Christmas in America.

Since I have helped so many newly minted citizens assimilate into American life I would like to take a moment to celebrate Christmas in America.  This may be your first Christmas in the United States, but each and every year many of us observe this holiday in late December with much reverence.

Here are some facts about Christmas in America –

1.  Nine out of ten Americans say that they celebrate Christmas.

2.  Just over half of us are not challenged by the greeting “happy holidays”.

3.  A growing share of citizens say that religious symbols should not be on govt. property.

4.  Two-thirds of us believe that Christmas is based on historical fact.

Whatever your beliefs we at Arnold Law wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas and the happiest of holiday seasons as we get ready to welcome in 2019 on our calendar.  The new year will be challenging for immigration, but we will be here when you need us.  Just give me a call…Briana Arnold at (410) 484-1400.

Keeping Up with Travel Ban 3.0.

This ever-changing immigration travel law and subsequent rulings is evolving in 2018.  Knowing what 3.0 is all about and where Maryland courts land on the subject may be extremely important to you, a friend, or a loved one.  Travel Ban 3.0 focuses on mostly countries whom the administration has deemed “potentially dangerous” to Americans.

The list of nations does not always remain the same, so you need to know if you are personally affected as of this writing.  The Maryland State Supreme Court has ruled in very specific ways during 2018 and you should also be aware of that.  Having said that, your defense begins at the local level.

Calling Briana Arnold could help you immensely in understanding the intricacies of Travel Ban 3.0.  Attorney Arnold is a fighter!  She will fight for your rights as it pertains to US, and more importantly, Maryland immigration law.  Please make an appointment to visit with her at her Baltimore office located at 1777 Reisterstown Road by calling (410) 484-1400.

Going Green.

The environmentalists know of which we speak.  For those who are living in the United States but are not yet citizens, then going “green” is a must.  There are different ways to obtain permanent residence or a green card, but there are no differences in the benefits.  And remember, green cards can be taken away if the holder violates certain criminal or immigration laws.

If you intend to remain in the US temporarily perhaps you should apply for a non-immigrant visa instead of a green card.  You also should know that there are several different green card categories, each with its own eligibility requirements.  What is the best strategy for you or a loved one?

In the Baltimore area and the State of Maryland, immigration lawyer Briana Arnold can help you sort it out.  Attorney Arnold has helped many dozens of area immigrants begin that journey toward citizenship.  Make an appointment at her office at 1777 Reisterstown Road in Baltimore by calling (410) 484-1400 today.

What is the Future of Immigration in America?

Have you got a crystal ball?  Although the United States has long relied on immigration to fuel productivity and maintain a competitive edge, as well as drive the dynamic that characterizes American society, the nation’s overburdened immigration system is no longer serving America’s needs as this administration turns up the heat.

The Independent Task Force on Immigration and America’s Future seeks to design a new and simplified immigration regime that averts illegal immigration, and at the same time, harnesses the benefits of immigration for the future.  Their proposals target reform in three key areas: admissions, enforcement, and integration.

To say that the future of immigration in America is cloudy would be the understatement of the century!  It takes an experienced Maryland immigration attorney like Brianna Arnold to sort it out.  Please give her a call with your specific questions at (410) 484-1400 and arrange a meeting at her office located at 1777 Reisterstown Road in Baltimore.

Revisiting DACA.

Let’s take a fresh look at DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals).  The controversy continues to permeate our lives here in America and the state of Maryland.  Our state has over twenty-five thousand DACA-eligible residents and you can be sure that every one of them and their loved ones are uncertain about their future in this country.

This acronym refers to young immigrants who were brought to the United States to live here “illegally” for two years to pursue work authorization without risk of deportation.  IF they met program requirements, that is.  President Obama created DACA in 2012 through an executive action.  There are over 800,000 “Dreamers” nationwide.

Over the last year, the climate has changed and now these youngsters find themselves on the endangered species list.  I am attorney Briana Arnold and I may be the “Dreamers” best friend in the Baltimore area.  I am a Maryland immigration lawyer who will sort it out for you and your family.  Please give me a call at (410) 484-1400.

Marriage to a Non-US Citizen.

If you are a lawful permanent resident of the U.S. and already married to a non-U.S. citizen, you may petition for a Green Card (immigration) for your husband or wife.  That seems logical.  Now, what about if you are engaged?  How do you help your fiancé become a permanent resident of this country?

One way would be to apply for a fiancé visa if your future spouse currently lives overseas.  This visa lets your fiancé enter the United States for 90 days so that your marriage ceremony can take place in the United States.  Once you marry, your spouse can apply for permanent residence and remain in the US.

These and many other questions involving immigration may be answered by attorney Briana Arnold.  She is a noted Baltimore immigration lawyer who will help you through whatever process in which you are involved.  These are ever-changing times.  Arrange for a meeting with Briana Arnold at her 1777 Reisterstown office by calling (410) 484-1400.

I Will Fight for your Rights in 2018!

It’s nice to know that someone is really on your side when you are involved in a dispute.  My name is Briana Arnold.  I have served the Baltimore area for years defending its citizens in cases of family law, personal injury, and immigration.  I am very proud to be a resident of this amazing area and to help so many in need.

As it pertains to family law in the state of Maryland there are many different aspects that need the strength of a third party who will fight for your rights.  Things such as child custody, child support and alimony are all part and parcel.  Needless to say, immigration has become more and more of a “hot button” in this country.

I want to help.  Please visit www.brianaarnoldlaw.com on the web.  Here, you will read more about me and the areas of the law which I practice.  If you need aggressive representation in personal injury, divorce, or immigration matters remember Briana Arnold.  Call me for a free consultation at (410) 484-1400.

Understanding the N-400.

If you already know what we are talking about then you are in the middle of it already.  The goal is to become a citizen of the United States of America.  The journey is often very long…many years and many miles.  Over 2.3 million permanent residents have naturalized as U.S. citizens in the past three years.

Here are some reasons why the N-400 application is denied –

1.  Failure in the English or Civics areas

2.  Any criminal background

3.  Failure to meet the residence requirements

4.  Unable to meet the financial obligation

It is vitally important to be 100% truthful when filling out the N-400 form.  There is an attorney in the Baltimore area that will fight for your right to become a citizen.  She is Briana Arnold.  Attorney Arnold is a Baltimore County immigration lawyer that will help you through the process.  Please give her a call today at (410) 484-1400.

Big Changes Anticipated in the H1B Visa.

For many people, this particular visa will never show up on their radar, but for nearly 100,000 foreign workers entering the U.S. each year it is a very big deal.  Each year, several hundred thousand petitions are filed for H1B status. However, only 85,000 are selected through a random lottery system.

What is the purpose of H1B?  Quite simply, it is designed to fill gaps in the American workforce. 

As you might expect, there are exceptions and abuses, the H1B program provides invaluable and legitimate benefits to areas of the country that have limited access to U.S. workers.  President Trump has stated that he will eliminate the use of the H1B as a cheap labor program.

H1B visa recipients will continue to be a viable part of the nation’s workforce.  How might this effect you or people you know?  For any immigration question people have turned to Briana Arnold.  Attorney Arnold is a noted immigration lawyer in the Baltimore area.  Give her a call with your questions and concerns at (410) 484-1400.

Immigration - Fact vs. Fiction.

There are so many questions and misconceptions swirling around the topic of immigration these days.  Not the least of which is who is allowed in, who is allowed to stay, and what countries are being targeted to limit the flow of immigrants into the United States.  Maybe this will answer a few of the more burning questions.

Here are a few facts about immigrants –

1.  They contribute to job creation.  The average immigrant-owned business employs 11.

2.  They are paying taxes.  Undocumented immigrants pay over 11 billion dollars yearly.

3.  They contribute to the future of social security.  They pay more than 10X than they collect in return.

4.  They are LESS likely to commit crimes than native-born Americans. 

Are any of those points eye-openers?  Perhaps it is time to reassess the impact of immigration on American society!  One of the top immigration attorneys in the Baltimore area is Briana Arnold.  She will meet with you and your loved ones to aggressively handle your particular situation.  See for yourself by calling Attorney Arnold for an appointment at (410) 484-1400.

Applying for a Green Card as an Asylee.

There are few topics more important these days than how to apply for citizenship.  It won’t get any easier and you have to take positive action as soon as possible.  As it now stands, if you have lived in the U.S. for one year since your grant of asylum, you can apply for a green card.  Your status could then become “lawful permanent resident”.

Your children and your spouse may also be able to apply for green cards at this time.  What was the date when you got your final approval for asylum?  In other words, on what date did the immigration judge sign to order that granted you asylum?  Now it is very important to apply for permanent residence as quickly as possible.

Rather than go into the specifics of why time is of the essence, why not have a trained attorney lead you through the process.  How about Baltimore area immigration and citizenship lawyer Briana Arnold?  Ms. Arnold has helped so many new Americans realize their dream of becoming a U.S. citizen.  Call her today at (410) 484-1400.

Six Degrees of Separation.

The promise of the new administration to crack down on illegal immigration is well under way.  So many of us know someone who knows someone who is challenged by being an illegal immigrant in this country.  For those that feel the pressure everyday life is challenging.  They go to and from work and do not draw any attention to themselves.

There are people in this great land who want to own a car, take a vacation, or purchase a home, but cannot at this point.  There is concern about family, friends, and neighbors in their community as they work toward getting the proper documentation.  No one should have to live this way!

The answer, of course is becoming a legal American citizen before the dream is dashed.  In the Baltimore area the right person to contact NOW is Briana Arnold.  She is a Baltimore area legal documentation lawyer.  She will assist you and your family on this important journey so you can walk around with your head held high.  Call her today at (410) 484-1400.

When an INS Agent Knocks at Your Door.

We hope it never happens to you or a loved one, but if an INS agent comes to your door you must NOT get nervous!  First of all, don’t just open the door.  You have every right to ask why they are there and insist upon an interpreter if necessary.  Make sure that they have a warrant signed by a judge that they can slide under the door.

Now that we have covered steps one, two, and three what happens next?  Warrants I-200 and I-205 DO NOT give agents the right to enter your home.  If they force their way in, calmly tell them they do not have your permission to search the premises.  If they detain you be confident and ask to speak to a lawyer.

The important thing is to stay calm and do not sign anything without your lawyer’s advice.  Try to remember to get badge numbers and the types of vehicles that they are driving.  At your first opportunity contact Baltimore area immigration attorney Briana Arnold.  She knows exactly what to do next.  Her phone number is (410) 484-1400.

Game On…Immigrants.

Now that there is a new sheriff in town the rules may change rapidly.  For immigrants in our country those changes may not be favorable.  Now more than ever, it is time to think about your future if you are not a citizen of the United States but plan on staying here.  One of the main reasons people immigrate to the US is for asylum.

Asylum by its very definition (a place offering protection and safety) should mean what it says.  If you or a loved one was persecuted in the country of your origin America has always offered protection.  We built two-and-a-half centuries on that premise.  You need to feel safe and secure in the good old US of A.

Never has it been more important to find a lawyer who is dedicated to your future residence in America.  If you live in or around Baltimore the answer is obvious.  Call Baltimore area asylum attorney Briana Arnold.  She will help you stay in this great country.  Address this issue today by arranging a meeting at her Reisterstown Road office by calling (410) 484-1400.

Happy Holidays to All Americans.

Wherever you may have been born you are now in America.  If you came here to live then we want to help you stay in our great country.  The recent election has raised the awareness of many as to the future of immigration.  At this point NOTHING has changed.  What may or may not happen remains to be seen, of course.

One thing is certain.  If you are here and not yet a citizen of the United States you must follow the rules and regulations of this great nation.  Things may change after January 20th so why not prepare now?  Don’t panic.  Right now you have no reason to.  Success in this country has always belonged to the well-prepared.  Just read our history books and you will see that for yourself.

Do not wait until the New Year.  Now is the time to contact Baltimore area immigration attorney Briana Arnold.  She will sit down with you and offer her expertise of many years as to what is happening now and her considered opinion of what the future of immigration in this country will bring.  It may be the most important thing you will ever do as a future US citizen.  Call Briana Arnold today at (410) 484-1400.

The Illegal Immigrant Population.

First of all, let’s answer the obvious question.  About how many immigrants are in the United States illegally?  There are approximately 11 million or roughly 3.5% of the U.S. population.  This may surprise you - about two-thirds of this segment of the population have been in America for more than 10 years.  Plus, they are more likely to be native-born residents.

About 40% of these illegal immigrants have simply outstayed their visas.  The government is cracking down on border crossings by employing five times more agents than it had 25 years ago.  It is estimated that over eight million are employed or looking aggressively for jobs.  And believe it or not, roughly half of them pay some form of income taxes!

This issue will continue to become more and more complicated.  To sift through it schedule a free consultation with Briana Arnold.  Attorney Arnold is a Baltimore area immigration and naturalization attorney.  She will assess your case and suggest options that fit YOUR needs.  Give her a call at (410) 484-1400 for a free consultation at her office on 1777 Reisterstown Rd in Pikesville, MD.

Deportations are the Lowest in a Decade.

Undocumented immigrants have been deported at the lowest rate since 2007.  Now, where do we go from here?  Obviously with strong political views on both sides, next month’s election will determine a great deal of how deportation evolves in the next several years.  In President Obama’s first term a record number of undocumented immigrants were deported.

According to the United States government increased technology has led to a lower deportation rate.  Border crossings have decreased and the Mexican government is assisting by sending many Central Americans back to their respective homelands before they ever reach the U.S. border.  Of course, we are awaiting the next Supreme Court nominee to see how laws are interpreted in the future.

This issue of immigration could not be more sensitive than it is now.  If you are seeking compassion and experience, then please contact Baltimore area immigration attorney Briana Arnold.  Attorney Arnold will advise you on any and all matters that are effecting your family.  Give her a call at (410) 484-1400 for a free consultation at her office on 1777 Reisterstown Rd in Pikesville, MD.

Becoming an American.

It has become a more and more important topic in the United States, especially with the Presidential election looming.  Many Americans have fled their former land risking their lives to make it to our great country.  In 2015 the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services naturalized nearly three-quarters of a million people.  A quarter of the population were once immigrants!

To become an American there are several steps you must take –

1.  The refugee process.  Refugees from abroad need a referral.  Review the process.

2.  The interview.  When someone arrives they are interviewed and personal questions asked.

3.  The English test.  This will determine how much English can be read and written.

4.  The civics test.  It has 100 question, but the interviewer will probably pick a random 10.

It is definitely stressful and extraordinarily important.  If you or a loved one is about to become a United States citizen call Briana Arnold.  Attorney Arnold is a Baltimore area immigration lawyer who will help guide you through the process.  Give her a call at (410) 484-1400 and make an appointment at her office located at 1777 Reisterstown Rd in Pikesville, MD.

Are You Effected by the 4-4 tie on the Supreme Court Immigration Vote?

Just recently the Supreme Court, with its non-majority voting body of 8, deadlocked on the Obama Immigration plan.  This non-majority opinion leaves the decision up to a lower court in Texas and puts millions of Americans in limbo.  The tie is not likely to increase deportation as the President retains discretion as to whom to deport.

However, the upcoming November elections will have a profound effect on immigration in the US.  Whoever gets elected President has a widely different view on this issue.  Not only that, but the party that controls Congress will shape the country’s future on this matter.  And, of course the next appointee to the Supreme Court sways the judicial body in one direction or the other.

When you have an immigration matter, hiring the right attorney is essential.  In Baltimore, you will find that there is no better choice than Briana Arnold.  Attorney Arnold brings hard work and compassion to your case.  She is an experienced Baltimore county immigration lawyer who will help you throughout the entire process.  Give her a call at (410) 484-1400 and make an appointment at her office located at 1777 Reisterstown Rd, Pikesville, MD.

Hiring the Right Immigration Attorney.

There are a number of hard working qualified immigration lawyers practicing in the Baltimore area.  Your decision on whom to hire will affect you for the rest of your life.  The process of acquiring immigration relief is extremely complex and time consuming.  And heaven forbid, if any mistakes are made along the way the delay could cause your application to be denied altogether.

Here are some topics to consider before you make a hiring decision -

1.  Cost is a factor, but cheapest is not always best.

2.  Assess how experienced he or she is at handling your particular issue.

3.  Will they be easy to get ahold of if you have a question?

4.  And perhaps most importantly, how do you connect with this particular lawyer?

Attorney Briana Arnold should meet all of your criteria.  She is worthy of your consideration.  Trust Baltimore area immigration attorney Briana Arnold to fight for you as if you were a family member.  Your next step is to reach out with a phone call to Attorney Arnold’s office by calling (410) 484-1400 and make the appointment that will help you move through the next phase of your life.