Posts Tagged ‘Status Applications’
New Pro-Immigration Act May Stop Separation of Families
July 17th, 2012
Posted in Immigration News
Many immigrants who relocate to the United States do so without their families. Sometimes, visas are not extended to family members or illegal immigrants have their children taken away from them.
As was the case for Encarnacion Bail Romero, of Guatemala, whose then seven-month-old son was taken from her in 2007 because a judge ruled “illegally smuggling herself into the country is not a lifestyle that can provide any stability for the child.” She has yet to see her son.
However, this all may end with the help of one measure.
Congresswoman Roybal Allard introduced the “Help Separated Families Act” last week in hopes of putting an end to the separation of immigrant families.
“[…]In the U.S., immigration status in itself has become grounds to permanently separate families,” said Roybal-Allard. “This is absolutely, unquestionably inhumane and unacceptable — particularly for a country that values family and fairness so highly.”
Due to current immigration policies, over 5,000 children in at least 22 states are currently living in foster care because their parents were deported.
The measure intends to prohibit immigration status from disqualifying a parent or legal guardian to have custody of their children.
“People, regardless of their immigration status, deserve to know that their children are cared for, and when possible, children should be able to remain under the care of a family relative instead of becoming a ward of the state,” she added.
If you are in a similar situation, turn to an immigration lawyer for help immediately. immigration attorneys help reunite families who have been separated and fight for your right to be with your loved one.
Immigration lawyers also assist with legal status applications or appeals, business endeavors and even criminal charges. Call to schedule a consultation with an immigration attorney today.
Immigrant Files Lawsuit Against DOMA Act After Being Denied Visa
July 13th, 2012
Posted in Immigration News
LOS ANGELES – An immigrant has filed a lawsuit seeking legal status based on her same-sex marriage to an American.
The lawsuit against the Department of Homeland Security fights for homosexual couples to obtain the same immigration rights as heterosexual married partners.
Jane DeLeon, an immigrant from the Philippines, her son Martin Aranas, 25, and DeLeon’s American spouse Irma Rodriguez have contested the federal Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), which defines marriage as a union between a man and a woman.
“Our immediate concern is with the failure of the administration to implement a policy to provide protection from deportation for immigrants in same-sex marriages, as they’ve done recently for undocumented youth,” said Peter Schey, executive director of the Center for Human Rights and Constitutional Law and the lead attorney in the case.
This isn’t the first time that the constitutionality of DOMA has been questioned. A May 31 ruling in Boston found that DOMA unconstitutionally denied federal benefits to lawfully married heterosexual couples, so it is no wonder that the law would provide even less help to homosexual couples.
DeLeon and Rodriguez were married in California in 2008, before voters approved a constitutional amendment to ban same-sex marriages. DeLeon applied for a visa but was denied in April 2011.
Currently, only six states and the District of Columbia allow same-sex marriage.
If you are experiencing problems with green card, work visa or other legal status applications, turn to an immigration lawyer immediately for assistance. Immigration attorneys work diligently to protect your rights and ensure your case will end with a positive outcome.
Whether you need help with legal status, family reunification or even with contesting criminal charges, immigration lawyers will see to it your case runs quickly and smoothly.