February 11, 2008: Is This Immigrant Eligible For Social Security Benefits?

Is This Immigrant Eligible For Social Security Benefits? I have been a permanent resident of the United States for 10 months now. I have a full time job, and I am a resident of Shreveport, Louisiana. I currently pay federal taxes, state taxes, and Social Security, which to my understanding as a resident I am not eligible for receiving Social …

May 25, 2009: J-1 Visa Might Be Obstacle To Residency

J-1 Visa Might Be Obstacle To Residency Hello! I entered the United States legally 6 years ago on J-1 visa, which I overstayed. Since then I was working illegally (using my SSN without work authorization). A few months ago I got married to U.S. citizen. When filing form I-130 and G-325A I stated what I didn’t work for the past …

May 18, 2009: Are Same Sex Marriages Valid For Immigration Purposes?

Are Same Sex Marriages Valid For Immigration Purposes? Two lesbian friends of mine live in England. One is a US Citizen who went to the UK three years ago and is studying for her Masters of Philosophy in Education and is on a current student visa. She is in love with a lady who is a UK citizen. I understand …

May 11, 2009: K-1 Fiance Issues

K-1 Fiance Issues I am a U.S. citizen. I got engaged to a relative who lives in Pakistan. The engagement is arranged because it is our customary for my our religion. We did not meet in person yet because we are not allowed to meet until our wedding day per custom. We have written letters to each other. Is my …

May 4, 2009: Is a Reentry Permit Needed?

Is a Reentry Permit Needed? I am a green card holder and I recently just returned from a 6 month trip to Ghana. I did not apply for a re-entry permit because I was not going to leave the country for more than a year. When I got to the US, the customs officer told me that if I plan …

April 13, 2009: Adoption of a Non-immigrant Child

Adoption of a Non-Immigrant Child My friend’s niece came to the US about a year ago on a sponsored student visa and is visiting a private school. She is 15 years old and was sponsored by my friend. However, my friend is unable to further cover for her tuition and expenses and believes, if she is not able to find …

Adjustment of Status Application Abandoned by Departure?

Adjustment of Status Application Abandoned by Departure? I am from Brazil. I got married to an American citizen and we filed AOS along with I-130 and work permit in April 2006, the same year we got married. Due to some personal problems, I had to go back to Brazil while my application was being processed. I did not get advance …

March 16, 2009: CSPA Age-Out Issues

CSPA Age-Out Issues I am the derivative beneficiary of a petition filed on behalf of my father by one of his USC brothers. I have already turned 21 this past year hopefully in the next month or so our case number will be up, well I am wondering if I have actually been maxed out? If so what are my …