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In the United States, immigration laws can be as complex as they are ever-changing. And in the midst of so much confusion, fear, and misinformation, there’s one truth every immigrant must keep in mind: You have rights, no matter your immigration status. Whether you’re a permanent resident, an asylum seeker, a DACA recipient, a temporary visa holder, or someone without defined status, the U.S. Constitution protects you. Knowing your rights isn’t just important, it’s essential. It’s your first line of defense to protect yourself and your family. What Rights Do You Have as an Immigrant? Your status may affect certain legal processes, but it does not take away your fundamental rights. Here are some of the most important ones: 1. The Right to Remain Silent You do not have to answer questions about your immigration status, place of birth, or how you entered the country. You can politely say: “I choose to remain silent.” 2. The Right to an Attorney You have the right to…Read More

In the midst of so much confusing information, many immigrants wonder: What documents really prove that I’m legally in the United States? Spoiler: A driver’s license is not one of them. Whether you’re applying for an immigration benefit, going through a police checkpoint, or simply want to travel within the country with peace of mind, carrying the correct documents can mean the difference between continuing your day or facing serious consequences. Here’s what actually counts: 1. Green Card (Permanent Resident Card) This is the strongest proof that you have lawful permanent residence in the U.S. If you're a permanent resident, the law requires you to carry it at all times. Not doing so could result in minor penalties, but in some cases, it may affect your immigration record. Important: It’s not just a right, it’s an obligation to carry it. 2. Work Permit (EAD – Employment Authorization Document) This plastic card authorizes you to work legally and serves as proof that you have valid or…Read More

In the United States, driving legally is not the same as being legally present in the country. While many believe that holding a driver’s license is enough to prove a valid immigration status, the truth is that a license does not serve that purpose, nor does it carry that legal weight. Why isn’t a driver’s license enough to prove immigration status? The main function of a driver’s license, as the name suggests, is to authorize individuals to operate vehicles within the state that issued it. It is not designed to verify whether you are lawfully present in the country. Additionally: Some states issue driver’s licenses even to people without lawful immigration status, as part of local inclusion or public safety policies.  In other cases, licenses are granted to individuals with temporary immigration status, such as asylum seekers, TPS (Temporary Protected Status) holders, or people with work permits while their cases are pending.  This means you may have a valid license to drive but that does…Read More

California has long been home to millions of immigrants—from the agricultural fields of the Central Valley to the vibrant Latino communities of Los Angeles and San Diego. While it's one of the most inclusive states in the country, 2025 has brought a much more intense immigration climate, with massive ICE operations, raids, and an increase in detentions nationwide. If you're an immigrant living in California—documented or not—you need to be more prepared than ever. These are 7 things you must know today:   California Is Still a Sanctuary State... But ICE Is More Active Than Ever California maintains sanctuary laws that limit local police collaboration with federal agencies like ICE. However, that doesn’t stop ICE from acting independently, which is exactly what’s happening now: ICE has ramped up operations in public spaces, workplaces, and even homes. Raids have become more frequent, especially in immigrant-heavy neighborhoods. The mass judicial warrants issued in 2024 remain active in 2025, allowing for fast-tracked arrests.  Don’t let your guard down—state…Read More

¡Un Viaje Inolvidable! El 1er Retiro Internacional de Serving Immigrants Santa Marta 2024 by Serving Immigrants Wednesday, 04 December 2024 5 min read share En Serving Immigrants, siempre hemos valorado el poder del trabajo en equipo, la unión y la motivación, no solo en nuestra práctica profesional, sino también fuera de la oficina. Por eso, a finales de noviembre, decidimos embarcarnos en una aventura extraordinaria con nuestro 1er Retiro Internacional en Santa Marta, Colombia, una experiencia que quedará grabada en la memoria de todos los que tuvimos la suerte de participar. Con el espectacular reto de subir a la Ciudad Perdida de Santa Marta, un lugar cargado de historia y considerado un patrimonio arqueológico invaluable, 27 integrantes de nuestro staff se unieron en un recorrido lleno de desafíos, trabajo en equipo y momentos inolvidables. Durante cuatro días de intensa caminata, la solidaridad se convirtió en nuestro principal motor. Cada paso, por difícil que fuera, lo dimos juntos, apoyándonos unos a otros para cumplir con la…Read More

E2 Visa to Green Card: A Pathway to Permanent Residency Book a Consultation Book a Consultation by serving immigrants Monday, 2 December 2024 17 min read share Overview of the E2 Visa Program The E2 Visa to Green Card process allows foreign nationals from treaty countries to transition from temporary status to permanent residency. Investors can use the E2 visa to establish or purchase a U.S. business, provided they make a substantial investment that actively supports the U.S. economy. The E2 visa supports family members, allowing spouses to work and children under 21 to study in the U.S. These benefits foster cross-border investments and strengthen U.S. economic ties. Contact Serving Immigrants for all your legal immigration needs. Understanding the E2 Visa to Green Card Process 01 General Steps for Obtaining a Green Card Transitioning from an E2 visa to a Green Card requires selecting the right category (e.g., employment, family, or investment) and filing a petition with USCIS. Approved petitions allow applicants to adjust status…Read More

EB5 Investment Amount: Meeting the Criteria for U.S. Immigration Schedule a consultation Schedule a consultation by Serving Immigrants Friday, 29 November 2024 16 min read share Discover the Roots Purpose and History of the EB5 Visa The EB5 Investment Amount plays a vital role in the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program, established in 1990 to boost the U.S. economy through foreign investments. By investing in U.S. businesses, participants can obtain a green card if the investment creates at least 10 full-time jobs. While initially focused on urban development, the program now includes rural and high-unemployment areas, with Targeted Employment Areas (TEAs) directing investments to underserved regions for broader economic benefits. Initially focused on urban areas, the program expanded to rural and high-unemployment regions with reduced EB5 Investment Amount, offering residency. Contact Serving Immigrants for experienced legal advice. Investment Guidelines Standard EB5 Investment Amount The EB5 Investment Amount is set at a minimum of $1,050,000 for projects outside Targeted Employment Areas (TEAs). This ensures significant economic contributions,…Read More

EB2 NIW Processing Time: How Long and How to Expedite It Schedule a Meeting with us Schedule a Meeting with us by serving immigrants Monday, 25 November 2024 17 min read share Discover the Process: What is the EB2 NIW Visa and Its Processing Time? The EB2 National Interest Waiver (NIW) visa lets professionals with advanced degrees or exceptional abilities self-petition for U.S. residency by proving their work benefits the national interest. Popular in STEM, healthcare, and education, the EB2 NIW processing time refers to the duration needed to obtain permanent residency through this visa. This visa eliminates employer sponsorship, requiring applicants to show their work has national importance and waiving the job offer benefits the U.S. Looking for legal help? Contact Serving Immigrants to assist you. Understand the Benefits: Key Features and Benefits One of the key benefits of the EB2 NIW is the exemption from labor certification, which can significantly reduce EB2 NIW processing time. This visa also permits self-petitioning, granting individuals greater…Read More

Folkston ICE Processing Center: Contact, Visitation, and More Coordinate a consultation Coordinate a consultation by serving immigrants Friday, 22 November 2024 17 min read share Discover the Mission: Background and Purpose of the Folkston ICE Processing Center The Folkston ICE Processing Center, located in Folkston, Georgia, was established in 2016, repurposing the former D. Ray James facility to meet the growing demand for immigrant detention. Managed by the GEO Group under an agreement with ICE, it is one of several such facilities in Georgia. This facility detains immigrants apprehended at U.S. entry points, primarily housing those awaiting immigration proceedings or deportation. However, it has faced criticism over detainee treatment and the privatization of detention. For personalized legal advice, contact Serving Immigrants. Understand the Details: Facility Capacity and Location of the Folkston ICE Processing Center Located near Jacksonville, Florida, and the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, this Processing Center holds up to 1,118 detainees. The center serves as a hub for immigration cases, with detainees transported from…Read More

How to Notify USCIS of Divorce and Update Your Immigration Status Request a consultation Request a consultation by Serving Immigrants Wednesday, 20 November 2024 16 min read share Understand the Importance: Consequences of Not Updating Marital Status with USCIS Notifying USCIS of a divorce is crucial if your immigration status depends on your marriage. Failing to do so can result in application denials, status complications, or removal proceedings. Promptly updating your marital status ensures compliance and transparency with legal requirements. Delaying the notification of your divorce to USCIS can raise suspicions about your marriage's validity, especially for conditional residents. Promptly reporting ensures compliance, avoids potential complications, and protects future applications. Get in touch with Serving Immigrants for experienced legal advice. Navigate Legal Steps: How to Notify USCIS of Divorce: Legal Implications for Immigration Applications For immigrants with residency or visas based on marriage, a divorce can significantly impact their legal status, especially for those holding conditional green cards tied to their marriage. When a marriage…Read More