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.

DV 2019.

Every year the Department of State administers the Diversity Immigrant Visa Program.  These diversity immigrants come from countries with historically low rates of immigration in the United States.  So what does 2019 look like?  Here are some of the facts.  There will be 50,000 diversity visas available in the upcoming year.

If you or a loved one is an applicant who is selected in the program, the steps to success are simple but strict.  Selectees will be determined by a computerized random drawing.  No single country may receive more than 7% of the available DV’s in any given year.  There are several countries whose citizens are NOT eligible to apply as well.

To learn the facts and get the help that you seek in the immigration process please contact Maryland immigration attorney Briana Arnold.  She has dealt with issues involving future American citizens for years.  Arrange an appointment at her office located at 1777 Reisterstown Road Suite 385 in Baltimore by calling (410) 484-1400.

Do American Companies Hire H1-B Visa Holders?

American business is about profitability pure and simple.  If you bring a certain set of skills to a job, chances are you will be hired for that position.  Being a citizen or not will not necessarily be the primary decision in the hiring process.  The message here is to sharpen your skills, apply wherever you can, and work on obtaining your H1-B Visa.

H1-B allows U.S. employers to employ foreign workers in specialty occupations.  Here is a fact you should know…If a foreign worker in H-1B status quits or is dismissed from the sponsoring employer, the worker must either apply for and be granted a change of status, find another employer, or leave the United States.

That last prospect is not one that many of our constituents wish to face.  To find out more about H1-B Visas and all of the intricacies of foreign employment in the United States and specifically in the State of Maryland please make an appointment with immigration attorney Briana Arnold at her Baltimore office.  Just call (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.

The Latest News on Maryland Immigration.

You may think of Southwestern states first when you consider the topic of immigration.  Maryland however, has a large immigration community from El Salvador.  Here is an interesting stat… roughly 15 percent of all Maryland residents were born in another country, while 11 percent are native-born Americans who have at least one immigrant parent.

From the recent statistics going back to 2015 nearly one million of the state’s residence were immigrants comprising over 15% of Maryland’s population.  The breakdown was 437,740 women, 410,928 men, and 62,914 children.  Besides El Salvador, India, China, Mexico, and Nigeria comprised most of our state’s immigrants.

Probably no branch of the law is as dynamic as immigration law.  You need to select someone to represent you who has the experience and enthusiasm for Maryland immigrants.  In Baltimore, Briana Arnold may be the right choice for you and your family.  Attorney Arnold will sit down with you at her Commerce Center East office to discuss your case.  Call today (410) 484-1400.

Getting Asylum in the United States.

The Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) provides that the initial interview for asylum applications filed on or after April 1, 1997 (a year ago) should take place within 45 days after the date the application is filed, and a decision should be made on the asylum application within 180 days after the date of filing.

Here are some of the reasons that people file for asylum –

1.  Race

2.  Their choice of religion

3.  Being a member of a certain social group in their old country

4.  Their political opinions.

There are more, of course, but the bottom line is that millions of people over the years have chosen the United States of America as a safe haven.  If you or a loved one is seeking asylum in the Baltimore area please contact Maryland immigration attorney Briana Arnold.  She will sit down with you and formulate a plan from her Baltimore office.  Call (410) 484-1400.

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.

Okay, Congress DACA is in Your Court.

The administration is ending the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, the White House made it very clear that it wants a legislative solution from Congress to protect the roughly 800,000 “DREAMERS” who came to the U.S. illegally as children and now could face the possibility of deportation.

According to the National Immigration Law Center, the Dream Act of 2017 has many of the same protections in place as DACA does and also creates a path for citizenship or permanent legal resident status if applicants meet certain requirements. DACA did not provide such a path.  There are certain qualifications for permanent status in the Dream Act.

Decisions regarding your future or that of one your loved ones in America are fluid.  What will 2018 hold for “Dreamers”?  Someone who can help you sort it out is Baltimore County immigration attorney Briana Arnold.  She will help dreamers throughout the Baltimore area get a clearer picture of the ever-changing situation.  Please call her 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.

Always Dreaming.

No, this is not a recap of the Kentucky Derby or the Preakness which was held in our fair city.  It is about the Dreamers.  These are the three-quarters of a million under-age kids who are protected under Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA).  Even though they are supposedly exempt from heightened enforcement many are still worried.

Recently for the first time under the Trump administration agents detained a dreamer.  According to ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) the person held was “a self-admitted gang member”.  His protections were quickly stripped and deportation proceedings began immediately.  It is unclear whether or not this incident will be isolated.

Whatever the case, a Dreamer and other aliens living in the United States of America need aggressive legal representation.  That comes from Baltimore area Dreamer assistant Briana Arnold.  Please visit her website at www.brianaarnoldlaw.com.  After reading about her many areas of expertise give her a call 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.