Keeping families together.

PUBLICATIONS

Attorney Blackwell writes a twice monthly column about immigration topics for Asian Pages. 

Asian Pages is an award-winning newspaper that targets over 2O different Asian groups living in  Illinois, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, North and South Dakota, and Wisconsin.  Included in its target audience are the Cambodian, Chinese, Filipino, Hmong, Indian, Indonesian, Japanese, Korean, Laotian, Malaysian, Sri Lankan, Thai, Tibetan, and Vietnamese.  Published on the 1st and 15th of every month, over 75,000 people read Asian Pages every two weeks.  As well as a printed edition that is distributed free at locations throughout the MidWest, Asian Pages is available on-line and has subscribers in every state as well as international subscribers.

January 15, 2007    Affidavit of Support: Who Needs It?

Last year, USCIS issued new guidance on the I-864 Affidavit of Support.  The guidance coincided with the issue of a new version of the I-864.  The I-864 is used when filing for a family-based immigrant petition and overcomes the presumption that the relative will become a public charge.  Without a signed I-864, the relative will be denied a green card.  However, there are some relatives who do not require the I-864.

December 15, 2006 Tips for Staying Safe and In Status During the Holiday Season

Many people travel during the holiday season.  For LPRs, travel abroad requires re-admission to the U.S. and can have unexpected unfortunate consequences.  Learn how to identify potential re-entry problems.  Also learn how to protect yourself from immigration law consequences should you be arrested.

December 1, 2006  After the Votes Are Counted: The Future of Immigration Reform

The political composition of Congress changed significantly as a result of the November 2006 mid-term elections.  No longer do the Republicans control the House or the Senate.  What are the potential implications for immigration reform?

November 15, 2006 The Benefits of Citizenship

Now that the November 2006 mid-term elections are over, the country begins to prepare for the 2008 elections.  Immigrants have an important role to play and many have been LPRs long enough to qualify for U.S. citizenship.  What are the benefits of U.S. citizenship?

November 1, 2006   When the Past Comes Back to Haunt

For any person who is not a U.S. citizen, historical criminal convictions can unexpectedly re-surface to disrupt the lives of LPRs when they travel abroad or apply for citizenship.

October 15, 2006    'Til Death, Departure, Citizenship or 40 Social Security Credits Do Us Part

Almost every family-based immigration petition requires the sponsor sign Form I-864 Affidavit of Support.  The Form I-864 is a contract between the sponsor and the U.S. government that imposes certain financial responsibilities on the sponsor.  Learn what these responsibilities are.

October 1, 2006       The Great Debate: Enforcement vs. Reform

Immigration reform is the subject of considerable debate in U.S. politics.  Should we focus solely on enforcement?

September 15, 2006       Naturalization: Pending for Criminal Background Checks

Most of the time, naturalization applications proceed without undue delay and the applicant is sworn in as a citizen about 9-10 months after the application has been filed.  However, some applications are pended at interview because FBI criminal background checks have not been completed.  Learn

September 1, 2006         A Passion for Immigration: Experiences of an Immigration Lawyer

Attorney Blackwell shares her own experiences as an immigrant.  Over 38 years, she has emigrated twice to the U.S.

Disclaimer:  The content of these columns should not be taken as individual legal advice. Individual facts and circumstances vary widely and impact on the availability of legal relief and legal strategies. Readers facing the immigration issues discussed in the column should consult with an immigration attorney for advice specific to their facts and circumstances. The information conveyed through these columns does not create an attorney/client relationship.

Immigration law is federal law, which means an attorney licensed to practice law in one state may practice immigration law in any state.  Many immigration issues can be handled via telephone and e-mail; however, you may prefer an attorney who lives as close as possible to you for office conference consultations.  For assistance locating an immigration attorney near you, contact AILA at 1-800-954-0254 or your state bar association.
 

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The information you obtain at this site is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. You should consult an attorney for individual advice regarding your own situation.