may be different than a person living outside of the United States. There are 3 main ways to apply and obtain a greencard in the United States, including:

* Obtaining a Green card Through Family – many people become permanent residents through family members. If a family member is a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, the individual may qualify for an adjustment of status. Additionally. if a family member files a Form I-130, or Petition for Alien Relative, a green card may be obtained. There are many other distinctions and requirements by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, including special considerations for battered children, widowers, or foreign diplomats.

* Obtaining a Green card Through a Job – other individuals may obtain permanent resident status through a job or offer of employment. If a worker is able, willing, and qualified to work in place needing more jobs, and not displacing any American citizen workers, he or she may qualify for a greencard. Immigrants may obtain the status through a job offer, investment, self petition, or other categories of jobs such as translators, broadcasters, religious workers, ormany others.

* Obtaining a Green Card Through Refugee or Asylum Status – others may be qualified if they were admitted as a refugee or a family member of an asylee one year after their entrance into the United States. As a refugee, an individual is required to apply for a green card. As an asylee, the individual is not required, but is recommended to apply.

There are other ways to obtain a greencard in the United States. While most immigrants apply through a family member’s sponsorship, employment, or refugee/asylee status, other adjustment programs are offered by the USCIS to specially qualified individuals including Haitain refugees, members of the armed forces, victims of criminal activity, and Cuban citizens as well as many others.

Process of Deportation

There are many different reasons as to why an immigrant may be deported from the United States. For example, an immigrant may be considered an inadmissible alien due to terrorist suspicion, criminal records, certain diseases, or entrance into the United States illegally. If the government decides that an immigrant’s status should be questioned, the process of deportation beings. Also known as the removal process, the deportation process can be very complicated, especially for those just entering our country. The process usually goes as follows:

* If an immigrant is to be considered to be deported, the deportation process begins. The process generally starts with the Department of Homeland Security, or the DHS, issuing the individual a “notice to appear”. This document has important information including the name and country of origin for the individual, an order to appear in immigration court, and the nature of the situation. This additional information will include how the individual broke the law, the reason for the summons, the right to an attorney, and the consequences of failing to appear.

* There are a number of situations where a “relief from removal” is possible. In these cases, the individual may not be deported for a number of reasons including if the individual is a lawful permanent resident, receives an adjustment of status, or if the individual receives asylum as a refugee. If granted this relief from removal by the immigration court, the immigrant is free to stay in the United States as a lawful permanent resident.

* When the immigrant is in immigration court, the immigration judge will be required to make two distinctions. First, the judge must make a determination on the removability of the immigrant from the United States. Second, the judge must decide if the immigrant is eligible for a form of relief from removal.

* If an immigrant is found to be removable from the United States, the act of deportation occurs. The immigrant will likely then go to a facility where they are detained until they can be deported. For most immigrants, a direct flight to the country of deportation will force them ‘home’. Otherwise, they may be detained for up to 90 days.

Deportation can rip a family apart and change the lives of many immigrants. Unfortunately, deportation is a large part of immigration law in America. The deportees are often treated horribly, with little to no regard to the safety and timeliness of the procedures. If an immigrant is not a lawful permanent resident of the United States, he or she may have to live in fear of deportation their whole life. Without proper immigration reform, the deportation process and the broken immigration system will continue to

Deportation Lawyer

Deportation is the dreaded result of a broken immigration system. Hundreds of thousands of immigrants are deported every year, forced out of the country they are living in through a complicated process that generally results in either detainment or deportation. This complicated legal process is a product of an immigration system that leaves hundreds of thousands of immigrants questioning their residential status in the United States, and thousands more stuck in detention, waiting for a decision or for deportation to be feasible.

This complicated process is especially hard for immigrants that have just entered the country. Many of these immigrants struggle to learn the language, and many more have little to no comprehension of the legal system of the United States. In these cases, a deportation lawyer can provide the advice that an immigrant needs to be treated fairly in the system. For example, deportation lawyers are well-versed in immigration law, and can help immigrants through their appearance in front of an immigration judge, as well as give advice on all of the options available to immigrants in the United States.

A deportation attorney is a certified legal professional specializing in the deportation process and immigration law. Most of these deportation attorneys are members of the American Immigration Lawyers Association, or the AILA, the professional organization for deportation attorneys that provides advocate resources, training, and connections.

* While immigration court does not provide a deportation attorney for defendants, it is the defendant’s right to obtain his or her own attorney at his or her own expense. That being said, having a deportation attorney at your side allows for a better understanding of immigration law and the option available. The deportation attorney will give advice on the issues that immigrants may not be familiar with, and deal with the judge directly, avoiding the need for translation.

* Deportation attorneys also assist the immigrant in the logistic processes of immigration law. That is, the attorney can help immigrants fill out the proper forms for application to different immigration related documents, such as visas, temporary visas, green cards, or applications for naturalization. Each of these documents require the use of a specific form which can confuse immigrants, especially if they struggle with English.

* Deportation attorneys may be confused with “notarios,” which are generally scams and unqualified for the services they claim to offer. Avoiding these scams is important, as immigrants generally do not have a lot of money to spend.

* Employment-based deportation attorneys may also prepare petitions, and conduct consultations with immigrants. They may also address issues that may arise with the procedure, including delays with processing.

A deportation attorney can assist immigrants with the many complex elements that come with immigration law. For the many immigrants unable to speak English and uninformed about the legal system, a deportation attorney can make the process run much more smoothly and help to solve any problems that may arise.

Illegal Immigration

The problem of illegal immigration in the United States is one that many Americans consider to be grave, and requiring change. However, to prevent illegal immigrants from entering the United States is more complicated than most Americans understand. It not only requires the strengthening of the borders, but a complete reform of the immigration system of the country. The current immigration system is broken and remains conducive to illegal immigrants crossing the border by illegal means, mostly because the same illegal immigrants have no way of legally entering the country. This overabundance of illegal immigrants causes many Americans to fear for their job security and, for many, the prominence and rights of legal U.S. citizens.

Additionally, illegal immigration generally does not pose the threat that many Americans associate with illegal immigrants. While there are many illegal immigrants that may be criminals or terrorist, the majority of immigrants enter the country in hopes of a new chance at life, or to escape persecution or destitution. Without proper immigration reform, the illegal immigrants residing in the country will experience undue stress and prejudice in the workplace. Additionally, these immigrants must live in fear of deportation or detainment, as a “notice to appear” in immigration court may lead to a judge’s determination of removability.

* Documenting already existing illegal immigrants can be an answer to the many illegal immigrants living in the United States. The new Presidential administration claims to support a system where illegal immigration is addressed, where immigrants living in hiding can come out, pay a fine, learn English, and work towards naturalization as a United States citizen

* If immigration is reformed to allow illegal immigrants to obtain protective guarantees, these immigrants can begin paying taxes and living as a functional, productive part of society.

* Illegal immigrants would benefit greatly for an improved route to citizenship. This would encourage the immigrants to fight against the dangerous immigrants remaining off the grid.

* Reforming immigration policy would benefit the struggling US economy. Illegal immigrants would be able to enter the workforce as lawful permanent residents of the United States, driving up the salary for American jobs everywhere. Additionally, companies offering jobs to immigrants may receive governmental benefits in the future, creating incentive for both companies and immigrants to seek immigration policy reform.

* Currently, illegal immigration is a large problem in the United States. However, the struggles that illegal immigrants face are also very real. They experience prejudice and unfairness not only in the workplace, but in society as well.

Immigrating to the United States, whether done legally or illegally, is a chance for the immigrant to start a new life. Living in fear of deportation or detainment forces these illegal immigrants to take risks that may threaten their life. For the benefit of illegal immigrants and Americans alike, immigration reform will change the way our country approaches immigration, and change the quality of life for immigrants and Americans for the better.