Immigration Blog Luba Smal Attorney at Law - Smal Immigration Law Office

Where to find Pro Bono or Free Legal Services for Immigrants in Nebraska

5/22/2025

If you are an immigrant and looking for free or reduced fee legal help, you can inquire in your state Bar Association for local referrals. In different states, there are various resources available to you at no fee or reduced fee, based on your income. There are Hotlines and Free Legal Aid clinics for low-income individuals all over the country.

In addition, the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR), Office of Policy, Public Resources Program (PRP) administers the List of Pro Bono Legal Service Providers or the “List."

The List contains information on non-profit organizations and attorneys who can help without a fee. The List also contains information on pro bono referral services that refer individuals in immigration court proceedings to pro bono counsel.

Here is the EOIR List.

MEANING OF "PRO BONO LEGAL SERVICES"
Pro Bono legal services are “those uncompensated legal services performed for indigent aliens or the public good without any expectation of either direct or indirect remuneration, including referral fees (other than filing fees or photocopying and mailing expenses).” 8 C.F.R. § 1003.61(a)(2).

RESOURCES IN NEBRASKA:

Free Legal Aid of Nebraska
https://www.legalaidofnebraska.org/
https://www.legalaidofnebraska.org/how-we-help/resources/immigrants/

Phone 402-348-1069

Phone (Toll-Free)1-888-991-9921

Nebraska Access
https://nebraskaccess.nebraska.gov/websites/legalaid.asp

Nebraska Free Legal Answers
https://ne.freelegalanswers.org/

Nebraska Low Income Legal Assistance
https://www.nefindalawyer.com/guide/59727ff7f36a56002e00039a/Low-Income-Legal-Assistance.html

Immigration Clinic in Lincoln, NE
https://law.unl.edu/immigration-clinic/

Catholic Charities of Omaha
https://ccomaha.org/immigration-legal-services/
For appointments at the St. Juan Diego Center please call 402.939.4615.

CLIA Center for Legal Immigration Assistance
https://www.clianeb.org/become-a-client

National Immigration Legal Services Directory for Nebraska:
https://www.immigrationadvocates.org/nonprofit/legaldirectory/organization.393089-Immigrant_Legal_Center_ILC
Phone:
(402) 898-1349
Toll-free:
(855) 307-6730

NILAH Nebraska Immigration Legal Assistance Hotline
https://ciraconnect.org/contact-us/
Phone 1-855-307-6730

How to Notarize a POA Power of Attorney with Apostille in a foreign language in Nebraska

10/26/2023

Я нотариус в штате Небраска. Если вам нужно заверить доверенность в штате Небраске, я буду рада вам помочь нотариально заверить доверенность для вашей страны на русском, украинском или белорусском языках.

Процесс заверения доверенности с апостилем на иностранном языке для страны за пределами США в штате Небраска:

1) Вы заказываете текст доверенности у нотариуса в вашей стране.
2) Нотариус или ваши близкие высылают вам черновик/текст доверенности как Word doc по емейл.
3) Вы вышлите мне черновик доверенности по емейл. Я проверю, чтобы оформление документа соответствовал законам Небраски.
4) Мы встретимся, и вы принесете доверенность и ваш паспорт или другой документ удостоверяющий личность, и я нотариально заверю вашу подпись на доверенности (доверенность может быть на языке вашей страны, но нотариальное заверение будет на английском).
5) Вы или пошлете нотариально заверенную доверенность по почте или лично подъедете в офис Секретаря Штата Небраска в город Линкольн для получения Апостиля на вашу доверенность.
6) Вы вышлите вашим родным готовый документ по почте. Перед этим вы отсканируйте и сохраните копию, не разделяя страницы доверенности.
7) В вашей стране ваши родные закажут перевод доверенности, так как хотя доверенность на вашем родном языке, но нотариальное заверение и апостиль сделаны на английском.

Буду рада вам помочь. Для контакта выберите емейл и объясните в чем вам нужна помощь.

(10-26-2023: В настоящее время с сентября 2023 Беларусь ввела ограничения на прием доверенностей, заверенных за пределами Беларуси).

VAWA Self-Petitions I-360 and I-485 Adjustment of Status to be Filed in Nebraska

2/8/2023

A very important update for people preparing to apply for VAWA, Form I-360, and/or file a concurrent adjustment of status application, Form I-485.

Starting February 10, 2023, self-petitioning abused spouses, children, and parents must file Form I-360, Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant, and Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, at the Nebraska Service Center instead of the Vermont Service Center.

If you are a Self-Petitioning Abused Spouse, Child, or Parent filing:
Then mail your petition/application to:

Form I-360, Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant:

Nebraska Service Center
U.S. Postal Service (USPS):
USCIS
P.O. Box 87426
Lincoln, NE 68501-7526
FedEx, UPS, and DHL deliveries:
USCIS
Attn: 360 VAWA
850 S St.
Lincoln, NE 68508-1225

Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status:

Nebraska Service Center
U.S. Postal Service (USPS):
USCIS
P.O. Box 87426
Lincoln, NE 68501-7526

FedEx, UPS, and DHL deliveries:
USCIS
Attn: 485U VAWA
850 S St.
Lincoln, NE 68508-1225

USCIS updated the addresses on the Direct Filing Addresses for Form I-360, Immigrant Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er) or Special Immigrant, page and the Direct Filing Addresses for Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, page.

USCIS will allow a 30-day grace period for petitioners to file Form I-360 and Form I-485 at the Vermont Service Center. Items must be postmarked on or before March 12, 2023. USCIS will reject and return any application, secure identity documents, and other correspondence to the safe address, preferred address or the address of the Attorney or Accredited Representative if any listed on an accompanying Form G-28.

Briefly in Russian:

Очень важная перемена - начиная с 10 февраля 2023 все петиции ВАВА для жертв домашнего насилия и грин карты по этой категории будут подаваться на в Вермонт, а в Небраску!

Если вам нужна помощь - пожалуйста обращайтесь!

Контактный емейл адрес нашего офиса в Небраске. Мы занимаемся петициями ВАВА с 2005 года.

COVID-19 Update from Nebraska Supreme Court

3/13/2020

The Nebraska Supreme Court entered an order applicable to all courts on March 12, 2020 imposing requirements upon litigants and attorneys who meet the order’s definition of having an elevated risk of infection with COVID-19. Attorneys must notify opposing counsel and the Court if any party, witness or attorney meets the order’s definition and shall not attend any hearing, trial, conference, deposition or other proceeding without prior authorization from the Court. The full text of the order may be found at the link below.

https://supremecourt.nebraska.gov/nebraska-chief-justice-issues-order-regarding-coronavirus-covid-19

All virus related announcements from the Court will be posted at the site listed above.

How to Apply for a Fiancee K-1 Visa

12/17/2018

What is a fiancée K-1 and K-2 visa? Who can apply? What is the process, timeframes and the costs?
The fiancée K-1 nonimmigrant visa is for the foreign national fiancée of a United States citizen. Only a U.S. citizen can petition for his or her foreign fiancée. A U.S. citizen can file a fiancée visa petition only after they have met in person in the previous two years: meeting each other online or through a video chat or messenger is not enough. The purpose of a K-1 visa is for foreign citizen fiancée to travel to the United States and marry his or her U.S. citizen sponsor within 90 days of arrival.
The foreign fiancee will then apply for adjustment of status (aka “green card”) with the USCIS at the Department of Homeland Security. This is a separate legal process.
K-1 visa is a non-immigrant visa. However, because a fiancée visa is intended to help a foreign national to immigrate to the U.S. and allows him or her to apply for a green card after marriage to a U.S. citizen petitioner shortly after arrival in the United States, the fiancé(e) must meet most of the requirements of an immigrant visa.
K-2 visa is a fiancée visa for eligible children of K-1 visa applicant (unmarried children under 21).
As of 12/2018, current processing times are approx. 5 to 7 months for a I-129F Petition, plus additional 3 to 6 weeks for the NVC stage, plus additional 1-3 months for a visa application process (varies depending on a Consulate and your own readiness).

The First Step: Filing the Petition, USCIS Form I-129F
(1) The U.S. citizen fiancé, must file Form I-129F, Petition for Alien Fiancé(e), with the USCIS. Form I-129F cannot be filed at a U.S. Embassy, Consulate, or USCIS office abroad.
(2) When USCIS approves the I-129F petition, it is sent to the National Visa Center (NVC). The NVC will assign a new a case number and directly forward the approved fiancée visa petition to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where a foreign fiancée will apply for a visa.

The Second Step: Applying for a Visa
The NVC will mail a letter with a new case number after it sends a fiancée visa case to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Once you receive this letter, it is time to apply for a K-1 visa and prepare for the interview.
Eligible children of K-1 visa applicants may apply for K-2 visas. Children are included into the I-129F petition. However, separate visa applications and visa fees are required for every child.

Required Documentation The foreign national fiancée and eligible children applying for K-2 visas will be required to bring the following forms and documents to the visa interview:

Completed Form DS-160, Nonimmigrant Visa Application. Each K-1 and K-2 visa applicant must: (1) complete Form DS-160 online, (2) pay a visa fee, and (3) print the DS-160 confirmation page to bring to a visa interview.
A passport valid for travel to the United States and with a validity date at least six months beyond your intended period of stay in the U.S.
Divorce or death certificate(s) of any and all previous spouse(s) for both you and the U.S. citizen petitioner.
Police certificates from your home country and all other countries where you have lived for six months or more since age 16 (Police certificates are also required for a foreign fiancée and all accompanying children age 16 or older)
Medical examination (for K-1 and K-2 visa applicants)
Evidence of financial support (Form I-134, Affidavit of Support, and proof of sponsor’s employment and income usually are required). There is no extra fee for the Form I-134. For a fiancée visa, the Affidavit of Support, Form I-134, is required. There is another Affidavit of Support, Form I-864, which will be required later, when you apply for a green card after marriage. The forms are different. The income requirements are also different. When submitting the Affidavit of Support, Form I-134, you need to show that your U.S. sponsor's income is 100 percent of the federal poverty guideline. When submitting the Affidavit of Support, Form I-864, the sponsor must be able to demonstrate that his or her income is at least 125 percent of the federal poverty guideline minimum income requirement. If you estimate that both K-1 visa and a green card will be applied for during the same tax year, you should plan and gather all required documentation in advance.
Evidence of relationship with your U.S. citizen fiancée, which is very important at the last stage, as well as at the first stage.

The consular officer may ask for additional information, such as photographs, chat logs, emails and other proof that the relationship with your U.S. citizen fiancé(e) is genuine and real. Documents in foreign languages, other than the language of the country in which the application takes place, should be translated. Applicants should take to the visa interview legible photocopies of civil documents and translations, such as birth and divorce certificates.

Fees

Government filing fees are subject to change (as of 12/2018, the fees are as follows):

US$535 -- Filing fee for an Alien Fiancé(e) Petition, Form I-129F
US$265 -- Nonimmigrant visa application processing fee, Form DS-160 (required for each K visa applicant)
Medical examination fee, paid directly to a designated clinic (required for each K-1 and K-2 visa applicant) – costs vary, please check with the U.S. embassy in the country where a fiancée will apply for a visa
Other costs may include translation and notarization charges, fees for getting the documents required for the visa application (such as passport, police certificates, birth certificates, etc.). Costs vary from country to country.
US$1,225 -- Filing Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or to Adjust Status. Your spouse will submit this application after marriage. There could be additional applications filed concurrently: Application for a work permit and Application for advance parole. These applications are optional, but could be advisable.
Legal fees – we charge flat fee which could vary from case to case, depending on difficulty and the number of dependents. Please contact attorney for a case evaluation, and we will gladly give you a quote.

To ensure that your application is accepted and not rejected, the most current edition of the form must be submitted, accompanied by a correct filing fee. It is recommended that you check the most current edition of every application and the most current filing fees at USCIS and Department of State websites shortly before applying.

Please note that the approved I-129F petition is valid for four (4) months from the date of approval by USCIS. However, a consular officer can extend the validity of the petition if it expires before visa processing is completed.

Certain conditions and activities can make a visa applicant ineligible for a visa. Examples of these ineligibilities include: certain criminal records; overstaying a previous visa in the U.S.; submitting fraudulent documents; previous deportation or removal order, or voluntary departure; failure to prove bona fide fiancée relationship; etc. If you are found to be ineligible for a visa, the Consular Officer will advise you whether there is waiver of the ineligibility and what the waiver process is.

After your K-1 Fiancé(e) Visa was approved, you will generally wait 5 to 7 business days to pick up your passport, a visa, and a sealed packet containing the documents you provided, plus other documents prepared by the U.S. Embassy or Consulate. It is important that you do not open the sealed packet. Only the DHS immigration official should open this packet when you enter the United States.
If you have children who received K-2 visas, you will either travel together or your children holding K-2 visas will have to follow you to the U.S.

Please note that K-1 and K-2 visas are valid for a single admission to the United States within the validity of the visa, which will be a maximum of 6 months from the date of issuance.

It is advisable not to purchase the tickets, not to sell real estate and business abroad until after a K-1 visa has been approved and issued. In order to limit the risk even more, some of other clients preferred not to sell their apartments, cars, businesses until after they became lawful permanent residents of the United States.

Please note that you must either marry your U.S. citizen fiance within 90 days of your entry into the United States, or depart the U.S. before the expiration of the 90-day period of admission. If not married within the 90-day window, or married within 90 days, but didn’t apply for a green card, if you wish to stay in the United States and apply for a green card, contact a competent immigration attorney for legal advice.

If you would like to schedule a telephone consultation or need help, please contact attorney for a case evaluation, and we will gladly give you a quote and advise you.

Please see below a few brief videos: Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3.

Information and videos in Russian can be found here.

Employment-Based Adjustment of Status Interviews: New Interview Requirement Effective October 2, 2017

10/10/2017

On September 28, 2017, the USCIS Office of the Ombudsman hosted a teleconference call that offered more details about the new personal interview requirements for employment-based adjustment of status applicants.

USCIS confirmed that only cases filed before March 6, 2017 will be adjudicated by the USCIS Service Centers (not local offices) under prior procedures without requiring an interview.

The new interview requirement is being rolled out nationwide, with interviews starting on October 2, 2017 due to President's March 6th 2017 Executive Order.

Each family member, including children, will be asked to appear at a USCIS local office for an interview.

USCIS indicated it might consider waiving appearances for children under age 14. Each applicant must appear for screening and questioning concerning the underlying immigrant petition (I-140 Petition), which would have adjudicated prior to forwarding to the local offices for adjustment of status interviews.

USCIS said that adjudicating officers may still question the bona fides and validity of the underlying I-140 petition, even if approved, maintenance of lawful status in the U.S, job portability issues, in addition to newly implemented security features.

In Russian:

Как следует из Указа Президента от 6 марта 2017 г, USCIS Иммиграционная Служба США уже 2 октября 2017 начала назначать интервью на грин карту для тех категорий заявителей, которые ранее не вызывались на интервью, а именно, в области рабочей иммиграции (или иммиграции через работодателя).

В ходе телеконференции 28 сентября, сотрудники USCIS объяснили некоторые детали:

- заявления поданные ДО 6 марта 2017 будут утверждены БЕЗ интервью.
- заявлениа поданные ПОСЛЕ 6 марта 2017 будут требовать интервью.
- дети тоже будут приглашаться на интервью
- USCIS оставляет за собой право не вызывать на интервью детей младше 14 лет
- по новой процедуре петиция работодателя, I-140, будет утверждаться в Service Center, и только заявление на грин карту, I-485, будет рассматриваться офицером в местном офисе, НО этот офицер будет иметь право задавать вопросы по уже утвержденной петиции, в том числе, касающиеся таких моментов как предложение от работодателя о постоянном трудоустройстве, все предыдущие смены работодателя, поддержание легального статуса всеми членами семьи и отсутствие нарушений иммиграционного законодательства (например, работа без разрешения), а также новые требования к национальной безопасности.

USCIS August 28th announcement.

USCIS Alerts: Immigration Services Available to People Affected by Hurricane Harvey in Houston, TX

8/30/2017

USCIS offers immigration services that may help people affected by unforeseen circumstances, including disasters such as Hurricane Harvey.

The following measures may be available on a case-by-case basis upon request:

Changing a nonimmigrant status or extending a nonimmigrant stay for an individual currently in the United States. Failure to apply for the extension or change before expiration of your authorized period of admission may be excused if the delay was due to extraordinary circumstances beyond your control;
Re-parole of individuals previously granted parole by USCIS;
Expedited processing of advance parole requests;
Expedited adjudication of requests for off-campus employment authorization for F-1 students experiencing severe economic hardship;
Expedited adjudication of employment authorization applications, where appropriate;
Consideration of fee waivers due to an inability to pay;
Assistance for those who received a Request for Evidence or a Notice of Intent to Deny but were unable to submit evidence or otherwise respond in a timely manner;
Assistance if you were unable to appear for a scheduled interview with USCIS;
Expedited replacement of lost or damaged immigration or travel documents issued by USCIS, such as a Permanent Resident Card (Green Card); and
Rescheduling a biometrics appointment.

Note: When making a request, please explain how the impact of Hurricane Harvey created a need for the requested relief.

To learn how to request these measures or determine if an office is open, call the National Customer Service Center at 800-375-5283.

If you require assistance, please don't hesitate to contact our office at email.

Undocumented immigrants eligible to become legal residents often don’t know how to apply due to a lack of resources and information.

6/21/2016

It’s a common problem: some unauthorized immigrants in USA are eligible to become legal residents using already existing laws and regulations. In many cases, they just don’t know about their eligibility and how to apply due to a lack of resources and information. They also find it difficult to navigate the complex immigration process by themselves.

A UCLA study found that individuals in removal (deportation) proceedings who had a lawyer were 15 (!) times more likely to apply for relief from removal than those without lawyers, and 5.5 times more likely to be granted or approved some sort of legal status that permitted them to stay in the United States.

Unlike criminal defendants, however, unauthorized immigrants don’t have a constitutional right to a government-funded lawyer (no "free lawyers" or public defenders in immigration court proceedings).

According to the UCLA study, only 37 percent of all immigrants, and 14 percent of detained immigrants, are represented by lawyers. Children also go unrepresented in immigration court.

Many immigrants often erroneously consider themselves qualified to "do it yourself", or consult unauthorized "immigration consultants" or "Notarios", who are not lawyers, while others can't afford a lawyer.

It's advisable not to file any immigration petitions and applications with USCIS without first consulting a qualified immigration attorney. If you have been referred for removal to immigration court, you must retain an attorney to represent you in the court.

По-русски:

Одна из очень распространенных проблем среди иммигрантов и незаконных иммигрантов (так называемых "нелегалов") в США, это то, что многие даже не подозревают, что имеют право подать заявление на какие-то иммиграционные бенефиты, включая грин карту (вид на жительство). А если и знают об этом, то не понимают все тонкости системы, и не знают как и когда можно подать такое заявление, как подать правильно, как получить положительное решение а не отказ.

Некоторые считают себя достаточно компетентными подать свои заявления самостоятельно, или используют услуги так называемых "консультантов", которые оперируют нелегально и без лицензии, и не являются адвокатами. У некторых просто нет средств.

К сожалению, в иммиграционной системе и суде в США нет права на бесплатного иммиграционного адвоката (даже в суде, и даже детям). Либо вы нанимаете защиту и платите за их услуги, либо иногда можно получить помощь по сниженным расценкам или бесплатно в местных организациях (но там строгий отбор и они берут небольшой процент дел), либо вы сами представляете свои интересы в иммиграционной суде и органах госбезопасности США.

По статистике, только 37% всех иммигрантов в США имеют адвоката или законного представителя, и только 14% иммигрантов находящихся в заключении имеют своего адвоката. Это пугающая статистика, учитывая, что многие и по-английски толком говорить не могут, не то что грамотно составить заявление.

Возраст также не имеет значения. Маленьким детям суд не обязан предоствлять защитника. Как сказал один иммиграционный судья, " я могу все прекрасно объяснить и 3-х летнему ребенку, так что ему не нужен адвокат в моем суде..."

Рекомендуется не подавать никакие заявления в иммиграционные органы без предварительной консультации с адвокатом, не говоря уже о суде.

Read more here.

Nebraska Governor vetoed another bill which would have allowed DACA grantees to apply for professional and commercial licenses in Nebraska.

4/15/2016

UPDATE: On April 20, 2016, over the objections of Gov. Pete Ricketts, Nebraska Legislature overrode Governor's veto. Nebraska passed a bill that will allow young immigrants who entered the United States illegally, and later obtained federal DACA deferred action status, to apply for professional and commercial licenses in Nebraska.

The Legislature voted 31-13 to override Ricketts' veto. Thirty votes were needed to override.

Last year, Nebraska DREAmers won another victory when the legislature again overrode Gov. Ricketts’ veto of a bill that would allow DACA recipients to apply for driver’s licenses.

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On April 15, 2016, Nebraska Governor Pete Ricketts vetoed a bill that would have allowed young immigrants brought to this country illegally as children to get professional and commercial licenses.

Legislative Bill 947 would have made it possible for those immigrants to obtain the licenses and credentials needed to enter a host of occupations, including teaching and tattooing.

Governor's action sets up a second clash with the Legislature over the same group of young people - DACA grantees.

Last year, the governor vetoed a similar bill that provides driver’s licenses to young people in the federal DACA program, or Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals. The Legislature overrode that veto.

This year, lawmakers passed LB 947 on a 33-11 vote, three more than the number needed for a veto override.

It remains to be seen if Nebraska Legislature will override Governor's bill again.

It should be noted that some DACA grantees can take the next step and apply for permanent residency (aka green card), and therefore, become lawful permanent residents. If a DACA grantee obtains a federal advance parole (travel document), travels abroad and returns to USA on advance parole, he or she might be able to apply for a green card, provided they are otherwise eligible.

The Hague District Court ruled the surveillance of lawyers by intelligence agencies is an infringement of fundamental rights; and ordered the Dutch State to stop all surveillance of lawyers’ communications until it provided for independent oversight.

10/29/2015

Brussels, 29 October 2015.

Big victory for Dutch lawyers and their clients, and also for any other European lawyers who practice law in the Netherlands.

The District Court of The Hague has ruled that surveillance of lawyers by intelligence agencies constitutes an infringement of fundamental rights and orders the State to stop all surveillance of lawyers’ communications.

Dutch court upholds lower court ruling banning surveillance of lawyers’ communications after successful CCBE intervention. The Dutch State may appeal the ruling within four weeks.

On 27 October 2015, a Dutch Court of Appeal upheld The Hague District court’s ruling in the Prakken d’Oliveira case which ordered the Dutch State to stop all surveillance of lawyers’ communications until it provided for independent oversight.

In its ruling, the Dutch Court of Appeal dismissed all the grounds of appeal alleged by the Dutch State. The Court indicates that according to case law of the European Court of Human Rights surveillance activities must be subject to review by an independent body with the power to prevent or terminate potential infringements of professional secrecy. The current Dutch surveillance regime does not meet the requirements for such independent control and, therefore, conflicts with the right to privacy (article 8 ECHR) and the right to a fair trial (article 6 ECHR). The Court stresses that information obtained from tapping lawyers may not be shared with prosecutors until an independent review has taken place regarding the legality of that information and the way it was obtained. Even the possibility that information is shared with the public prosecutor can result to people refraining from contacting a lawyer. According to the court, that is a violation of the right to a fair trial and undermines the rationale behind professional secrecy. The Court also ruled that the protection of client confidentiality is not limited to communications with Dutch lawyers but extends to communications with all European lawyers rendering services in The Netherlands as referred to in Directive 77/249/EC.

As a result of these findings the Court of Appeal confirmed the lower court’s ruling.

In welcoming the decision, CCBE President Maria Ślązak commented: “the trust between lawyer and client is, at root, an assurance of due process and the rule of law. It is therefore essential that the confidentiality of lawyer-client communications is always respected. Surveillance measures that could undermine this principle have always to be subject to review by an independent body with the power to prevent and/or terminate the infringement. The fact that this has been reaffirmed by the Dutch Court of Appeal is reassuring and an important step to bring Dutch surveillance policy in line with the right to a fair trial.”

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Background: in May 2015 the CCBE successfully intervened before The Hague District Court in a challenge brought against the Dutch State by the law firm Prakken d'Oliveira and the Dutch Association of Criminal Defence Lawyers (NVSA). The Court was questioned on the legality of eavesdropping by domestic intelligence agencies on lawyers’ calls and communications. In its verdict delivered on July 1st, the court recognised that the ability to communicate confidentially with a lawyer is a fundamental right which is currently being breached under Dutch surveillance policy. The court therefore ordered the Dutch government to stop all interception of communications between clients and their lawyers under the current regime within six months. In response, the Dutch State fast-tracked an appeal against the judgement. In turn, on 25 August, the CCBE challenged the grounds of the appeal.

Transcript of the judgement (in Dutch): http://uitspraken.rechtspraak.nl/inziendocument?id=ECLI:NL:GHDHA:2015:2881
Transcript of the previous judgement (in Dutch):http://uitspraken.rechtspraak.nl/inziendocument?id=ECLI:NL:RBDHA:2015:7436
CCBE wins case against the Dutch State on surveillance of lawyers (press release, 02/07/2015):http://www.ccbe.eu/fileadmin/user_upload/NTCdocument/EN_pr_0415pdf1_1435843144.pdf
CCBE takes mass surveillance to court (press release, 27/05/2015):http://www.ccbe.eu/fileadmin/user_upload/NTCdocument/EN_pr_0315pdf1_1432724578.pdf
CCBE Statement on mass electronic surveillance by government bodies (including of European lawyers’ data):http://www.ccbe.eu/fileadmin/user_upload/NTCdocument/EN_14142013_CCBE_Sta1_1382086457.pdf
Dutch Intelligence Service (AIVD) taps Prakken d'Oliveira lawyers:http://www.prakkendoliveira.nl/en/news/dutch-intelligence-service-aivd-taps-prakken-doliveira-lawyers/

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About the CCBE:

The CCBE represents the bars and law societies of 32 member countries and 13 further associate and observer countries, and through them more than 1 million European lawyers.

Founded in 1960, the CCBE is recognised as the voice of the European legal profession by the EU institutions, and acts as the liaison between the EU and Europe's national bars and law societies. The CCBE has regular institutional contacts with those European Commission officials, and members and staff of the European Parliament, who deal with issues affecting the legal profession. The CCBE is an international non-profit-making association incorporated in Belgium.

About dangers of a "free legal consultation": article in Russian from my Moscow colleagues.

10/29/2015

Article from my Moscow colleague in Russian below: how to avoid making mistakes when choosing and retaining an attorney, lawyer, immigration attorney; or when deciding whether to file anything, and what steps should be taken to protect and secure your legal rights.

Why an offer of a "free first consultation" or "free chat with our representative through our website" is usually an indication of a scam and an unqualified lawyer (or even a non-lawyer who pretends to be an attorney) who is ready to "promise" and "guarantee" success to anyone as long as the client is paying, no matter the consequences to a client.

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Как известно, нередко недобросовестные юристы и юрфирмы клиентов привлекают через интернет, где обещают провести бесплатную консультацию (заманивают бесплатными консультациями).

Например, человек заходит на юридические сайты, где пытается найти ответы на свои вопросы бесплатно. Всплывает окошко чата, где виртуальный оператор предлагает его проконсультировать. Человек излагает проблему. Но будьте уверены, что исчерпывающе и пошагово никто его консультировать не собирается. Его попросят оставить номер телефона. Когда ему перезвонят, то вся суть разговора сведется к тому, что ему пообещают, что *обязательно помогут* и *гарантирую успех* за определенную сумму денег.

Не секрет, что многие предпочитают слышать то, что лишь хотят услышать. Так происходит и при обращении к юристам. Некоторые люди, как им кажется, "знают все сами", а иногда и больше специалистов. Так вот, если некоторым людям добросовестный юрист говорит, что шансов мало или их нет вовсе, они уверенно отправляются к тем юристам, из уст которых они услышат слова поддержки и гарантию успеха.

Следует помнить: 1) бесплатный сыр бывает только в мышеловке, 2) добросовестный адвокат не имеет право гарантировать успех, 3) хороший адвокат не предоставляет бесплатных консультаций, так как зачем ему/ей это нужно, и на это просто нет времени, к тому же хороший адвокат понимает, что самое главное, это предварительно изучить дело клиента и дать ему правильный совет, а только затем переходить к действиям и заключать договор.

Очень полезная статья по-русски от моих московских коллег тут.

LIST OF USEFUL LINKS: USCIS, Processing Times, Visa Bulletin, Priority Dates, Case Status, Case Inquiry.

10/27/2015

USCIS or DHS website where you can find USCIS contact number, webforms and download all applications and forms for free is here.

USCIS Case Status: you can check status of your pending case online here.

Visa Case Status: you can check status of your immigrant visa IV or non-immigrant visa NIV case here.

USCIS Processing Times: you can see how fast cases are being adjudicated or decided by different USCIS / DHS offices around the United States here.

USCIS Change of Address Form Online: you can submit your change of address form online here.

USCIS Case Inquiry Webforms: you can submit your questions or case inquiry directly to USCIS by using one of the webforms here.

USCIS submit electronically I-90, N-400 or I-131A, or pay a Green Card fee online.

How to find USCIS field offices, ASC Application Support Centers, Asylum officers - use USCIS Officer Locator here.

How to Find a Medical Doctor for a USCIS I-693 Medical Examination - use USCIS Designated Doctor Locator.

How to verify if a particular USCIS office is open or closed due to bad weather or other circumstances - use USCIS Office Closings Daily Bulletin.

How to obtain an official record of admission from CBP, Form I-94. You will need to provide your passport number and a country, first and last names, date of birth. The official I-94 will include an admission number (that you need for several immigration applications and forms), date and class of admission, and expiration date, name and a passport information.

Asylum Office Scheduling Bulletin is posted by Asylum Office here.

US Department of State Monthly Visa Bulletin: you can find monthly visa bulletin and check how fast your priority date is progressing here.

You can find out current Visa Fees for various visas to USA here.

Complete a nonimmigrant visa application online: DS-160.

Complete an immigrant visa application online: DS-260.

You can pay your Green Card fee online here. You can find step-by-step instructions here.

Now, you can electronically submit several applications: USCIS Forms I-90, N-400, I-131A.

Know Your Rights: What to do during the ICE or immigration raid at work, at home, in a public place; what questions you must answer and when you shall remain silent. (In English, Spanish, Russian, Chinese, Vietnamese, Tagalog, Korean and Arabic).

To schedule a consultation with an experienced immigration attorney who speaks English and Russian, please email us to schedule a telephone or Skype appointment with attorney Luba Smal.

Free online university for undocumented students in USA.

10/26/2015

Personally, I have no experience with with school. However, University of the People, tuition-free online university approach seem to be interesting and could be helpful for many living in the USA "without papers" or undocumented, who want to attend college and learn but can't afford it and don't qualify for financial aid.

Federal law does not prohibit undocumented students from enrolling in college, but it does something nearly as effective, banning them from receiving government aid. In recent years, though, some undocumented students have stumbled upon a little-known, nonprofit online university that doesn't charge tuition and doesn't care about students' legal status.

A four-year bachelor's degree at online University of the People will cost $4,000 in total. For those who don't have the money, the university offers scholarships.

University charges only for the exams, and even these fees can be covered for scholarships. Quarter of the school's students don't pay anything at all, thanks to those scholarships, which are funded by big companies, including Hewlett-Packard, Microsoft and Intel.

The school's academic credibility has also gotten a huge boost from partnerships forged with New York University; University of California, Berkeley; Yale; and Oxford.

Education experts have praised University of the People's surprisingly high retention rate of 75 percent, but what Jamie Merisotis of the Lumina Foundation says he likes most is that the school was built precisely to serve poor students living in difficult circumstances.

Merisotis, author of the book America Needs Talent, says many of the undocumented immigrants living in the U.S. are young and talented but have no access to a higher education.

"Postsecondary education is the key to integrating them into our society and taking them out of the shadows," Merisotis says. "Even if you kick them out of the country," Reshef says, with a good education "they will be much more desired wherever they go. So it's a win-win situation for everyone."

Read more news here and the university website is here.

How to bring your newborn child to USA, if you are a permanent resident or an immigrant visa holder?

10/22/2015

Sometimes in my practice as an immigration attorney, I see people make wrong decisions which then affect their lives for many years, result in separation from family and children; can be a cause of severe depression; and loss of the permanent resident status (aka "green card").

When in doubt or not sure what to do, you should consult with an experienced immigration attorney or contact the US consulate in your home country.

Situation #1:

Child born abroad to Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) may be allowed to board the plane to the United States, if the child was born during the temporary visit abroad of a mother who is a lawful permanent resident alien of the United States, provided that the child’s application for admission to the United States is made within two years of birth and the child is accompanied by the parent who is applying for readmission as a permanent resident upon the first return of the parent.

Situation #2:

Child born abroad to an accompanying parent after issuance of an immigrant visa to the parent but prior to the parent’s initial admission as an immigrant may be boarded as long as the child has a passport or is listed in a parent’s passport and is in possession of the birth certificate.

Before traveling to the United States, it's a good idea to contact the U.S. embassy or consulate in your home country to obtain a transportation letter.

CBP guidance can be found here.

How applying and traveling outside of the USA on Advance Parole can benefit DACA grantees, and even make some eligible for adjustment of status (aka "green card").

9/30/2015

It's important to stress out that some DACA recipients (grantees) may become eligible to adjust their status to a permanent resident status ("get a green card") AFTER traveling outside the United States on a special travel document, called Advance Parole.

Please pay careful attention that not all DACA grantees are eligible for advance parole (consult an attorney if not sure), and not every DACA grantee who travels abroad and returns to USA on advance parole travel document will become eligible for a green card through adjustment of status (by filing a I-485 application with USCIS, instead of consular processing of an immigrant visa at the U.S. Consulate abroad). An applicant has to be eligible for adjustment in order to apply. Traveling on advance parole helps to overcome some inadmissibility issues and the problem of EWI (entry without inspection).

USCIS will currently only grant advance parole to DACA recipients if the travel abroad is in furtherance of one of the following categories:

(1) Humanitarian purposes, including travel to obtain medical treatment, attending funeral services for a family member, or visiting an ailing relative;
(2) Educational purposes, such as semester-abroad programs and academic research, or;
(3) Employment purposes such as overseas assignments, interviews, conferences or, training, or meetings with clients overseas.

Although a new ILRC Practice Advisory is focused on DACA, most of the analysis will also apply to TPS holders.

If you have questions or need help we would be glad to help you. Please email us first to schedule a consultation with an attorney.

In Russian:

Очень важно иметь в виду, что если вам утвердили ваш иммиграционный статус в США как DACA по новому закону, вы можете получить разрешение на поездки за пределы США, и возвращение в США по этому разрешению, которое называется Advance Parole.

Перед подачей заявления на выезд за пределы США, всегда стоит проконсультироваться со знающим иммиграционным адвокатом. Не всем лицам, находящимся в статусе DACA, положен такой документ, и не всем его выдают. Иногда при возвращении из-за границы бывают проблемы в аэропорту.

Но эта норма закона имеет огромное значение для тех, кто после возвращения в США по документу advance parole, может затем подать заявление на грин карту как adjustment of status, не выезжая за пределы США и не через посольство, а через USCIS. Не все имеют право на adjustment of status (если есть сомнения всегда стоит проконсультироваться с иммиграционным адвокатом).

Если у вас есть вопросы или нужна помощь адвоката, мы с удовольствием вас проконсультируем и поможем. Для получения консультации свяжитесь с нами вначале по электронной почте.

Read the Advisory here:

USCIS revised procedures for determining VISA availability for adjustment of status applicants (I-485) in both family-based and employment-based visa categories.

9/9/2015

On September 09 2015, USCIS Announces Revised Procedures for Determining Visa Availability for Applicants Waiting to File for Adjustment of Status.

USCIS, in coordination with Department of State (DOS), is revising the procedures for determining visa availability for applicants waiting to file for employment-based or family-sponsored preference adjustment of status. The revised process will better connect USCIS procedures with the US Department of State (DOS) procedures, which are used for foreign nationals who seek to become U.S. permanent residents by applying for immigrant visas at U.S. consulates and embassies abroad.

The Visa Bulletin revisions implement November 2014 executive actions on immigration announced by President Obama and Secretary of Homeland Security Johnson, as detailed in the White House report, Modernizing and Streamlining Our Legal Immigration System for the 21st century, issued in July 2015.

What is Changing.

Starting October 1, 2015, you will be able to submit your application for adjustment of status or for an immigrant visa before your priority date is current.

Two charts per visa preference category will be posted in the DOS Visa Bulletin:

Current priority dates for particular visa categories; and
The earliest dates for filing application for adjustment of status (earliest dates when applicants may be able to apply).

See October 2015 Visa Bulletin here. However, the priority dates in the Visa Bulletin can retrogress in November. Consult an attorney about your specific case so you won't miss the opportunity of applying earlier.

When filing an application for adjustment of status, I-485, an applicant can concurrently file an application for a work permit and advance parole. This is great news for many immigrants waiting for many years for their priority dates to become current. However, it's a good idea to consult an immigration attorney before applying.

Each month, in coordination with DOS, USCIS will monitor visa numbers and post the relevant DOS Visa Bulletin chart. Applicants can use the charts to determine when to file their Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status.

To determine whether additional visas are available, USCIS will compare the number of visas available for the remainder of the fiscal year with:

Documentarily qualified visa applicants reported by DOS;
Pending adjustment of status applications reported by USCIS; and
Historical drop off rate (for example, denials, withdrawals, abandonments).

About the Visa Bulletin.

DOS publishes current immigrant visa availability information in a monthly Visa Bulletin. The Visa Bulletin indicates when statutorily limited visas are available to prospective immigrants based on their individual priority date.

The priority date is generally the date when the applicant’s relative or employer properly filed the immigrant visa petition on the applicant’s behalf with USCIS. If a labor certification is required to be filed with the applicant’s immigrant visa petition, then the priority date is when the labor certification application was accepted for processing by Department of Labor.
Availability of an immigrant visa means eligible applicants are able to take one of the final steps in the process of becoming U.S. permanent residents.

Read more here.

August 17, 2015 USCIS Memo: New L-1B Visa Adjudications Policy for Intracompany Transferees with Specialized Knowledge.

9/3/2015

On August 17 2015, USCIS published L-1B adjudications policy memorandum. New memo provides guidance on the adjudication of the L-1B classification, which permits multinational companies to transfer employees who possess "specialized knowledge" from their foreign operations to their operations in the United States.

New memo provides consolidated guidance on the L-1B program, superseding and rescinding all prior L-1B memoranda. This memo applies only to L-1B visas/employees with specialized knowledge (not L-1A visas).

"Preponderance of the Evidence" Standard of Proof: a petitioner seeking approval of the L-1B visa, must establish that they meets each eligibility requirement of the L-1B classification by preponderance of evidence. This standard of proof is lower than that of "clear and convincing evidence" or "beyond a reasonable doubt" standards.

Elements of the L-1B Classification:

In order to establish eligibility for approval, the L-1B petitioner must show:
(1) that the beneficiary possesses “specialized knowledge”;
(2) that the position offered involves the “specialized knowledge” held by the beneficiary; and
(3) that the beneficiary has at least one continuous year of employment abroad in a managerial, executive, or specialized knowledge capacity with the petitioning employer and/or any qualifying organization (collectively referred to as the “petitioning organization”) within the preceding 3 years.

If the beneficiary will be located primarily at the workplace of an unaffiliated company, the petitioner also must establish that the beneficiary is eligible for L-1B classification under the requirements of the L-1 Visa Reform Act, discussed below in section VI.

The new memo provides definition of "specialized knowledge".

A petitioner can demonstrate “specialized knowledge” by establishing either one of two statutory criteria. Under the statute, a beneficiary is deemed to have specialized knowledge if he or she has:
(1) a “special” knowledge of the company product and its application in international markets; or
(2) an “advanced” level of knowledge of the processes and procedures of the company.
INA 214(c)(2)(B).

The corresponding regulation similarly defines specialized knowledge in terms of “special” or “advanced” knowledge:
[S]pecial knowledge possessed by an individual of the petitioning organization’s product, service, research, equipment, techniques, management, or other interests and its application in international markets, or an advanced level of knowledge or expertise in the organization’s processes and procedures.
8 CFR 214.2(l)(1)(ii)(D).

Other important things to keep in mind:
>>Specialized knowledge generally cannot be commonly held, lacking in complexity, or easily imparted to other individuals.
>>Specialized knowledge need not be proprietary or unique to the petitioning organization.
>>The L-1B classification does not involve a test of the U.S. labor market.
>>Specialized knowledge workers need not occupy managerial or similar positions or command higher compensation than their peers.

The memo notes the following "non-exhaustive" list of factors USCIS may consider when determining whether a beneficiary’s knowledge is specialized:

The beneficiary possesses knowledge of foreign operating conditions that is of significant value to the petitioning organization's U.S. operations.
The beneficiary has been employed abroad in a capacity involving assignments that have significantly enhanced the employer's productivity, competitiveness, image, or financial position.
The beneficiary's claimed specialized knowledge normally can be gained only through prior experience with the petitioning organization.
The beneficiary possesses knowledge of a product or process that cannot be easily transferred or taught to another individual without significant economic cost or inconvenience (because, for example, such knowledge may require substantial training, work experience, or education).
The beneficiary has knowledge of a process or a product that either is sophisticated or complex, or of a highly technical nature, although not necessarily unique to the petitioning organization.
The beneficiary possesses knowledge that is particularly beneficial to the petitioning organization's competitiveness in the marketplace.

Other evidence that a petitioner may submit to demonstrate that an individual’s knowledge is special or advanced, includes, but is not limited to:
• Documentation of training, work experience, or education establishing the number of years the individual has been using or developing the claimed specialized knowledge as an employee of the petitioning organization or in the industry;
• Evidence of the impact, if any, the transfer of the individual would have on the petitioning organization’s U.S. operations;
• Evidence that the alien is qualified to contribute significantly to the U.S. operation’s knowledge of foreign operating conditions as a result of knowledge not generally found in the petitioning organization’s U.S. operations;
• Contracts, statements of work, or other documentation that shows that the beneficiary possesses knowledge that is particularly beneficial to the petitioning organization’s competitiveness in the marketplace;
• Evidence, such as correspondence or reports, establishing that the beneficiary has been employed abroad in a capacity involving assignments that have significantly enhanced the petitioning organization’s productivity, competitiveness, image, or financial position;
• Personnel or in-house training records that establish that the beneficiary’s claimed specialized knowledge normally can be gained only through prior experience or training with the petitioning organization;
• Curricula and training manuals for internal training courses, financial documents, or other evidence that may demonstrate that the beneficiary possesses knowledge of a product or process that cannot be transferred or taught to another individual without significant economic cost or inconvenience;
*Evidence of patents, trademarks, licenses, or contracts awarded to the petitioning organization based on the beneficiary’s work, or similar evidence that the beneficiary has knowledge of a process or a product that either is sophisticated or complex, or of a highly technical nature, although not necessarily proprietary or unique to the petitioning organization; and
• Payroll documents, federal or state wage statements, documentation of other forms of compensation, resumes, organizational charts, or similar evidence documenting the positions held and the compensation provided to the beneficiary and parallel employees in the petitioning organization.

A petitioner may submit any other evidence it chooses. In all cases, USCIS will review the entire record to determine whether the petitioner has established by a preponderance of the evidence that the beneficiary has specialized knowledge under the totality of the circumstances. Merely stating that a beneficiary’s knowledge is somehow different from others or greatly developed does not, in and of itself, establish that he or she possesses specialized knowledge. Ultimately, it is the weight and type of evidence that establishes whether the beneficiary possesses specialized knowledge.

USCIS can issue a RFE (Request for Evidence) for various reasons to I-129 Petitioner. Denial rate is high, RFE rate is even higher for L-1B petition. The new memo is intended to help to solve many difficulties with obtaining a L-1B visa for qualifying applicants.

See August 17, 2015 memo at http://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/USCIS/Laws/Memoranda/2015/L-1B_Memorandum_8_14_15_draft_for_FINAL_4pmAPPROVED.pdf

Как не стать жертвой мошенников, и почему не стоит рассчитывать на бесплатную юридическую консультацию. How to avoid legal and immigration scams, and about danger of

6/25/2015

Остап Бендер

In Russian:

Российская газета "Новые Известия" опубликовала дельную статью про опасность "бесплатных юридических консультаций". Журналисты проинтервьюировали некоторых моих московских партнеров и коллег.

Как известно, бесплатный сыр бывает только в мышеловке. Ты получаешь то, за что заплатил.

Хороший компетентный и этический адвокат НЕ будет предоставлять консультацию (давать юридический совет) бесплатно. В оказании юридических услуг самое главное - это получить правильный совет и знать что делать и как поступить.

Среди "юридических фирм" и "иммиграционных консультантов" попадается немало мошенников или недобросовестных и малограмотных "специалистов". Особенно много вебсайтов на интернете, которые в поисковике выходят в самом начале как реклама (так как вебсайт платит за такое выгодное размещение) и нелицензированных "иммиграционных консультантов" или "нотариусов", которые предлагают "первую" консультацию бесплатно и готовы перезвонить потенциальному клиенту в течение 5 минут. Что следует дальше, об этом люди не задумываются. А им навязывается контракт на завышенную сумму, с ненужными сервисами или предлагаются ненужные или вредные для дела действия (которые дорого стоят). После предоставления бесплатной консультации, такому специалисту ведь нужно как-то заработать на клиенте (на которого было потрачено время) -- если уж не брать оплату за консультацию, то ее используют как ловушку для доверчивых граждан, готовых повестись на обман.

Следует иметь в виду, что хороший опытный адвокат не будет и не имеет права давать "гарантии" успеха или гарантии выигрыша вашего дела. Опытный адвокат ценит свое и ваше время, и для того, чтобы проконсультировать клиента ей/ему нужно изучить ваши обстоятельства и проанализировать возможные варианты и осложнения перед тем как давать платный (ни в коем случае не бесплатный совет).

Хорошая статья обо всем этом в Новых Известиях, с консультациями моих Московских партнеров и коллег.

Common Immigration Scams: helpful tips from USCIS how to avoid becoming a victim of immigration fraud or scam.

6/16/2015

Immigration scam by a local business.

On November 20, 2014, the President announced a series of executive actions. However, not all of these initiatives have been implemented, and USCIS is not accepting any DAPA or expanded DACA applications at this time.

Beware of anyone who offers to help you submit an application or a request for any of these actions before they are available. You could become a victim of an immigration scam.

If you need legal advice on immigration matters, make sure that the person you rely on is an attorney who is authorized to give you legal advice. Only an attorney or an accredited representative working for a Board of Immigration Appeals-recognized organization can give you legal advice. An immigration attorney can be licensed in any state because immigration law is federal law. It's important to consult an experienced and knowledgeable attorney before submitting any immigration applications.

The Internet, newspapers, radio, community bulletin boards and local businesses storefronts are filled with advertisements offering immigration help. Not all of this information is from attorneys and accredited representatives. There is a lot of information that comes from organizations and individuals who are not authorized to give you legal advice, such as “notarios” and other unauthorized representatives. The wrong help can hurt. Here is some important information that can help you avoid common immigration scams.

Here are some examples of common immigration scams:

**Telephone Scams**.

Do not fall victim to telephone scammers posing as USCIS personnel or other government officials. In most instances, scammers will:

request personal information (Social Security number, Passport number, or A-number);
identify false problems with your immigration record; and
ask for payment to correct the records.

If a scammer calls you, say “No, thank you” and hang up. These phone calls are being made by immigration scammers attempting to take your money and your credit card information. USCIS will not call you to ask for any form of payment over the phone. Don’t give payment over the phone to anyone who claims to be a USCIS official.

If you have been a victim of this telephone scam, please report it to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Learn more about telephone scams and telephone scammers’ techniques by visiting Federal Trade Commission-Telemarketing-Scams.

**"Notario Publico"**.

In many Latin American countries, the term “notario publico” (for “notary public”) stands for something very different than what it means in the United States. In many Spanish-speaking nations, “notarios” are powerful attorneys with special legal credentials. In the U.S., however, notary publics are people appointed by state governments to witness the signing of important documents and administer oaths. "Notarios publico,” are not authorized to provide you with any legal services related to immigration.

Please see the National Notary Association website "What is a Notary Public" for more information.

**Local Businesses who are not law firms and not attorneys or lawyers**.

Some businesses in your community “guarantee” they can get you benefits such as a:

Visa
Green Card
Employment Authorization Document

These businesses sometimes charge you a higher fee to file the application than even a licensed attorney (but will tell you that attorneys charge more "for the same work"). They claim they can do this faster than if you applied directly with USCIS. These claims are false.

**Dot-com websites - operated by non-attorneys or people not authorized to give legal advice**.

Some websites offering step-by-step guidance on completing a USCIS application or petition will claim to be affiliated with USCIS. Many of these websites are scammers or fraudsters, often taking money for blank forms or minimal assistance without attorney supervision.

USCIS has its own official website: www.uscis.gov with:

Free downloadable forms
Form Instructions
Information on filing fees and processing times

Do not pay for blank USCIS forms either in person or over the Internet. You can download forms for free at www.uscis.gov.

Do not pay to a non-attorney (not a lawyer) for help with immigration paperwork, applications, affidavit. Oftentimes, they give you wrong advice and can potentially damage your chances of ever becoming a permanent resident (getting a green card).

**Green Card Lottery or DV Lottery scams**.

Once a year in fall, the Department of State (DOS) makes 50,000 diversity visas (DVs) available via random selection to persons meeting strict eligibility requirements and who come from countries with low rates of immigration to the United States. During this time or often around the year, it is common for immigration scammers to advertise in emails or websites that reference either the:

DV lottery
Visa lottery
Green Card lottery

These emails and websites often claim that they can make it easier to enter the annual Diversity Immigrant Visa Program. Some scammers even identify you as a DV lottery “winner” and ask for significant amount of money "helping get a visa". These emails and websites are fraudulent.

The only way to apply for the DV lottery is through an official government application process (Department of State website, and only when it's open, during an application period which is usually in October-November only). DOS does not send emails to applicants.

On or after May 1st, you can visit the Department of State website to verify if you are actually a winner in the DV lottery.

If need help, consult a licensed attorney (not one of the "green card lottery" websites).

**INS doesn't exist. It's been replaced by DHS and USCIS**.

To this day, some local businesses, websites, "notarios" and individuals make reference to the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS). This agency no longer exists!

If someone refers to USCIS as "INS", it's a sign that they are not an attorney, but rather someone unqualified with little knowledge in immigration matters.

INS was dismantled on March 1, 2003, and most of its functions were transferred from the Department of Justice to three new components within the newly formed Department of Homeland Security. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is the component that grants immigration benefits. The other two components are U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

All official correspondence regarding your immigration case will come from USCIS. USCIS will communicate with you and your attorney by mail, by mailing you notices, approved work permit and green card through USPS (postal service).

If you need a legal assistance, we will be glad to help. Our contact information is here.

Read here.

DV-2016 Green Card Lottery update from the US Department of State. More than 11 million applications submitted - only 50000 green cards are available annually in this lottery. Visa issuance period starts on October 1, 2015 and ends on September 30, 2016.

6/9/2015

Applicants from all over the world who registered for the DV-2016 program were selected at random from 11,391,134 qualified entries (17,573,350 with derivatives) received during the application period that ran from noon, Eastern Daylight Time on Wednesday, October 1, 2014 until noon, Eastern Daylight Time on Monday, November 3, 2014.

The visas have been apportioned among six geographic regions with a maximum of seven percent available to persons born in any single country.

The Kentucky Consular Center registered and notified the winners of the DV-2016 diversity lottery. Approximately 91,563 applicants have been registered and notified and may now make an application for an immigrant visa (so called"selectees" or "winners"). Some of the first *50,000 persons registered will not pursue their cases to visa issuance, this larger number (91,563 selectees) should insure that all DV-2016 numbers will be used during fiscal year 2016 (October 1, 2015 until September 30, 2016).

During the visa interview, principal applicants must provide proof of a high school education or its equivalent, or show two years of work experience in an occupation that requires at least two years of training or experience within the past five years. Those selected will need to act on their immigrant visa applications quickly. Applicants should follow the instructions in their notification letter and must fully complete the information requested.

Registrants living legally in the United States who wish to apply for adjustment of status instead of consular processing of their visas, must apply through USCIS Department of Homeland Security (** Please note that you have to be eligible for adjustment of status. Therefore, if you were selected as a winner in the Green Card lottery and you live in the United States, it's advisable to consult an experienced attorney before applying for your green card).

Once the total *50,000 visa numbers have been used, the program for fiscal year 2016 will end. Selected applicants (aka "selectees" or "winners") who do not receive visas by September 30, 2016 will derive no further benefit from their DV-2016 registration. Similarly, spouses and children accompanying or following to join DV-2016 principal applicants are only entitled to derivative diversity visa status until September 30, 2016.

Section 203(c) of the INA provides up to 55,000 immigrant visas each fiscal year to permit additional immigration opportunities for persons from countries with low admissions during the previous five years. The NACARA stipulates that beginning with DV-99, and for as long as necessary, up to 5,000 of the 55,000 annually-allocated diversity visas will be made available for use under the NACARA program. This resulted in reduction of the DV-2015 annual limit to 50,000. DV visas are divided among six geographic regions. No one country can receive more than seven percent of the available diversity visas in any one year.

P.S. Our office would be happy to assist you with your DV visa application or adjustment of status should you be selected as a winner. Please email us to schedule a phone or Skype consultation. Please remember that a visa must be issued prior to September 30th of the current fiscal year (09-30-2016 for DV-2016 winners). No visas will be issued after this date. If selected as a winner you should act fast and submit your applications and required documents in a timely matter. Assistance of a qualified and experienced immigration attorney would be of great help to many.

The following is the statistical breakdown by foreign-state chargeability of those registered for the DV-2016 program:

AFRICA

ALGERIA  1,952

ETHIOPIA 4,000

NIGER 102

ANGOLA  108

GABON 32

RWANDA 412

BENIN  914

GAMBIA, THE 67

SAO TOME AND PRINCIPE 2

BOTSWANA  4

GHANA 3,179

SENEGAL 427

BURKINA FASO 199

GUINEA 1,818

SEYCHELLES 0

BURUNDI 208

GUINEA-BISSAU 4

SIERRA LEONE 2,141

CABO VERDE 6

KENYA 2,729

SOMALIA 272

CAMEROON 3,047

LESOTHO 5

SOUTH AFRICA 535

CENTRAL AFRICAN REP. 23

LIBERIA 4,430

SOUTH SUDAN 17

CHAD  40

LIBYA 240

SUDAN 3,216

COMOROS  3

MADAGASCAR 75

SWAZILAND 7

CONGO 124

MALAWI 17

TANZANIA 93

CONGO, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE 4,475

MALI 114

TOGO 1,241

COTE D’IVOIRE 1,129

MAURITANIA 15

TUNISIA 227

DJIBOUTI 92

MAURITIUS 41

UGANDA 453

EGYPT  4,024

MOROCCO 1,993

ZAMBIA 57

EQUATORIAL GUINEA 0

MOZAMBIQUE 11

ZIMBABWE 152

ERITREA 544

NAMIBIA 18

ASIA

AFGHANISTAN 406

JAPAN 302

QATAR 42

BAHRAIN 13

JORDAN 349

SAUDI ARABIA 267

BHUTAN 22

NORTH KOREA 0

SINGAPORE 39

BRUNEI 1

KUWAIT 143

SRI LANKA 704

BURMA 236

LAOS 1

SYRIA 460

CAMBODIA 1,229

LEBANON 225

TAIWAN 297

HONG KONG SPECIAL
ADMIN. REGION 151

MALAYSIA 95

THAILAND 73

INDONESIA 126

MALDIVES 3

TIMOR-LESTE 0

IRAN 4,501

MONGOLIA 185

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES 103

IRAQ 330

NEPAL 3,801

YEMEN 724

ISRAEL 162

OMAN 12

EUROPE

ALBANIA 1,931

GREECE 93

NORWAY 35

ANDORRA 0

HUNGARY 186

POLAND 629

ARMENIA 1,277

ICELAND 3

PORTUGAL 58

AUSTRIA 50

IRELAND 89

Macau 23

AZERBAIJAN 380

ITALY 410

ROMANIA 626

BELARUS 811

KAZAKHSTAN 376

RUSSIA 2,200

BELGIUM 47

KOSOVO 244

SAN MARINO 0

BOSNIA & HERZEGOVINA 92

KYRGYZSTAN 209

SERBIA 283

BULGARIA 865

LATVIA 73

SLOVAKIA 70

CROATIA 67

LIECHTENSTEIN 0

SLOVENIA 33

CYPRUS 28

LITHUANIA 153

SPAIN 193

CZECH REPUBLIC 74

LUXEMBOURG 0

SWEDEN 108

DENMARK 35

MACEDONIA 258

SWITZERLAND 122

ESTONIA 40

MALTA 0

TAJIKISTAN 337

FINLAND 57

MOLDOVA 1,854

TURKEY 1,795

FRANCE 510

MONACO 0

TURKMENISTAN 124

French Polynesia 1

MONTENEGRO 8

UKRAINE 4,507

Saint Martin 1

NETHERLANDS 81

UZBEKISTAN 4,300

Wallis and Futuna 1

Aruba 4

VATICAN CITY 0

GEORGIA  571

Curacao 2

GERMANY 678

NORTHERN IRELAND 9

NORTH AMERICA

BAHAMAS, THE 16

OCEANIA

AUSTRALIA 832

NAURU 12

SAMOA 5

Cocos Islands 1

NEW ZEALAND 208

SOLOMON ISLANDS 0

FIJI 393

Cook Islands 4

TONGA 26

KIRIBATI 4

PALAU 4

TUVALU 0

MARSHALL ISLANDS 0

PAPUA NEW GUINEA 3

VANUATU 5

MICRONESIA, FEDERATED STATES OF 3

SOUTH AMERICA, CENTRAL AMERICA, AND THE CARIBBEAN

ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA 0

DOMINICA 6

SAINT KITTS AND NEVIS 2

ARGENTINA 68

GRENADA 7

SAINT LUCIA 5

BARBADOS 0

GUATEMALA 31

SAINT VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES 7

BELIZE 0

GUYANA 14

SURINAME 3

BOLIVIA 49

HONDURAS 73

TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO 51

CHILE 17

NICARAGUA 58

URUGUAY 21

COSTA RICA 50

PANAMA 5

VENEZUELA 1,038

CUBA 1,488

PARAGUAY 7

P.S. Natives of the following countries were not eligible to participate in DV-2016: Bangladesh, Brazil, Canada, China (mainland-born, excluding Hong Kong S.A.R., Macau S.A.R., and Taiwan), Colombia, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Haiti, India, Jamaica, Mexico, Nigeria, Pakistan, Peru, the Philippines, South Korea, United Kingdom (except Northern Ireland) and its dependent territories, and Vietnam.

Our office would be happy to assist you with your DV visa application or adjustment of status should you be selected as a winner. Please email us to schedule a phone or Skype consultation. Please remember that a visa must be issued prior to September 30th of the current fiscal year (09-30-2016 for DV-2016 winners). No visas will be issued after this date. If selected as a winner you should act fast and submit your applications and required documents in a timely matter. Assistance of a qualified and experienced immigration attorney would be of great help to many.

Nebraska to start issuing driver's licenses to young immigrants who were granted deferred action under DACA program which is in effect since 2012.

5/28/2015

Nebraska will start issuing driver's licenses to DREAMers or young people who were granted deferred action under DACA ("DACA grantees").

Nebraska is the last state to join the other 49 states who are already issuing driver's licenses to young people with approved DACA deferred action. This program has been in effect since 2012.

On Tuesday, Nebraska Legislature overrode Governor's veto on this bill by 34 to 10 vote.

Read here.

Pending court case can affect Presidential elections in 2016. Issue is whether it’s legal to hold in ICE detention facilities women and children, including unaccompanied minors, who have crossed the border illegally.

5/20/2015

Obama administration’s immigration policy faces a shake-up next week—and the court’s ruling could reverberate in the 2016 presidential campaign.

At issue is whether it’s legal to essentially lock up women and children who have crossed the border illegally, part of the administration’s response to summer 2014 unaccompanied-minors crisis.

Lawyers for some of these families sued the government, and last month, a U.S. District judge in Los Angeles issued a tentative ruling, a summary of which was obtained by Newsweek, stating that the administration policy violates a settlement in a 1997 immigration case, Flores v. Meese.

Judge gave the two sides 30 days to negotiate an agreement that would lead the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency to release the minors and their parents from the family detention centers where they are being held. Those 30 days run out on Sunday, May 24, 2015.

The judge issued a gag order, so it’s quite difficult to know whether or not there will be a real settlement by May 25, 2015.

Obama’s detention and deportation of hundreds of thousands of undocumented immigrants remains a sore spot for immigrant rights and Latino activists, even after the president granted a reprieve, via executive order and under DACA program, to millions of young people who came to the United States as children and to those who have children who were born here and thus are American citizens (DAPA, which is not effective yet, pending another court case).

The practice of holding thousands of women and their children in detention for many months—it’s just mothers and their kids in these detention facilities (in Texas and Pennsylvania), most of them fleeing dire circumstances in Central America—has prompted a particularly strong backlash.

Immigrant rights groups have been very critical of this practice.

Read more at Newsweek.