This year, the Supreme Court stroked a portion of the 1996 federal Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) defining marriage to be between a man and a woman. Soon after, U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security  Janet Napolitano announced  that the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) would implement the Supreme Court's decision so that all married couples would be treated equally and fairly in the administration of our immigration laws.”

The decision raised many questions for same-sex couples in states like Florida, where marriage is constitutionally defined as between one man and one woman.

Consider a case in which Peter, an American Citizen, marries Jorge, an Argentine national in Argentina, where gay marriage is legal since July 22, 2010, and they reside in Florida.  Would they be able to receive full immigration benefit? Would Jorge be able to get his green card and won’t be separated from Peter, even while leaving in Florida?

It is very likely they will! If you are in a marriage that’s valid under the laws in the jurisdiction in which the marriage took place (in our hypothetical Argentina),  it will likely be recognized as a valid marriage for immigration purposes, regardless of whether it is recognized under the laws of the state in which you reside. This is because the Federal, as opposed to the State, Government has the power to grant immigration benefits.

If you have questions as to whether you could qualify for immigration benefits, call Schonberg & Timerman, P.L. to schedule a consultation at 954-843-3494. 

Currently, communities and families are being affected by the shortcomings of our outdated immigration laws. Our system is out of touch with reality, and our nation’s present needs.  

The Senate immigration bill S.744, presents the best opportunity in decades to effectuate a lasting solution.

While Senators are debating, and the reform moves forward, for many adult married children over age 31 of American Citizens, this period may be a window of opportunity that they should not miss.

In particular, S.744 eliminates the ability of U.S. citizens to petition for their adult married sons and daughters over the age of 31.

Currently, the possibility of obtaining American residency (Green Card) through a family based petition under the F-3 category – married sons and daughters of U.S. Citizens- is in full effect. However, this path presents a visa backlog of almost 11 years.

One of the goals of S.744 is to improve the family-sponsored immigration system by eliminating the current visa backlogs.

Thus, it is conceivable that if S.744 is enacted into law eliminating the ability of U.S. citizens to petition for their adult married sons and daughters over the age of 31 the currently existing category F-3 will be adjudicated faster than the present 11 years.  

It is reasonable to expect that before implementing the changes of S.744 that modifies category F-3, all the pending cases will be adjudicated.

This means, that those sons and daughters of American citizens over age 31 who are married, or have marriage plans in the near future, have a unique opportunity to benefit from their parents immigrant petitions - under the existing F-3 category- before S.744 is enacted into law.

Similarly, those American Residents who have children over age 31, should consider

The possibility of becoming U.S. citizens if they meet all the qualifications, so that they could also take advantage of petitioning their children under the current F-3 category before S.744 is enacted.

Nobody knows for sure if S.744 will be enacted, and what will the law include after it makes its way through Congress. But, for those who have now the ability to petition for their family members, they should not loose the window of opportunity!

To discuss and receive legal counsel regarding your specific immigration situation, please call Schonberg & Timerman, P.L. at 954-843-3494

Actualmente, familias enteras se ven afectadas por el  sistema inmigratorio de los Estados Unidos que consiste en leyes anticuadas y desactualizadas. Leyes que no tienen mucho que ver con la realidad en que vivimos.

La propuesta inmigratoria que se esta debatiendo actualmente en el Senado, S-744, presenta la oportunidad única de las ultimas décadas para encontrar solución permanente a este problema.

Mientras senadores debaten y pasan enmiendas a esta propuesta inmigratoria, para muchos hijos adultos de ciudadanos Americanos, este periodo puede ser una ventana de oportunidad que no deben desaprovechar.

En particular, la propuesta de ley S.744 modifica la categoría actualmente existente (F-3) eliminando la posibilidad para que Ciudadanos Americanos puedan pedir por sus hijos/as casados mayores de 31 años.

Actualmente, la posibilidad de obtener la residencia Americana por medio de un pedido de familia bajo la categoría F-3 , hijos o hijas casados de Ciudadanos Americanos, esta en efecto, pero con una demora de casi 11 años. Una de las intenciones de la propuesta inmigratoria S. 744 es reducir significativamente las demoras que existen actualmente en el sistema inmigratorio por medio de la familia.

Es posible, que si esta propuesta se convierte en ley, y efectivamente elimina los pedidos de residencia de Ciudadanos Americanos  para beneficio de sus hijos o hijas casados y mayores de 31 años, esta categoría (F-3) se adjudique mucho mas rápido que los 11 años que se esta demorando actualmente. Es razonable esperar que antes de implementar los cambios que eliminan completamente la categoría, todos los pedidos pendientes queden adjudicados.

Esto significa, que aquellos hijos de Ciudadanos Americanos que son mayores de 31 años y están casados, o tienen casamiento en sus planes, tienen una oportunidad única para que sus padres hagan un pedido de residencia para beneficiarlos bajo la existente categoría F-3 antes de que la propuesta S.744 se convierta en ley.

De la misma manera, aquellos padres que sean Residentes Americanos y tengan  hijos mayores de 31 años, casados o con planes de casamiento, deben pensar el la posibilidad de convertirse en Ciudadanos si es que cumplen con los requisitos para poder hacer un pedido bajo la categoría F-3 antes de que la propuesta S.744 se convierta en ley.

Nadie sabe como la propuesta de ley S.744 será modificada en su paso por el Senado. Pero, para aquellos que tienen la oportunidad de hacer un pedido actualmente, no deben dormirse en los laureles!

Para evaluar su situación y posibilidades inmigratorias por favor, contáctese con Schonberg & Timerman, P.L. al 954-843-3494. 

On May 21st, the Senate Judiciary Committee approved the new The Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act of 2013 (Bill S. 744), that will grant a path to citizenship to over 11 Million undocumented aliens.

Apart from the significant reduction in visa wait times for both Employment, and Family Based immigrants, a summary of the key provisions of the Bill are as follows:

§ 2101 of the Bill creates the new Registered Provisional Immigrant (RPI) status that will allow the estimated 11 Million undocumented aliens who entered the United States before December 31, 2011, to obtain lawful provisional immigrant status. This section amends the existing Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) §245B. After 10 years in RPI status, formerly undocumented immigrants can apply for green cards. 

§ 2103 provides that participants in the “Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors Act of 2013” (DREAM ACT) program can have their applications for RPI status expedited. In addition, DREAM ACT participants who have received degrees can apply for green cards within 5 years, and citizenship immediately. There is no age cap at time of application. 

§ 2104 provides that aliens subject to removal or voluntary departure orders before the date of the enactment of the new law shall not affect the eligibility of such aliens to apply for a benefit under the Immigration and Nationality Act.

§ 4101 provides for a market based determination of the annual allotment of H-1B visas from a minimum of 110,000 to a maximum of 180,000. In addition, spouses of H-1B visa holders may apply for work authorization.

§ 4404 permits holders of O-1 visas for persons of extraordinary ability in their fields to begin work for a new employer upon the filing of an I-129 petition by the new employer, instead of waiting until the O-1 petition filed by the new employer is approved.

§ 4504 amends INA Section 101(a)(15) to create a new Retiree Visa for persons who have purchased with case a home in the United States for at least $500,000.

§ 4701 of the Bill creates the new W visa for individuals seeking work in the service sector, hospitality, construction, and other industries. W workers will have the right to change jobs and apply for green cards. Their families can come with them to the U.S and work. 20,000 in the first year, and up to 75,000 in the fourth year.

If you have question about how the Act could affect your immigration status, please call us at 954-843-3494.
When you call Schonberg & Timerman P.L. for a consultation, you will be able to speak personally and directly with Ms. Schonberg and/or Ms. Timerman who will guide you through the complex U.S. immigration system, and ensure you understand your rights and responsibilities under the law.