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The MacKenzie Law Firm. Practicing U.S. Immigration Law Since 1997.

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As summer begins, we hope that clients and friends of the MacKenzie Law Firm are healthy and well. Our office will remain closed until we determine that it is safe to meet with clients. Until that time we are communicating with clients remotely by phone, facetime and zoom. Phone calls are forwarded from the office. We truly appreciate your patience and regret the reduced pace of our work.
 
Below are some important highlights including the upcoming deadline for Liberian residency applications, Know your Rights information if you are stopped by law enforcement, reminder to renew DACA work permits as soon as possible and apply for citizenship if you are eligible.

LIBERIAN RESIDENCY AND EMPLOYMENT

The Liberian Refugee Immigration Fairness (LRIF) law allows certain Liberian nationals and their spouses, unmarried children under 21 years old, or unmarried sons and daughters 21 years or older living in the United States who meet the eligibility requirements to apply for lawful permanent residence. Aliens applying to adjust status based on LRIF must properly file an Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status by December 20, 2020.For information regarding Liberian residency status and employment status, please contact us leaving enough time to get your application filed by the cutoff date. 



KNOW YOUR RIGHTS INFORMATION
With all of the rallies and protests, we encourage our clients to use caution as ICE has declared that they will be present at protessts. 

Understanding your rights as a citizen, or non-citizen, is vitally important to navigating the legal landscape of the United States. The ACLU has compiled key information to inform you about encounters with law enforcement. Please read Section IV for more specific information. To access the booklet, click this link: https://www.aclu.org/files/pdfs/immigrants/kyr_english.pdf

DACA UPDATE

USCIS currently accepts applications for renewals only, first time applications are not accepted. USCIS is not allowing DACA recipients to apply for travel documents or advanced parole. We urge that all who need to renew seek qualified attorneys to avoid having he applications being rejected and/or denied. Failure to complete forms correctly can result in negative consequences later.


COVID-19 INFORMATION FOR USCIS

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has released the following information regarding altered business hours during COVID-19. - “U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is readying individual domestic offices to reopen to the public on or after June 4, after it suspended routine in-person services to help slow the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19). In offices that remain closed to the public, USCIS staff are continuing to perform duties that do not involve face-to-face contact with the public. However, those offices will provide emergency services in limited situations. To request an emergency appointment, contact the USCIS Contact Center." - For more information regarding USCIS and COVID-19, please visit the USCIS website: https://www.uscis.gov/about-us/uscis-response-covid-19

CREDIT CARD PAYMENT OPTIONS

USCIS now accepts credit card payments for filing fees for most forms. The new payment option is available for the 41 fee-based forms processed at USCIS Lockbox facilities. To pay by Visa, MasterCard, American Express or Discover, applicants will need to use Form G-1450, Authorization for Credit Card Transaction (PDF, 252 KB)s. USCIS will enter credit card data into the Pay.gov system, operated by the U.S. Department of the Treasury, and will then destroy the Form G-1450 to protect the credit card information.


IMPORTANT REMINDER: SOCIAL MEDIA 

USCIS and the Department of State are actively viewing clients' social media accounts including Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and other popular platforms to verify the facts of an application. We recommend that you pay close attention to your social media accounts. We urge you to refrain from posting on social media about a prospective job or position until or unless your work visa is approved and valid. 

IMPORTANT REMINDER: CRIMINAL HISTORY

USCIS may call into question your criminal history. As a reminder, please be very mindful of your actions while you are navigating the immigration process. Certain convictions may disqualify you for any immigration relief.

 

REMINDER FOR THOSE WITH PENDING VISAS

To those with pending visa applications please refrain from making plans to enter the United States and/or begin work in the United States until the visa has been approved. Moving to, entering, or working in the United States before your visa has been approved may result in a denial to your visa and/or removal from the country.

NATURALIZATION AND CITIZENSHIP

 

If you wish to have the English requirement waived for your exam you must meet two requirements. You must be over the age of 50 and maintained lawful permanent residence for 20 years OR over the age of 55 and maintained lawful permanent residence for 15 years to qualify for the waiver and take the exam in your native language.. DHS waives the English and civics requirements for people with disabilities as well. Applicants must show well documented medical, psychological, physical, or developmental disabilities to qualify. 

Males who were in the United States between the ages of 18-25, must show proof of Selective Service registration with their application. Males who did not register can seek additional assistance from The MacKenzie Law Firm.

Interview are scheduled in the Charlotte Office in approximately 9 months.
 

ALIENS OF EXTRAORDINARY ABILITY ARE STILL ELIGIBLE TO SELF PETITION FOR LAWFUL PERMANENT RESIDENCE
 

The United States has a preference for people who are at the forefront of their field. This includes people who are highly skilled researchers, scientists, academics, and anyone who is considered to be among the top of their field. This group also includes internationally known artists and entertainment groups. If you or someone you know is described above, is published, received awards for their achievements, accomplishments well documented, and believe that you may qualify please call our office.

Translations

The MacKenize Law Firm is able to translate documents from Spanish, French, and German, to English. If you or someone you know needs documents translated call us today.
JUNE 2020 VISA BULLETIN

The visa bulletin for June 2020 is now available. Please access it at: 
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/legal/visa-law0/visa-bulletin/2020/visa-bulletin-for-june-2020.html
 
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The MacKenzie Law Firm · 407 Summit St · Winston Salem, NC 27101 · USA

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