Immigration and US Citizenship news

By Kieran C. O’ Sullivan

Immigration Counselor

Child custody

Some of our calls recently were in the area of family law and child custody issues. With the help of some input from leading family law experts we were able to put callers on the right track. Child custody and visitation can be complicate matters and individuals are best served by getting counsel from attorneys who specialize in this area.

Child support and immigration status

One young man who was recently in touch with us was under the false illusion that he did not have to pay child support. He assumed that since he did not have a social security number, that the courts could not attach his wages. Child support has to be taken seriously, and failure to pay child support can become a huge issue when an immigrant lacks status, and even for a legal immigrant who seeks US citizenship.

Child support has to be taken seriously, and failure to pay child support can become a huge issue when an immigrant lacks status, and even for a legal immigrant who seeks US citizenship.

Best wishes to family law expert

One of the attorneys I have turned to many times since the mid nineties on questions surrounding family law, child custody and divorce issues was Ellen Mebel of Dedham. Ellen provided probono advice on many situations and was a compassionate advocate for those who found themselves vulnerable and exploited. This week she announced she will be retiring from practice. We wish her many happy years in retirement.

Marriage and immigration paperwork

If you are coming to our clinic on August 5th at Bad Abbots for immigration adjustment of status paperwork review after marriage to a US citizen, be sure to bring your complete file with you including any docket sheets on arrests, passports, and other travel documents.

US Citizenship

Among those sworn in at the July 16^th ceremony in Worcester was Dympna Scanlon of Co. Sligo. Dympna, a nurse who has often looked out for the welfare of Irish patients during her decades working at Boston area hospitals, has resided in the US since the 1970s. Over 700 immigrants were sworn in on the day. “I was very impressed with how they [USCIS] ran the ceremony,” said Dympna after the ceremony “They really made an effort to make it special for us.”

If you have been putting off applying for US citizenship, give us a call and we can arrange to sit down with you after work at one of our evening workshops where you will get hands on help on the US citizenship application form.