This is the duty of our generation as we enter the twenty-first century — solidarity with
the weak, the persecuted, the lonely, the sick, and those in despair. It is expressed by the
desire to give a noble and humanizing meaning to a community in which all members
will define themselves not by their own identity but by that of others. – Elie Wiesel
Applications with Immigration Services
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).
Asylum, Withholding of Removal, Convention Against Torture
Asylum is a form of protection available to people who meet the definition of a refugee and are either already in the United States or are seeking admission at a port of entry. A person may apply for asylum in the United States regardless of country of origin or current immigration status. Noncitizens can apply for asylum affirmatively with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) or seek asylum as a form or relief from removal before an immigration judge.
Consular Processing
The Right to Bring Family Members from Abroad
One of the most important rights as a lawful permanent resident or United States citizen is the ability to bring family members to the United States from abroad. This process, known as “consular processing,” starts with the filing of an immigrant visa petition by the qualifying United States citizen or lawful permanent resident with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS). Once the immigrant visa petition is approved, the petition is forwarded to the Department of State to determine if an immigrant visa number is available.
Deportation and Removal Proceedings
The Right to Obtain an Attorney
Deportation and removal proceedings can be very confusing and frightening. Although the process is similar to a criminal trial, removal proceedings are considered civil proceedings, not criminal, and therefore are not subject to the same rules and protections found in criminal trials. Fortunately, persons still have the right to obtain an attorney and can contest whether in fact he or she is removable and if so whether there is any form of relief that will permit him or her to remain in the United States.
Naturalization and Citizenship
The Right to Obtain an Attorney
Obtaining United States citizenship is a life-long dream for many people. The application process is commonly known as “naturalization.” Although there are several requirements to becoming a United States citizen, Courtney McDermed can help people determine whether they are eligible for naturalization.
“Democracy is not the law of the majority but the protection of the minority.” – Alber Camus