Application Processes
United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is the government agency that oversees lawful immigration to the United States. During the application process with USCIS, everyone has the right to a lawyer. Some of the applications Courtney McDermed has experience with include applications for lawful permanent resident (“green card”), removal of conditional residence (Form I-751), visa petitions, work permits, humanitarian parole, citizenship, travel documents, NACARA, self petitions as a widow(er) or under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) and temporary protected status (TPS).
T Visas and U Visas for Crime Victims
If someone has been a victim of a crime, he or she may also apply for a T Visa or a U Visa. The T Visa allows victims to remain in the United States and assist law enforcement authorities in the investigation or prosecution of human trafficking cases. The U visa allows victims to remain in the United States and assist law enforcement authorities in the investigation or prosecution of the criminal activity.
Adjustment of Status to Permanent Residence
On of the most common applications is adjustment of status to lawful permanent resident. To be eligible, an immigrant must have been inspected and admitted, must be in lawful immigrant status, must have a visa immediately available, must make an application and attend an interview, and must otherwise be admissible (i.e. no crimes, no fraud, etc.). While these are the general requirements, there are exceptions. For example, as the immediate relative of a United States citizen an immigrant need not be in lawful status to adjust his status (but he must still have been inspected and admitted.) Also, under INA § 245(i), certain persons can adjust their status notwithstanding the requirement to have been inspected and admitted if they were the beneficiary of a visa petition or labor certification filed before April 30, 2001 and meet other requirements. Because each case is unique people should consult with an attorney before filing an application with USCIS.
Wide Ranging Experience
There are many types of immigration benefits and Courtney McDermed has extensive experience representing immigrants and their familes before USCIS.