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12 Sep 2019

I am working based on my H-4 EAD and was recently laid off. Will I be considered a public charge if I apply for unemployment benefits?

Answer Unemployment insurance payments (commonly referred to as "unemployment benefits") are not generally taken into consideration for purposes of making a public charge determination. As the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) explained when it released the final rule revising the definition of "public charge," unemployment...

12:37 / FAQs / For Families / For Individuals / Government / Homeland Security / Resident / USCIS News / Worker
29 Aug 2019

My son and I became green card holders nearly 5 years ago. I am about to apply for U.S. citizenship. Do I need to file a separate application for my son?

Answer Generally speaking, children under 18 automatically acquire U.S. citizenship if three requirements are met: (1) The child must have U.S. lawful permanent resident status (“green card” holder); (2) at least one parent must be a U.S. citizen by birth or naturalization; and (3) the child...

11:39 / Citizen / FAQs / For Individuals / Immigrant Family / Resident
21 Aug 2019

Public Charge Ground of Inadmissibility Greatly Expanded

On August 14, 2019, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published the final rule, Inadmissibility on Public Charge Grounds, that greatly expands the categories of public benefits considered in the determination of whether a foreign national may be deemed a public charge (i.e., a...

16:47 / Consulates / Employment Based / Family Based / For Families / For Individuals / Homeland Security / Immigrant Family / InfoArticle / NewsBrief / Nonimmigrant Family / Resident / Student / USCIS News / Visitor / Worker
21 Aug 2019

I am currently in F-2 status, and am applying for a change to F-1 status. If the change-of-status application is denied, will my F-2 status be revoked?

Answer Ordinarily, if an application to change status is denied, this would not impact one's existing F-2 status. (21.Aug.2019)In frequent sessions of our Chat, Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide guidance that clarifies the law in real time. For details on chat participation, click here.Access...

13:38 / FAQs / For Families / For Individuals / Nonimmigrant Family / Student
19 Aug 2019

Nonimmigrant Visa Waivers – Process and Criteria

Foreign nationals may be deemed ineligible for admission (i.e. "inadmissible") to the United States for a variety of reasons. Common grounds of inadmissibility include the following: medical grounds, criminal grounds, and immigration violations (including fraud or material misrepresentation in connection with an immigration benefit). In...

15:18 / Consulates / For Families / For Individuals / Homeland Security / InfoArticle / NewsBrief / Nonimmigrant Family / Student / Visitor / Worker