Contents

Figures xxxiii n Tables xxxv n Preface xxxvii

1 Historical Background and Introductionto the U.S. Immigration System 1

A. INTRODUCTION TO THE STUDY OF IMMIGRATION LAW 2

A.1. Key Definitions 2

B. A BRIEF HISTORY OF IMMIGRATION LAW AND POLICY 4

B.1. 1776 to 1875: Migration from a Policy of Open Borders 5

B.2. 1875 to 1902: Restrictions Begin Through Federal Controlof Immigration 6

B.3. 1903 to 1952: Quotas and Restrictionism 7

B.4. 1952 to 1986: The Cold War and Elimination of Quotas 8

B.5. 1986 to 1996: Enforcement and Legalization 9

B.6. 1996 to 2001: Increased Enforcement and Economic Limitations 11

B.7. 2001 to Present: September 11, 2001, and Its Aftermath 12

C. THE IMMIGRATION SYSTEM TODAY 13

D. SOURCES OF IMMIGRATION LAW 16

D.1. Immigration and the U.S. Constitution 16

Case for Discussion 1.1 17

D.2. Primary Sources 17

D.2.a. Statutes 17

D.2.b. Regulations 18

D.2.c. Case Law 18

D.3. Secondary Sources 18

D.3.a. Websites 19

Case for Discussion 1.2 19

D.3.b. Other Agency Guidance 19

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D.3.c. International Law 20

D.3.d. Treatises and Casebooks 20

E. UNDERSTANDING BASIC IMMIGRATION DOCUMENTSAND FORMS 20

E.1. A Nonimmigrant Visa 20

E.2. I-94 Arrival/Departure Record Card 20

E.3. An Immigrant Visa 24

E.4. A Resident Alien Card 25

E.5. Employment Authorization Card 27

E.6. Other Immigration Forms and Correspondence 27

E.7. Representation Forms: G-28 30

E.8. Receipts 30

E.9. Request for Evidence 36

E.10. Notice of Action 36

F. DETERMINING IMMIGRATION STATUS 36

Case for Discussion 1.3 41

G. CONCLUSION 41

2 Nonimmigrant Visas for Brief Stays,Studies, and Cultural Exchange 43

A. DIFFERENCES BETWEEN NONIMMIGRANT ANDIMMIGRANT VISAS 45

B. THE VISA APPLICATION PROCESS 48

Case for Discussion 2.1 49

B.1. Nonimmigrant Waivers 50

C. OBTAINING A NONIMMIGRANT VISA STAMP 51

D. CHANGING OR EXTENDING NONIMMIGRANT STATUS 54

Case for Discussion 2.2 57

D.1. The Application Process 57

E. NONIMMIGRANT VISAS THAT DO NOT AUTOMATICALLYGRANT EMPLOYMENT AUTHORIZATION 60

E.1. Sources of Law 60

E.2. Temporary Visitors to The United States for Business (B-1)and Pleasure (B-2): INA § 101(a)(15)(B); 8 C.F.R. § 214.2(b);9 FAM 402.2 61

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Case for Discussion 2.3 63

E.2.a. Requirements for Entry 64

E.2.b. Reasons for Seeking B-1 Classification 66

Case for Discussion 2.4 69

E.2.c. Compiling the B1/B2 Nonimmigrant Visa Application 69

E.2.d. Related Visa Classification, Transit (C-1) and Crew (D)Visas: INA § 101(a)(15)(C); 8 C.F.R. § 214.2(c);9 FAM 402.4-6; INA § 101(a)(15)(D);8 C.F.R. § 214.2(d); FAM 402.8-3 70

E.3. Visas for Study (F-1 and M-1): INA § 101(a)(15)(F);8 C.F.R. § 214.2(f); INA § 101(a)(15)(M); 8 C.F.R. § 214.2(m);9 FAM 402.5 70

E.3.a. Application Procedure and Requirements 71

E.3.b. Compiling the F-1 or M-1 Nonimmigrant VisaApplication 75

E.3.c. Duration 75

E.3.d. Employment Eligibility 76

Case for Discussion 2.5 79

E.3.e. Spouses and Dependent Children 79

E.3.f. Travel Considerations for Those in F-1 Status 79

E.3.g. Reinstatement of Status 80

E.4. Visas for Exchange Visitors (J-1): INA § 101(a)(15)(J); INA§ 212(e); 8 C.F.R. § 214.2(j); 22 C.F.R. § 62; 9 FAM 402.5 81

E.4.a. Cultural Exchange Visitor Requirements for SpecificJ-1 Programs 83

Case for Discussion 2.6 85

E.4.b. Two-Year Residence Requirement 85

Case for Discussion 2.7 88

E.4.c. Spouses and Minor Children 89

E.5. Visas for Related Cultural Exchange Visa (Q): INA§ 101(a)(15)(Q); 8 C.F.R. § 214.2(q); 9 FAM 402.15 89

E.6. Visas for Special Education Exchange Visitors and Trainees (H-3):INA § 101(a)(15)(H); 8 C.F.R. § 214.2(h)(7); 9 FAM 402.10-4(F) 90

F. VISA SUMMARY CHART 91

G. CONCLUSION 92

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3Nonimmigrant Visas for IntracompanyTransferees, Trade and Investment,and Professional Employment 93

A. VISAS BASED ON QUALIFYING TREATIES OF COMMERCEAND NAVIGATION FOR TREATY TRADERS (E-1) ANDTREATY INVESTORS (E-2): 8 INA § 101(a)(15)(E); 8 C.F.R.§ 214.2(e); 9 FAM 402.9 95

A.1. Sources of Law 95

A.2. Specific E Visa Requirements 97

A.2.a. Shared Requirements for Both E-1 and E-2 VisaClassification 97

A.2.b. Requirements for E-1 Treaty Trader 98

Case for Discussion 3.1 100

A.2.c. Requirements for E-2 Treaty Investor 100

A.3. Using the E Visa for Principal Investors, Executive Employees,Supervisory Employees, and Essential Skills Employees 102

Case for Discussion 3.2 104

A.4. Compiling the E Nonimmigrant Visa Application 104

A.5. Duration of Stay 106

A.6. Spouses and Children 106

B. VISAS FOR INTRACOMPANY TRANSFEREES OFMULTINATIONAL CORPORATIONS, MANAGERS ANDEXECUTIVES (L-1A) AND SPECIALIZED KNOWLEDGE(L-1B): INA § 101(a)(15)(L); 8 C.F.R. § 214.2(l); 9 FAM 402.12 107

B.1. Sources of Law 107

B.2. Specific Requirements 108

B.2.a. Qualifying Organization 108

B.2.b. Qualifying Employment 110

Case for Discussion 3.3 113

Case for Discussion 3.4 115

B.3. Duration of Stay for L Visa Holders 115

B.4. New Office L Classification 117

B.5. Blanket L Status 117

B.6. Compiling the L Nonimmigrant Visa Application 118

B.7. Spouses and Children 120

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C. PROFESSIONAL SPECIALTY OCCUPATIONS(H-1B) AND SPECIALTY WORKERS FROM SINGAPOREAND CHILE (H-1B1): INA § 101(a)(15)(H); 8 C.F.R. § 214.2(h);20 C.F.R. § 655; 9 FAM 402.10-4; INA § 101(a)(15)(H)(I)(B1);9 FAM 402.10-5 120

C.1. H-1B: Introduction and Sources of Law 120

C.2. H-1B Requirements 122

C.2.a. Qualifying Employer for H-1B Classification Purposes 122

C.2.b. Qualifying Position 123

C.2.c. Beneficiary’s Qualifications for H-1B Classification 123

Case for Discussion 3.5 125

C.2.d. The Department of Labor’s Labor Condition ApplicationRequirement 125

Case for Discussion 3.6 126

C.2.e. Actual and Prevailing Wage Rate 127

Case for Discussion 3.7 128

C.2.f. Similar Working Conditions 128

C.3. Numerical Limitation: The H-1B Cap 129

C.4. Duration of Stay 130

C.5. Changes in Employment, Job Flexibility, and Transition fromStudent to Professional Worker 130

C.6. Compiling the H-1B Nonimmigrant Visa Application 131

C.7. Termination of Status 132

C.8. Spouses and Children 133

Case for Discussion 3.8 133

C.9. Specialty Workers from Singapore and Chile (H-1B1) 133

D. CERTAIN SPECIALITY OCCUPATION PROFESSIONALSFROM AUSTRALIA (E-3): INA § 101(a)(15)(E)(III); 9 FAM402.9-8 134

E. TN NAFTA PROFESSIONALS (TN): INA § 214(e); 8 C.F.R.§ 214.6; 9 FAM 402.17 135

E.1. Requirements for TN Classification 135

E.2. Application Procedure and Duration 136

Case for Discussion 3.9 137

F. VISA SUMMARY CHART 137

G. CONCLUSION 138

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4Nonimmigrant Visas for ExtraordinaryAbility, Religious Workers,and Ancillary Activities 139

A. VISAS FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH EXTRAORDINARYABILITY IN THE SCIENCES, EDUCATION, BUSINESS, ORATHLETICS (O-1A) AND ARTS, MOTION PICTURE, ORTELEVISION INDUSTRY (O-1B): INA § 101(a)(15)(O);8 C.F.R. § 214.2(o) 140

A.1. Specific O Nonimmigrant Visa Requirements 141

A.1.a. Shared Requirements for Both O-1A and O-1BNonimmigrant Visa Classifications 141

A.1.b. Evidentiary Criteria 142

Case for Discussion 4.1 143

A.1.c. Consultation or Peer Advisory Opinion 143

A.1.d. Itineraries 144

A.1.e. Contract Between Petitioner and Beneficiary 145

A.1.f. Duration 147

A.2. Proving the Merits for O-1A Nonimmigrant Classification:Demonstrating Extraordinary Ability in the Field of Sciences,Education, Business, or Athletics 147

Case for Discussion 4.2 149

A.3. Proving the Merits for O-1B Nonimmigrant Classification:Demonstrating Extraordinary Ability in the Arts, andExtraordinary Achievement in the Motion Picture orTelevision Industry 149

Case for Discussion 4.3 151

A.4. Compiling the O Nonimmigrant Petition 152

A.5. Changes in Employment and Permanent Residency 153

A.6. Visas for Derivatives of the Principal O-1 Foreign National 154

A.6.a. O-2 Visa Holders: Essential Support of O-1 ForeignNationals 154

Case for Discussion 4.4 155

A.6.b. O-3 Nonimmigrant Visa Holders: Spouse and Childrenof O-1 Beneficiary 155

B. VISAS FOR ATHLETES (P-1) AND ARTISTS AND ENTERTAINERS(P-2 AND P-3): INA § 101(a)(15)(P); 8 C.F.R. § 214.2(p) 156

B.1. Shared Requirements for All P Classifications and Similaritiesto the O-1 Classification 157

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B.2. Evidentiary Criteria for P-1 Athlete Classification 159

Case for Discussion 4.5 160

B.3. Evidentiary Criteria for P-1B Nonimmigrant Classification:Members of an Internationally Recognized Entertainment Group 161

Case for Discussion 4.6 162

B.4. Evidentiary Criteria for P-2 Nonimmigrant Artists or EntertainersUnder a Reciprocal Exchange Program 163

B.5. Evidentiary Criteria for P-3 Nonimmigrant Artists orEntertainers Under a Culturally Unique Program 164

Case for Discussion 4.7 165

B.6. Compiling the P Nonimmigrant Visa Petition 165

B.7. P-4 Nonimmigrant Visa Holders: Spouse and Childrenof P Beneficiary 165

C. VISAS FOR RELIGIOUS WORKERS (R-1): INA § 101(a)(15)(R);8 C.F.R. § 214.2(r) 166

C.1. Types of Religious Workers Eligible for R-1Nonimmigrant Classification 166

C.2. Compensation for R-1 Nonimmigrant Workers 167

C.3. Site Inspections 168

C.4. Duration of Stay and Derivatives 168

C.5. Compiling the R Nonimmigrant Visa Petition 169

Case for Discussion 4.8 169

D. VISAS FOR INFORMATION MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES (I):INA § 101(a)(15)(I); 8 C.F.R. § 214.2(i); 9 FAM 402.11 170

Case for Discussion 4.9 171

E. VISAS FOR TEMPORARY NONIMMIGRANT WORKERS (H-2):INA § 101(a)(15)(H); 8 C.F.R. § 214.2(h) 171

E.1. Visas for Agricultural Work of a Temporary or SeasonalNature (H-2A): INA § 101(a)(15)(H)(ii)(a);8 C.F.R. § 214.2(h)(5) 172

Case for Discussion 4.10 174

E.2. Visas for Non-Agricultural Work of a Temporary or SeasonalNature (H-2B): INA § 101(a)(15)(H); 8 C.F.R. § 214.2(h)(6) 174

E.3. Compiling the Petitions for H-2A and H-2B NonimmigrantClassifications 176

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F. VISA SUMMARY CHART 176

G. VISAS FOR FOREIGN GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS (A):INA § 101(a)(15)(A); 8 C.F.R. § 214.2(a) 178

H. VISA FOR EMPLOYEES OF INTERNATIONALORGANIZATIONS AND NATO (G): INA § 101(a)(15)(G);8 C.F.R. § 214.2(g) 179

I. CONCLUSION 179

5 Asylum and Other Related HumanitarianRelief 181

A. OVERVIEW AND SOURCES OF LAW FOR ASYLUM 182

A.1. Sources of Law: INA § 101(a)(42); INA § 208; INA § 209;8 C.F.R. § 208; 8 C.F.R. § 1208; 8 C.F.R. § 1209 182

A.2. Definitions 183

A.2.a. Persecution 184

Case for Discussion 5.1 186

A.2.b. Agents of Persecution 187

A.2.c. Past Persecution 187

Case for Discussion 5.2 188

A.2.d. Well-Founded Fear of Future Persecution 189

Case for Discussion 5.3 190

A.3. The Enumerated Grounds 190

A.3.a. Race 191

A.3.b. Religion 191

A.3.c. Nationality 192

A.3.d. Membership in a Particular Social Group 192

Case for Discussion 5.4 193

A.3.e. Political Opinion 195

Case for Discussion 5.5 195

Case for Discussion 5.6 196

A.4. Standard of Proof and Credibility 196

A.5. Bars to Asylum Eligibility 197

A.5.a. One-Year Deadline 198

A.5.b. Persecutors 199

Case for Discussion 5.7 200

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A.5.c. Convicted of an Aggravated Felony or ParticularlySerious Crime 200

A.5.d. Firm Resettlement 200

Case for Discussion 5.8 201

A.5.e. Safe Third Country 201

A.5.f. Terrorism and Danger to U.S. Security 202

A.5.g. Multiple Asylum Applications 202

A.6. Denial, Revocation, or Termination of Asylum 202

B. ASYLUM PROCEDURE 203

B.1. Building the Asylum Case 203

B.2. Compiling the Affirmative Asylum Request 216

B.3. Defensive Asylum Claims 221

B.4. Frivolous Asylum Applications 226

B.5. Asylum Applicants and Employment Authorization 228

C. CREDIBLE AND REASONABLE FEAR INTERVIEWS: INA§ 235(b); 8 C.F.R. §§ 208.30-31; 8 C.F.R. §§ 1208.30-31 229

D. BENEFITS OF ASYLUM GRANT 230

Case for Discussion 5.9 230

E. WITHHOLDING OF REMOVAL: INA § 241(B)(3); 8 C.F.R.§ 208.16, 8 C.F.R. § 1208.16 231

F. CONVENTION AGAINST TORTURE: 8 C.F.R. §§ 208.16-18,8 C.F.R. §§ 1208.16-18 232

G. TEMPORARY PROTECTED STATUS AND DEFERREDENFORCED DEPARTURE: INA § 244; 8 C.F.R. § 244; 8 C.F.R.§ 1244 235

H. REFUGEES: INA § 101(A)(42); INA § 207; INA § 209;8 C.F.R. § 201; 8 C.F.R. § 1207; 8 C.F.R. § 209; 8 C.F.R. § 1209 237

H.1. Determination of Refugees to the United States 237

H.2. Family Reunification 239

H.3. Adjustment of Status 240

H.4. Refugee Resettlement Program 241

I. COMPARISON OF REFUGEE AND ASYLUM STATUS 241

J. HUMANITARIAN PAROLE: INA § 212(D)(5)(A) 243

K. CONCLUSION 243

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6Family Sponsored Immigrationand Permanent Resident Status 245

A. PART I: FAMILY RELATIONSHIPS AND THEPETITIONING PROCESS 246

A.1. Sources of Law and Quotas: INA §§ 201-4; 8 C.F.R. § 204 246

A.2. Family Preference Categories 247

Case for Discussion 6.1 248

A.3. Chargeability Issues 250

B. FAMILY RELATIONSHIPS UNDER IMMIGRATION LAW 251

B.1. Preferential Treatment of Immediate Relatives 252

C. THE RELATIVE PETITION 252

C.1. Petitions for Spouses 253

Case for Discussion 6.2 253

C.2. Petitions for Children and Siblings 257

Case for Discussion 6.3 258

C.3. Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act 259

C.4. Documenting the Relationship 260

Case for Discussion 6.4 262

C.5. Benefits of the Child Status Protection Act 262

C.5.a. CSPA Benefits for Children of U.S. Citizens 262

C.5.b. CSPA Benefits for Children of Lawful PermanentResidents 263

D. TERMINATION AND REVOCATION OF IMMIGRANT VISAS:INA § 205; 8 C.F.R. § 205 264

Case for Discussion 6.5 266

E. IMMIGRATION BENEFITS AVAILABLE WHEN APETITIONER DIES: 8 C.F.R. § 204.2 266

E.1. Immigration Benefits Available to Widow(er)sWhen Spouse Dies Before Petition Filed 266

Case for Discussion 6.6 268

E.2. Immigration Benefits Available When Petitioner Dies AfterPetition Filed 268

F. COMPILING THE APPLICATION PACKAGE FOR ARELATIVE PETITION 269

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G. PART II: BECOMING A LAWFUL PERMANENT RESIDENTTHROUGH ADJUSTMENT OF STATUS IN THE UNITED STATESOR CONSULAR PROCESSING ABROAD: INA § 245;8 C.F.R. § 245 270

G.1. Adjustment of Status in the United States 271

G.2. Compiling the Adjustment Application 273

G.2.a. Form I-485, Application to Register PermanentResidence or Adjust Status 274

G.2.b. Form G-28, Notice of Entry of Appearance as Attorneyor Accredited Representative 274

Case for Discussion 6.7 275

G.2.c. Form G-325A, Biographic Information 276

G.2.d. Form I-94 Arrival/Departure Record 276

G.2.e. Birth Certificates and Immigration Medical Examination 276

G.2.f. Form I-864, Affidavit of Support 278

Case for Discussion 6.8 280

G.2.g. Certified Dispositions 282

G.2.h. Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization 282

G.2.i. Form I-131, Application for a Travel Document 283

G.2.j. Photographs and Fees 284

G.3. Inadmissibility Issues and Waivers 284

G.3.a. Unlawful Presence and Provisional Waiver 284

G.3.b. Section 245(i) of the Immigration and Nationality Act 287

G.4. Submitting the Application 290

H. CONSULAR PROCESSING 290

I. POST INTERVIEW 295

I.1. Conditional Residency: INA § 216; 8 C.F.R. § 216 295

Case for Discussion 6.9 298

J. FIANCE(E)S: INA § 101(A)(15)(K) 298

Case for Discussion 6.10 300

K. CONCLUSION 303

7 Employment-Based and Self-SponsoredImmigration 305

A. OVERVIEW AND SOURCES OF LAW 306

B. SHARED REQUIREMENTS FOR PERMANENT RESIDENCYCATEGORIES 311

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C. PRIORITY WORKERS, ALIENS WITH EXTRAORDINARY ABILITY,OUTSTANDING PROFESSORS AND RESEARCHERS, AND CERTAINMULTINATIONAL EXECUTIVES AND MANAGERS (EB-1): INA§ 203(b)(1)(A), 8 C.F.R. § 204.5(h); 8 C.F.R. § 204.5(i);8 C.F.R. § 204.5(j) 313

C.1. EB-1A Aliens with Extraordinary Ability in the Sciences, Arts,Education, Business, or Athletics 314

Case for Discussion 7.1 316

Case for Discussion 7.2 317

C.2. EB-1B for Outstanding Researchers and Professors 317

Case for Discussion 7.3 320

Case for Discussion 7.4 321

C.3. EB-1C for Certain Multinational Executives and Managers 322

Case for Discussion 7.5 324

C.4. Compiling the EB-1 Priority Worker Petition 325

D. ADVANCED DEGREE PROFESSIONALS (EB-2) AND SKILLEDWORKERS, PROFESSIONALS, AND OTHER WORKERS (EB-3),AND THE PERM LABOR CERTIFICATION APPLICATIONPROCESS: INA § 203(b)(2); INA § 203(b)(3); 8 C.F.R. § 204.5(k);8 C.F.R. § 204.5(l); 20 C.F.R. § 656 327

D.1. EB-2 for Advanced Degree Professionals 327

D.2. EB-3 for Skilled Workers, Professionals, and Other Workers 328

Case for Discussion 7.6 329

D.3. Labor Certification Application: The PERM process 329

D.3.a. Step 1: Identify Minimum Requirements and Draftthe Job Description 330

D.3.b. Step 2: Confirm that the Foreign National Satisfies theEmployer’s Minimum Requirements 336

D.3.c. Step 3: Prevailing Wage Determination 337

D.3.d. Step 4: Recruitment 344

Case for Discussion 7.7 349

D.3.e. Step 5: PERM Filing Procedure and DocumentRetention Requirements 351

D.4. Determinations 352

E. PROCEDURE FOR EB-2 AND EB-3 LABOR CERTIFICATIONCASES 363

E.1. Compiling an EB-2 and EB-3 Petition Based on LaborCertification 364

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F. EXCEPTIONS TO THE PERM LABOR CERTIFICATIONAPPLICATION PROCESS, NATIONAL INTEREST WAIVERS (EB-2),AND EB-2 OR EB-3 SCHEDULE A LABOR CERTIFICATION:INA § 203(b)(2)(A); 8 C.F.R. § 204.5(k); 8 C.F.R. § 204.12 365

F.1. EB-2 National Interest Waiver for Advanced DegreeProfessionals, Those with Exceptional Abilities, and for PhysiciansWorking in Shortage Areas or Veterans Facilities 365

Case for Discussion 7.8 366

F.2. Schedule A Occupations 367

G. CERTAIN SPECIAL IMMIGRANTS, INCLUDING RELIGIOUSWORKERS (EB-4): INA § 101(a)(27)(C); 8 C.F.R. § 204.5(m) 368

Case for Discussion 7.9 370

G.1. Compiling the EB-4 Religious Worker Petition 372

Case for Discussion 7.10 375

H. INVESTOR VISA (EB-5): INA § 203(b)(5); 8 C.F.R. § 204.6 375

H.1. Compiling the EB-5 Petition 379

I. OTHER CATEGORIES: INA § 203(c); 22 C.F.R. § 42.33 380

I.1. Diversity Visa Lottery 380

I.1.a. Procedure for DV Immigrants 381

J. CONCLUSION 381

8 Immigration Relief for VulnerablePopulations 383

A. OVERVIEW AND SOURCES OF LAW PROTECTINGIMMIGRANT VICTIMS OF DOMESTIC ABUSE AND CRIMES:INA § 204; 8 C.F.R. § 204.2 385

A.1. Petitions Based on Marriage 385

A.1.a. Validity of the Marriage and Residency Requirements 385

Case for Discussion 8.1 387

A.1.b. Proof of Immigration Status of the Abuser 388

A.2. Petitions by Children 389

Case for Discussion 8.2 391

A.3. Parents 391

B. QUALIFYING CRITERIA FOR RELIEF 391

B.1. Battery or Extreme Cruelty 391

B.2. Good Moral Character 392

Case for Discussion 8.3 393

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C. COMPILING THE VAWA PETITION 397

D. PROCESSING THE VAWA SELF-PETITION 401

D.1. Prima Facie Finding 401

D.2. Deferred Action Status 401

D.3. Inadmissibility Issues 402

D.4. Affirmative Petitions vs. Defensive Applications 403

D.5. Confidentiality 403

E. REMOVAL OF CONDITIONS FOR ABUSED CONDITIONALLAWFUL PERMANENT RESIDENTS: INA § 216; 8 C.F.R. § 216 403

E.1. Compiling the Removal of Conditions Petition 404

F. U NONIMMIGRANT STATUS, VICTIMS OF ENUMERATEDCRIMES: INA § 101(a)(15)(U); 8 C.F.R. § 214.14 405

F.1. Eligibility for the U Nonimmigrant Status 405

F.2. Certification for Qualifying or Enumerated Crimes 406

Case for Discussion 8.4 407

F.3. Substantial Physical or Emotional Abuse 408

F.4. Identifying the Victim 409

Case for Discussion 8.5 410

G. COMPILING THE U NONIMMIGRANT STATUS PETITION 410

G.1. Petitions for Qualifying Derivative Family Members 417

H. U NONIMMIGRANT STATUS BENEFITS 417

I. U NONIMMIGRANT PETITIONERS IN REMOVALPROCEEDINGS 421

J. ADJUSTMENT OF STATUS FOR U NONIMMIGRANT STATUSRECIPIENTS: INA § 245(m); 8 C.F.R. § 245.24 422

J.1. Compiling the Application for U Nonimmigrant Adjustmentof Status 423

K. T NONIMMIGRANT STATUS, SEVERE FORMS OF HUMANTRAFFICKING: INA § 101(a)(15)(T); 8 C.F.R. § 214.11 427

K.1. Eligibility for T Nonimmigrant Status 428

Case for Discussion 8.6 428

K.2. Protection for Victims in the United States 429

K.2.a. Continued Presence and Eligibility for Public Benefits 429

L. APPLYING FOR T NONIMMIGRANT STATUS 430

L.1. Compiling the T Nonimmigrant Status Application Package 431

L.2. Applications for Qualifying Derivative Family Members 437

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M. T NONIMMIGRANT STATUS BENEFITS 438

N. T NONIMMIGRANT APPLICANTS IN REMOVALPROCEEDINGS 438

O. ADJUSTMENT OF STATUS FOR T NONIMMIGRANT STATUSRECIPIENTS: INA § 245(l); 8 C.F.R. § 245.23 439

O.1. Compiling the Application for T NonimmigrantAdjustment of Status 441

P. DIFFERENCES AND SIMILARITIES BETWEEN U AND TNONIMMIGRANT ADJUSTMENT OF STATUS APPLICATIONS 441

Q. SPECIAL IMMIGRANT JUVENILE STATUS: INA§ 101(a)(27)(J); 8 C.F.R. § 204.11 443

Q.1. Obtaining a Dependency Order 443

R. FILING THE SIJ APPLICATION AFTER THE STATE COURTORDER IS ISSUED 444

R.1. Affirmative Applications 445

Case for Discussion 8.7 447

R.2. Defensive Applications 447

S. CHILDREN IN THE CUSTODY OF THE DEPARTMENT OFHEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, OFFICE OF REFUGEERESETTLEMENT 448

T. DEFERRED ACTION FOR CHILDHOOD ARRIVALS, OR DACA 449

Case for Discussion 8.8 451

U. CENTRAL AMERICAN MINORS REFUGEE/PAROLEPROGRAM, OR CAM 451

V. CONCLUSION 453

9 Grounds of Inadmissibility andDeportation 455

A. THE CONCEPTS OF ADMISSION AND DEPORTATION 456

A.1. Admission and Admitted 457

Case for Discussion 9.1 459

A.2. Deportation 460

Case for Discussion 9.2 460

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B. GROUNDS OF INADMISSIBILITY 461

B.1. Health-Related Grounds: INA § 212(a)(1) 461

Case for Discussion 9.3 462

B.2. Criminal Grounds: INA § 212(a)(2) 464

B.2.a. Definition of Conviction 464

Case for Discussion 9.4 466

B.2.b. Inadmissibility Based on Specific Criminal Offenses 466

Case for Discussion 9.5 468

B.3. Security and Related Grounds: INA § 212(a)(3) 472

Case for Discussion 9.6 473

B.4. Public Charge: INA § 212(a)(4) 474

Case for Discussion 9.7 475

B.5. Labor Certification and Qualifications for Certain Immigrants:INA § 212(a)(5) 475

B.6. Illegal Entrants and Other Immigration Violators: INA§ 212(a)(6) 476

B.6.a. Aliens Present Without Permission or Parole:INA § 212(a)(6)(A) 476

B.6.b. Failure to Attend a Removal Proceeding: INA§ 212(a)(6)(B) 477

B.6.c. Misrepresentation: INA § 212(a)(6)(C) 477

Case for Discussion 9.8 478

B.7. Documentation Requirements: INA § 212(a)(7) 480

B.8. Ineligible for Citizenship: INA § 212(a)(8) 480

B.9. Aliens Previously Removed: INA § 212(a)(9) 480

B.9.a. Departing the United States After Being Unlawfully Present:INA § 212(a)(9)(B) 481

Case for Discussion 9.9 484

B.10. Miscellaneous Grounds: INA § 212(a)(10) 487

B.11. Waiver to Facilitate Temporary Admission of Nonimmigrants:INA § 212(d)(3) 487

C. GROUNDS OF DEPORTATION: INA § 237 488

C.1. Inadmissible at Time of Entry or Adjustment of Status orViolates Status: INA § 237(a)(1) 489

C.2. Criminal Offenses: INA § 237(a)(2)(A) 490

C.2.a. General Crimes: INA § 237(a)(2)(A) 490

C.2.b. Controlled Substances: INA § 237(a)(2)(B) 493

C.2.c. Firearms Offenses: INA § 237(a)(2)(C) 493

C.2.d. Miscellaneous Crimes: INA § 237(a)(2)(D) 494

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C.2.e. Domestic Violence Crimes: INA § 237(a)(2)(E) 494

Case for Discussion 9.10 494

C.3. Failure to Register and Falsification of Documents: INA§ 237(a)(3) 495

C.3.a. Change of Address: INA § 237(a)(3)(A) 495

C.3.b. False Documents: INA § 237(a)(3)(B) 495

C.4. Security Related Grounds: INA § 237(a)(4) 495

C.5. Public Charge: INA § 237(a)(5) 495

C.6. Unlawful Voters: INA § 237(a)(6) 496

D. INADMISSIBILITY VS. DEPORTATION 496

E. AGENCIES INVOLVED IN INADMISSIBILITY ANDDEPORTATION DECISION MAKING 500

E.1. The Decision Makers 501

E.1.a. U.S. Consulates 501

E.1.b. Enforcement Agencies 501

E.1.c. Executive Office for Immigration Review 502

E.2. Comparison of the Grounds 502

F. CONCLUSION 503

10 Immigration Court Practice and Relieffrom Removal 505

A. OVERVIEW OF THE REMOVAL PROCESS 506

A.1. Notice to Appear 507

Case for Discussion 10.1 511

A.2. Notice of Hearing 514

A.3. Authorized Legal Representatives 517

B. IMMIGRATION COURT HEARINGS 517

B.1. The Master Calendar Hearing 517

B.1.a. Obtaining a Copy of the Immigration File 521

B.1.b. Pleadings 521

B.1.c. Pre-Hearing Voluntary Departure 526

Case for Discussion 10.2 527

B.2. The Individual Hearing 527

B.2.a. Case Preparation 529

B.2.b. Case Proceedings 531

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B.3. Evidence Rules in Immigration Court 532

B.4. Decision of the Immigration Judge 533

B.5. Post-Hearing Voluntary Departure 533

C. EXPEDITED REMOVAL PROCEEDINGS 537

Case for Discussion 10.3 539

D. DETENTION 539

D.1. Mandatory Detention 541

E. MOTIONS PRACTICE IN IMMIGRATION COURT 543

E.1. Motion to Reopen 543

Case for Discussion 10.4 543

E.2. Motion to Reconsider 544

E.3. Motion to Change Venue 544

F. ADMINISTRATIVE CLOSURE 546

G. APPEALS PRACTICE 549

H. FEDERAL COURT PRACTICE 551

I. RELIEF AVAILABLE IN REMOVAL PROCEEDINGS 552

I.1. Adjustment of Status 553

I.2. Cancellation of Removal 553

Case for Discussion 10.5 555

I.3. Cancellation of Removal for LPRs 556

I.4. Non-LPR Cancellation of Removal 558

I.5. Cancellation of Removal Under the Violence Against WomenAct, or VAWA 561

Case for Discussion 10.6 565

J. NACARA AND OTHER FORMS OF CANCELLATIONOF REMOVAL 567

K. CONCLUSION 567

11 Citizenship and Naturalization 569

A. OVERVIEW OF CITIZENSHIP 570

A.1. Sources of law 570

A.2. Advantages of Citizenship 571

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B. CITIZENSHIP BASED ON BIRTH IN THE UNITED STATES 572

Case for Discussion 11.1 573

C. CITIZENSHIP THROUGH NATURALIZATION 573

C.1. The Applicant Must Be at Least 18-Years Old 573

C.2. The Applicant Must Be a Lawful Permanent Resident for aContinuous Period 574

Case for Discussion 11.2 574

Case for Discussion 11.3 575

C.3. Absences from the United States: Continuous Residenceand Physical Presence Requirements 576

C.3.a. Continuous Residence 576

Case for Discussion 11.4 577

C.3.b. Physical Presence 579

Case for Discussion 11.5 580

C.4. Good Moral Character 580

C.4.a. Individuals on Probation or Parole 584

Case for Discussion 11.6 584

C.4.b. Selective Service 584

C.4.c. Payment of Taxes 585

C.4.d. Dependent Support 585

Case for Discussion 11.7 585

C.4.e. Voting 586

C.4.f. Marriage Fraud 586

C.4.g. Evidence to Demonstrate Good Moral Character 587

C.4.h. Literacy and Civics 587

C.5. Exemptions, Waivers, and Reasonable Accommodation 588

Case for Discussion 11.8 588

C.6. Bars to Naturalization and the Oath of Allegiance 596

D. THE NATURALIZATION APPLICATION PROCESS 597

D.1. Compiling the Application for Naturalization 597

D.2. The Final Steps of the Naturalization Application 599

Case for Discussion 11.9 600

E. DERIVATIVE CITIZENSHIP: INA § 320 601

Case for Discussion 11.10 601

E.1. Compiling the Application for Proof of Derivation 603

F. CITIZENSHIP BY ACQUISITION: INA § 301 604

Case for Discussion 11.11 605

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G. ACQUISITION OF CITIZENSHIP FOR CHILDREN WHOSEPARENTS REGULARLY LIVE ABROAD: INA § 322 609

Case for Discussion 11.12 611

H. LOSS OF CITIZENSHIP 611

H.1. Expatriation 611

Case for Discussion 11.13 613

H.2. Denaturalization 613

Case for Discussion 11.14 614

I. CONCLUSION 614

12 Managing an Immigration Practice 617

A. TYPES OF IMMIGRATION PRACTICES 618

A.1. The Private Immigration Law Firm and Corporate Offices 618

A.2. Nonprofit Organizations Recognized by the Board ofImmigration Appeals and Accredited Representatives 618

B. CASE ASSESSMENT 620

Case for Discussion 12.1 621

B.1. Filing a FOIA 623

B.2. Obtaining Criminal Records 623

Case for Discussion 12.2 624

C. CONDUCTING THE INTAKE OR INITIAL CONSULTATION 624

D. RETAINER OR REPRESENTATION AGREEMENTS 627

D.1. Payment of Fees 632

E. GATHERING EVIDENCE FOR SUBMISSION 632

Case for Discussion 12.3 635

F. EXAMINING IMMIGRATION OPTIONS 636

Case for Discussion 12.4 637

Case for Discussion 12.5 637

G. MANAGING AN IMMIGRATION CASE AND RESPONDINGTO REQUESTS FROM THE USCIS 638

G.1. Responding to USCIS Requests for Evidence or Notices ofIntent to Deny 638

Case for Discussion 12.6 639

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H. FILING SYSTEMS 640

I. ETHICAL ISSUES ARISING DURING THE COURSEOF REPRESENTATION 640

J. CONFLICT OF INTEREST 644

K. SPECIAL PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT RULES FORPRACTITIONERS OF IMMIGRATION LAW 646

Case for Discussion 12.7 648

Case for Discussion 12.8 648

Case for Discussion 12.9 649

L. CONCLUSION 649

Glossary 651

Index 667

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