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Category: Immigration

What Were the Drafters of the New U.S. Citizenship Exam Thinking?

What Were the Drafters of the New U.S. Citizenship Exam Thinking?

As a thought experiment, imagine what types of questions you would put on the civics exam that every immigrant who hopes to become a U.S. citizen must pass. Details of early U.S. history, perhaps? An introduction to America’s foundational or contemporary economic and social philosophy? A reminder of when to pay federal income taxes? The exam that has been in use for years contained a smattering of all of the above on its list of 100 possible questions. Starting in…

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Biggest Changes to U.S. Immigration Under President-Elect Biden?

Biggest Changes to U.S. Immigration Under President-Elect Biden?

With Joe Biden’s victory in the November 2020 Presidential election, all eyes are on the promises made during the course of his campaign. Many of these had to do with laws and policies concerning immigration to the United States. These were especially driven by the Trump Administration’s obvious efforts to end not only U.S. entry by undocumented persons, but all forms of legal immigration. The Biden Plan for immigration is an extensive one, covering both the short and long term….

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Time’s Running Out for Voter Registration: Are You Eligible If Born Outside the U.S.?

Time’s Running Out for Voter Registration: Are You Eligible If Born Outside the U.S.?

People born in countries outside the United States but currently living here cannot, in most cases, vote in U.S. elections unless they’ve first been lawful permanent residents (with a green card) for some years then successfully applied for naturalized U.S. citizenship. This is frustrating for many who’ve applied for citizenship, because processing government delays currently stretch months and even years. The clock is ticking for anyone wishing to vote in the next U.S. election, especially since many states require registration…

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Coronavirus: Employers Can Now Inspect I-9 Documents Remotely

Coronavirus: Employers Can Now Inspect I-9 Documents Remotely

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced that employers can now remotely inspect workers’ identity and employment authorization documents for Form I-9 purposes. Form I-9 is used to verify each newly hired employee’s legal right to work in the United States. Ordinarily, an employer (or authorized representative) must conduct an in-person review of these documents. The government has made clear that remote inspection is a temporary measure and available only to employers who…

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“Florida Woman,” and the Reality of Fake Lawyers

“Florida Woman,” and the Reality of Fake Lawyers

Sometimes I feel like a lecturing parent, telling people that before hiring a lawyer they should check references, ask lots of questions, and check the person’s state bar membership. That’s particularly true in the immigration law setting, where a vulnerable population and lack of oversight (or interest) from law enforcement has led to all manner of scams and ripoffs. But then a news report like this one recently out of Tampa comes along. (And further solidifies Florida’s status as the…

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