Immigration Newsletters

Alien Rights - Food Stamps

All legal immigrant children under 18 years old, regardless of when they entered the United States, are eligible for food stamp programs beginning in fiscal year 2004. In addition, as of April 1, 2003, "qualified aliens" who have lived in the United States for at least five years from the date of their entry into the U.S. are eligible for the food stamp program.

Alien Rights - Political Rights

When an alien enters the United States, he or she obtains various rights. Political rights is one area of rights, however, which is substantially restricted for aliens. Nonresident aliens have virtually no rights to participate in the United States political process. Some resident aliens, on the other hand, do acquire certain rights. In addition, political rights are generally more restricted at the federal level than at the state or local level.

Attorneys - Professional Responsibility Immigration Proceedings - Discipline Procedure

If an attorney involved in an immigration proceeding violates disciplinary rules, such as by submitting false evidence to a court or an administrative body, disciplinary proceedings may be filed, seeking a formal reprimand, suspension, or even disbarment. The complaint procedure is structured, involving a complaint and official inquiry, followed by additional action, depending upon the outcome of the inquiry. Summary suspension is available against an attorney who has either been suspended or expelled in another jurisdiction or who has been convicted of a serious crime.

Haitian Refugee Immigration Fairness Act

The Haitian Refugee Immigration Fairness Act (HRIFA) was enacted in 1998. It provides special procedures by which qualifying Haitian nationals can become lawful permanent residents (LPRs) of the United States. Basically, HRIFA allows the qualifying Haitian nationals who are in the United States to apply for an adjustment of their status (which may be illegal or temporary) to that of an LPR. The procedures are streamlined and do not require the aliens to apply for immigrant visas from the U.S. embassy in Haiti.

Immigrants - Employment-Based Visas -EB-5/Alien Investors

The United States uses both an annual cap on most permanent immigrant visas and a preference system to select who will ultimately be granted admissibility. Within the major category of immigrant visas known as employment-based visas, there are five levels of preference. The fifth level applies to aliens who invest a set amount in a new commercial enterprise.