Immigration Help: Tips for Avoiding Trouble While Applying For Residency

As an immigrant in a new country, you may not be familiar with the typical protocol. In your home country, strictly enforced policies may be overlooked or a normal action back home could be considered a serious offense in the U.S. That is why it is important to be familiar with the general guidelines on United States laws and the everyday do’s and don’ts.

If you have recently migrated to the United States, here are some tips for avoiding trouble and to keep your recent green card and/or citizenship application status in the clear:

1. Prepare to be Patient. Anything regarding the United States Immigration System takes a very long time to be processed because of how backed up the system is. If you need to apply and/or renew your legal status with the USCIS (United States Citizenship and Immigration Services) it is advised that you submit all legal documentation FAR in advance, to avoid any expiration date lapsing. Please note that if you fall out of good standing (i.e. your application is delayed and your status has expired), immigration authorities could arrest you.
2. Go from Green to Gold. If you are a green card holder, file for U.S. citizenship as soon as legally possible. While filing for citizenship does not guarantee you asylum from deportation, it can create a better status for your residency. Most immigrants must be green card holders for over 5 years before permission to apply for citizenship.
3. The More, the Merrier. When applying for your visa and/or green card ask family members with legal status’ (such as citizenship) to submit a visa petition for you. Please note that you are allowed to send multiple visa petitions so ask more than one relative. Sending multiple visa petitions could be beneficial if the waiting list is backed up or if a family member passes away.
4. Record keeping is a Must. While we want to give people the benefit of the doubt, the USCIS has a reputation for losing paperwork. It is important that all documentation that is sent to the USCIS is mailed via certified mail WITH a return receipt. You should always make copies of your documents in case they do get lost, so that it is easy to resend.

Comprehension of the United States Immigration System is difficult, but US Immigration Bonds and Insurance Services has been servicing the immigrant community for over 25 years combined! To avoid visa violations, ICE detainment, and possible deportation, you should be clear on the guidelines of your visa, work permit, and/or green card. Violating any terms of your legal status could result in grounds for prosecution and/or deportation.

If you or a loved one is currently being held in an ICE detention center, US Immigration Bonds can help! US Immigration Bonds offers the lowest cost immigration bail bonds in the industry. Our immigration bail bonds specialist can offer you a variety of options, including same day release! Call today to speak with an immigration bail bondsmen!