Immigration and US Citizenship News

By Kieran C. O’Sullivan

Immigration Counselor

Marriage immigration cases

Our next clinic is coming up on Oct 7^th at 6:30 pm in Bad Abbots, Hancock St., Quincy Center. If you have immigration related paperwork to file after marrying a US citizen, bring your entire file for a review to our free clinic.

DIVERSITY VISA REGISTRATION PERIOD

Entries for the DV-2010 Diversity Visa lottery must be submitted electronically between noon Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) Oct 2, 2008 and noon Dec. 1, 2008

Applicants may access the electronic Diversity Visa entry form at www.dvlottery.state.gov during the registration period. Paper entries will not be accepted. Applicants are strongly encouraged not to wait until the last week of the registration period to enter. Heavy demand may result in website delays.

Diversity Visa Photographs

There are very specific guidelines for the photographs. All of the guidelines are listed on the Department of State website www.state.gov.

Scam Warnings

The Coalition of Irish Immigration Centers issued a strong warning to Irish immigrants to be cautious of individuals charging fees to file applications for the Diversity Visa Lottery. CIIC saying, “Our Centers can provide accurate information about how to submit an application and will also provide assistance to anyone who needs help.”

Each year, we hear of people who have paid a fee to apply for what is a free lottery. Often we hear from applicants who are approached on the Internet with announcements that they have won a visa and to forward funds to an address to qualify. Successful applicants are notified by regular mail and not via phone or internet.

The Irish Apostolate USA has centers in Chicago, San Francisco, Philadelphia, Ocean City, Seattle, San Diego, and New York and we are always available to answer your questions.

Visa Application Assistance

We will be helping Irish immigrants submit their applications. Give us a call during October for an appointment. We will also have digital photo facilities in place.

Green Card Renewals

One of our calls this week was from an Irish immigrant who needed help renewing his green card and was being charged over one thousand dollars by an attorney for doing same. Unless there is some complication in your case, you may not need an attorney to file on your behalf. The renewal form is relatively simple using Form I-90. Call us with any questions and forms review.