While the fate of Trump’s promise to build a stronger border wall is up in the air, what is not uncertain is the administration’s determination to place obstacles in the path of those seeking legal admission to or permanent residency in the U.S. Some people in California and other states are calling this the “paper wall.”
The amount of paperwork required for a visa or green card application can be voluminous. It is important to know precisely who is seeking entrance to the country. In addition, there are specific and detailed instructions as to the manner in which the documents must be compiled and presented. Under previous administrations, an application that was incomplete due to some technical error was sent back to the applicant for correction.
Under a new policy, however, many immigrants are seeing their application denied without an opportunity to correct the paperwork, which means they have to restart the process from the beginning. Another tactic being employed involves requesting additional supporting evidence to verify eligibility to enter or remain in the country when the application seems complete and accurate. This policy is most apparent where an immigrant who has had his or her green card renewed previously but upon presenting the same evidence now receives a rejection.
There is a great deal at stake for many immigrants attempting to enter or stay in the U.S. An immigration lawyer may be able to assist in the visa application process, help clients achieve permanent legal resident status, explain how a family visa could reunite families or assist in any other immigration matter.