Keeping up to date on U.S. immigration law policies is challenging, to say the least. Laws are often complex, and lawmakers are constantly adding new laws that may or may not affect your particular legal status if you happen to be a Colorado immigrant. It’s difficult for the average person to follow or even understand the many immigration issues that have a significant impact on people’s lives today.
You likely know other immigrants in your area. If a particular issue causes you concern, someone you know might be well-versed enough on the topic to offer guidance and support. However, the more you learn about your rights and how to protect them, the more confident you can be if a legal obstacle arises that places your legal status at risk.
Be aware of these recent changes
It’s unreasonable to think you should know all there is to know about U.S. immigration law and policies that may affect your personal life, employment or, perhaps, even your marriage. The following list shows recent changes that may apply to your current situation:
- If you receive a Notice to Appear, it means immigration officials want to interview you for a specific reason. A recent policy change expanded the list of reasonable causes that might prompt officials to send an NTA via postal mail.
- Under new guidelines, United States Citizenship and Immigration Services can deny your application for immigration benefits without issuing you a courtesy warning.
- Recent changes in immunization requirements may cause delays in your ability to legally enter the United States.
- If you terminate a marriage to a U.S. citizen before you have taken an Oath of Allegiance, you’ll be ineligible to apply for U.S. citizenship based on marital status.
- Under certain circumstances, immigration officials may now waive the marriage interview requirement, especially if there’s ample evidence that your marriage is legitimate.
You may be one of many Colorado immigrants who worry about legal status, immigration interviews and other policy issues. Some of the changes listed earlier may make you feel less burdened. Others, however, might cause you or your loved ones concern.
Where to seek support if a legal status problem arises
Whether you’ve been in the United States for 10 or more years or have just recently arrived, it can be highly stressful to worry about legal status problems. Any number of issues may place you at risk for deportation, which is why it’s always best to have a strong support network in place.
Many immigrants tap into local resources such as those provided by experienced U.S. immigration law attorneys to seek guidance and support when unexpected legal status problems interrupt their daily lives in America.