Green Card Application Process

Summary

To apply for a green card for a spouse who entered the U.S. Illegally, start with Form I-130 to establish the relationship. A provisional waiver (Form I-601A) may be needed for unlawful presence, allowing the spouse to remain in the U.S. During processing. If eligible, file Form I-485 for adjustment of status. Consulting an immigration attorney is advisable for personalized guidance. For U.S. Citizenship, the spouse must meet residency and other requirements. In California, employers must pay earned PTO and provide meal periods. Overtime can be required, with specific pay rates. Drinking and driving is illegal, with penalties for violations. Suing the federal government is possible under the FTCA, requiring an administrative claim first.

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Robert
Hi Robert! How can I assist you with your legal issue today?
I am trying to get my wifes her green card. she entered the us as a young child 20 years ago illegally.
Hi Robert! Here are some general steps and information about obtaining a green card for your wife:
- Eligibility: Your wife may qualify for a green card through family-based immigration.
- Waivers: Since she entered illegally, she might need a waiver for unlawful presence.
- Application: Form I-* (Petition for Alien Relative) is generally the first step.
Has she ever been in removal proceedings or had any other legal issues?
shes never done anything illegal and never been deported
Robert, your wife's situation seems favorable for applying for a green card. Here are the next steps:
- Form I-*: Petition for Alien Relative.
- Waiver: She might need a waiver for unlawful presence (Form I-*).
- Adjustment of Status: Form I-* if she is eligible to adjust status in the U.S.
Has she ever applied for any other immigration benefits in the past?
She was on daca
Robert, if your wife was on DACA, this could positively impact her green card application. Here are some additional steps to consider:
- Advanced Parole: If she traveled on DACA's advanced parole, it could be beneficial.
- Consultation: Consult an immigration attorney for personalized advice.
Has she ever traveled abroad with advanced parole while on DACA?
but it expired
Robert, if your wife's Advanced Parole has expired, it might still be possible to proceed with her green card application. Here are some options:
- Renew Advanced Parole: If she needs to travel again.
- Consult an Attorney: For a detailed review of her case and potential solutions.
Has she accrued any unlawful presence since her DACA expired?
shes remained in the u.s. for 20 years
Robert, since your wife has remained in the U.S. for 20 years and was on DACA, she could be eligible for a green card. Here are the critical steps:
- Form I-*: Petition for Alien Relative.
- Form I-601A: Provisional waiver for unlawful presence.
- Form I-*: Adjustment of Status if eligible.
Has she accrued any unlawful presence since her DACA expired?
no unlawful presence
Robert, since your wife hasn't accrued any unlawful presence and was on DACA, her green card application process might be smoother. Here are the main steps to follow:
- Form I-*: Petition for Alien Relative.
- Form I-601A: Provisional waiver for unlawful presence.
- Form I-*: Adjustment of Status if eligible.
Would you like more detailed information on any of these steps?
all steps more informatino would be nice
Sure, Robert! Here's a breakdown of the steps and forms you will need for your wife's green card process:
*. Form I-* (Petition for Alien Relative):
- This form establishes the relationship between you and your wife.
- You'll need to provide proof of your marriage and your status as a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident.
*. Form I-601A (Provisional Waiver for Unlawful Presence):
- Since your wife entered the U.S. illegally, she will need a waiver for her unlawful presence.
- This provisional waiver allows her to stay in the U.S. while it is being processed.
*. Form I-* (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status):
- This form is used to apply for a green card if your wife is eligible to adjust her status while remaining in the U.S.
- You'll need to provide supporting documentation, including medical examination results and proof of eligibility.
Would you like more detailed information on any specific form or step?
would this be all we need?
Robert, you are on the right track. Besides the forms mentioned, ensure you have:
- Proof of your marriage and your status.
- Your wife's DACA records.
- Documentation of her continuous residence.
It's advisable to consult an immigration attorney for personalized guidance.
Would you like more details on finding a local attorney?
would this allow her to not have to leave the u.s. to complete any steps?
Robert, if your wife files for a provisional waiver (Form I-601A) and successfully applies for adjustment of status (Form I-*), she should be able to complete the process without leaving the U.S.
Would you like more details on the provisional waiver or adjustment of status process?
yes please send me more information on this
Sure, Robert! Here’s more detailed information on the provisional waiver and adjustment of status processes:
Provisional Waiver (Form I-601A):
- Purpose: Waives unlawful presence while staying in the U.S.
- Eligibility: Must have an approved I-* and demonstrate extreme hardship to a U.S. citizen or LPR spouse/parent.
- Processing Time: Can take several months.
Adjustment of Status (Form I-*):
- Purpose: Allows your wife to apply for a green card without leaving the U.S.
- Requirements:
- Approved I-*
- Completed medical examination (Form I-*)
- Proof of continuous residence and eligibility
- Biometrics appointment
Consulting an immigration attorney for personalized advice is highly recommended.
Would you like to know more about any specific form or step?
how could she get her citizenship after her green card?
Robert, after your wife obtains her green card, she can apply for U.S. citizenship through naturalization. Here are the general steps:
- Residency Requirement: She must be a permanent resident for at least 3 years if married to a U.S. citizen, otherwise 5 years.
- Form N-*: File the Application for Naturalization.
- Continuous Residence: She must have lived in the U.S. continuously for the required period.
- Physical Presence: She must have been physically present in the U.S. for at least half of the required residency period.
- Good Moral Character: She must demonstrate good moral character.
- Civics Test: Pass a test on U.S. history and government.
- English Language: Demonstrate basic proficiency in English.
Would you like more details on any of these steps?
my work has not paid me for PTO for * weeks now. I've repeatedly requested it and they tell me that it will be in my next check but it is not.
Robert, in California, employers must pay out earned PTO. Here are some steps you can take:
- Document Requests: Keep records of your PTO requests.
- Contact HR: Follow up with HR in writing.
- File a Complaint: You can file a wage claim with the California Labor Commissioner.
Would you like more information on filing a wage claim?
yes
Robert, here's how you can file a wage claim with the California Labor Commissioner:
*. Gather Documentation: Collect any records of your PTO requests and communications with HR.
*. File Online: Visit the California Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) website to file your claim online.
*. Form DLSE-NTE: Complete and submit the Notice of Claim form.
Would you like more help with any of these steps?
we get paid for our lunches however the other day I did not get my lunch due to it being busy day
Robert, in California, employers must provide a duty-free meal period if you work more than * hours. If you don't get your meal period, you are entitled to one hour of additional pay.
Would you like more information on how to request this compensation?
can my supervisor make me do overtime?
In California:
- Employers can require employees to work overtime.
- Non-exempt employees must be paid *.* times their regular rate for hours over * in a day or * in a week.
- Double time is required for hours over * in a day.
Do you need more details on overtime pay regulations?
is it illegal to drink and drive
Yes, in California, it is illegal to drink and drive. Here are some key points:
- Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) limit is *.*% for drivers * and over.
- For drivers under *, the BAC limit is *.*%.
- Penalties may include fines, jail time, license suspension, and mandatory DUI education programs.
Would you like more information on the penalties for DUI in California?
can i sue the federal government for taking an application fee for an application that was not legal to begin? specifically for the Biden keep families together act?
You can sue the federal government under certain circumstances, but it can be complex due to sovereign immunity. The Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) allows some lawsuits against the federal government.
- Claims under the FTCA must meet specific criteria.
- You may need to file an administrative claim first.
Would you like more detailed information on filing a claim under the FTCA?
yes
Robert, here's more detailed information on filing a claim under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA):
- Administrative Claim: File a Standard Form * with the federal agency involved.
- Time Limit: You must file within two years of the incident.
- Agency Review: The agency has six months to respond.
- Lawsuit: If denied or not resolved, you can file a lawsuit in federal court.
Would you like assistance in finding more details on filing the Standard Form *?