Posted on November 08, 2019 in Immigration

Many people around the world wish to enter the United States lawfully to start a new life. Under U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), a person can sponsor an individual for a family-based Green Card, which is also referred to as U.S. lawful permanent residence. In the majority of these most cases, an Affidavit of Support for that person must be filed using USCIS Form I-864. Sponsoring a friend or loved one to come to the United States is a serious responsibility that must not be taken lightly. It is important to understand the legal ramifications of this immigration undertaking.

Who Can Be a Sponsor?

Any person wishing to be a financial sponsor for an immigrant must meet several qualifications to be approved for this role. Each sponsor must be all of the following:

• A U.S. citizen, national, or permanent resident
• At least 18 years old
• Reside in the United States or a U.S. territory or possession

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 Posted on October 31, 2019 in Personal Injury

The harsh weather conditions that can be associated with a Midwest winter may leave motorists wishing they did not have to travel. While it is true that every season produces different driving hazards, winter may be considered the most dangerous. Freezing rain, ice, sleet, and snow can all cause a driver to lose control of his or her vehicle, leading to a potentially serious injury. Regardless of the weather conditions, a driver is still responsible for his or her actions behind the wheel. To keep yourself, your family, and other motorists safe on the road, here are a few tips that can reduce the likelihood of a car accident:

Prepare Your Vehicle

Maintaining proper safety equipment in your vehicle can make winter driving more manageable. To do so, you should check your tires, battery, headlights, and windshield wipers to ensure they are in proper working order. Traction issues resulting from worn or “bald” tires could lead to a head-on collision or a rear-end accident. Furthermore, a simple headlight outage or a windshield wiper malfunction could significantly decrease a driver’s visibility. Frequently checking the status of your car and its fluids could save your life.

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 Posted on October 25, 2019 in Immigration

The topic of immigration has been in the news a lot lately, especially with this administration’s proposed changes at the U.S./Mexico border. Regardless of any new legislation, the U.S. immigration process can be confusing and intimidating to people who wish to enter the United States. However, the procedures and regulations are necessary to make sure immigrants enter legally. If people from another country are in the United States illegally, they face removal (deportation) hearings. These cases could take months or even years to reach a resolution. That is why it is important to speak to an attorney who has experience in handling immigration court proceedings.

Court Proceedings

Removal or deportation proceedings begin when the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency issues a “Notice to Appear” (NTA). The NTA is a formal document against a person (respondent) because he or she entered or is present in the United States without authorization. The NTA lists the specific legal reasons why authorities believe that you are in the country unlawfully. It also serves as notification that you will be scheduled for immigration proceedings in the immigration court. Depending on how busy the court system is, the first hearing may not be for months. However, if someone has been detained by immigration officials, the hearing will take place as soon as possible.

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 Posted on October 18, 2019 in Immigration

In the United States, October is National Cyber Security Awareness Month (NCSAM). Established by the National Cyber Security Division within the Department of Homeland Security and the nonprofit National Cyber Security Alliance, it raises awareness about the importance of cyber security. There is no doubt that our society has become increasingly reliant on technology to perform many kinds of tasks, from navigation to mobile banking to even robotic surgery. Many career paths now focus on science, technology, mathematics, and engineering (STEM), which can directly impact advances in the field of cyber security. Recent legislation has made it possible for those people wishing to immigrate to the United States to potentially seek asylum through STEM education.

What Is the IDEA Act?

The Immigration Driving Entrepreneurship in America (IDEA) Act allows individuals receiving advanced degrees in the STEM fields from acclaimed American universities to seek green cards. It grants green cards to entrepreneurs with a certain amount of venture capital funds who agree to open their start-up businesses in the United States or who can show that their company has created a minimum of 10 new jobs for American workers.

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 Posted on October 17, 2019 in Family Law

For many spouses, the thought of a peaceful divorce is a definite oxymoron. With so many factors contributing to the conflicts that often plague the divorce process, it may seem almost impossible to imagine a marriage ending on friendly terms. Sensitive issues such as the division of debts, spousal support, and parenting time have the power to amplify emotions and create overwhelming tension in the midst of a separation. Working through these issues can be extremely challenging and painful, especially when interactions between parties are hostile. However, psychology experts tell us that a peaceful divorce is not a myth. Despite the fact that every divorce involves some level of loss, sadness, and hurt, it is possible to make it through the experience tranquilly and civilly.

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 Posted on October 17, 2019 in Personal Injury

Millions of car accidents occur each year in the United States, resulting in millions of people being injured and thousands of people being killed. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were more than 6.4 million police-reported traffic collisions in 2017. Of those crashes, more than 37,000 people died, and of the people who survived those traffic accidents, more than 2.7 million people suffered from injuries. There are a variety of injuries that could occur from a car crash, many of them being readily apparent, like bruising or lacerations. In some cases, injuries sustained from a car accident are not so apparent, and symptoms can appear days, weeks, or even months after the incident.

Pay Attention to Symptoms

It can sometimes be difficult to tell if certain symptoms are a result of a car accident, which is why anyone involved in a crash should keep a close eye on their symptoms and overall health in the days and weeks following the incident. Here are a few common delayed symptoms that can appear after the fact:

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 Posted on October 11, 2019 in Family Law

The emotional upheaval brought on by divorce in the family can be exhausting and intense. It can take a significant amount of time for everyone to process the event, regardless of how amicable the decision to separate may have been. The end of a marriage is particularly difficult for any children involved, as they are suddenly confronted with not only the reality that their family is changing, but also the realization that they must accept and adjust to new routines and essentially a different way of life. The result of such a big transition is a lot for children of any age, and emotional distress is both natural and inevitable. Just as adults process loss in their own way and in their own time, so too do children of divorce.

Providing Emotional Support for Your Children

It is common for parents in the midst of divorce proceedings to struggle to find the energy to extend to their child, who also needs comfort and support during such a trying time. Practicing basic self-care during the transition is critical, so you are able to recharge and be emotionally available for them. However, even under strained circumstances, there are many strategies and attitudes you can adopt that can help lighten your child’s burden, make them feel safe and loved, and maybe even lift their spirits. Here are four ways every parent can reduce the stress of divorce for their child:

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 Posted on October 11, 2019 in Personal Injury

Being in a car accident can be a very stressful and traumatic experience, especially if you are injured. If you are involved in a car accident, Illinois law states that you must stop to see if others who are involved are okay and to exchange insurance information. People who do not do so face fines, jail time, and even a driver’s license revocation. If you are in a vehicle collision, and the other person does not stop to stay at the scene or does not exchange information with you, that is called a hit-and-run crash. Being in a hit-and-run accident can cause serious stress and anxiety on your part, because you are probably worried about the financial ramifications of the accident. If you are in a hit-and-run collision, you should take certain steps to increase your chances of recovering compensation.

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 Posted on October 11, 2019 in Immigration

Migrating to the United States for occupational-related purposes can attract the interest of working professionals from all around the world. Athletes, artists, individuals on business, and laborers in search of a new skill can all seek employment in our country. With that being said, there is a requirement of a visa in order to maintain employment in the United States. Depending on the needs of the future employee, he or she can apply for either a temporary or employment-based (EB) visa. Applying for these visas can be difficult, often leaving applicants confused and missing out on future opportunities. Retaining the help of a knowledgeable immigration lawyer could protect your chance at potential residency and employment.

Temporary Work Visa

When a person wants to enter the United States for employment on a fixed timeframe that is not considered indefinite, he or she would apply for a temporary work visa. A requirement of this category is reliant on the future employer to file a petition with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Information regarding your personal accomplishments as well as a background on the job you are seeking would help decipher which temporary visa category you would fit into:

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 Posted on October 04, 2019 in Immigration

Deceitful promises of a new career and a better life in the United States is a very common fabrication that human traffickers will tell immigrants. Ranging from kidnapping to the purchase and resale of human beings, thousands of individuals are trafficked into sex slaves or labor services every day; human trafficking is one of the most prevalent crimes in the world. Nonimmigrant victims that are in the U.S. are often too afraid to come forward due to his or her legal status to remain in our country. The Victims of Trafficking in Persons (T) nonimmigrant visa can provide support to undocumented immigrants that fear deportation.

How to Qualify for a T Visa

According to the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000 (TVPA), the only federal agency allowed to designate immigrants as human trafficking victims and make them eligible for benefits and services is the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. In order to be considered for a T visa, the individual must:

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