New Jersey occupies a unique position with respect to the waves of immigrants currently falling on America’s shores. The federal Constitution limits New Jersey’s ability to legislate in favor of these immigrants, but the legislature keeps trying. In January, Gov. Phil...
Proving the legitimacy of your marriage to immigration
If you are legally married to a United States citizen or lawful permanent resident in New Jersey, you may be eligible for a marriage green card. Many people have heard of “green card marriages” or marriages that are not based on a real relationship, but rather, take...
Which family members can you help to immigrate?
Many immigrants hope their loved ones can follow them and start a new life together as a family in the United States. However, there are important limitations to family-based immigration. Immigrant visas Before a foreign national can seek permanent residence in the...
Acquire visas and green cards through consular processing
Some immigrants arriving in New Jersey received their U.S. visas by going through consular processing. You use this route for lawful entry if you are still in your home country. To pursue the status of a lawful permanent resident upon entering the United States, you...
How to effectively deal with the family visa backlog
For many individuals hoping to reunite with their loved ones in the United States, the family visa backlog has become a significant obstacle. The lengthy waiting times and processing delays can be emotionally taxing. However, if you're in New Jersey and looking to...
What to know about visa interviews
If you are a foreign national who wants to live or work in New Jersey, you may need to apply for a visa. As part of the visa process, you may be required to submit to an interview either at a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services office or at a consulate in your...
The K-1 nonimmigrant fiancé visa
If you are a New Jersey resident and U.S. citizen who plans to marry someone who lives abroad, you can apply for a K-1 nonimmigrant visa. This visa, which is often called the fiancé visa, will allow you to bring your foreign fiancé or fiancée to the United States. To...
Applying for green cards for family members
Immigrants in New Jersey, who have become U.S. citizens or are currently lawful permanent residents, may request green cards for their close relatives. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has a process for bringing spouses, children and sometimes...
Green Card processes for spouses of deceased U.S. citizens
The death of a spouse is always a wrenching experience, particularly when it throws a non-citizen's pre-existing immigration plans into question. New Jersey residents who have gone through precisely this type of situation can attest to the fact that while there are a...
The provisional unlawful presence waiver
Persons attempting to file immigration petitions for relatives might feel confused when trying to understand various legal statutes. New Jersey residents may review information about the provisional unlawful presence waiver but not fully understand whether they need...