Robert F. Jacobs & Associates, PLC, Legal Blog
What to know about proposed changes for student visa holders
Students from around the world have long studied at U.S. colleges and universities. Many California schools are especially popular with international students – especially students interested in pursuing STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) careers. Those...
What to know about the temporary increase in H-2B visas
The policies and rules around employment-based visas are seemingly in a constant state of flux these days. It may appear, based on what some politicians say, that the federal government is striving to drastically cut back on virtually all immigration into the U.S. ...
Which convictions complicate proving good moral character?
One of the things you will generally need to show if you are hoping to gain United States citizenship through naturalization is that you have had “good moral character” for a statutory period, which in most cases means the past five years. If you have a criminal...
How long is a K-1 visa valid?
There are many scenarios in which United States citizens may become engaged to people who live in other countries. Frequently, the goal is to have the foreign national fiancé e move to the United States. They can become a permanent resident and possibly even a...
Can immigrants with work visas change jobs?
People in a variety of careers may qualify for employment visas. Highly skilled and educated workers are among those who may qualify to enter the United States for a job opportunity. Employment visas typically relate to a specific position with a particular company....
Can a DUI put an immigrant’s status at risk?
Criminal offenses can have a chilling effect on an immigrant’s opportunities in the United States. Charges can cost an immigrant with an employment visa their job, putting their lawful status at risk. Crimes committed in another country may turn up on a background...
The Third Party Doctrine gives access to digital evidence
Digital evidence is used in many court cases. Police who are investigating someone for a crime may want to look at their location data from their phone. They may want to read lists of text messages or social media messages. They may want to look at pictures or videos...
What is “crimmigration?”
If you have never heard of the term “crimmigration,” it’s a mashup of “criminal” and "migration.” Originally, the criminal courts dealt solely with those charges defendants face in California state courts, and immigration law focused solely on laws affecting...
Sponsoring your parents: A legal checklist for families
For many naturalized citizens in California, bringing your parents to the United States represents more than just a visa approval. It is the moment your parents finally see their grandchildren grow up in person. While the emotional weight of this reunion is heavy, the...
Avoid these mistakes to maintain your employment visa status
Securing a job offer in California is a massive achievement, but the work does not stop once you land. Staying in the state requires more than just high performance at your desk. You must also adhere to federal immigration laws to maintain your status. A small...