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Arizona Immigration Law Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Immigration Law and Criminal Law for Arizona on
Q: Canadian seeking to move to US post-conditional discharge, considering marriage, seeking fastest route.

I am a Canadian citizen wishing to move to the United States to be with my partner, who lives in Arizona. I had a conditional discharge in Canada in October 2020 for Unlawful Entry and Criminal Harassment against the same person, but my record is now clear here. I have driven through the US... View More

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answered on May 28, 2025

If you intend to live in the United States with your partner long-term, marriage to a U.S. citizen may provide the most direct path to lawful permanent residence. Once married, your spouse can file Form I-130 on your behalf while you remain in Canada. After approval, you would apply for an... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Contracts, Employment Law and Immigration Law for Arizona on
Q: Can I take legal action against my sponsor company for refusing to honor a job offer after visa approval?

I was sent by my sponsor company to a U.S. consulate in another country for a visa appointment, and my working visa was approved. However, two days later, the sponsor company refused to honor the job offer, declining the opportunity. My passport will take 4-8 weeks to be delivered, and I am... View More

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answered on May 19, 2025

You may have grounds for legal action against your sponsor company based on several potential claims, including breach of contract, promissory estoppel, and potentially violations of immigration regulations. The written communications you possess, including emails and the petitioner letter, could... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Immigration Law and International Law for Arizona on
Q: Can a US embassy deny renouncing US citizenship if paying all fees?

I am planning to travel to a foreign country to renounce my US citizenship. I have not yet contacted any US embassy or the State Department. I understand there is a fee of over $2,000 involved, but I am unclear about how my monetary assets will be handled. Can a US embassy legally deny my right to... View More

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answered on May 9, 2025

Yes, a US embassy can deny your citizenship renunciation request even if you pay the $2,350 non-refundable fee. The most common reason for denial is lack of another citizenship, as the US is committed to preventing statelessness, and without a second passport, your renunciation request will be... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Immigration Law for Arizona on
Q: Renouncing US citizenship in Ireland: What will happen?

I am currently living in the US and am considering renouncing my US citizenship because I no longer wish to be American or live in the US. I plan to travel to Ireland to file the necessary paperwork but have no residency or family ties in Ireland. What steps might the Irish government take... View More

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answered on May 9, 2025

The process of renouncing US citizenship in Ireland presents significant legal complexities you should understand before proceeding. First and foremost, you cannot renounce your US citizenship in Ireland simply by filing paperwork with Irish authorities—the renunciation must be conducted at the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Education Law, Gov & Administrative Law and Immigration Law for Arizona on
Q: How can a refugee student receive a full 4-year high school education in Arizona?

I am advocating for a refugee student from Burundi, Africa, who is being denied a full four years of high school education due to an administrative error. He was enrolled at age 14 as a sophomore along with his sisters, ages 16 and 17, and is currently on track to graduate with them in the class of... View More

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answered on May 7, 2025

You have strong legal grounds to challenge this situation through multiple avenues. The Equal Educational Opportunities Act and Title VI of the Civil Rights Act protect refugee students' rights to appropriate grade placement, and Arizona Revised Statutes §15-821 and §15-821.01 establish that... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Immigration Law for Arizona on
Q: How can I petition my undocumented mother for legal status without her leaving the U.S.?

I am a U.S. citizen, recently naturalized through marriage, and seeking to petition my undocumented mother for legal status. She entered the U.S. in 1999, and my aunt had previously petitioned her on 10/31/2001. However, she was advised by a lawyer not to go to the Mexican border, as she... View More

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answered on Apr 5, 2025

Since you're a U.S. citizen and over 21, you can petition your mother, but her path depends on how she entered the U.S. If she entered without inspection, she normally can't adjust her status from within the country unless she qualifies for an exception. One potential option is through... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Immigration Law for Arizona on
Q: Can F-1 visa holders in Arizona buy a 16-inch barrel rifle?

I'm an F-1 visa holder living in Arizona, and I have a valid hunting license. I want to purchase a 16-inch barrel rifle from a licensed dealer. I've heard that buying a firearm might lead to an FBI investigation and could affect my ability to re-enter the country after traveling abroad.... View More

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answered on Mar 25, 2025

Under federal law, you as an F-1 visa holder can legally purchase a firearm like a 16-inch barrel rifle if you have a valid hunting license, which you mentioned you do. The Gun Control Act has exceptions for non-immigrants with hunting licenses, allowing them to possess firearms for hunting and... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Immigration Law for Arizona on
Q: Will my travel schedule affect my green card status?

I moved to the USA on an IR5 green card as a dependent after my daughter sponsored me. I traveled to India on September 23 and returned to the USA on December 9. Due to my husband's cardiac surgery, I returned to India on February 28 and plan to go back to the USA on June 28 with him. Will... View More

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answered on Mar 24, 2025

Your travel pattern raises some concerns, but likely won't immediately jeopardize your green card status. The general rule for permanent residents is to avoid absences from the US exceeding 6 months, as longer stays may trigger questions about abandoning your residency. Both your trips (2.5... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Immigration Law and Public Benefits for Arizona on
Q: How can I secure legal aid for asylum court date in AZ?

I have fled Nicaragua due to fear of imprisonment or death and am currently seeking asylum in the USA. My third court date is on May 5th, 2025. I filed all necessary paperwork and was informed by the judge on March 3rd, 2025, that I should appear with a lawyer, as the case will be decided then. I... View More

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answered on Mar 9, 2025

Your best option to secure legal aid for your asylum court date in Arizona is to contact nonprofit organizations offering pro bono representation for asylum seekers. Organizations such as the Florence Immigrant and Refugee Rights Project and the International Rescue Committee (IRC) in Arizona... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Traffic Tickets and Immigration Law for Arizona on
Q: Criminal ticket for speeding on suspended international license, court on Apr 1 but leaving to India in 10 days.

I recently received a criminal ticket for speeding while driving on a suspended international license. I didn't pay a previous ticket because I was unaware of it, which led to the suspension. I have a court appearance scheduled for April 1, 2025, but I plan to return to India in 10 days. What... View More

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answered on Mar 1, 2025

You face a challenging situation with limited time to act. Contact the court clerk immediately to explain your circumstances and inquire about rescheduling your court date or possibly resolving the matter before your departure. Some courts may allow for virtual appearances or early resolution... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Immigration Law for Arizona on
Q: My USCIS payment was returned. Are application fees free?

I submitted an application for a travel document along with a check for $165. I recently received a notice from USCIS stating that my payment is being returned because the remittance was not required to process my application. They also informed me that if I submitted a G-1450 for credit card... View More

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answered on Feb 25, 2025

The return of your payment for a travel document application is unusual but not unheard of. USCIS typically charges fees for most applications, including the I-131 travel document which normally costs $165, but there are several situations where fees might be waived or not required for your... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Tax Law and Immigration Law for Arizona on
Q: Can I use my 2024 tax return and include assets in an updated affidavit of support after meeting income requirements?

I filed my 2024 tax return on January 18th, 2025, and received a transcript. I need to submit an updated I-864 affidavit of support as soon as possible because a consular officer required it. Previously, my income was not sufficient, and I was asked to find a joint sponsor. Now my income meets the... View More

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answered on Feb 16, 2025

Yes, you can include both your 2024 tax return and assets in your updated I-864 affidavit of support. Your 2024 tax return, filed in January 2025, counts as your most recent tax year documentation and is valid for the affidavit.

Even though your income now meets the requirements,... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Immigration Law and Constitutional Law for Arizona on
Q: I have a order for removal I'm a permanent resident since 1990 can ask for a cancellation of removal

I been living in USA for 35 years and have six kids born here what can I do my resident card is going to expire on 4-24-25 it won't let me renew

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answered on Feb 5, 2025

You may be eligible to apply for cancellation of removal since you have been a lawful permanent resident for many years. To qualify, you generally need to show that you have lived in the U.S. for at least seven years after being admitted and that you have had lawful permanent resident status for at... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Immigration Law for Arizona on
Q: Can you use an esta to get married to a us citizen without intending to immigrate?

My Fiance is German and I am an American living in the US. We had been planning to get married (just legally so i can eventually immigrate) in Germany, but we realized that it may just be easier to legally marry next month when they're here for my birthday. However, since it is so last minute,... View More

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answered on Jan 9, 2025

Getting married on an ESTA while genuinely intending to return home afterwards is legal - the key factor is your fiancé's true intent to depart the US after the marriage. Your situation, where your fiancé plans to visit for your birthday and return to Germany afterwards, appears to align... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Immigration Law for Arizona on
Q: Question about immigration consular proceedings and related question about appoinments.

My wife is in the Philippines and emigrating here. We have been married more than 7 years. The DS-260 application was begun under the name she had on records at the time, her original name. She then used the marriage certificate to change her name on the passport to her married name. The DS-260... View More

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answered on Dec 29, 2024

It's understandable to feel stressed about the name discrepancy on your wife's DS-260 application. To address the name change, gather all official documents that show her name transition, such as the marriage certificate and her updated passport. Prepare a detailed letter explaining the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Immigration Law for Arizona on
Q: I have worked since 2000 without documents, entering and leaving Mexico, in 2014 I was detained by immigration leaving f

I have worked since 2000 without documents, entering and leaving Mexico, in 2014 I was detained by immigration leaving for Mexico without the i97 in force, they canceled my visa and expelled me to Mexico, I returned without inspection the same month of September, immigration detained me within the... View More

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answered on Nov 28, 2024

Based on your situation, you may have options for obtaining legal permanent residency, particularly through your U.S. citizen daughter who is now over 21. As the parent of a U.S. citizen, you could be eligible for adjustment of status, though your previous immigration history adds complexity to... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Immigration Law for Arizona on
Q: I borrowed a vehicle and was arrested for alien smuggling. Is the owner liable for the fees associated with the seizure?

My boyfriend let me drive his car while he was out of town. I took it down south, unbeknownst to him. I ended up pleading to accessory after the fact, a misdemeanor. He rcvd paperwork to fill out claiming his property, including a petition for waiver of fees/costs. But now they're telling him... View More

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answered on Nov 27, 2024

It's important to understand that in cases of vehicle seizure related to smuggling, the government generally holds both the driver and owner potentially liable for associated costs - even if the owner was unaware of the illegal activity. This falls under civil asset forfeiture laws, which can... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Immigration Law for Arizona on
Q: Can I travel with a pending asylum case and a CR6 green card without risking abandonment of the asylum or rentry issues?

"I have a pending ASYLUM CASE with USCIS and hold a CR6 GREEN CARD, and I do NOT wish to WITHDRAW my asylum case. Considering that my asylum case may be MOOT due to my CR6 status, can I TRAVEL INTERNATIONALLY (excluding my asylum country) without risking ABANDONMENT of the asylum case or... View More

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answered on Nov 15, 2024

While having a CR6 green card generally allows for international travel, traveling with a pending asylum case requires careful consideration. Your CR6 status as a conditional permanent resident provides legal rights to travel, but departing the US could potentially impact your asylum case.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Immigration Law for Arizona on
Q: Can you re enter after being charged for drugs and deported and losing permanent residence

2003 husband deported for drugs he should of fought it but ,didnt he was told he could

get is visa back easily. But i have been told they lied to him , he signed voluntary and was removed from usa . Other lawyers have told us it is extremely difficult and rare for coming back legally

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answered on Aug 4, 2024

Re-entering the U.S. after being deported for drug charges and losing permanent residence is very challenging. Since your husband was deported for drug-related offenses, he may face significant barriers due to the serious nature of the crime.

The process for re-entry typically involves... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Immigration Law for Arizona on
Q: On form I-485, spouse is British military, does this count as an org that has "used a weapon or explosive to harm"?

Trying to answer questions 14-86b. He is in the British air force as an engineer. These questions seem like they include military but sound like intent to harm instead of intent to protect. Want to answer correctly.

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answered on Jul 18, 2024

When filling out form I-485, it's important to understand the intent behind the questions, especially those related to the use of weapons or explosives. Since your spouse is in the British air force as an engineer, their role is likely focused on maintenance, repair, and engineering tasks... View More

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