Law Offices of Brian D. Lerner
Deportation Lawyers & Immigration Attorneys Helping Families Nationwide
Question: I entered the United States on a Visitor Visa. I have been here for about 4 months and my status will expire in another two months. Can I simply extend my status without going back to my home country? Answer: Prior to September 11, 2001, it would not have been a problem. These types …
Question: I am a Registered Nurse. However, while I know I can apply for the Green Card, that will take 1 ½ to 2 years. I know several of my RN friends who have been denied a work permit for a temporary visa while waiting for the Green Card. Is there anything that can be …
Question: I have heard that the government is trying to deport people to their countries even if the foreign government does not want them back. Is this true? Answer: Yes. However, in a recent 9th Circuit decision, Ali vs. Ashcroft, 2003 U.S. App. LEXIS 19213 (9th Cir. 2003), this issue was addressed. In this case, …
Question: Many people from around the world are being persecuted, tortured, imprisoned or killed in their home countries. However, sometimes they do not win. I heard that they may not be allowed to ever get immigration benefits again. Is this true? Answer: They flee this persecution and apply for asylum in the United States. As …
Question: I am a Lawful Permanent Resident and have been convicted of a drug crime of possession. I have heard that there is no chance to win in Immigration Court. Is this true? Answer: Since 1996, the list of crimes constituting aggravated felonies was increased tenfold. Since that time, there have been numerous Petitions for …
Question: I am a lawful permanent resident and have petitioned my wife and son many years ago. Just recently I found out about the V Visa which allowed my wife and son to come to the United States and reside with me while we are waiting for the visa number to become current. However, my …
Question: I am a member of the crew on a luxury ship. I know many of my friends have basically ‘jumped ship’ once they got to the U.S. They would just be on the crew list and then once came to the U.S. they would jump ship, not return and are now illegally living in …
Question: Last year, the Department of Homeland Security came into being. I have many friends who are having lots of problems with immigration. Is the DHS helping or hurting these people? Answer: March 1, 2004 marks the one-year anniversary of the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS’s) assumption of U.S. immigration functions. There are several problems …
Question: I have heard that most things are taking longer at the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services. My problem is that I must renew my Green Card as it is expiring. However, my father is gravely ill and I want to visit him before he dies. What can I do? Answer: First, if you …
Question: I have heard a lot is happening in Congress about various immigration bills relating to the rights of immigrants. Can you give us an update of what types of bills are currently in Congress and what may have recently passed? Answer: In a significant victory, House members defeated an amendment proposed that sought to …
Question: I have been a Lawful Permanent Resident for many years. Many of my friends have become U.S. Citizens (USC) as have many of my family members. However, I just do not know why I should become a U.S. Citizen. Can you advise me? Answer: The Constitution gives many rights to citizens and non-citizens living in …
Question: I am 16 years old and came to the U.S. many years ago when I was a small child. I have no legal status in the U.S. and have been put in foster care homes for what seems like all of my life. My father left when I was a baby and my mother …
Question: What is a Travel Document and Who Needs One? Answer: If you are not a U.S. citizen, you may need permission to return to the United States after traveling abroad. This permission is granted through a travel document. Travel documents are also given to people who want to travel, but cannot get a passport …
Question: I was just a little child when my parents came to the United States with my family. Our visas expired and I have been out of status for many years. I have done very well in high school and now want to attend college. Eventually, I want to become a doctor. However, at every …
Question: I just married my U.S. Citizen husband in my home country. I thought I could just go to the United States and live with him. However, I found out it is actually is going to take over one year to get back together with my husband. I am heartbroken. Is there anything I can …