Many individuals living in the United States, including many non-citizens, are eligible to receive an Economic Impact Payment, or stimulus check, authorized by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (“CARES Act”). Eligible individual taxpayers should automatically receive a payment up to $1,200 and couples who file their taxes jointly will receive a payment up to $2,400. So, who is eligible for the CARES Act payment? The Internal Revenue Service...

As the COVID-19 pandemic evolves in the United States, many employers are making the difficult decision to lay off workers. Workers, in turn, have the option to apply for unemployment benefits to support themselves through these uncertain and difficult times. Noncitizens may be concerned about applying for and receiving unemployment benefits and potentially subjecting themselves to the “public charge” ground of inadmissibility in light of the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS)...

Last Friday, on October 25, 2019, the U.S. Attorney General William Barr decided two cases that could have a significant impact on an individual’s eligibility for certain types of immigration relief. Both cases pertain to an individual’s criminal history and its impact on his or her ability to remain in the United States. In Matter of Castillo-Perez, the Attorney General held that an individual with two or more convictions for driving...

Yesterday, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS)’s U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced a final rule that will transform how USCIS interprets and implements the “public charge” ground of inadmissibility under Section 212(a)(4) Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). This new rule is a major change from prior policy and affects all people applying to receive lawful permanent residency through the adjustment of status process in the United States, including...

The U.S. Department of State is now asking applicants for immigrant and nonimmigrant visas to provide information about their social media accounts. The U.S. Department of State has added a social media question to Forms DS-160 and DS-260, the standard online applications for applicants seeking immigrant and nonimmigrant visas to the United States. The new question asks for social media usernames (or “handles”) used within the last five years for 20...

  **Updated July 14, 2019 If you or your family members are impacted by ICE Raids, please call the Colorado Rapid Response Network for assistance 1-844-864-8341  There have been widespread reports this past weekend that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) may conduct raids throughout major cities in the United States, including Denver. The raids may target individuals who have been ordered removed/deported but remained in the United States. It is vital...

If you were issued a two-year lawful permanent resident card, this means that your residency status is conditional and you will need petition to remove the conditions on your residency. This is done by filing Form I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions on Residency with United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) during the 90-day window prior to the expiration of your conditional residency card. Lately, USCIS is taking well over 18...

On September 5, 2017, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) formally rescinded the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program established under the Obama Administration. The decision to rescind the program was announced by Attorney General Jeff Sessions and the DHS subsequently issued Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on its website regarding the terms of the rescission of the DACA program This rescission will have immediate and significant consequences for those who...

On June 26, 2017, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) issued a new edition of Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status. If an individual is eligible to apply for Lawful Permanent Residence status in the United States, he or she will file this form with USCIS. Starting August 25, 2017, USCIS will only accept this newest edition of Form I-485 (version date 06/26/2017). The new edition...

On August 16, 2017, the City of Denver issued Ordinance 17-0940, New Denver Public Safety Enforcement Priorities Proposal. The proposed ordinance was created to protect immigrants and refugees in the midst of increased federal immigration enforcement. Local immigration advocates, policy directors, and community organizers worked closely with Denver City Council members and Mayor Hancock’s Office to create this proposed ordinance, which memorializes Denver’s existing policies limiting the city’s role in federal...

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) recently announced regulatory changes that apply to certain individuals’ work authorization in the United States. These changes will go into effect on January 17, 2017. The first major change eliminates the requirement under the old regulations that the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) adjudicate Employment Authorization Document (EAD) applications within 90 days of receipt. Without this deadline, individuals can now expect their initial...