Police arrest eight who used cell phones to help immigrants into the U.S.

Posted on November 18th, 2011 No Comments

Authorities have arrested eight men in an immigration sting after it was found that they were using a new tactic to get immigrants into the country.

The new plan allowed smugglers to use cell phones in mountain areas to talk immigrants step by step through the process of immigrating. The eight men were arrested on Tuesday and Wednesday in the Los Angeles area.

This group used only cell phones and no foot guides in order to smuggle the immigrants into the U.S. Authorities have said that this is becoming more and more common as cell phone coverage reaches to further areas.

If you or a loved one is seeking to receive residency in the U.S.,  you need representation on your side. Contact the Orange County green card attorneys of Garg & Associates  by calling 800-242-2151 today.

Neo-Nazi group marches outside Pomona city hall

Posted on November 10th, 2011 No Comments

A neo-Nazi group called the National Socialist Movement marched outside Pomona city hall this past Saturday demanding an end to undocumented immigrants coming into the U.S.

Pomona is considered to be a “sanctuary city” for undocumented immigrants.  Sanctuary cities are known as places where the town doesn’t abide by federal immigration policies.

According to the 2010 Census, 70 percent of Pomona identifies as Hispanic.  500 counter demonstrators attended as well to combat the 30 neo-Nazis.

Last year, the National Socialist Movement’s activities primarily focused on immigration.  They are known for being extremely anti-Jewish, and racist.

NSM member Butch Urban stated that their neo-Nazi group did not have a permit to march.

Homeland Security is issued a subpoena by House subcommittee

Posted on November 3rd, 2011 No Comments

A subpoena was issued by a House subcommittee today in order to access information the Department of Homeland Security has about illegal immigrants the department knows of, but has not deported.

House Judiciary subcommittee on immigration policy and enforcement approved the subpoena by a party line vote today, and Democrats felt it was too soon to issue because the Department has been cooperating with the committee.

Rep. Lamar Smith (R-Texas) feels that the subpoena is necessary because the current administration has not been responsive to his request.

If you or someone you know is looking for guidance from experienced immigration lawyers, contact Orange County immigration attorneys of Garg & Associates, P.A. at 800-242-2151 today.

 

Bill drafted by Senators to give visas to foreigners buying expensive residences

Posted on October 20th, 2011 No Comments

Two senators, Charles Schumer (D-NY) and Mike Lee (R-Utah), have drafted a bill set to be introduced today giving foreigners visas who spend at least $500,000 on homes in the United States. This bill, designed to stimulate foreign investment in the U.S., is part of a larger immigration package created in response to the growing influx of foreigners purchasing homes in Southern California, South Florida, and Arizona. Foreigners are capitalizing on big declines in the U.S. housing market as well as favorable exchange rates.

This proposed bill would offer visas to foreigners who spend at least $500,000 in cash on residential single-family homes, townhouses, or condominiums.  Foreigners can spend entirely on one property or spend as little as $250,000 on a home and make an investment with the rest in a second property used as a rental.

According to Schumer, “This is a way to create more demand without costing the federal government a nickel.”

If you are seeking assistance in applying for a visa, contact the Orange County immigration attorneys of Garg & Associates, P.C. at 800-242-2151.

Gov. Brown signs DREAM Act into law

Posted on October 13th, 2011 No Comments

This month, Governor Brown signed the second part of the DREAM Act.  Brown signed the first part of the act, AB 130, in July.

In signing AB 130, undocumented students in California were granted the opportunity to apply for private scholarships.  With the second part of the DREAM Act, AB 131, being signed into law, undocumented students in the state are now able to apply for state-funded scholarships.

An attorney with the Mexican American Legal Defense and Education Fund said Brown’s signing of AB 131, “California again bucks the trend and sets the foundation to not only recognize the important contributions immigrants make to our society, but also to understand the significant role they play in the state that is the eighth-largest economy in the world.”

If you or someone you know is seeking the advice of an experienced immigration attorney, contact the Orange County immigration lawyers of Garg & Associates, P.A. at 800-242-2151 today.

DOH launches “Study in the States” website

Posted on September 27th, 2011 No Comments

Recently, the Department of Homeland security launched a website titled “Study in the States” in an effort to make obtaining or renewing an F-1 student visa easier for current and potential international students.

“Study in the States” provides international students with information from all federal agencies involved in the student visa application, approval, and renewal processes.  The website features tips, individual accounts, public service announcements, blogs, videos, and social medic connections to help keep international students adequately informed.

Currently, about 1.1 million students studying at universities in the U.S. are international students.

Officials say they hope that making the visa process easier for students will encourage them to stay and work in the United States after graduating.

If you have questions about the F-1 student visa application process, contact the Orange County student visa attorneys of Garg & Associates, P.C. at 949-540-6704 to learn more about how we can help you.

3 ways to be eligible for a green card

Posted on September 22nd, 2011 No Comments

People who apply for and receive a green card become permanent residents of the United States.  As a permanent resident, one is able to work in the U.S. and is afforded the same protection under U.S. laws as a citizen.

There are 3 ways in which an individual may be eligible to receive a green card.  These are through family, through a job, and through refugee status.

Family members of citizens and permanent residents and immediate relatives of U.S. citizens can apply for permanent residency with a green card.  Also, if you have lived in the U.S. as a refugee for a year or more, you are eligible for permanent residency.

In addition, people who invest in U.S. businesses, have a permanent job offer from a company in the U.S., have been determined to have an “extraordinary ability,” and people doing religious work may be eligible to receive a green card due to their employment.

Contact the Orange County green card lawyers of Garg & Associates, P.C. at 800-242-2151 today, if you or someone you know needs assistance applying for a green card.

Congresswoman and USCIS hold naturalization info session

Posted on September 14th, 2011 No Comments

Earlier this month, Congresswoman Jackie Speier and U.S. Citizenship Immigration Services held an information session on naturalization.  The session was targeted at legal permanent residents seeking U.S. citizenship through naturalization.

Congresswoman Speier began the meeting with an explanation of the differences between legal permanent residency and citizenship and the advantages that citizenship provides.  Only citizens of the U.S. are able to vote, work for the U.S. government, run for office, apply for citizenship for family members, use a U.S. passport, and serve on a jury.

USCIS San Francisco Field Office Director Robin Barrett continued the information session with a detailed explanation of the naturalization process.  Barrett explained that the process involves an initial application, passing tests, taking a final oath, and receiving a certificate of citizenship.

To learn more about the naturalization process and to speak with an experienced immigration attorney, contact the Orange County naturalization lawyers of Garg & Associates, P.C. at 949-540-6704 today.

Brazil could be added to Visa Waiver Program

Posted on September 9th, 2011 No Comments

Last year, Brazil ranked 5th in terms of countries with tourists visiting the United States.  An estimated 1.2 million Brazilians traveled to the United States in 2010.  Furthermore, the number of Brazilian tourists coming to the U.S. every year is expected to increase by about 12 percent over the next 3 years.

With protests in Brazil and the U.S. over adding Brazil to the U.S.’s Visa Waiver Program, experts are speculating that Brazil could be the 37th country to be added to the list.  The VWP allows tourists from other countries to visit the U.S. for 90 days or less without a visa.

In addition, if Brazil is added to the list, U.S. tourists would most likely not need visas to visit Brazil due a reciprocity clause.

If you or someone you know is planning on staying in the U.S. for more than 90 days, you will need a visitor visa to do so.  Contact the Orange County visitor visa attorneys of Garg & Associates, P.C. by calling 800-242-2151 today.

E-Verify will lead to other immigration reforms

Posted on August 30th, 2011 No Comments

This week, at a press conference, Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano suggested that E-Verify should be only the beginning of a series of immigration reforms in the U.S.

“If you do just E-Verify, you’re not doing enough … E-Verify by itself doesn’t solve all the problems we have with existing laws,” said Napolitano.

In addition to E-Verify, Napolitano said she believes that the DREAM Act needs to be passed and more H1-B and H2-B visas should be made available to non-citizens.

If you or someone you love needs assistance applying for an H1-B temporary worker visa, contact the Orange County temporary worker visa attorneys of Garg & Associates, P.C. at 800-242-2151 to discuss your situation with an experienced immigration lawyer.

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