What Are the Economic Contributions of Immigrants to Tennessee?

At a time of uncertainty, when it comes to issues regarding immigration, it is important to look at the positive side of immigration in this great country. The Immigration Policy Center (IPC), the research and policy division of the American Immigration Council (AIC) (a non-partisan, non-profit organization) does in-depth research and then publishes fact sheets…

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What Effect Can a DUI Charge Have on Your Immigration Status?

The consequences of getting charged with driving under the influence (DUI) are already severe, but if you are an immigrant, the penalties can be more severe. Even if you do not face the dire consequence of removal from the United States, a DUI conviction could ultimately prevent you from gaining U.S. citizenship. First, to remove…

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Who is Actually Getting Deported by ICE?

One of the topics that was discussed in the last Presidential debate was the deportation of undocumented immigrants to the United States. The nominee for the Republican party, Donald Trump, brought up that President Obama has deported “millions” of immigrants who came to the United States without the proper documents. The Marshall Project has undertaken…

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What Rights and Protections Do Undocumented Immigrants Have in the U.S.?

The United States is a nation founded by immigrants, and the U.S. Constitution and federal statutes provide legal rights and protections for immigrants to this country, regardless of their immigration status. Undocumented immigrants often live in the shadows because they fear reprisals if they try to exercise their rights, or benefit from the protections available…

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Non-Immigrant Visas Business and Entrepreneurs

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) offers several options for pathways to obtaining a visa for non-immigrant business people and entrepreneurs who would like to visit the United States. The B-1 visa allows those who would like to enter the U.S. to engage in business activities such as business meetings, conferences, contract negotiations consultations…

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Obtaining a “Green Card” After Marrying a U.S. Citizen

Marrying a citizen of the United States is one way to qualify for eventual naturalization. It is possible for you to become eligible for a green card, but there are several important things to be aware of before you pursue this option. Section 319(a) of the Immigration and Naturalization Act (INA) contains all of the…

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The Fight over DAPA and DACA Rages On

On May 31, 2016, the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) took action to prevent an activist federal judge, Andrew Hanen, from imposing sanctions on DOJ prosecutors, which would require them to attend mandatory ethics classes. Judge Hanen is the same judge who put a halt to expanding President Obama’s Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals…

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Nine House Members Seek More H-2B Low-skilled Worker Visas

There is a new immigration controversy brewing in the U.S. Congress as members on both sides of the aisle spoil for a fight over a renewed effort to increase the number of H-2B Visas for low-skilled foreign workers. H-2B Visas cover immigrants who work in lower-paying, low-skilled, temporary positions such as landscapers, hospitality, seafood processors…

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ICE Home Raids Are Serious – and Sometimes Illegal

You may have heard stories of how Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents sometimes raid private homes in warrantless raids in an effort to aggressively enforce immigration policies. The stories have folks pretty frightened – and rightfully so. But we know that the key to overcoming fears is looking at the facts, and knowing your…

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The United States Supreme Court will hear President Obama’s Executive Action Case on Immigration

In November 2014, President Obama announced executive actions on immigration, which were quickly blocked by a lawsuit that was filed by the state of Texas along with 25 other states (including Tennessee). These executive actions intended to allow millions of undocumented immigrants to become eligible to apply for work authorization programs. There are about 4.3…

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