USCIS to Deliver Some ADIT Stamps by Mail

Some lawful permanent residents (LPRs) may receive temporary evidence of their lawful permanent resident status by mail rather than physically visiting a field office, USCIS announced on Mar. 16, 2023. This evidence is in the form of an Alien Documentation, Identification and Telecommunication (ADIT) stamp, also known as an I-551 stamp). An ADIT stamp’s validity… Continue reading USCIS to Deliver Some ADIT Stamps by Mail

Does a Short Stay Establish a “Residence” for Immigration Law Purposes?

The article addresses the question, does a short stay establish a “residence” for purposes of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA)? This may seem like a trivial question, but it comes up in many contexts for U.S. immigration cases. For example, the following forms all appear to ask about residence history: INA § 101(a)(33) defines… Continue reading Does a Short Stay Establish a “Residence” for Immigration Law Purposes?

Green Card Holders Staying Abroad Over 6 Months Risk Abandonment

What do you need to do to preserve your status as a lawful permanent resident (LPR)? This question is critical now more than ever for persons unable to travel due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic or related travel restrictions. U.S. Customs and Border Protection has not provided any special guidance related to readmission to the… Continue reading Green Card Holders Staying Abroad Over 6 Months Risk Abandonment

USCIS Update: Biometrics Appointment Delays

In a December 29, 2020 Stakeholder Message, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) provided an update on biometrics appointment delays at Application Support Centers (ASCs) due to COVID-19. USCIS collects biometrics for certain kinds of applications, including but not limited to: Form I-485, Application to Adjust Status Form I-131, Application for Travel Document (including reentry permit)… Continue reading USCIS Update: Biometrics Appointment Delays

Can USCIS Reuse Biometrics Submitted Previously?

If an individual previously submitted biometrics in connection with a prior application, can USCIS reuse those biometrics in connection with a new application? USCIS requires biometrics appointments in connection with various types of applications, such as for adjustment of status (Form I-485), reentry permits (Form I-131), employment authorization (Form I-765), and naturalization (Form N-400). Once… Continue reading Can USCIS Reuse Biometrics Submitted Previously?

Guide to Form I-407, Record of Abandonment of Lawful Permanent Resident Status

1. Introduction Form I-407, Record of Abandonment of Lawful Permanent Resident Status, is designed to serve as a person’s abandonment of status as a lawful permanent resident (LPR) of the United States. Many persons are under the mistaken belief that simply because they have moved abroad or their green cards have “expired” they are no… Continue reading Guide to Form I-407, Record of Abandonment of Lawful Permanent Resident Status

Making a Congressional Inquiry for Help with Your Immigration Case

If you are having problems with your immigration case, a member of the U.S. Congress may be willing to inquire with a Federal immigration agency, such as U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and the U.S. Department of State (DOS) on your behalf.

AmCham China Addresses U.S. Visa Policy in 2018 White Paper

2018 is a historic year for American companies operating in China: as China marks its 40th anniversary of economic reform and opening, AmCham China is issuing the 20th edition of its American Business in China White Paper. This paper is a comprehensive assessment of the operating environment for foreign companies in China. It was a… Continue reading AmCham China Addresses U.S. Visa Policy in 2018 White Paper

Can a Green Card Holder Who’s Been Overseas for 6 Months Apply for Naturalization?

A reader asks, “Can a green card holder who’s been overseas for 6 months apply for citizenship?” In short, maybe. It depends on the specifics of your situation. The General Rule To be naturalized as a U.S. citizen, an applicant must ordinarily prove that “immediately preceding the date of filing [their] application for naturalization [they… Continue reading Can a Green Card Holder Who’s Been Overseas for 6 Months Apply for Naturalization?

USCIS Fee Increase

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced it is raising fees an average of 10%, effective Nov. 23, 2010. The agency is primarily fee-based, with about 90% of its budget coming from applicants and petitioners seeking immigration benefits. The agency justifies the fee increase as a way to recover costs after fiscal year 2008… Continue reading USCIS Fee Increase

Tax Issues Spur Some Permanent Residents to Relinquish Their Green Cards

A growing number of lawful permanent residents (“LPRs” or “green card holders”) are relinquishing their status. According to the below article from South China Morning Post, the main reason is the costly and complex U.S. tax system. Both U.S. citizens and permanent residents are taxed based on their worldwide income, including income earned abroad. As a result,… Continue reading Tax Issues Spur Some Permanent Residents to Relinquish Their Green Cards