Immigration & US Citizenship Notes

By Kieran C. O’Sullivan

Immigration Counselor

US Citizenship

Don't forget to have an expert look over your application form before you mail it to USCIS.  The last thing you want to have happen is for it to be returned to you after a few months because something small was missing or incorrect.  At our monthly clinics our immigration attorney and volunteers review the forms with immigrants free of charge.  Attorney Chris Lavery states, "Citizenship is generally moving quickly – about 7-8 months, filing to swearing in with the interview at about the six month point.  Background checks can still cause delays however.  Anyone with any kind of arrest, citation or issue should see us before going forward with an application." 

Adjustment of Status and Affidavit of Support

For those who are filing for adjustment of status following marriage to a US citizen, we want to remind you that great care is needed when submitting the affidavit of support with your package.  Of all the immigration forms, it is probably the one which gives most trouble to those applying for legal status.  The sponsor has to be in a financial position to prove that the sponsored immigrant will not become a public charge in the US.  If there is any question or issue with the primary sponsor's income and tax returns, it is likely that a 'cosponsor' will be needed.  A sponsor or co sponsor has to be a legal US resident or US citizen.

Applications for the new J1 visa

The new J1 visa program is now accepting applications.  It is a one year visa with some fees which run up to a thousand dollars.  There is no need to have a US job sponsor ahead of applying for the visa.  In Boston the Irish Immigration Center (IIC) will be assisting any eligible Irish immigrants apply for the visa and those interested may contact Peggy Comfrey at 617-542-1900.

 Immigration News from DC

Geri Garvey of our Irish Apostolate DC office keeps us up to date on happenings in the nations capital on immigration issues.  We know that an Immigration Bill has been introduced in the Senate.  Following the inauguration, it is anticipated that advocacy work will begin to convince Congress that reform is necessary.  We will write updates for you here weekly.

Email your queries to Kieran:  ipcboston@yahoo.com