Integrity Legal

For some, Law School is a fascinating journey  of academic achievement. Meanwhile, for others it can be an ever spiraling path of continuous sophistry and frustration. That said, those thinking of attending American law school should do meticulous research, understand the legal profession, and assess the costs prior to submitting an application or entering a course of study of the law. This author recently came across an interesting piece posted on CriminalJusticeDegree.com. To quote directly from this posting:

Law school offers up some amazing educational opportunities for those hoping to pursue work in the legal field. However, it clips along at a grueling pace and involves intensive work loads – a situation not everyone will find appealing. Those considering law school as a career path need to understand every positive and negative facet of the 3 demanding year before committing to sending in that first application. Anyone still up for the challenge knowing some of the major setbacks and issues should certainly pursue it!

The study of law can be intense and costly for those in the United States (other countries, including “common law” jurisdictions, have different protocols for attaining licensure as a legal professional). With that in mind, the aforementioned web posting takes the opportunity to “accentuate the negative” of law school in an effort to to provide balanced insight into the process by which laypeople becoming attorneys in the United States. Hopefully, by reading the information contained on that webpage, and the pages it links to, individuals thinking about a legal career can make informed decisions prior to making irrevocable changes to their lifestyle and/or financial situation.

The study and practice of law can be noble endeavors, but the law can be a cruel mistress, metaphorically, as legal reasoning and the paradigms created by legal frameworks can be difficult for some to fully comprehend without rigorous training and study of the theories and policies which underlie the laws and procedures which many Americans take for granted.

Although depicted as rather glamorous by film and television. Many American attorneys feel that the legal profession is more about dedication to client needs rather than attainment of some form of celebrity. Therefore, those interested in the legal profession should really take note of the personal reasons for seeking qualification as initial assumptions about the legal profession can be quickly refuted upon admission to a Law School. Furthermore, the practical application of the law in the “real world” may be very different compared to the academic study of jurisprudence. Therefore, those seeking a legal education are wise to have some sort of career “road map”. A plan such as this does not need to be excessively rigid, but should provide a framework to guide the prospective lawyer as he or she progresses in his or her legal education.

Tags: American Law School, Attending Law School, CriminalJusticeDegree.com, Things to know before applying to law school, US Law School, What To Know About Law School
Posted in Legal Opinion | No Comments »

Although it has been written of often on this blog, the issue of section 214 (b) of the United States Immigration and Nationality Act and its impact upon the United States tourist visa process is one of concern to some abroad as few understand why its application can be somewhat unsympathetic when applied to applicants who have a boyfriend or girlfriend of American nationality or in Lawful Permanent Resident status in the United States of America.

Those seeking a US tourist visa must subject themselves to an interview prior to visa issuance (and visa issuance assumes application approval which is not a foregone conclusion). At the visa interview the Consular Officer will adjudicate the merits of a tourist visa application. Section 214(b) of the United States Immigration and Nationality Act compels Consular Officers to deny a tourist visa application (or any non-immigrant visa application that requires 214b analysis such as a J1 visa, an F1 visa, or a B1 visa to name just a few relevant categories) if the officer finds that the applicant cannot overcome the presumption of immigrant intent contained within the provisions of section 214b. This presumption creates a sort of “strong ties” vs. “weak ties” analysis which is utilized by those adjudicating non-immigrant applications. Therefore, those with strong ties to Malaysia (or another country abroad) and weak ties to the USA will be more likely to be granted a tourist visa compared to those in circumstances which mitigate in favor of the presumption of immigrant intent.

In the past, there were some who attempted to utilize the B2 visa (the categorical classification of the US Visitor Visa) as a means of circumventing the comparatively long processing time for visas such as the K1 visa or the CR1 visa. It should be noted that applying for a non-immigrant visa while maintaining immigrant intent could be construed as visa fraud particularly where the applicant is seeking a Visitor Visa which specifically is meant for those wishing to travel to the USA for a relatively short holiday.

Those wishing to bring a Malaysian loved one to the United States for the purpose of marriage are well advised to seek either a US fiance visa (K1 visa) or a US Marriage Visa (if the couple is already married the duration of the marriage may dictate if the Malaysian spouse is eligible for a CR1 Visa or an IR1 visa). A marriage or intended marriage should never be entered into as a pretext. Therefore, so-called marriages of convenience should not be the basis of a visa petition. Those seeking US family visa benefits are well advised to only seek visa benefits based upon a genuine bona fide relationship.

For related information please see: US Visa Lao Girlfriend of K1 Visa Malaysia.

Tags: 214(b), B-2 Visitor Visa, B1 visa, B2 Visa, B2 visa Malaysia, B2 Visitor Visa, CR1 Visa, Fiance Visa Malaysia, IR1 Visa, J1 Visa Malaysia, K1 Visa, K1 Visa Malaysia, Section 214(b), US Family Visa, US Fiance Visa, US Tourist Visa Malaysia, US Visitor Visa
Posted in CR1 Visa, IR1 Visa, J1 visa, K1 Visa, K2 Visa, US Embassy Kuala Lumpur, US Embassy Malaysia, US State Department, US Tourist Visa, US Visa, US Visa and Immigration | No Comments »

ประเด็นที่เป็นข้อถกเถียงในวงการกฎหมายคนเข้าเมืองเกี่ยวกับการเลือกปฏิบัติและข้อบังคับของกลุ่มเลสเบี้ยน เกย์ ไบเซ็กชวล และผู้ที่แปลงเพศในบริบทของการเข้าเมืองสหรัฐอเมริกา บทความนี้จะชี้แจงเกี่ยวกับวีซ่าสหรัฐอเมริกาของ LGBTสำหรับผู้ที่เป็นคู่รักของพลเมืองอเมริกันและผู้มีถิ่นฐานถาวรอย่างถูกต้องตามกฎหมาย

คู่ที่มีความแตกต่างทางเพศมักพบปัญหาในการขอวีซ่าสหรัฐอเมริกาประเภทท่องเที่ยวตามมาตรา 214(b) ตามพระราชบัญญัติสัญชาติ และคนเข้าเมืองสหรัฐอเมริกา กฎหมายฉบับนี้ให้เจ้าหน้าที่กงสุลมีอำนาจในการออกวีซ่าแก่ผู้ยื่นคำขอที่มีความตั้งใจจะย้ายไปอยู่สหรัฐอเมริกาเว้นเสียแต่ว่าเขาจะแสดงหลักฐานที่ลบล้างข้อสันนิษฐานนั้น หลักนี้ใช้สำหรับคู่ที่มีความแตกต่างทางเพศของพลเมืองอเมริกันและผู้ที่มีถิ่นฐานถาวรตามกฎหมาย อย่างไรก็ตามมาตรา 214(b) ภายใต้กฎหมายอเมริกันเกี่ยวกับคู่ที่เป็นเพศเดียวกัน รัฐบาลกลางสหรัฐอเมริกาและเจ้าหน้าที่ไม่นำมาตรานี้มาใช้กับคู่เพศเดียวกัน ตั้งแต่มีการบังคับใช้พระราชบัญญัติคุ้มครองการแต่งงาน(DOMA)

การละเลยทางกฎหมายของความสัมพันธ์กับเพศเดียวกันส่งผลให้การขอวีซ่าสหรัฐอเมริกาประเภทท่องเที่ยวนั้นลดลงเมื่อเปรียบเทียบกับคู่ต่างเพศเนื่องจากเจ้าหน้าที่ผู้มีอำนาจสามารถแสดงข้อเท็จจริงได้ว่า คู่เพศเดียวกันไม่สามารถที่จะใช้วีซ่าประเภทท่องเที่ยวเพื่อที่จะปรับเปลี่ยนประเภทของวีซ่าสหรัฐอเมริกาเนื่องจากUSCISไม่สามาถปรับเปลี่ยนประเภทวีซ่าของคู่เพศเดียวกัน แม้ว่าการแต่งงานนั้นจะถูกต้องตามกฎหมายของอเมริกาตามพระราชบัญญัติการคุ้มครองการแต่งงาน ดังนั้นการขอวีซ่าสำหรับคู่เพศเดียวกันนั้นอาจจะได้รับการอนุมัติวีซ่ามากกว่าคู่ต่างเพศ แต่คู่ต่างเพศอาจแต่งงานได้อย่างถูกต้องตามกฎหมายในสหรัฐอเมริกาและดินแดนที่มีเขตอำนาจและสามารถทำคำร้องเพื่อขอรับสิทธิประโยชน์ได้ ผู้ที่จะได้รับสิทธิประโยชน์ของวีซ่าสหรัฐอเมริกาประเภทคู่หมั้นนั้นขึ้นอยู่กับการดำเนินการตามกฎหมายภายใน 90 วันนับแต่วันที่คู่หมั้นชาวต่างชาติเข้าไปในสหรัฐอเมริกา

จนกระทั่งมีการยกเลิกพระราชบัญญํติคุ้มครองการแต่งงานโดยสภาคองเกรส (อาจเกิดขึ้นในช่วงของการปฏิรูปการเข้าเมือง) หรือโดยศาลสหรัฐอเมริกา(อาจจะเกิดขึ้นในกรณีที่หนึ่งในสองคดีอยู่ในอำนาจของศาลอุทธรณ์) คู่เพศเดียวกันอาจจะได้รับสิทธิประโยชน์ที่ใกล้เคียงกันกับคู่ต่างเพศในเรื่องของการดำเนินการขอวีซ่าท่องเที่ยว

Tags: 214(b), Defense of Marriage Act, DOMA, USCIS
Posted in สถานทูตสหรัฐอเมริกาประจำประเทศไทย, ้วีซ่าอเมริกาจากประเทศไทย | No Comments »

Those familiar with this blog may note that the Diversity Visa Lottery is on the horizon. This is a no-cost application and our firm currently does not take clients for Diversity Visas. That said, there are many around the world who are eligible to submit an application to be entered in the Diversity Visa Lottery. The following is language from the Federal Register quoted directly from a posting on the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) website:

[Federal Register: October 1, 2010 (Volume 75, Number 190)]
[Notices]
[Page 60846-60854]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr01oc10-116]

—————————————

DEPARTMENT OF STATE

[Public Notice: 7184]

Bureau of Consular Affairs; Registration for the Diversity Immigrant (DV-2012) Visa Program

AGENCY: Department of State.

ACTION: Notice.

—————————————

SUMMARY: This public notice provides information on how to apply for the DV-2012 Program. This notice is issued pursuant to 22 CFR 42.33(b)(3) which implements sections 201(a)(3), 201(e), 203(c) and 204(a)(1)(I) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, as amended, (8 U.S.C. 1151, 1153, and 1154(a)(1)(I)).

Instructions for the 2012 Diversity Immigrant Visa Program (DV-2012)

The congressionally mandated Diversity Immigrant Visa Program is administered on an annual basis by the Department of State and conducted under the terms of Section 203(c) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). Section 131 of the Immigration Act of 1990 (Pub. L. 101-649) amended INA 203 and provides for a class of immigrants known as “diversity immigrants.” Section 203(c) of the INA provides a maximum of 55,000 Diversity Visas (DV) each fiscal year to be made available to persons from countries with low rates of immigration to the United States.

The annual DV program makes permanent residence visas available to persons meeting the simple, but strict, eligibility requirements. A computer-generated random lottery drawing chooses selectees for Diversity Visas. The visas are distributed among six geographic regions with a greater number of visas going to regions with lower rates of immigration, and with no visas going to nationals of countries sending more than 50,000 immigrants to the United States over the period of the past five years. Within each region, no single country may receive more than seven percent of the available Diversity Visas in any one year.

For DV-2012, natives of the following countries are not eligible to apply because the countries sent a total of

[[Page 60847]]

more than 50,000 immigrants to the United States in the previous five years:

BRAZIL, CANADA, CHINA (mainland-born), COLOMBIA, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC, ECUADOR, EL SALVADOR, GUATEMALA, HAITI, INDIA, JAMAICA, MEXICO, PAKISTAN, PERU, the PHILIPPINES, POLAND, SOUTH KOREA, UNITED KINGDOM (except Northern Ireland) and its dependent territories, and VIETNAM.

Persons born in Hong Kong SAR, Macau SAR and Taiwan are eligible. For DV-2012, no countries have been added or removed from the previous year’s list of eligible countries.

The Department of State implemented the electronic registration system beginning with DV-2005 in order to make the Diversity Visa process more efficient and secure. The Department utilizes special technology and other means to identify those who commit fraud for the purposes of illegal immigration or who submit multiple entries.

Diversity Visa Registration Period

Entries for the DV-2012 Diversity Visa Lottery must be submitted electronically between noon, Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) (GMT-4), Tuesday, October 5, 2010, and noon, Eastern Standard Time (EST) (GMT-5) Wednesday, November 3, 2010. Applicants may access the electronic Diversity Visa Entry Form (E-DV) at http://www.dvlottery.state.gov during the registration period. Paper entries will not be accepted. Applicants are strongly encouraged not to wait until the last week of the registration period to enter. Heavy demand may result in Web site delays. No entries will be accepted after noon, EST, on November 3, 2010.

Requirements for Entry

To enter the DV lottery, you must be a native of one of the listed countries. See “List of Countries by Region Whose Natives Qualify.” In most cases this means the country in which you were born. However, there are two other ways you may be able to qualify. First, if you were born in a country whose natives are ineligible but your spouse was born in a country whose natives are eligible; you can claim your spouse’s country of birth, provided both you and your spouse are on the selected entry, are issued visas, and enter the United States simultaneously. Second, if you were born in a country whose natives are ineligible, but neither of your parents was born there or resided there at the time of your birth, you may claim nativity in one of your parents’ country of birth, if it is a country whose natives qualify for the DV-2012 program.

To enter the lottery, you must meet either the education or work experience requirement of the DV program. You must have either a high school education or its equivalent, defined as successful completion of a 12-year course of elementary and secondary education; OR, two years of work experience within the past five years in an occupation requiring at least two years of training or experience to perform. The U.S. Department of Labor’s O*Net OnLine database will be used to determine qualifying work experience. For more information about qualifying work experience, see Frequently Asked Question 13. If you cannot meet either of these requirements, you should NOT submit an entry to the DV program. [AILA InfoNet Doc. No. 10100163 (posted Oct. 1, 2010)]

Those wishing to apply for a Diversity Visa should first ascertain if they are eligible. After determining eligibility an application must be submitted. Should an entrant be chosen to receive the visa, then Consular Processing will still be required. Therefore, applicants for a US diversity visa may still be required to submit themselves for interview at a US Embassy or US Consulate outside of the United States. Some find that attorney assistance is beneficial during the Consular Processing phase of this type of application while others choose to file pro se.

It should be noted that the Visa Lottery does not require payment of any fees  initially (although winners may need to pay Consular Processing fees and travel expenses). Therefore, those wishing to obtain this type of travel document should view anyone seeking an “application fee” with caution. Finally, as always, before retaining anyone to assist with any type of visa application it may be prudent to check the credentials of the individual to be retained in an effort to determine if he or she is a licensed American attorney who is able to practice US Immigration law.

For related information please see: US Visa Thailand.

Tags: American State Department, Department of Homeland Security, Department of State, DHS, Diversity Visa, Diversity Visa Lottery, DOS, DV program, State Department, USCIS, Visa Lottery
Posted in Department of Homeland Security, US Consulate ChengDu, US Consulate Chennai, US Consulate Guangzhou, US Consulate HCMC, US Consulate Hyderabad, US Consulate Kolkata, US Consulate Mumbai, US Consulate Shanghai, US Consulate Shenyang, US Consulate Singapore, US Consulate Wuhan, US Emassy Mongolia, US Embassy Australia, us embassy bangkok, US Embassy Bangladesh, US Embassy Beijing, US Embassy Burma, US Embassy Cambodia, US Embassy China, US Embassy Dhaka, US Embassy Fiji, US Embassy Hanoi, US Embassy India, US Embassy Indonesia, US Embassy Jakarta, US Embassy Japan, US Embassy Kathmandu, US Embassy Kiribati, US Embassy Kuala Lumpur, US Embassy Laos, US Embassy Malaysia, US Embassy Maldives, US Embassy Manila, US Embassy Mauritius, US Embassy Mongolia, US Embassy Myanmar, US Embassy Nauru, US Embassy Nepal, US Embassy New Dehli, US Embassy New Zealand, US Embassy Papua New Guinea, US Embassy Philippines, US Embassy Phnom Phen, US Embassy Port Moresby, US Embassy Rangoon, US Embassy Singapore, US Embassy South Korea, US Embassy Sri Lanka, US Embassy Suva, US Embassy Tokyo, US Embassy Tonga, US Embassy Tuvalu, US Embassy Vietnam, US Embassy Yangon, US State Department, US Visa, US Visa and Immigration, US Visa Thailand, USCIS | No Comments »

Southeast Asia is a beautiful and  often visited part of the world. One of the lesser known, but highly enjoyable, destinations in Southeast Asia is the country of Laos. This small landlocked country north of the Kingdom of Thailand, the Kingdom of Cambodia, and South of the Peoples’ Republic of China has been a destination of choice for those seeking the adventure and natural beauty of tropical Asia. Some Americans who travel to Laos meet a special someone whom they wish to bring back to America. For these people, the first thing that comes to mind is: “Will my girlfriend (or boyfriend) need a US Visa?” In most cases, a visa will be necessary as the United states does not allow Laotians to come to America on the US Visa Waiver Program. Therefore, the next question for many is: “Can I get my Lao girlfriend (or boyfriend) a US Tourist Visa?” In most cases, the answer to this question is: no, but a deeper understanding of relevant immigration law may provide insight into the reason for possible denial.

Relatively few Americans are aware of a provision in the United States Immigration and Nationality Act called section 214(b). Under this section of the INA a Consular Officer adjudicating a non-immigrant visa application (like a B2 visa application, B2 is the official category for tourist visas) must presume that the applicant is an intending immigrant unless the applicant can provide strong evidence to the contrary. This creates a sort of “strong ties” vs. “weak ties” analysis whereby the Consular Officer will balance the applicant’s ties to the USA and Laos (or another country abroad). If the applicant can show strong ties to Laos and weak ties to the USA, then that applicant may be granted the tourist visa. However, in cases where a US Citizen is a significant other of the applicant such a relationship may have a negative impact upon the visa application as the relationship itself could be viewed as a “strong tie” to the USA. This should NOT be read as to imply that a relationship should not be disclosed as it is this author’s opinion that failure to disclose the existence of an American significant other could be construed as misrepresentation. That said, such a relationship could still have an adverse impact upon an applicant’s tourist visa application.

Those who wish to bring a Lao loved one back to the United states for the purposes of marriage and subsequent residence are well advised to seek either a US fiance visa (K1 visa) or a US Marriage Visa (CR1 Visa, IR1 Visa, or a K3 Visa although the K3 visa category has been effectively phased out by the National Visa Center in recent months).  That said, no one should ever enter into any type of relationship strictly as a pretext for obtaining a US Immigration benefit. Therefore, the relationship that acts as a basis for any visa application or petition ought to be bona fide and genuine.

For related information please see: US Visa Vietnamese Girlfriend or K1 Visa Laos.

Tags: American Visa Laos, CR1 Visa Laos, Fiance Visa Laos, IR1 Visa Laos, K1 Visa Laos, K3 Visa Laos, US Embassy Laos, US Embassy Vientiane, US Marriage Visa, US Marriage Visa Laos, US Tourist Visa, US Tourist Visa Denial, US Tourist Visa Denied, US Tourist Visa Laos, US Tourist Visa Laotian Boyfriend, US Tourist Visa Refusal, US Visa Lao Boyfriend, US Visa Lao Girlfriend, US Visa Laos, US Visa Laotian Girlfriend
Posted in CR1 Visa, IR1 Visa, K1 Visa, K2 Visa, K3 Visa, US Embassy Laos, US State Department, US Tourist Visa, US Visa, US Visa and Immigration | 1 Comment »

บทความนี้ขอนำเสนอมุมมองในการขอวีซ่าสหรัฐอเมริกาประเภทท่องเที่ยวสำหรับแฟนชาวต่างชาติของพลเมืองอเมริกัน

พลเมืองอเมริกันหลายคนต่างละเลยข้อเท็จจริงที่ว่า กงสุลอเมริกันมีอิสระในการพิจารณาคำขอวีซ่าประเภทที่ไม่ใช่ผู้อพยพ ( non-immigrant)ซึ่งมีการยื่นคำขอจากทั่วโลก สิ่งที่ต้องตระหนักถึงคือ ในแต่ละปี ชาวอเมริกันทั้งชายและหญิงเดินทางออกนอกสหรัฐอเมริกาและพบกับคนที่พิเศษ ในสถานการณ์นี้อาจมีคำถามมากมายเช่น ต้องทำอย่างไรที่จะขอวีซ่าสำหรับแฟนชาวต่างชาติเพื่อเดินทางมาที่สหรัฐอเมริกา คำตอบสำหรับคำถามนี้อาจไม่ง่ายเหมือนจุดเริ่มต้น

อ้างถึงมาตรา 214(b) พระราชบัญญัติสัญชาติและการเข้าเมืองสหรัฐอเมริกา เจ้าหน้าที่กงสุลในองค์กรของสหรัฐอเมริกา สถานทูตอเมริกา หรือสถานกงสุลสหรัฐอเมริกาสันนิษฐานว่าผู้ยื่นคำขอวีซ่าประเภทที่ไม่ใช่ผู้อพยพ (non-immigrant )เป็นผู้ที่มีเจตนาที่จะอพยพเข้าเมือง เว้นเสียแต่ว่าพวกเขาจะพิสูจน์ได้ว่าไม่ได้เป็นเช่นนั้น สิ่งเหล่านี้นำไปสู่การวิเคราะห์ข้อเท็จจริงโดยเจ้าหน้าที่กงสุลเจ้าหน้าที่กงสุลต้องเชื่อว่า ผู้ยื่นคำขอมีความผูกพันอย่างแน่นแฟ้นต่อประเทศของผู้ยื่นคำขอหรือประเทศอื่นๆนอกจากสหรัฐอเมริกาและต้องมีความผูกพันที่ไม่มากกับสหรัฐอเมริกา ในหลายๆกรณีการที่มีแฟนเป็นคนอเมริกันนั้นส่งผลให้ความผูกพันแน่นแฟ้นกับประเทศบ้านเกิดนั้นน้อยลงและนำไปสู่การปฏิเสธวีซ่าตามาตรา 214(b) เหตุผลนี้เป็นส่วนหนึ่งที่เจ้าหน้าที่สถานทูตไม่ควรที่จะแปลความหมายผิด เจ้าหน้าที่สามารถที่จะปฏิเสธคำขอวีซ่าท่องเที่ยวได้ตามกฎหมายถ้าผู้ยื่นคำขอไม่สามารถพิสูจน์ข้อสันนิษฐานตามมาตรา 214(b)

ด้วยเหตุผลที่สนับสนุน การที่จะพิสูจน์ให้ได้ตามมาตรา 214b แทบจะเป็นไปไม่ได้ในบางเขตอำนาจกงสุล สิ่งที่ทำให้สถานการณ์แย่ลงจากตัวอย่างที่ผ่านมามีการใช้วีซ่าประเภทที่ไม่ใช่ผู้อพยพ(non-immigrant visa)ในทางที่ผิดส่งผลถึงคำขอของการปรับเปปลี่ยนสถานะกับบริการคนเข้าเมืองและพลเมืองอเมริกา (USCIS)ตามสถิตินี้ ข้อสันนิษฐานตามกฎหมายมาตรา 214(b)ทำไห้ไม่มีความหวังในการขอวีซ่าสหรัฐอเมริกานั้นตั้งแต่เริ่มต้น

สิ่งที่ควรตระหนักถึงคือ มีหลายคู่ที่หลังจากทำความรู้จักซึ่งกันและกันและพัฒนาความสัมพันธ์ให้คงอยู่ตลอดไปสามารถที่จะรับสิทธิประโยชน์จากวีซ่าครอบครัวอเมริกัน แตกต่างจากวีซ่าประเภทไม่ใช่ผู้อพยพ (non-immigrant visa) ผู้ยื่นขอวีซ่าประเภทผู้อพยพ (immigrant visa) (หรือผู้สมัครวีซ่าที่มีวัตถุประสงค์สองอย่าง)ไม่ขึ้นอยู่กับการตรวจสอบของกงสุลตามมาตรา 214 (b)ของ INA ดังนั้นการที่จะขอวีซ่าประเภทK1, IR1 และ CR1 ไม่จำเป็นต้องเป็นไปตามมาตรา 214(b) อาจกล่าวได้ว่าการยื่นคำขอวีซ่านั้นต้องอยู่บนพื้นฐานของความสุจริตและวีซ่าครอบครัวต้องมีความสัมพันธ์ที่แท้จริงที่จะได้รับสิทธิประโยชน์จากวีซ่าอเมริกา

Tags: 214(b), CR1, IR1, K1, USCIS
Posted in สถานทูตสหรัฐอเมริกาประจำประเทศไทย, ้วีซ่าอเมริกาจากประเทศไทย | No Comments »

Many American Citizens and Lawful Permanent Residents who vacation or live abroad meet someone special while in another country and wish to bring that special someone back to the United States of America. Under those circumstances, some pose the question: “Can I bring my foreign girlfriend, or boyfriend, back to the United States on an American tourist visa?” In the context of Vietnam, many ponder the more specific question: “Can I bring my Vietnamese Girlfriend (or Boyfriend) back to the USA on an American tourist visa?” Depending upon the facts of a given case, a Consular Officer at a United States Embassy or Consulate abroad will make a determination as to visa suitability on a case by case basis. Pursuant to the doctrine of Consular Absolutism, Consular Officer have virtually unfettered discretion when it comes to making factual decisions regarding visa issuance. In the context of Non-Immigrant visas this discretion can have a major impact upon an individual’s ability to bring a Vietnamese loved one back to the USA from Vietnam on a US Visitor Visa. In a significant number of cases US visitor visas are denied to the boyfriends and girlfriends of Americans. This is often due to a relatively little known section of the US Immigration and Nationality Act known as Section 214(b).

Section 214(b) of the INA requires that Consular Officers adjudicating non-immigrant visas abroad (J1 visa, F1 visa, B1 visa, B2 visa, etc.) presume that the applicant is actually an intending immigrant unless that applicant can show evidence to the contrary. This presumption is legally required, but many believe that US tourist visa denials are some sort of personal rejection. In point of fact, 214 (b) would seem to be a very high threshold to overcome by the applicant as the law presumes that they are intending immigrants unless documentation or evidence can be provided to mitigate this presumption. As a result, a sort of “strong ties” vs. “weak ties” analysis is often utilized to deal with this problem. Tourist visa applicants of Vietnamese origin generally must show strong ties to Vietnam (or another country abroad) and weak ties to the USA. In many cases, the mere presence of an American significant other is enough to make 214(b) virtually insurmountable since such a relationship could be construed as a “strong tie” to the USA.

In the past, some attempted to the use the American Tourist Visa as a means of bypassing the comparatively longer processing times associated with US Family Visa applications. That said, this is an unwise course of action as it could be construed as visa fraud to knowingly seek non-immigrant visa benefits in order to enter the USA, marry a US Citizen, and thereafter file for Immigrant visa benefits. Penalties for visa fraud can be quite severe. Therefore, those wishing to immigrate to then USA are well advised to apply for the proper visa category.

Those seeking Family Immigration benefits should note that entering into a relationship merely to acquire visa benefits could also be viewed as fraud. Therefore, couples seeking immigration benefits should do so only if a petition or application is based upon a bona fide relationship.

For related information please see: US Visa Burmese Girlfriend or K1 Visa Vietnam.

Tags: B1 Visa Vietnam, B2 Visa Vietnam, Consular Absolutism, Consular Nonreviewability, F1 Visa Vietnam, Fiance Visa Vietnam, Immigrant Visa Vietnam, J1 Visa Vietnam, K1 Visa Vietnam, Marriage Visa Vietnam, My Vietnamese Fiance, Non-Immigrant Visa Vietnam, Tourist Visa Vietnamese Boyfriend, Tourist Visa Vietnamese Girlfriend, US Tourist Visa Vietnam, US Visa Vitenam, Vietnamese Fiance Visa
Posted in US Consulate HCMC, US Embassy Hanoi, US Embassy Vietnam, US Tourist Visa, US Visa, US Visa and Immigration | No Comments »

As the previous post on this blog pointed out the issue of LGBT Immigration and the cause of same sex bi-national couples seeking equal rights in the realm of American immigration law has been an issue for some time. It has recently been noted on the lezgetreal.com website that Senator Robert Menendez has introduced a new proposal for Comprehensive Immigration Reform, to quote Melanie Nathan of the aforementioned website directly:

Kathy Drasky from OUT4Immigration, the group responsible for most of the grass root outreach and letter writing campaign announced on the www.Out4Immigration.org blog today that Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ) has introduced comprehensive immigration reform (CIR) legislation that is truly comprehensive – it includes provision for same-sex binational couples.

“This monumental achievement comes after months of phone calls, letters and visits to Congressional representatives and their staffers by Out4Immigration, Immigration Equality and many, many other individuals and groups dedicated to ending immigration discrimination against LGBT Americans with foreign partners or, as we are collectively known, same-sex binational couples.

It remains unclear whether this legislation will ultimately be adopted by the United States Congress and become US law, but introduction of this legislation in combination with two pending cases in the United States Federal Courts drastically increases the odds of seeing at least some form of change in the restrictions imposed upon same sex bi-national couples under the language of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA).

That said, there are some who feel that passage of a Comprehensive Immigration Reform bill may not necessarily mean that this current bill’s UAFA-like language will be included in the final draft. As legislation does not become law until final adoption by both the United States Congress and Senate with Presidential approval. Should the President opt to veto the legislation, then there may be no change to the current immigration restrictions placed upon same sex couples (even those legally married in a US jurisdiction) seeking American visa benefits. Furthermore, should the language of this bill change prior to final adoption, then there may be no change to the current circumstances in which many same sex bi-national couples find themselves in. Therefore, until this legislation is fully adopted, it remains likely that supporters of this legislation, as well as opponents, will remain active in promoting their respective causes.

For related information please see: Same Sex marriage visa.

Tags: Comprehensive Immigration Reform, Federal Legislation, lgbt immigration, LGBT Immigration News, LGBT Immigration rights, Same Sex Bi-National Couple, Same Sex Bi-National Couples, same sex binational couple, same sex binational couples, US Immigration News
Posted in Comprehensive Immigration Reform, CR1 Visa, IR1 Visa, K-3 Visa Thailand, K1 Visa, K2 Visa, K3 Visa, lgbt immigration, News, same sex visa, Upcoming Legislation, US Visa, US Visa and Immigration, US Visa Thailand | No Comments »

Those who follow this blog frequently may take note of the fact that the administration carefully follows the issues associated with LGBT Immigration rights in the United States of America. In a recent posting by Melanie Nathan on the website LezGetReal.com it was noted that LGBT immigration legislation may be introduced in the US Congress quite soon:

Sen. Robert Menendez of New Jersey is expected to introduce comprehensive immigration legislation before the Senate adjourns this week for the midterm recess, according to Politico, and a source tells The Advocate that the legislation will be LGBT-inclusive.

In the past, there have been other attempts by Federal legislators to rectify the current legal restrictions placed on LGBT bi-national couples when it comes to the issue of obtaining US Immigration benefits. To continue to quote directly from LezGetReal.com:

There are an estimated 36,000 (minimum the number since the determination in the year 2000 – also not taking account of social media and current increase in internet meeting) Gays and Lesbians who are either American citizens or residents (all referred to as Americans for the purpose of this article,) who are in love and relationship with a foreigner. Gay and lesbians are denied equality under the Federal Immigration laws of this Country, to sponsor same-sex partners or  State recognized spouses for immigration (greencards) to the USA.

LGBT couples (and the appellation LGBT includes Bi-sexual and Transgender couples and individuals as well as Lesbian or Gay couples and individuals) are currently barred from receiving the same family based immigration benefits as different-sex couples. This restriction is imposed pursuant to the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). DOMA prevents same sex couples (even those lawfully married under state law) from receiving recognition of their marriage in the eyes of the Federal government (and the benefits which may arise therefrom, including immigration benefits such as the K3 visa, CR1 visa, or IR1 visa or in cases where a couple intends to enter into a marriage in the USA: a K1 visa). There are those who argue that application of DOMA violates the doctrine of States’ Rights. At the same time, others point to the violation of the civil rights of the American Citizen (or Lawful Permanent Resident) petitioners whose Constitutional rights may be being violated through continued enforcement of DOMA. That said, the issue remains a highly charged political matter, to quote further from the aforementioned website:

So here we are – a Congress that may well go into lame duck, a Congress that failed to repeal DADT, that showed no compassion for the children of the immigrant DREAM ACT – and a UAFA barely in the conscience of leadership, unknown to mainstream America and also barely in the minds of our lesbian and gay sisters and brothers. The question is are we going to be in the Menendez Bill as a pawn, a promise or yet another wedge that will render Immigration Reform impossible in this political climate.

Remember it IS the American who lacks the Equality – and is being discriminated against.  ALL Americans in committed relationships, except gays and lesbians,  have the right to remain in the USA with the person whom they love.

It is not the immigrant per se, who has the right, as immigration is a privilege afforded a foreigner; it is the American who has the right and it is indeed a Civil Right and a Human Rights issue.

The UAFA noted above is an acronym for the Uniting American Families Act, a bill that has, in different forms, been floating around the US Congress for some time. One of the major proponents of this legislation is Representative Jerrold Nadler who has repeatedly supported and introduced legislation which would give equal immigration rights to LGBT couples. It is interesting that the above cited piece brings up the issue of the American Citizen’s rights with regard to US Immigration matters. Although foreign nationals do not necessarily have the same rights under the US Constitution as Citizens there is no doubt that Americans are protected by the provisions of the Constitution. It is this authors opinion that this situation may very well be ultimately decided by the US Courts rather than the US legislature as there are currently two cases pending in two different circuits which could result in the full or partial repeal of DOMA. With regard to immigration, DOMA compels the US Federal government to restrict US family immigration benefits to different-sex couples. Notwithstanding that jurisdictions such as Massachusetts allow same sex marriage. Therefore, the Federal government may be in violation of the “Full Faith and Credit” Clause of the US Constitution by failing to provide equal immigration benefits to same sex couples married in a jurisdiction in the US where such unions are lawful.

Whether the issue of LGBT immigration rights will ultimately be resolved in the US Courts or the US Congress remains to be seen, but one thing is for sure: the issue has many implications from both a legal and political perspective.

For related information please see: Same Sex Visa.

Tags: American Immigration law, American Immigration News, American Visa, Bisexual Immigration Rights, Defense of Marriage Act, DOMA, Gay Immigration Rights, Lesbian Immigration Rights, lgbt immigration, lgbt visa, permanent partner visa, Same Sex Marriage, same sex visa, Sen. Robert Menendez, Transgender Immigration Rights, uafa, Uniting American Families Act, US Bisexual Visa, US Domestic Partner Visa, US Gay Visa, US Immigration, US Immigration Law, US Immigration News, US Lesbian Visa, US Transgender Visa, US Visa
Posted in CR1 Visa, IR1 Visa, K-3 Visa Thailand, K1 Visa, K1 Visa Thailand, K2 Visa, K2 Visa Thailand, K3 Visa, lgbt immigration, News, same sex visa, US Visa, US Visa and Immigration | No Comments »