Florida Immigration Legal Questions

Want a good answer? Ask a thorough question starting with "Who, What, When, How, Will I or Do I".
Then, add details. This will help you get a quicker and better answer.
Question field is required
Explanation field is required
A valid US zip code is required Validating the Zip Code.
Question type field is required
Question type field is required
1
Ask a Question

2
Details

3
Submit
1
Ask a Question

2
Submit
Fullname is required
A valid email address is required.
Receive a follow-up from lawyers after your question is answered
A valid phone number is required
Select the best time for you to receive a follow-up call from a lawyer after your question is answered. (Required field)
to
Invalid Time

*Required fields

Question
Description
By submitting your question, you understand and agree to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy for use of the site. Do not include any personal information including name, email or other identifying details in your question or question details. An attorney-client relationship is not being established and you are not a prospective client of any attorney who responds to your question. No question, answer, or discussion of any kind facilitated on this site is confidential or legal advice. Questions answered are randomly selected based on general consumer interest and not all are addressed. Questions may display online and be archived by Martindale-Hubbell.
485 legal questions have been posted about immigration by real users in Florida. Ask your question and dive into the knowledge of attorneys who handle your issue regularly. Similar topics to explore also include asylum, green cards, and consular law. All topics and other states can be accessed in the dropdowns below.
Florida Immigration Questions & Legal Answers - Page 11
Do you have any Florida Immigration questions page 11 and need some legal advice or guidance? Ask a Lawyer to get an answer or read through our 485 previously answered Florida Immigration questions.

Recent Legal Answers

Is it legal to work as a freelancer while living in the US as F2 visa holder?

Answered 9 years and 9 months ago by Wendy Barlow (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Immigration
You are not authorized to work as an F-2 visa holder. You cannot engage in work while in the United States regardless if everything will go through an international company as you will actually be doing the work in the country. Engaging in the activity you propose can lead to a study's violation, which in turn can lead to a denial of entry or removal. ... Read More
You are not authorized to work as an F-2 visa holder. You cannot engage in work while in the United States regardless if everything will go through... Read More

How do I obtain a replacement for lost green card?

Answered 9 years and 9 months ago by attorney Alan Lee, Esq.   |   2 Answers   |  Legal Topics: Immigration
If you moved back to Canada in 1995 with no visits or sporadic visits to the U. S. since then, you would have lost your green card long ago. You would probably have to start the process all over again of immigrating to the States. If your children are U. S. citizens and over the age of 21, they could conceivably petition for your immigration. If they were 18 years or older at the time that you married with your 2nd wife, however, they would not be able to petition for her. In that situation, you would have to immigrate first and sponsor your wife under the F-2A category for spouses of lawful permanent residents. The backlog before she could enter the States with permanent residence is approximately 2-3 years. Due to the limitations of the Lawyers.com Forums, Alan Lee, Esq.'s (the "Firm") participation in responding to questions posted herein does not constitute legal advice, nor legal representation of the person or entity posting a question. No Attorney/Client relationship is or shall be construed to be created hereby. The information provided herein by the Firm is general, and requires that the poster obtain specific legal advice from an attorney. The poster shall not rely upon the information provided herein as legal advice nor as the basis for making any decisions of legal consequence. t-family:"Albertus Medium","sans-serif"'>  ... Read More
If you moved back to Canada in 1995 with no visits or sporadic visits to the U. S. since then, you would have lost your green card long ago. You... Read More

dual citizenship process?

Answered 9 years and 9 months ago by Wendy Barlow (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Immigration
Ownership of property in the United States does not create a path to citizenship. Your neighbor must first become a lawful permanent residence. Lawful permanent residence is typically acquired through a petition filed by a family member or employer. Assuming your neighbor has a path to residence, he would need to spend most of his time in the United States until he became a citizen (which in most circumstances is after one has been a resident of the United States for five years). You can read more about inmigrating to the United States at http://myattorneyusa.com/immigration-to-the-usa.... Read More
Ownership of property in the United States does not create a path to citizenship. Your neighbor must first become a lawful permanent residence.... Read More

Can my finance fix my papers? He is 17 and I just turned 18.

Answered 9 years and 9 months ago by Wendy Barlow (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Immigration
It may be possible. Your fiancé will need to be at least 18 years of age to file in order to sign an affidavit of support. The forms required and costs involved will greatly depend upon your immigration history. For example, if you previously entered with a visa and your fiancé is a United States citizen, you will likely be able to seek adjustment of status. This is a less complicated process. You should consult an attorney to discuss your immigration history. In the interim, you can read more about family immigration at http://myattorneyusa.com/family-immigration.... Read More
It may be possible. Your fiancé will need to be at least 18 years of age to file in order to sign an affidavit of support. The forms required... Read More

How long can I stay out of the country if I have a green card?

Answered 9 years and 9 months ago by Wendy Barlow (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Immigration
Remaining outside the United States for a year or more triggers a presumption of abandonment. However, lesser stays outside the United States can be problematic. You are expected to reside in the United States when you are a lawful permanent resident. This does not mean you cannot travel but you are expected to spend more time in the United States than out. You should plan to face secondary inspection upon your return. You should be prepared to both document and speak about your travels including why you have spect so much time outside the United States. ... Read More
Remaining outside the United States for a year or more triggers a presumption of abandonment. However, lesser stays outside the United States can be... Read More

Will I be able Will my friend be able to return back to the USA after I was deported?

Answered 9 years and 9 months ago by Wendy Barlow (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Immigration
Highly unlikely. Conviction for a drug trafficking offense makes a person permanently ineligible for an immigrant or nonimmigrant visa. 
Highly unlikely. Conviction for a drug trafficking offense makes a person permanently ineligible for an immigrant or nonimmigrant visa. 

do i have to annul my voidable marriage to get a green card?

Answered 9 years and 9 months ago by Wendy Barlow (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Immigration
1. You may be required to annul the voidable marriage. It would be important to check with an experienced family/matrimonial law attorney. 2. You will have to remarry regardless of whether you need to seek an annulment. Your husband's divorce does not change the fact that your marriage is voidable. 3. It will depend upon whether he knew he was still married. He could face consequences for big any and even perjury for providing false information on the marriage license application.  Regardless of how you have to proceed, you need to be prepared to address questions about the circumstances. You can read more about adjustment of status at http://myattorneyusa.com/adjustment-of-immigration-status.... Read More
1. You may be required to annul the voidable marriage. It would be important to check with an experienced family/matrimonial law attorney. 2. You... Read More
The answer depends upon your immigration status. You may be able to request an extension, but without knowing you immigration status any further answer would be speculation. 
The answer depends upon your immigration status. You may be able to request an extension, but without knowing you immigration status any further... Read More

I own a small paint contracting bussiness and the best most productive worker I have found is an illegal immigrant.

Answered 9 years and 9 months ago by Wendy Barlow (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Immigration
Unfortunately, it does not appear you could help him obtain lawful permanent residence. You could file an immigrant visa petition on his behalf but it would be useless to him as he could not use it to seek a green card. The reason is that to apply for a green card based upon an approved employment visa petition while in the United States you have to establish you were admitted and that you maintained lawful status during your entire stay.  Your employee may have other options depending upon more information about his circumstances. I would recommend you help him by getting him in contact with an experienced immigration attorney. However, please keep in mind that some times leaving well enough alone is the best course of action. ... Read More
Unfortunately, it does not appear you could help him obtain lawful permanent residence. You could file an immigrant visa petition on his behalf but... Read More

i own a house in florida

Answered 9 years and 9 months ago by Wendy Barlow (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Immigration
You would continue to be the owner of the house. Deportation does not result in the seizure of your assets in the country. Deportation is simply your physical removal from the country. You may want to speak to a local real estate agent or attorney about your options should you be deported. ... Read More
You would continue to be the owner of the house. Deportation does not result in the seizure of your assets in the country. Deportation is simply your... Read More

Eligible for TN visa?

Answered 9 years and 9 months ago by Wendy Barlow (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Immigration
You may qualify for a TN visa. It will depend upon your profession. To qualify for a TN visa, you must establish you must be engaged in a qualifying profession. You can read more about TN visas at http://myattorneyusa.com/tn-status-for-nafta-professionals-citizens-of-canada-and-mexico.... Read More
You may qualify for a TN visa. It will depend upon your profession. To qualify for a TN visa, you must establish you must be engaged in a qualifying... Read More

Will pending charges affect my green card process?

Answered 9 years and 9 months ago by Wendy Barlow (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Immigration
These pending charges will impact your green card application. USCIS will not be able to complete adjudication of the application without the criminal case being fully disposed. You should go to the biometrics appointment as scheduled. Your background check will show you have been arrested whether you go now or a few months from now. You will also need to disclose the arrest regardless of the outcome. You should proceed cautiously with any plea offered. Consult an experienced immigration attorney before accepting a plea agreement. You can read more about adjustment of status at http://myattorneyusa.com/criminal-aliens.  ... Read More
These pending charges will impact your green card application. USCIS will not be able to complete adjudication of the application without the... Read More
It is your choice whether to use an attorney or not. Assuming you never admitted possessing drugs and the case was dismissed, you would not require a waiver, because you were arrested. That being said you may not be eligible for adjustment of status if you have failed to maintain status. An adult son or daughter who is the beneficiary of a petition filed by his/her parent cannot adjust status unless he/she has maintained nonimmigrant status or is grandfathered under INA 245(i). You would need to seek an immigrant visa through consular processing, which will result in the need for an unlawful presence waiver. At the very least, I think you should consult an experienced immigration attorney so you understand the process and who can verify your arrest is not an issue. You can read more about family immigration at http://myattorneyusa.com/family-immigration.... Read More
It is your choice whether to use an attorney or not. Assuming you never admitted possessing drugs and the case was dismissed, you would not require a... Read More

Am I doing the right thing becoming a US citizen?

Answered 9 years and 9 months ago by Wendy Barlow (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Immigration
It is best to seek naturalize if you wish to maintain ties to the United States yet live outside the country for extended periods of time. If you were to remain outside the United States for an extended period of time as a resident, you risk losing your lawful permanent residence. However, as a citizen, you can remain outside the country for as long as you would like and still be a citizen. You could freely return to the country and should be able to receive social security payments without issue. ... Read More
It is best to seek naturalize if you wish to maintain ties to the United States yet live outside the country for extended periods of time. If you... Read More
A C1/D visa presents the situation where the individual is in transit in the US (C-1) to join the ship (D). That does not appear to be your daughter's father's intent when he enters the US. As he has a B-1/B-2 visa, he can explain his situation to the immigration inspector at the airport when he arrives. I believe that he would be admissible under the B1/B2 visa for the purpose that you described.Due to the limitations of the Lawyers.com Forums, Alan Lee, Esq.'s (the "Firm") participation in responding to questions posted herein does not constitute legal advice, nor legal representation of the person or entity posting a question. No Attorney/Client relationship is or shall be construed to be created hereby. The information provided herein by the Firm is general, and requires that the poster obtain specific legal advice from an attorney. The poster shall not rely upon the information provided herein as legal advice nor as the basis for making any decisions of legal consequence.  ... Read More
A C1/D visa presents the situation where the individual is in transit in the US (C-1) to join the ship (D). That does not appear to be your... Read More

Is A Child Born On U.S. Soil considered an illegal immigrant even though the parents are?

Answered 9 years and 9 months ago by Wendy Barlow (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Immigration
Except in limited circumstances a child born on United States soil is a United States citizen. The child's parents' immigration has no bearing on his/her citizenship. You can read more about citizenship at http://myattorneyusa.com/the-citizenship-clause-and-jus-soli-citizenship-citizenship-by-birth-in-the-united-states.... Read More
Except in limited circumstances a child born on United States soil is a United States citizen. The child's parents' immigration has no bearing on... Read More

If An Illegal Immigrant Gave Birth To Children While They Are On U.S. Soil, Then Does That Make THem Illegal or U.S. Citizen?

Answered 9 years and 9 months ago by Wendy Barlow (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Immigration
Except in limited circumstances a child born on United States soil is a United States citizen. The child's parents' immigration has no bearing on his/her citizenship. Based upon the information provided, the sons would be citizens.  You can read more about citizenship at http://myattorneyusa.com/the-citizenship-clause-and-jus-soli-citizenship-citizenship-by-birth-in-the-united-states.... Read More
Except in limited circumstances a child born on United States soil is a United States citizen. The child's parents' immigration has no bearing on... Read More

will my mother lose her tourist visa

Answered 9 years and 9 months ago by Wendy Barlow (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Immigration
Your mother will not automatically lose her tourist visa, because you file an immigrant visa peition on her behalf. However, once the immigrant visa petition is filed, your mother is likely to be denied admission. CBP will deny admission because your mother will be viewed to have immigrant intent. It is not advisable for your mother to attempt to enter the country with a tourist visa while the immigrant visa process is pending. Your mother risks not only being denied admission, but expedited removal. You can read more about family immigration at http://myattorneyusa.com/family-immigration.... Read More
Your mother will not automatically lose her tourist visa, because you file an immigrant visa peition on her behalf. However, once the immigrant visa... Read More
Most green cardholders can only file for citizenship after five years. Those who are married to US citizens have the ability to do so after three provided the applicant has held the green card for three years, the US citizen has been a citizen for three years, and the couple has been living together constantly during the three-year period. The law allows such married individuals to file within the 90 day period before the three years if the only unmet condition is the first – not having the green card for the full three years.Due to the limitations of the Lawyers.com Forums, Alan Lee, Esq.'s (the "Firm") participation in responding to questions posted herein does not constitute legal advice, nor legal representation of the person or entity posting a question. No Attorney/Client relationship is or shall be construed to be created hereby. The information provided herein by the Firm is general, and requires that the poster obtain specific legal advice from an attorney. The poster shall not rely upon the information provided herein as legal advice nor as the basis for making any decisions of legal consequence.  ... Read More
Most green cardholders can only file for citizenship after five years. Those who are married to US citizens have the ability to do so after three... Read More

I want to be able to work legally in the US. my mother is a US citizen, my sister is a green card holder. what do I need to do?

Answered 9 years and 10 months ago by Wendy Barlow (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Immigration
The fact that your mother is a United States citizen and your sister is a lawful permanent resident does not entitle you to employment authorization. You would need to obtain an immigration status that authorizes work. Your mother could petition for you to receive an immigrant visa. Once you become a lawful permanent resident, you would authorized to work in the country. You could also pursue a nonimmigrant visa that allows you to work such as an H-1B visa. You can read more about family immigration at http://myattorneyusa.com/family-immigration.... Read More
The fact that your mother is a United States citizen and your sister is a lawful permanent resident does not entitle you to employment authorization.... Read More

I live in Florida, my son is in Sacramento County Jail facing deportation. How can I get him a pro bono lawyer?

Answered 9 years and 10 months ago by Wendy Barlow (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Immigration
You can find a list of pro bono attorneys in California at https://www.justice.gov/eoir/file/ProBonoCA/download.
You can find a list of pro bono attorneys in California at https://www.justice.gov/eoir/file/ProBonoCA/download.

I am a us citizens,I filed a I-130 for my mother (waiting ) can I filed for a visa and have her here while waiting ?

Answered 9 years and 10 months ago by Wendy Barlow (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Immigration
USCIS freqeuntly transfers files to help increase processing times. You cannot file for your mother to receive a visa to enter the United States while waiting for the immigrant visa petition to be processed. A lawyer will not necessarily make the process faster. An attorney can help make the process faster may limiting the number of requests for additional documents. The attorney can also help you prepare for the next stage so you can start the visa application process imediately after the case is sent to the National Visa Center. I would encourage you to speak to an attorney to assess how much longer the process may take and to provide you with information about the next stage. You can read more about family immigration at http://myattorneyusa.com/family-immigration.... Read More
USCIS freqeuntly transfers files to help increase processing times. You cannot file for your mother to receive a visa to enter the United States... Read More

Do we have to file another motion to re schefule interview or apply for I751 again?

Answered 9 years and 10 months ago by Wendy Barlow (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Immigration
At this stage, it may be best to file a new Form I-751. There is no authority under which you can file a second motion to reopen. I encourage you to work with an attorney. This attorney can help guide you through both the Form I-751 process and Immigration Court. You can read more about removal of conditions at http://myattorneyusa.com/removing-conditions-on-permanent-resident-status-derived-from-marriage.... Read More
At this stage, it may be best to file a new Form I-751. There is no authority under which you can file a second motion to reopen. I encourage you to... Read More

Visa Transfer

Answered 9 years and 10 months ago by Wendy Barlow (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Immigration
It appears you are out of status given your SEVIS has been terminated. Your status is tied to your participation in the program. Once you cease participation, the school is supposed to terminate the SEVIS. You be able to seek reinstatement but there is simply not enough information available. This is a matter where you need to consult an attorney. ... Read More
It appears you are out of status given your SEVIS has been terminated. Your status is tied to your participation in the program. Once you cease... Read More

How much do you pay immigration for over staying your stay in the United States

Answered 9 years and 10 months ago by Wendy Barlow (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Immigration
You do not need to pay a fee for overstaying your visa. You and your son will need to file the appropriate applications with the government filing fees, but there is no fee for overstaying your visa. You can read more about adjustment of status at http://myattorneyusa.com/adjustment-of-immigration-status.... Read More
You do not need to pay a fee for overstaying your visa. You and your son will need to file the appropriate applications with the government filing... Read More