Frequently Asked Questions
If you are married to a U.S. citizen, you may be able to obtain a green card through your spouse. It is important to determine if you will be able to obtain your green card in the U.S. or if your will need to travel to your country of citizenship to obtain your green card through the U.S. Consulate in that country. If you entered the U.S. illegally, you may need a waiver for your unlawful presence in the U.S. It is also very important that we examine your immigration history and criminal history to determine if you are eligible to obtain a green card. Please contact HSPRD so we can advise you if you are eligible to obtain a green card.
If you have received an NTA, you should contact an immigration attorney immediately. The NTA will likely contain the date and time of your first immigration hearing, also known as the Master Calendar Hearing. If there is no date and time on your NTA, there is a possibility that this NTA could be considered defective, which could affect your case, and this information will be sent through a separate notice by mail. It is critical that you attend all hearings before the immigration judge and update your address with the immigration court if you move. If you fail to attend your hearing, you will likely be ordered deported for your failure to appear. It is important you consult with an immigration attorney to determine if you are eligible to apply for any forms of relief from deportation. Please contact HSPRD to discuss your specific circumstances and whether you are eligible for relief from removal.
If you currently have TPS, you may be eligible to obtain a green card through a family member who is a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident. It is important that we carefully examine your immigration history and criminal history to determine your eligibility. It may be possible for you to obtain your green card in the U.S. or you may need to travel to your country of citizenship to obtain your green card through the U.S. Consulate in that country. The waiting times for obtaining your green card depend on the petitioner’s relationship to you. It is very important that you look into the possibility of obtaining a green card with an experienced immigration attorney as TPS status is not indefinite. Please contact HSPRD so we can advise you on if you are eligible to obtain a green card.
If you fear returning to your home country, you may be eligible to apply for asylum. You must fear persecution due to your race, religion, nationality, political opinion or membership in a particular social group. Generally applicants for asylum must apply within one year of entering the U.S. However, there are exceptions to this rule. Asylum cases also become much more difficult if you have citizenship or another permanent status in a 3rd country. Additionally, the current administration has created significant road blocks to asylum eligibility that should be explored with an experienced attorney. Depending on when you file your case, you may be interviewed by the Asylum Office or by the Immigration Court. Please contact HSPRD to discuss your eligibility for asylum.
If you have a criminal record you should consult an immigration attorney before you apply for citizenship. All arrests and convictions must be disclosed on your application for naturalization, even if they were subsequently dismissed or expunged. Even if you entered a deferred prosecution agreement and the charges were dismissed, this may still be considered a conviction for immigration purposes. You should obtain certified dispositions for each arrest in the county in which you were arrested, or have an attorney obtain the certified dispositions on your behalf. It is also important to determine if the conviction may make you deportable and could cause you to lose your green card. Please call HSPRD to schedule a consultation to determine if you are eligible to apply for citizenship.







