Immigration and US Citizenship News

By Kieran C. O’Sullivan

Immigration Counselor

ipcboston@yahoo.com

Diversity Visa Lottery

The Diversity Visa Lottery Program is basically a lottery of green cards held each year that is open to eligible countries worldwide.  We encourage eligible applicants to apply.  For more information see the visa section of the State Department website: www.state.gov

The DV lottery closes on Nov. 30^th and applications will no longer be accepted after that date.  Do not wait until the last days to submit an application because in the past computers appeared unable to handle the volume of last minute application forcing the system to lock out some applicants.  Immigrants who receive any mailings on ‘winning’ a visa should check in with us so we can examine their authenticity.

Traveling home for the Christmas?

At our December legal clinic, we will be available to talk with immigrants about travel regulations as we approach the holidays when some people may be thinking of going home for Christmas.  Attorney Chris Lavery of Sedna Law Offices will be present to answer questions and for one to one consultations.

US Citizenship application

Each month we provide help to people applying for US citizenship.  Often the immigrants come to us through referral from our Senior Citizen Program and many have been long term residents.  We spoke this week with a legal resident who has been here for almost fifty years.  Her citizenship application has now been submitted to USCIS and she will be sworn in within six months.  The citizenship application (Form N400) is available free online at www.uscis.gov 

Marriage Cases

If you are about to file an immigration case after marriage to a US citizen, have it reviewed by attorneys at our clinics. 

Arrests

We’ve had a number of callers this week from immigrants seeking legal counsel.  One immigrant expressed regret after appearing in court without counsel.  We encourage anyone appearing in court on any kind of charge, and indeed in almost any kind of case whether its criminal or civil to have an attorney present to represent them in the matter. 

On one day this week, we had calls from three immigrants with three complicate legal matters, each of a different nature.  Questions came on wills, divorce and criminal arrest matters.  We were able to refer each caller to attorneys who specialize in these different areas of law. 

Assistance available

Each year at the IPC we provide hands on assistance on the Diversity Visa lottery.  Give us a call if you are interested in proceeding with your application.  Our next legal clinic is on Dec. 1, at the Bad Abbots.

 Disclaimer:  These articles are published to inform and not as advice.  Areas of law are always changing.  The USCIS and US Department of State frequently amend regulations and alter processing and filing procedures.  For legal advice seek the assistance of one of our pro bono immigration attorney at our monthly clinics.