Travel

COVID-19 Chronicles – Immigration Options In These Times

Typically, in times of crisis and emergency, Immigration and Customs Enforcement reduces enforcement efforts, and USCIS issues temporary relief measures. Given the xenophobia of the current administration, we cannot rely on them to support our recommendations to allow for automatic extension of work permits, releasing persons from ICE detention, grant a moratorium on deportations, and other common sense proposals. Below, we discuss some options that may be available to...

Can Trump Really Ban All Immigration to the United States?

TLDR version: No. Update: As expected, a “U.S. Department of Homeland Security official who requested anonymity said it would only apply to people applying for permanent residence from outside the United States, not those already in the country seeking to adjust their status.” Source: MSN President Trump sent immigration policy advocates, lawyers, and aspiring immigrants into a frenzy tonight with his hyperbolic tweet that he is looking into banning...

FAQs: Immigration-Related COVID-19

Due to the rapid spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), we are facing a global pandemic and today’s national emergency announcement may have raised questions about the status of immigration processes and the status of your case. At Lal Legal, we are monitoring developments closely and updating clients as needed as to how this impacts their cases. More information on the novel coronavirus can be found here including how...

New Trump Travel Bans In Light of COVID-19 Are Short-Sighted and Reactionary

The United States has issued a new travel ban targeted at limiting travel from Europe in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. Yesterday, President Trump issued Proclamation 9984 (Suspension of Entry as Immigrants and Nonimmigrants of Persons Who Pose a Risk of Transmitting 2019 Novel Coronavirus and Other Appropriate Measures To Address This Risk), which limits travel from EU-specific countries. This follows on the heels of travel bans against all persons...

Trump Administration Expands Muslim Travel Ban

Today, the Trump administration added six more countries to the list of nations facing stringent travel restrictions. Nigeria, Myanmar (Burma), Eritrea, Sudan, Tanzania, Kyrgyzstan are the new countries to face travel restrictions of varying degrees. The visa ban takes effect on February 21, 2020. There is no expiry date on the visa ban. All six countries have substantially large Muslim populations. These six countries join nationals from Iran, Libya,...

Do You Need A Passport to Fly In The New Year?

Besides requests for case assistance, this is the numero uno question that I get from clients and random people across the country. TSA signaled earlier this earlier that it would stop taking driver’s licenses and ID documents from several states. This commotion is mainly due to the REAL ID Act, which was passed by Congress in 2005, and prohibits federal agencies from accepting licenses and identification cards for official purposes from states...

Tips for Traveling Internationally From Your Immigration Lawyer

You just received a green card, or advance parole, and want to travel internationally? First of all, congratulations are in order! If this is your first time traveling abroad in a while, here are some things you should do or bring before your trip. Safety Precautions 1. Obtain a money belt that straps to your body to store your cash, passport and valuables. 2. Carry travel insurance if your regular health insurance...