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    <title type="text">The Law Offices of Veronica Garza, PLLC</title>
    <subtitle type="text">The Law Offices of Veronica Garza, PLLC</subtitle>

    <updated>2026-04-06T14:28:01Z</updated>

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        <entry>
            <author>
									                    <name>by veronicagarza</name>
				            </author>
            <title type="html"><![CDATA[¿Puedo viajar en los Estados Unidos si tengo acción diferida o un permiso de trabajo?]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.veronicagarzalaw.com/blog/2023/10/puedo-viajar-en-los-estados-unidos-si-tengo-accion-diferida-o-un-permiso-de-trabajo/" />
            <id>https://www.veronicagarzalaw.com/?p=46879</id>
            <updated>2025-06-04T11:54:43Z</updated>
            <published>2023-10-18T18:57:18Z</published>
					<taxo:topics><![CDATA[-]]></taxo:topics>
            <summary type="html"><![CDATA[Si usted tiene acción diferida o un permiso de trabajo, usted puede decidir viajar dentro de los Estados Unidos siempre y cuando tenga en cuenta que hay algunos riesgos y problemas que se pueden presentar, dependiendo en si está viajando en un vehículo personal, por transporte público, o por avión.   Acción diferida es una determinación discrecional para diferir la remoción…]]></summary>
			                <content type="html" xml:base="https://www.veronicagarzalaw.com/blog/2023/10/puedo-viajar-en-los-estados-unidos-si-tengo-accion-diferida-o-un-permiso-de-trabajo/"><![CDATA[<span data-contrast="auto">Si usted tiene acción diferida o un permiso de trabajo, usted puede decidir viajar dentro de los Estados Unidos siempre y cuando tenga en cuenta que hay algunos riesgos y problemas que se pueden presentar, dependiendo en si está viajando en un vehículo personal, por transporte público, o por avión. </span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}"> </span>

<span data-contrast="auto">Acción diferida es una determinación discrecional para diferir la remoción de un individuo por medio de una acción discrecional del fiscal. Personas con acción diferida se consideran estar legalmente presente en los Estados Unidos, pero no tienen estatus legal como es ser residente permanente legal o ciudadano americano. Es posible que haya obtenido acción deferida por medio de DACA, SIJS, o tal vez tiene una solicitud pendiente para VAWA o una visa U, por ejemplo. Hay muchos otros procesos por el cual usted puede haber obtenido un documento de autorización de empleo o permiso de trabajo, como tener una solicitud pendiente de asilo, un ajuste de estatus, o TPS. </span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}"> </span>

<span data-contrast="auto">En algunos casos, puede calificar para viajar internacionalmente con el permiso adelantado de viaje, pero ese es otro tema. El enfoque de esta discusión es viajar dentro de los Estados Unidos cuando uno no es ciudadano de los Estados Unidos o residente permanente legal.</span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}"> </span>

<span data-contrast="auto">Tenga en cuenta que cada aerolínea tiene requisitos diferentes para el tipo de identificación que uno puede usar para abordar. Le recomendamos que antes que compre sus pasajes, llame a su aerolínea preferida para confirmar que tiene la forma de identificación correcta. Unos de los riesgos más grandes de viajar por avión es que si por alguna razón el avión tuviera que aterrizar fuera del territorio de los Estados Unidos, puede ser que usted no pueda regresar a los Estados Unidos si solamente tiene acción deferida o un permiso de trabajo. Si usted tiene un caso pendiente con el Servicio de Ciudadanía e Inmigración de los Estados Unidos (USCIS por sus siglas en ingles), puede ser que tenga que esperar fuera de los Estados Unidos mientras que su caso es procesado, o en ciertas circunstancias, su caso puede considerarse abandonado. Si tiene un caso pendiente ante el tribunal de inmigración, está en riesgo de que el juez de inmigración de una orden de una deportación “</span><i><span data-contrast="auto">in absentia</span></i><span data-contrast="auto">”, o en su ausencia, si usted no asiste a alguna audiencia programada. </span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}"> </span>

<span data-contrast="auto">Cuando viaje por carro o transporte público, esté consciente de los puestos de control de inmigración que pudiese haber en camino a su destino. Si tiene acción deferida, asegúrese de cargar con todos sus documentos en su persona por si acaso Aduanas y Protección Fronteriza (CBP) lo detiene, usted pueda comprobar a los oficiales que tiene un caso pendiente y que no es una prioridad para remoción. También tenga en cuenta que, si el vehículo en el que está viajando cruza la frontera a Canadá o México, usted no va a poder regresar a los Estados Unidos. Por increíble e improbable que esto suene, a través de los años, hemos tenido varias consultas con individuos que se han encontrado en estas circunstancias tan desafortunadas.</span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}"> </span>

<span data-contrast="auto">También sepa que tener un permiso de trabajo no indica que un individuo tiene estatus legal. Dependiendo en los hechos de su caso, es muy importante que hable acerca de sus planes con un abogado de inmigración para determinar si es una buena idea viajar. Nuestros abogados siempre están felices de contestar sus preguntas y pueden ayudarle decidir qué es lo mejor para usted y su caso. Por favor llámenos al [nap_phone id="LOCAL-REGULAR-NUMBER-1"] para programar una consulta. </span>]]></content>
						        </entry>
	        <entry>
            <author>
									                    <name>by veronicagarza</name>
				            </author>
            <title type="html"><![CDATA[Can I travel in the United States if I have Deferred Action or an Employment Authorization Document?]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.veronicagarzalaw.com/blog/2023/05/can-i-travel-in-the-united-states-if-i-have-deferred-action-or-an-employment-authorization-document/" />
            <id>https://www.veronicagarzalaw.com/?p=46874</id>
            <updated>2023-10-12T12:07:54Z</updated>
            <published>2023-05-30T17:09:35Z</published>
					<taxo:topics><![CDATA[Deferred Action, Employment Authorization Document, Immigration Attorney, Travel, Work Permit]]></taxo:topics>
            <summary type="html"><![CDATA[If you have Deferred Action or an Employment Authorization Document, you may choose to travel within the United States as long as you are aware of certain risks or problems that could arise, depending on if you are traveling in a personal vehicle, public transportation, or by plane. Deferred Action is a discretionary determination to defer removal of an individual…]]></summary>
			                <content type="html" xml:base="https://www.veronicagarzalaw.com/blog/2023/05/can-i-travel-in-the-united-states-if-i-have-deferred-action-or-an-employment-authorization-document/"><![CDATA[If you have Deferred Action or an Employment Authorization Document, you may choose to travel within the United States as long as you are aware of certain risks or problems that could arise, depending on if you are traveling in a personal vehicle, public transportation, or by plane.

Deferred Action is a discretionary determination to defer removal of an individual as an act of prosecutorial discretion. People with Deferred Action are considered to be lawfully present in the United States, but do not have legal status such as a Lawful Permanent Resident or a US Citizen. You may have obtained Deferred Action through DACA, SIJS, or maybe you have a pending application for VAWA or a U visa, to name a few examples. There are many other processes by which you may have obtained an Employment Authorization Document, or work permit, such as a pending asylum application, an adjustment of status, or TPS.

In certain cases, you may qualify to travel internationally with Advanced Parole, but that is a different topic. The focus of this discussion is traveling within the United States when you are not a US Citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident.

Keep in mind that each airline has different requirements as far as the type of identification you can use to board. We recommend that before purchasing tickets, you contact your preferred airline to confirm that you have the right form of identification. One of the biggest risks of traveling by air is that if for any reason the plane has to land outside of US territory, you may not be able to return to the United States if you only have Deferred Action or a work permit. If you have a case pending before US Citizenship and Immigration Services, you may have to wait outside of the United States for the remainder of the time of adjudication, or in certain cases, your case may be deemed abandoned. If you have a case pending before an immigration court, you are at risk that the Immigration Judge will order a deportation <em>in absentia</em> if you do not appear to any scheduled hearing.

When traveling by car or public transportation, be mindful of any checkpoints on the way to your destination. If you have Deferred Action, make sure to carry your documents with you so that in case of a stop by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) you can prove to the officers that you have a pending case and are not a priority for removal. Also keep in mind that if the vehicle you are traveling in crosses the border to Canada or Mexico, you will not be allowed to return to the United States. As incredible and unlikely as this might sound, we have had several consultations throughout the years with individuals who have found themselves in these unfortunate circumstances.

Keep in mind that having a work permit does not indicate that an individual has legal status. Depending on the facts of your case, it is very important that you discuss your plans with an immigration attorney to determine if it is a good idea to travel. Our attorneys are always happy to answer your questions and can help you decide what is best for you and your case. Please call us at <a href="tel:+1-817-642-5848" data-wpel-link="internal">817-642-5848</a> to schedule a consultation.]]></content>
						        </entry>
	        <entry>
            <author>
									                    <name>On Behalf of The Law Offices of Veronica Garza, PLLC</name>
				            </author>
            <title type="html"><![CDATA[T Visas for Survivors of Human Trafficking]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.veronicagarzalaw.com/blog/2022/01/t-visas-for-survivors-of-human-trafficking/" />
            <id>https://www.veronicagarzalaw.com/?p=46756</id>
            <updated>2022-06-13T08:31:37Z</updated>
            <published>2022-01-11T17:55:47Z</published>
					<taxo:topics><![CDATA[Human Trafficking, Immigration Attorney, T Visas]]></taxo:topics>
            <summary type="html"><![CDATA[In our practice, we often encounter people who are survivors of human trafficking and have been in the United States for years without knowing that they may qualify to request a T Visa. T nonimmigrant status allows survivors of severe human trafficking to stay in the United States, to obtain employment authorization, and to eventually apply for a green card.…]]></summary>
			                <content type="html" xml:base="https://www.veronicagarzalaw.com/blog/2022/01/t-visas-for-survivors-of-human-trafficking/"><![CDATA[In our practice, we often encounter people who are survivors of human trafficking and have been in the United States for years without knowing that they may qualify to request a T Visa. T nonimmigrant status allows survivors of severe human trafficking to stay in the United States, to obtain employment authorization, and to eventually apply for a green card. Although this provides a much-needed benefit for survivors, there is a lack of knowledge about the process and not enough survivors take advantage of it. Even when there is a statutory annual limit of 5,000 T visas that can be granted per fiscal year, this number is hardly, if ever, reached.

That is why it is so important for practitioners and survivors alike to be aware of the existence of this benefit, and the requirements to qualify, which I will cover below.

To be eligible for a T Visa, a survivor must (1) be a victim of a severe form of human trafficking, (2) be physically present in the United States on account of that trafficking, (3) comply with any reasonable request for assistance made by law enforcement (or be under the age of 18 or unable to participate due to trauma), and, (4) suffer extreme hardship if removed from the United States. INA § 101 (a)(15)(T); 8 C.F.R. § 214.11. It is important to note that severe human trafficking can include sex trafficking, as well as forced labor or services. For a more detailed definition, please take a look at 22 U.S. Code § 7102. It is also important to note that each case of human trafficking is unique in its set of facts, and an experienced immigration attorney can help you by discussing details of your case to determine if you qualify.

The duration of the T nonimmigrant status is for up to four years but can be extended in certain circumstances. Additionally, you can apply for a green card if you meet the requirements for adjustment of status, and certain relatives may benefit as derivatives of your application, providing a pathway for family to become permanent residents as well.

If you have questions about the T visa or if you qualify, we would love to discuss your case with you. Please call our office at <a href="tel:+1-817-642-5848" data-wpel-link="internal">817-642-5848</a> to schedule a consultation with one of our attorneys.]]></content>
						        </entry>
	        <entry>
            <author>
									                    <name>On Behalf of The Law Offices of Veronica Garza, PLLC</name>
				            </author>
            <title type="html"><![CDATA[Tener delitos en tu récord cuando eres inmigrante puede tener consecuencias migratorias]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.veronicagarzalaw.com/blog/2021/07/tener-delitos-en-tu-record-cuando-eres-inmigrante-puede-tener-consecuencias-migratorias/" />
            <id>https://www.veronicagarzalaw.com/?p=46724</id>
            <updated>2022-06-13T08:31:44Z</updated>
            <published>2021-07-15T16:29:51Z</published>
					<taxo:topics><![CDATA[-]]></taxo:topics>
            <summary type="html"><![CDATA[A todos nos gustaría que nuestros procesos migratorios fueran fáciles y sin complicación alguna. Desafortunadamente, a menudo vemos casos en donde el solicitante ha estado en el lugar equivocado al momento equivocado y termina con arrestos o cargos que pueden afectar su estatus en este país. Problemas con arrestos, cargos en su contra, y sentencias de delitos menores o mayores pueden crear una serie de…]]></summary>
			                <content type="html" xml:base="https://www.veronicagarzalaw.com/blog/2021/07/tener-delitos-en-tu-record-cuando-eres-inmigrante-puede-tener-consecuencias-migratorias/"><![CDATA[<span data-contrast="auto">A todos nos gustaría que nuestros procesos migratorios fueran fáciles y sin complicación alguna. Desafortunadamente, a menudo vemos casos en donde el solicitante ha estado en el lugar equivocado al momento equivocado y termina con arrestos o cargos que pueden afectar su estatus en este país. Problemas con arrestos, cargos en su contra, y sentencias de delitos menores o mayores pueden crear una serie de complicaciones en su caso de inmigración e incluso llevarlo a enfrentar un proceso de expulsión frente a un tribunal de inmigración.  </span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}"> </span>

<span data-contrast="auto">Los delitos en el récord no tan solo son un problema para personas que buscan comenzar un proceso para obtener estatus en este país, sino que también pueden afectar a aquellos que ya han obtenido la residencia permanente legal. Es por ello que es tan importante ser cuidadoso con su récord y mantener un historial limpio. Además, si calificas para obtener la ciudadanía americana, es recomendable aplicar lo más pronto posible, ya que ser ciudadano es la única manera de estar protegido en el ámbito migratorio si llegaras a enfrentar cargos criminales en el futuro. Si deseas saber más acerca de este tema, lee nuestro blog titulado, ¿“Que beneficios tiene el hacerme ciudadano americano?” </span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}"> </span>

<span data-contrast="auto">Si usted se encuentra en una situación en la que enfrenta cargos criminales en su contra, es fundamental pedir la asesoría de un abogado con experiencia que le pueda explicar las consecuencias de los cargos y de cualquier acuerdo con el fiscal o posible sentencia del tribunal.  No es inusual que su abogado defensor trabaje con un abogado de inmigración para así asegurar de que usted tenga la información adecuada antes de tomar cualquier decisión que pueda afectar su futuro en este país. Sin embargo, es su responsabilidad el asegurarse de obtener la asesoría adecuada de un abogado de inmigración con experiencia en las consecuencias de ciertos delitos en el récord. No debe esperar a que su caso criminal esté concluido para consultar, ya que podría ser demasiado tarde. </span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}"> </span>

<span data-contrast="auto">Si usted tiene preguntas acerca de su historial criminal y como puede afectarle en su caso o su estatus migratorio actual, estaremos felices de agendar una cita para que así nuestros abogados puedan guiarle a la mejor decisión. </span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}"> </span>]]></content>
						        </entry>
	        <entry>
            <author>
									                    <name>On Behalf of The Law Offices of Veronica Garza, PLLC</name>
				            </author>
            <title type="html"><![CDATA[Estatus Especial para Jóvenes Inmigrantes (SIJS)]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.veronicagarzalaw.com/blog/2021/05/estatus-especial-para-jovenes-inmigrantes-sijs/" />
            <id>https://www.veronicagarzalaw.com/?p=46721</id>
            <updated>2022-06-13T08:31:53Z</updated>
            <published>2021-05-19T15:15:28Z</published>
					<taxo:topics><![CDATA[-]]></taxo:topics>
            <summary type="html"><![CDATA[Algunos niños que están aquí en los Estados Unidos sin estatus legal migratorio pueden recibir protección humanitaria porque han sido abusados, abandonados, o descuidados por parte de un padre. El Estatus Especial para Jóvenes Inmigrantes es una clasificación migratoria que puede permitir a estos niños vulnerables a solicitar la residencia permanente legal, mejor conocida como la green card. El niño…]]></summary>
			                <content type="html" xml:base="https://www.veronicagarzalaw.com/blog/2021/05/estatus-especial-para-jovenes-inmigrantes-sijs/"><![CDATA[Algunos niños que están aquí en los Estados Unidos sin estatus legal migratorio pueden recibir protección humanitaria porque han sido abusados, abandonados, o descuidados por parte de un padre. El Estatus Especial para Jóvenes Inmigrantes es una clasificación migratoria que puede permitir a estos niños vulnerables a solicitar la residencia permanente legal, mejor conocida como la green card.

El niño debe ser declarado dependiente de una corte juvenil o un tribunal titular de menores localizado en los Estados Unidos, o el tribunal debe haber puesto al niño bajo la custodia de una agencia o departamento estatal, o un individuo o entidad estatal o un tribunal de menores.

El tribunal titular de menores debe decidir que la reunificación con uno o los dos padres del menor inmigrante no es viable dado al abuso, descuido, o abandono, o una base similar bajo la ley estatal.

Un juez o autoridad administrativa debe determinar que el regreso del niño al país de nacionalidad o al país de ultima residencia habitual del niño o de los padres del niño, no es el mejor interés del niño. Además, el niño debe ser menor de 21 años al momento de enviar su solicitud de SIJS y debe ser soltero y permanecer soltero hasta que el proceso esté finalizado.

Una vez que se obtiene la orden estatal de dependencia, tutela, adopción o procedimiento de delincuencia, entonces el menor puede seguir con el proceso de SIJS afirmativo si no está en proceso de remoción. Mas si el menor está en proceso de remoción y su caso está pendiente ante un tribunal de inmigración, entonces el menor presentara una petición de SIJS defensiva, lo que puede ser mucho más complejo. Sin embargo, si todo sale bien, el niño consigue la residencia permanente legal, y puede solicitar la ciudadanía americana después de acumular 5 años como residente permanente, y ser mayor de 18 años de edad.

Algo muy importante de recordar es que, aunque el niño se convierta en residente permanente legal y eventualmente ciudadano americano, nunca podrá enviar una petición a favor de sus padres dado a la naturaleza del fallo del tribunal para SIJS, que una vez más incluyen, abuso, abandono y/o descuido.

¿Conoces a algún niño o niña que pueda calificar para SIJS? Si es así, la asistencia legal es necesaria. Si tiene preguntas acerca de SIJS, los requisitos y que formas debe utilizar, por favor llame a nuestra oficina para agendar una cita. Estamos felices de guiarlo a través de esto proceso tan importante en la vida de un niño.]]></content>
						        </entry>
	        <entry>
            <author>
									                    <name>On Behalf of The Law Offices of Veronica Garza, PLLC</name>
				            </author>
            <title type="html"><![CDATA[Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS)]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.veronicagarzalaw.com/blog/2021/04/special-immigrant-juvenile-status-sijs/" />
            <id>https://www.veronicagarzalaw.com/?p=46718</id>
            <updated>2022-06-13T08:31:58Z</updated>
            <published>2021-04-17T15:24:55Z</published>
					<taxo:topics><![CDATA[-]]></taxo:topics>
            <summary type="html"><![CDATA[Some children who are here in the United States without legal immigration status may need humanitarian protection because sadly they have been abused, abandoned, or neglected by a parent. Special immigrant juvenile status is an immigration classification that may allow these vulnerable children to apply for lawful permanent resident status, commonly known as having a Green Card. To qualify to…]]></summary>
			                <content type="html" xml:base="https://www.veronicagarzalaw.com/blog/2021/04/special-immigrant-juvenile-status-sijs/"><![CDATA[Some children who are here in the United States without legal immigration status may need humanitarian protection because sadly they have been abused, abandoned, or neglected by a parent. Special immigrant juvenile status is an immigration classification that may allow these vulnerable children to apply for lawful permanent resident status, commonly known as having a Green Card.

To qualify to submit a petition for SIJS, there are many requirements that must be met, and the sooner you speak to an experienced immigration attorney who can guide you in the process, the better your chances of meeting all the requirements on time. To get a glimpse of the importance of having qualified legal representation, let’s look at some of the requirements.

The child must be declared dependent on a juvenile court located in the United States, or the court must have legally committed the child to or placed the child under the custody of, an agency or department of a state, or an individual or entity by a state or juvenile court.

A juvenile court must find that reunification with one or both of the immigrant’s parents is not viable due to abuse, neglect, abandonment, or a similar basis found under state law.

A judge or administrative authority must have determined that the return to the child’s or parent’s country of nationality or country of last habitual residence is not in the child’s best interest.  Additionally, the child must be under 21 at time of submitting the SIJS petition and must be unmarried and remain unmarried pending the completion of the process.

Once you obtain a state order for dependency, guardianship, adoption or delinquency proceedings, then the child may move forward with an affirmative SIJS petition if the child is not in removal proceedings. Processing times will depend on the child’s country of nationality; for some, there is a visa available immediately, while others may have to wait several years.

If the child is in removal proceedings and the case is pending before an immigration court, then the child will move forward with a defensive SIJS petition, which may be a bit more complex, and will require other steps. However, if everything goes well, the child becomes a lawful permanent resident, and may apply to become a citizen of the United States after accruing five years of lawful permanent residence and is over 18 years of age.

One very important point to remember is that, even if the child becomes a lawful permanent resident and eventually a citizen, she can never petition for her parents due to the nature of SIJS findings: abuse, abandonment, and/or neglect.

Are you aware of a child who may qualify for SIJS? If so, please seek legal help. If you have any questions about SIJS, the requirements, and what forms to file, please call our office to schedule an appointment. We are happy to guide you through this very important process in a child’s life.]]></content>
						        </entry>
	        <entry>
            <author>
									                    <name>On Behalf of The Law Offices of Veronica Garza, PLLC</name>
				            </author>
            <title type="html"><![CDATA[The Three or Ten Year Bar]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.veronicagarzalaw.com/blog/2021/03/the-three-or-ten-year-bar/" />
            <id>https://www.veronicagarzalaw.com/?p=46716</id>
            <updated>2022-06-13T08:32:04Z</updated>
            <published>2021-03-09T00:02:24Z</published>
					<taxo:topics><![CDATA[-]]></taxo:topics>
            <summary type="html"><![CDATA[Have you heard about the three or ten year bar? The majority of people who are doing an immigration process have heard this phrase and have been surprised to discover that perhaps this bar applies to them. The concept is very simple. When a person enters the United States without any kind of permission or visa, and accumulates more than 180 days but less than a…]]></summary>
			                <content type="html" xml:base="https://www.veronicagarzalaw.com/blog/2021/03/the-three-or-ten-year-bar/"><![CDATA[<span data-contrast="auto">Have you heard about the </span><span data-contrast="auto">three or ten year</span><span data-contrast="auto"> bar? </span><span data-contrast="auto">The majority of</span><span data-contrast="auto"> people who are doing an immigration process have heard this phrase and have been surprised to discover that perhaps this bar applies to them. The concept is very simple. When a person enters the United States without any kind of permission or </span><span data-contrast="auto">visa, and</span><span data-contrast="auto"> accumulates more than 180 days but less than a year of unlawful presence, that person is subject to a bar of three years. But if that person remains in the country without permission for more than a year, then that person is subject to a bar of ten years. This bar takes effect when a person leaves the country, whether it be voluntarily or due to an order of deportation by an immigration judge or ICE.</span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}"> </span>

<span data-contrast="auto">This means that, if that person wants to obtain some type of immigration benefit in the United States, </span><span data-contrast="auto">in order to</span><span data-contrast="auto"> qualify he</span><span data-contrast="auto"> or she</span><span data-contrast="auto"> would have to leave the country for the required time, whether it be three or ten years, before being able to reenter with a valid visa. Sounds very worrisome, right? It truly is, since a lot of people are afraid to start the process because they do not want to </span><span data-contrast="auto">have</span><span data-contrast="auto"> to face this bar and be separated from their family and friends for many years. But then, what can be done if you are subject to this bar? There are options available for you, since if you are married to a United States citizen or a permanent resident, or if you have parents who are citizens or permanent residents, you can qualify to request a waiver.</span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}"> </span>

<span data-contrast="auto">The majority of people we represent in family-based immigration processes</span><span data-contrast="auto"> are subject to the </span><span data-contrast="auto">ten year</span><span data-contrast="auto"> bar because they entered the country, whether it was with permission that has since expired or without any permission at all, and remained for more than a year. And as mentioned before, in certain cases those people can qualify to request a waiver through a qualifying relative. For example, if you are an immigrant who is married to a United States citizen or a lawful permanent resident, and you are subject to the ten year bar, you can obtain a waiver if you can prove that your qualifying relative, in this case your spouse, would suffer extreme difficulty if you have to remain outside of the country for ten years in order to fulfill your bar before returning to the United States with a visa.</span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}"> </span>

<span data-contrast="auto">“Extreme difficulty” is a phrase that has not been defined by the code of immigration law, and that we will explore in another blog, but if you can demonstrate it, then you will receive a waiver and you will not have to spend three or ten years outside of the country. Instead, you will be able to be admitted as a permanent resident and only wait the processing time for your case. If you have questions regarding whether the </span><span data-contrast="auto">three or ten year</span><span data-contrast="auto"> bar applies to you or your relative, we are happy to analyze your case and to help you find the best options in your situation.</span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}"> </span>]]></content>
						        </entry>
	        <entry>
            <author>
									                    <name>On Behalf of The Law Offices of Veronica Garza, PLLC</name>
				            </author>
            <title type="html"><![CDATA[What are the benefits of becoming a United States Citizen?]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.veronicagarzalaw.com/blog/2021/02/what-are-the-benefits-of-becoming-a-united-states-citizen/" />
            <id>https://www.veronicagarzalaw.com/?p=46712</id>
            <updated>2022-06-13T08:32:11Z</updated>
            <published>2021-02-09T15:24:04Z</published>
					<taxo:topics><![CDATA[-]]></taxo:topics>
            <summary type="html"><![CDATA[Have you ever considered becoming a United States citizen? Many people qualify to become a citizen, but they tend to wait a long time to send their application. It may be due to laziness or because they have some doubts they have yet to resolve. More often than I would like, I have heard the phrase, “I should have applied…]]></summary>
			                <content type="html" xml:base="https://www.veronicagarzalaw.com/blog/2021/02/what-are-the-benefits-of-becoming-a-united-states-citizen/"><![CDATA[Have you ever considered becoming a United States citizen? Many people qualify to become a citizen, but they tend to wait a long time to send their application. It may be due to laziness or because they have some doubts they have yet to resolve. More often than I would like, I have heard the phrase, “I should have applied to become a citizen before, I should not have waited so long.”

In our experience, one of the questions we are asked more is, what are the benefits of becoming a United States citizen? And the answer is, very many, and I will mention some of these. To begin with, a United States citizen has the right to vote. For those people who would like for their voice to be heard, this is one way in which they can be involved in the process for change not just in your local community but in the whole country.

Another benefit of being a United States citizen is the ability to travel outside of the country for the time necessary, without restrictions or fears of losing your lawful permanent resident status. We have represented many people who are in deportation proceedings due to having travelled outside of the country as lawful permanent residents, and remaining out for too long without obtaining a travel permit prior to leaving. This process is referred to as “abandonment of residency,” but we will discuss this subject in more detail in another blog. The point is, as a citizen, you do not have to worry about asking for any permissions before travelling nor of the time that you will remain out, and that is a great relief since you will save yourself not only from headaches but also the costs for the permits and other costs such as legal representation and the time that these processes can take.

Additionally, a very important point to remember is that a lawful permanent resident is at risk of losing his or her residency not just for abandonment, but also if he or she becomes involved in a legal issue that is related to certain serious crimes. Although we would like to think that we will never be involved in a criminal problem, the majority of the cases we handle where a person is at risk of losing his or her residency is due to having been in the wrong place at the wrong time and that is very unfortunate.

Let us keep in mind that if we want to live in this country for many years and we want to be sure that we will not be involved in deportation proceedings in the future, we should take the necessary steps to apply for citizenship if we meet all of the requirements. Whatever you decide to do, we are here to help you and to guide you in case you have more questions regarding this very important process.]]></content>
						        </entry>
	        <entry>
            <author>
									                    <name>On Behalf of The Law Offices of Veronica Garza, PLLC</name>
				            </author>
            <title type="html"><![CDATA[El castigo de tres o diez años]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.veronicagarzalaw.com/blog/2020/12/el-castigo-de-tres-o-diez-anos/" />
            <id>https://www.veronicagarzalaw.com/?p=46709</id>
            <updated>2022-06-13T08:32:19Z</updated>
            <published>2020-12-08T16:12:49Z</published>
					<taxo:topics><![CDATA[-]]></taxo:topics>
            <summary type="html"><![CDATA[¿Has escuchado hablar acerca del castigo de tres o diez años? La mayoría de las personas que están llevando un proceso migratorio han escuchado esa frase y se han sorprendido al darse cuenta de que tal vez ese castigo aplica a ellos.  El concepto es muy simple, cuando una persona entra a los Estados Unidos sin algún tipo de permiso…]]></summary>
			                <content type="html" xml:base="https://www.veronicagarzalaw.com/blog/2020/12/el-castigo-de-tres-o-diez-anos/"><![CDATA[¿Has escuchado hablar acerca del castigo de tres o diez años? La mayoría de las personas que están llevando un proceso migratorio han escuchado esa frase y se han sorprendido al darse cuenta de que tal vez ese castigo aplica a ellos.  El concepto es muy simple, cuando una persona entra a los Estados Unidos sin algún tipo de permiso o visa, y acumula más de 180 días, pero menos de un año de presencia o estadía ilegal, está sujeto a un castigo de tres años. Pero si esa persona se queda en el país sin permiso por mas de un año, entonces está sujeto a un castigo de diez años.  Ese castigo se pone en efecto cuando la persona sale del país, ya sea voluntariamente o por una orden de expulsión por parte de un juez de inmigración o ICE.

Esto significa que, si esta persona desea obtener algún beneficio migratorio en los Estados Unidos, para poder calificar tendría que salir del país por el tiempo requerido, ya sea tres o diez años, antes de poder reingresar con una visa valida. ¿Suena bastante preocupante, no? Y ciertamente lo es, ya que muchas personas tienen temor de comenzar algún proceso porque no quieren estar expuestos a enfrentar ese castigo y tener que separarse de familia y amigos por largos años. Pero entonces, ¿Qué se pude hacer si estas sujeto a este castigo? Existen opciones para ti, ya que si estas casada con un ciudadano americano o un residente permanente, o si tienes padres ciudadanos o residentes permanentes, podrías calificar para pedir un perdón.

La mayoría de las personas que representamos en procesos de inmigración a través de familia enfrentan un castigo de diez años porque entraron al país, ya sea con permiso que se venció o sin permiso alguno, y se quedaron mas de un año. Y como antes mencionado, en ciertos casos las personas pueden calificar para solicitar un perdón a través de un pariente calificado. Por ejemplo, si eres un inmigrante quien estas casado con un ciudadano americano o un residente permanente legal, y estas expuesto al castigo de diez años, podrías obtener un perdón si logras demonstrar que tu pariente calificado, en este caso tu esposo o esposa, sufriría dificultad extrema si tu debes salir del país por diez años para cumplir tu castigo antes de reingresar a los Estados Unidos con una visa.

La “dificultad extrema” es una frase que no ha sido definida por el código de ley de inmigración, y que exploraremos en otro blog, pero si logras demostrarla, entonces recibirás un perdón y no tendrás que pasar tres o diez años fuera del país, si no que podrás obtener admisión como residente permanente y solo esperar el tiempo de proceso de tu caso.  Si tienes dudas acera de si el castigo de tres o diez años aplica a ti o a tu pariente, estamos felices de analizar tu caso y ayudarte a buscar las mejores opciones a tu situación.]]></content>
						        </entry>
	        <entry>
            <author>
									                    <name>On Behalf of The Law Offices of Veronica Garza, PLLC</name>
				            </author>
            <title type="html"><![CDATA[The Essentials: Heroes of 2020]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.veronicagarzalaw.com/blog/2020/11/the-essentials-heroes-of-2020/" />
            <id>https://www.veronicagarzalaw.com/?p=46669</id>
            <updated>2022-06-13T08:32:24Z</updated>
            <published>2020-11-26T19:22:10Z</published>
					<taxo:topics><![CDATA[-]]></taxo:topics>
            <summary type="html"><![CDATA[We are excited to share with you our comic, inspired by the essential workers who have worked tirelessly for the safety and well being of all of us. We are thankful for our first responders, grocery workers, postal and delivery workers, and doctors and medical staff for all the sacrifices made this year for the greater good of our nation.…]]></summary>
			                <content type="html" xml:base="https://www.veronicagarzalaw.com/blog/2020/11/the-essentials-heroes-of-2020/"><![CDATA[We are excited to share with you our comic, inspired by the essential workers who have worked tirelessly for the safety and well being of all of us. We are thankful for our first responders, grocery workers, postal and delivery workers, and doctors and medical staff for all the sacrifices made this year for the greater good of our nation. They are the true heroes of 2020. Please click on the link below and enjoy!

<a href="https://www.dropbox.com/s/c82dhxo5vapqmjx/The%20Essentials%20Comic%20.pdf?dl=0" data-wpel-link="external" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><img class="alignleft wp-image-46672 size-full" src="/wp-content/uploads/sites/1504737/2020/11/Cover-e1606162188141.jpg" alt="The Essentials Heroes of 2020" width="500" height="667" /></a>]]></content>
						        </entry>
	</feed>