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Why Hiring an Experienced Marriage Immigration Lawyer is Critical for Your Marriage-Based Immigration Case

September 26, 2024

Why Hiring an Experienced Marriage Immigration Lawyer is Critical for Your Marriage-Based Immigration Case

Navigating the U.S. immigration system, especially for marriage-based cases, can be daunting. From gathering the right documentation to complying with complex legal procedures, there’s a lot at stake. Mistakes or misunderstandings can lead to delays, rejections, or worse, deportation. This is why hiring an experienced immigration lawyer, such as Alena Shautsova, to handle your marriage-based immigration case is a smart and effective choice.

Alena Shautsova is a seasoned immigration attorney based in Brooklyn, NY, who has a track record of helping couples through the complexities of U.S. immigration law. With her deep expertise and client-centered approach, Shautsova offers critical advantages that make the process smoother, more efficient, and far less stressful. Here are the benefits of hiring her for your marriage-based immigration case:

1. Navigating Complex Immigration Laws

Immigration law in the U.S. is notoriously complex, with constantly evolving rules and regulations. Marriage-based immigration is no exception. Whether you’re applying for a green card or trying to adjust your immigration status, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the legal jargon, forms, and procedures involved.

An experienced immigration lawyer like Alena Shautsova has spent years mastering the nuances of immigration law. Her knowledge enables her to guide you through every step of the process, ensuring that no mistakes are made and that all requirements are met. This minimizes the risk of delays and rejections due to technical errors.

2. Maximizing the Chances of Success

One of the most significant benefits of hiring a skilled immigration lawyer like Alena Shautsova is that it dramatically increases the likelihood of a successful outcome. Marriage-based immigration cases can be subject to extensive scrutiny by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Even small errors or inconsistencies in your application can lead to denials or prolonged delays.

With Shautsova by your side, you can be confident that your case will be presented in the best possible light. She will thoroughly review all your documents, prepare you for interviews, and address any concerns or complications that may arise. This meticulous approach ensures that you meet all the legal requirements and reduces the chances of your application being denied.

3. Tailored Legal Strategy

Every marriage-based immigration case is unique. Some couples may face complications, such as prior immigration violations, criminal records, or significant age differences, which could raise red flags during the process. Alena Shautsova understands that each case requires a customized approach.

By assessing your situation, she can develop a tailored legal strategy that maximizes your chances of approval. This could involve gathering additional evidence to prove the legitimacy of your marriage, addressing any potential issues upfront, or providing legal solutions for complex situations. Shautsova’s personalized approach ensures that your case is handled with the attention it deserves.

4. Avoiding Common Pitfalls

Many couples make the mistake of thinking they can handle the marriage-based immigration process on their own. However, even small errors in filling out forms, missing deadlines, or providing incomplete information can result in significant setbacks. Immigration officials are known for their strict adherence to procedures, and they are unlikely to be lenient if you make a mistake.

Alena Shautsova’s expertise helps you avoid these common pitfalls. She ensures that all paperwork is filled out correctly, deadlines are met, and every piece of evidence is properly submitted. With her guidance, you can be confident that your case is on solid ground from the very beginning.

5. Efficient Handling of the Process

Time is often of the essence in immigration cases. Whether you’re trying to reunite with your spouse in the U.S. or secure a green card, delays can be frustrating and emotionally taxing. Unfortunately, the immigration process is notorious for its lengthy wait times, and any mistake can prolong the process even further.

By hiring Alena Shautsova, you can speed up the process by ensuring that everything is done correctly the first time. Her experience with USCIS procedures and timelines allows her to anticipate potential delays and navigate them efficiently. She also keeps you informed throughout the process, so you’re never left wondering about the status of your case.

6. Representation During Interviews and Hearings

The marriage-based immigration process often involves interviews with immigration officers to determine the legitimacy of the marriage. These interviews can be nerve-wracking, especially if you’re unsure of what to expect or how to answer certain questions.

Having Alena Shautsova represent you during these critical moments can make a significant difference. She will help you prepare for the interview, ensuring that you’re ready to answer questions confidently and truthfully. If any issues arise during the interview, she will be there to address them professionally, advocating on your behalf.

In some cases, marriage-based immigration cases may require hearings before an immigration judge, especially if complications arise or if the case is denied. In these situations, having an experienced attorney like Shautsova is essential. Her courtroom experience and deep knowledge of immigration law ensure that your rights are protected and that you have the best possible chance of a favorable outcome.

7. Handling Complicated Cases

Some marriage-based immigration cases are more straightforward than others. However, if you or your spouse have prior immigration violations, criminal records, or face other complicating factors, your case becomes much more complex.

Alena Shautsova specializes in handling complicated immigration cases. She can navigate issues like prior deportations, visa overstays, or complex criminal backgrounds that might otherwise derail an immigration application. With her expertise, she can find solutions and workarounds to even the most challenging issues, ensuring that your case moves forward despite obstacles.

8. Peace of Mind

Perhaps the most valuable benefit of hiring an experienced immigration lawyer like Alena Shautsova is the peace of mind that comes with knowing your case is in capable hands. Immigration processes can be stressful, time-consuming, and emotionally draining. By entrusting your case to a knowledgeable professional, you can focus on your life and relationship without constantly worrying about the details of your immigration status.

Shautsova takes the burden off your shoulders, handling the complexities of the legal process while keeping you informed every step of the way. Her compassionate, client-focused approach ensures that you feel supported throughout the entire process.

Conclusion

The marriage-based immigration process is fraught with legal complexities, strict requirements, and potential pitfalls. By hiring an experienced immigration lawyer like Alena Shautsova, you can significantly improve your chances of success. From navigating complex laws to preparing for interviews, avoiding common pitfalls, and representing you in court if necessary, Shautsova provides invaluable expertise that simplifies the process and reduces stress. If you’re looking to secure your future with your spouse in the U.S., Alena Shautsova is the advocate you need to guide you through the process with confidence. Call us 917 885 2261 or visit www.shautsova.com

How To Expedite Travel Documents

October 2, 2023

Author: New York Russian Speaking Immigration lawyer Alena Shautsova

If you are not a US citizen yet, you most likely have certain anxiety attached to possible international travel: you may be worried about being allowed to enter the US upon return, or if you can even qualify for travel documents, or if you will be able to return to the US after a prolonged stay abroad.

These are all common questions asked by both green card holders and those for whom the laws of the US allow to apply for a travel permit while they are in the process of receiving a status. For example, people granted asylum or a refugee status in the US can travel abroad only using an asylee/refugee travel document; persons in TPS status, adjustment of status pending, T status, or DACA may request advance parole which will allow them to return upon temporary travel abroad; persons with green cards who may stay abroad for longer than 6 months would want to file for a re-entry permit to avoid issues at the border.

 Almost all travel documents such as advance parole, re-entry permit, and refugee/asylee travel documents are filed for using form I 131 found at www.usics.gov. It is the same form that is used by different applicants for different purposes. The filing fee for the form will depend on the purpose or the type of travel authorization one is requesting. For example, today, for an advance parole one will have to pay $575, for a refugee travel document most applicants will pay $220, and for a re-entry permit: $660.

Typically, form I 131 is filed with USCIS by mail, and processing times vary upon the type of the document requested, and vary from 3.5 months to 6-9 months. But what if your need to travel is quite urgent and you cannot wait for such a long time? Then, depending on the type of document you request and the circumstances, you may request that USCIS expedite the issuance of travel documents.

There are two ways one can go about it. If your application with USCIS  had been filed already, and the travel needs from less urgent turned into very urgent, you can submit and expedite the request with USCIS asking to process the already filed application. Your request will have to comply with the expedited guidelines that can be found here: https://www.uscis.gov/forms/filing-guidance/how-to-make-an-expedite-request.

You will have to demonstrate that failure to process the document fast will result in:

·       Severe financial loss to a company or person, provided that the need for urgent action is not the result of the petitioner’s or applicant’s failure to:

o   Timely file the benefit request, or

o   Timely respond to any requests for additional evidence;

  • Emergencies and urgent humanitarian reasons;
  • Nonprofit organization (as designated by the Internal Revenue Service) whose request is in furtherance of the cultural or social interests of the United States;
  • U.S. government interests (such cases identified as urgent by federal agencies such as the U.S. Department of Defense, U.S. Department of Labor, National Labor Relations Board, Equal Opportunity Commission, U.S. Department of Justice, U.S. Department of State, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, or other public safety or national security interests); or
  • Clear USCIS error.

If USCIS agrees with you, your document will be issued pretty quickly, but still, it will take about 30 days to get processed!

But, there is a different way as well. What if the need to travel appeared within the past 48 hours due to some sort of emergency? Then (and it is true, especially for advance paroles), you may request that your travel document be issued to you in person at a local USCIS field office. For that, you first have to request an appointment at a local USCIS field office either by calling USCIS customer service number or using the online scheduling tool: https://my.uscis.gov/en/appointment/v2. If your request for the appointment is confirmed, you will have to appear at the local USCIS office with your filing fee, filled out form I 131, proof of emergency, a copy of your ID, passport, and 2 passport-style photos, as well as proof of your eligibility to seek advance parole (a copy of receipt for pending I 485 form, affirmative asylum, or having a DACA or TPS status for example). A local USCIS officer will decide if your request warrants merit, and if agrees with you, you will receive advance parole on that very day. 

USCIS Processing Times, Immigration Court Updates and More!

January 18, 2022

NYC Immigration Lawyer Alena Shautsova shares the most recent updates regarding USCIS real processing times for I 765, I 485, N 400 and I 601A; discusses the most recent Immigration news and practices.

Judge’s Ruling Undermines Biden’s Reform Efforts, A Great Decision from a Judge in Nevada, and More Recent Immigration News

August 20, 2021

Author: NYC Immigration lawyer Alena Shautsova

Judge’s Ruling Undermines Biden’s Reform Efforts, A Great Decision from a Judge in Nevada, and More Recent Immigration News

A decision from Texas Judge stops Biden’s recent ICE enforcement priorities from reverting back to the Trump era practices: ICE is ordered to not follow Biden administration’s Memoranda regarding enforcement and report its compliance to Court.

Good news for adjustment of status applicants: green card medical exams will be valid longer!

More Immigration news here:

US Immigration News Updates

August 4, 2021

Alena Shautsova, New York Immigration lawyer shares the most recent Immigration news.

Recent Immigration news: DACA’s new applications hold, COVID entry restrictions, essential workers reform plans and progress, and more.

Biden Administration Reveals Immigration Blueprint

July 29, 2021

Biden Administration Reveals Immigration Blueprint

Author: NYC Immigration Lawyer Alena Shautsova

On July 27, 2021 Biden Administration published Immigration Blueprint or a comprehensive plan that includes steps to reform the United States Immigration System. The plan addresses the most troublesome areas of the US Immigration including border security and asylum, Immigration court and access to representation in immigration proceedings, visa backlog, and more. The published Blueprint can be accessed at www.whitehouse.gov.

In this video I share my thoughts on the Blueprint, and provide more explanations on the issue:

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Immigration News: DACA Is Ordered Illegal By a Federal Judge

July 23, 2021

Author: NYC Immigration Lawyer Alena Shautsova

DACA or Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals has helped hundreds of thousands of kids who were brought to the United States to be protected from deportation and receive at least a work permit. It was first announced by President Obama in 2012, and ever since has been a target of political wars between pro and against immigrant forces. DACA was able to withstand various attacks until recently when a Texas federal judge ordered the program to be illegal. Judge Hanen stated that President Obama did exceed his authority to protect kids from deportation, and ordered that the Department of Homeland Security stops approving new DACA applications… Judge Hanen’s decision left many in frustration and dismay: thousands of kids and now young adults lost all hopes for “legalization.” With their future in the US uncertain, all hopes turned to the Senate. The vote in the Senate may help to pass American Dream and Promise Act which provided status to those who are DACA eligible and other young adults… See our proposed reform summaries here: https://www.russianspeakinglawyerny.com/immigration-reform-updates-when-will-it-happen/.

For now, all those who are currently holding DACA status remain eligible for renewals, including employment authorizations and advance paroles, but no new applications can be approved. However, those filing for the first time may file their applications with USCIS, but the applications will not be approved until Judge Hanon’s decision is changed or appealed.

Watch our video and explanation on the most recent DACA news:

Breaking Immigration News: Administrative Closure Is Back!

July 16, 2021

Author: New York Immigration Lawyer Alena Shautsova

Today, July 15, 2021, the Biden Administration overturned Trump’s Attorney General’s decision in Matter of Castro‑Tum, 27 I&N Dec. 271 (A.G. 2018) and returned administrative closure to the US Immigration courts.

The significance of the decision cannot be overstated: for years since Castro-Tum, immigration Judges were deprived of the ability to control their dockets and postpone cases where respondents were waiting for interim reliefs.

Administrative closure will allow resolving the US Immigration court backlog, and will be helpful to those who either cannot have relief from removal, or have to wait for USCIS to adjudicate underlying petitions.

Watch more:

BREAKING NEWS

Immigration News: USCIS Waives Interviews, Biden Holds Naturalization Event, Immigration Court Trends

July 6, 2021

Immigration News: USCIS Waives Interviews, Biden Holds Naturalization Event, Immigration Court Trends

Author: New York Immigration Lawyer Alena Shautsova

With the new administration in the Oval Office, the Immigration system and USCIS started to change rapidly. To date, USCIS changed its policies including honoring prior decisions, granting U visa applicants work permits, extending work permits for adjustment of status applicants, and more. In one recent trend, USCIS also started to waive interviews for certain adjustments of status applicants. USCIS waives interviews for employment-based, SIJ based adjustments, as well as VAWA based adjustments, and I 730 beneficiaries.

USCIS focus on Naturalization:

In addition, USCIS announced that it would continue to focus on promoting naturalization and citizenship. In fact, President Biden hosted a naturalization event during which 21immigrants became new US citizens: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CUertGpv7rw

Reopening of Immigration courts:

Immigration courts are set to open next week, and you need to be prepared. Learn more on our Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBSrIQswMdYh_T1qToEZRrQ!