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Frequently Asked Questions about Immigration

Q: What are factors considered by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) in granting an individual immigration status?

A: Factors considered by the USCIS include whether the applicant has an immediate relative who is a US citizen or a lawful permanent resident; whether the applicant has a permanent employment opportunity in the US and whether that employment fits under one of the five eligible employment categories; and whether the applicant qualifies for refugee status.

Q: What is the purpose of the Diversity (DV) Lottery Program?

A: The purpose of the DV Lottery Program is to annually award immigrant visas to applicants whose country of origin has low (not more than 50,000 in the last five years) immigration rates to the US The program is called a lottery because there are more applicants than visas, and the visas are granted randomly among qualified applicants.

An individual who is at risk of being deported faces the possibility that he or she will have to leave the life they have established in the U.S. and have to start over again in another country. Family relationships and friendships are threatened and employment opportunities may be lost. If you, or someone you know, is at risk of being deported, contact an immigration law attorney to ensure that everything possible will be done to preserve your rights.

Immigration Law Information

At the Law Offices of Howard T. Mei in Bethesda, Maryland, we make it our mission to enable all of our clients to make their own informed decisions. Above all, we are passionately committed to the needs of our clients and want to see their goals and expectations fulfilled. Our staff is dedicated to protecting all of our clients’ rights and promoting their most vital interests.

The information below is designed to enhance your knowledge about general immigration matters. To discuss your specific case and needs with a lawyer at our firm, contact us today.

Immigration - An Overview

Immigration is the act of entering a country with the intention of permanently living and working there. The multi-step process involved in becoming an immigrant can be daunting. An immigration attorney can be an invaluable resource and advocate in navigating this process. If you are facing an immigration issue, call our firm today.

Basic Immigration Laws

Federal immigration law deals with myriad issues regarding the rights and duties of foreign nationals in the United States. Federal law defines people's immigration status and their immigration options, with a specific focus on their reasons for coming to the US. Immigration laws also determine if a person is in the country illegally and whether or not they can be deported. If you are involved in an immigration case, the complex laws and regulations can be extremely intimidating. Being represented by an immigration attorney will help you understand your rights and duties under the law, and can help your case move forward toward your immigration goals. Contact an immigration attorney at our firm today to discuss your situation.

Relevant Forms

The US immigration process relies on a series of forms, each of which is designed for specific immigration needs and for particular steps in the process. Understanding what forms need to be filed, as well as what fees are involved, is a critical part of each immigration-related service. An immigration attorney can handle these detailed forms for you. If you will be making an immigration petition or have an immigration issue, call our firm to schedule a consultation with an immigration lawyer today.

Marriages, Fiance(e)s and Adoptions

Spouses, fiancé(e)s, and children of US citizens receive priority in the immigration system. They can be admitted upon approval of their petitions by the government. However, certain procedures must be followed. An attorney can be an invaluable resource in helping an immediate family member gain legal status in the US. If you are getting married or adopting internationally, call our firm to schedule a consultation.

Deportation

Deportation occurs when the federal government formally removes an alien from the United States for violation of the immigration laws. Once deported, an alien may lose the right to ever return to the United States, even as a visitor. Livelihoods and families may be impacted, and in some cases, a deported alien may end up living in a "homeland" that he or she has little familiarity with. If you are at risk of being deported, call our firm to schedule a consultation with an immigration lawyer.

Immigration Resource Links

International Adoption
This website, maintained by US Citizenship and Immigration Services, provides information on how to bring a foreign-born child into the United States for purposes of adoption.

Deportation
This web article, prepared by the Political Asylum Project of Austin (PAPA), provides an overview of the deportation process.

Forms and Fees
This resource, maintained by US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), provides information on immigration forms, including filing fee information, and provides on-line access to these forms.