While everything an individual or family needs in terms of an immigration law question or concern is readily available through official government sources, the Law Offices of Deborah L. Karapetian understands that the practice of immigration law has grown exponentially in complexity since September 11, 2001, and that the immigration process can be confusing, time-consuming, and frustrating.
To learn more about a specific area of immigration law, please click on the links below. If you have questions or concerns about your particular situation, please contact the Law Offices of Deborah L. Karapetian today. We offer:
- Adoptions
Adopting children from all over the world has become something United States residents and citizens have been doing more and more when starting or expanding their families.
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- Asylum
is a form of protection that allows individuals who are in the United States to remain here, provided that they meet the definition of a refugee and are not barred from either applying for or being granted asylum, and eventually to adjust their status to lawful permanent resident.
History of Asylum
Obtaining Asylum in the United States
Asylum Flow-Chart
Frequently Asked Questions About Asylum
Asylum Statistics
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- Battered Spouse Petitions
Under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) passed by Congress in 1994, the spouses and children of United States citizens or lawful permanent residents may self-petition to obtain lawful permanent residency.
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- Citizenship
A citizen of the United States is a native-born, foreign-born, or naturalized person who owes allegiance to the United States and who is entitled to its protection.
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- Consular Processing
The Bureau of Consular Affairs administers laws, formulates regulations and implements policies relating to consular services provided to American citizens abroad.
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- Criminal Defense - Removal
If not properly represented, a criminal conviction can result in deportation, ineligibility for relief from removal and being barred from naturalization. Deportation and exclusion proceedings are now combined into one proceeding called a "removal" proceeding. The grounds for deportation are stated at 8 U.S.C. §1227 and set forth crimes that involve moral turpitude, aggravated felonies, crimes of domestic violence, drug crimes, and firearms offenses.
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- Deportation - Removal
If not properly represented, a criminal conviction can result in deportation, ineligibility for relief from removal and being barred from naturalization. Deportation and exclusion proceedings are now combined into one proceeding called a "removal" proceeding. The grounds for deportation are stated at 8 U.S.C. §1227 and set forth crimes that involve moral turpitude, aggravated felonies, crimes of domestic violence, drug crimes, and firearms offenses.
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- Emergency Travel
Before leaving the U.S. on an emergency, aliens should determine if they require a travel document to re-enter the country
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- Employer Information
Employment Eligibility (Form I-9)
H-1B Petitions
Temporary Workers
TN Work Visa A TN-Visa is a temporary work visa available only to citizens of Mexico and Canada. Under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) a citizen of a NAFTA country may work in a professional occupation in another NAFTA country if the applicant meets certain requirements.
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- Green Cards
The congressionally mandated Diversity Immigrant Visa Program is administered on an annual basis by the Department of State. 50,000 permanent resident visas are available annually to persons from countries with low rates of immigration to the United States.
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- Lawful Permanent Residency
Immigration Through A Family Member
Immigration Through Employment
Immigration Through Investment
Immigration Through The Legal Immigration Family Equity Act (LIFE) of 2000
Immigration Through The Diversity Lottery
Immigration as a Battered Spouse or Child
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- Immigration Appeals / Federal Court Litigation
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- Naturalization
A Guide To Naturalization
Naturalization Eligibility And Testing
Naturalization Eligibility Worksheet
Naturalization: Waivers, Exceptions and Special Cases
Naturalization Application Procedures
Frequently Asked Questions About Naturalization
Where Do I Apply?
- Nurses
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- Passports
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- Refugees
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Apply for Resettlement as a Refugee?
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- Temporary Protected Status
In 1990, Congress established a procedure by which the Attorney General may provide Temporary Protected Status to aliens in the United States who are temporarily unable to return to their homeland because of ongoing armed conflict, environmental disasters, or other extraordinary and temporary conditions.
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- Temporary Visitors – Temporary Visas
General Requirements
Business (B-1) or Pleasure Visitors (B-2)
Exchange Visitors (J) and (Q) Visas
Two nonimmigrant visa categories have been established for persons to participate in exchange visitor programs in the United States. The "J" visa is for educational and cultural exchange programs designated by the Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs, and the "Q" visa is for international cultural exchange programs designated by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Student (F-1) or (M-1) Visas
Two nonimmigrant visa categories have been established for students wishing to study in the United States. The "F" visa is reserved for nonimmigrants wishing to pursue academic studies and/or language training programs, and the "M" visa is reserved for nonimmigrants wishing to pursue nonacademic or vocational studies.
Temporary Workers (I-129 Petitions)
Employers who wish to hire foreign workers to temporarily perform services or labor or to receive training may file an I-129 petition.
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- Travel Warnings
Travel warnings are issued when the United State Department of State decides to recommend that Americans avoid travel to a certain country.
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