The first step is to know your rights under the current immigration laws. Many non-citizens get so caught up with their busy lives that they rarely make the time to seek legal advice on their current immigration status. This is essential. Many immigration benefits are time-sensitive because most immigration benefits are tied to filing deadlines. Therefore, it is important to find out if you currently qualify for any relief under the current immigration laws because new immigration reform may amend or eliminate previous eligibility requirements.
The second step is to assess your taxes. Historically, the United States has required that all non-citizens pay off all owed taxes to apply for certain immigration benefits. Presently, under the current immigration laws, permanent residents are required to disclose if they owe any taxes during their citizenship interview. In addition, non-citizens who are applying for cancellation of removal before the Immigration Court must show proof that all taxes were paid if they wish to be considered for permanent residence. If the Court finds that the non-citizen has failed to pay his/her taxes or he/she has received tax credits for which he/she were ineligible to receive then the non-citizen is deemed to lack good moral character which renders him/her ineligible for permanent residence.
The third step is to avoid incurring a criminal history. For non-citizens who do not have a current driver’s license this means they must not drive. It would be best to carpool or take public transportation to reach their destination. States are now enacting harsher penalties for non-citizens who routinely drive without a valid license or under the influence. Recently, Georgia passed legislation that makes it a felony to drive without a license. If you already have a criminal history it would be beneficial to find out if your specific violation will have any adverse impact on your ability to acquire immigration benefits. Some minor criminal/traffic violations will not disqualify you from acquiring immigration benefits but you should seek legal counsel to ensure that your criminal history will not adversely affect your immigration status. Likewise, if you have been charged with a crime you should seek advice from an immigration attorney before you plead guilty or no contest to any charges. Typically, public defenders and some criminal defense attorneys are only competent to represent you in your criminal matters. Not all criminal defense attorneys are knowledgeable about the impact of your criminal conviction on your immigration status or your ability to acquire future immigration benefits. Consequently, if you are charged with a crime it is important that you seek out immigration advice before you plead guilty or no contest to a crime.
The fourth step is to ensure that all information on your immigration applications is correct. If there is incorrect or incomplete information on your immigration application, Immigration may deem your application to be fraudulent. Always remember that your immigration application, once filed, becomes a part of your permanent file. Consequently, it is important that you take proactive steps to ensure the accuracy of your application.
The final step is to always remain informed. It is still unclear as to when our government will pass immigration reform. Therefore, our best course of action is to remain vigilant so that we can react quickly once immigration reform is enacted. The year of 2011 holds great promise.
Disclaimer: This article is a broad overview of a frequently asked question associated with acquiring permanent residence. This article is provided as a public service and is not intended to establish an attorney client relationship. Any reliance on the information contained herein is taken at your own risk. The information provided in this article should never replace informed counsel when specific immigration-related guidance is needed.
About the Writer:
Safiya Byars is a native of Jamaica and an attorney in Decatur, Georgia. Her firm is located at 160 Clairemont Avenue, Ste. 200, Decatur, Georgia 30030. Her firm handles all Immigration Matters, Deportation, Domestic Relations, Criminal Defense, Business Formation and Litigation, Landlord/Tenant and Estate Planning. To discuss your case, please contact Attorney Byars at 404-992-6506 or 678-954-5809 or via email. or visit her firm’s website.
