Blog Layout

What You Can Do to Prepare for Immigration Reform Now

May 24, 2022

What You Can Do to Prepare for Immigration Reform Now

Comprehensive Immigration Reform is still at the beginning, but it is never too early to start preparing. While it is up in the air whether comprehensive reform will have a pathway to citizenship, we know that if there is a pathway there will be tough requirements to "earn" citizenship. With what we do know about any possible pathway, there are a few things that undocumented immigrants can start doing today to make things easier when and if reform passes:

1. Pay taxes

As the old adage says, "the only things you can't avoid are death and taxes". Everyone is required by law to pay taxes and any pathway to citizenship will require that immigrants pay back taxes in order to qualify. The immigrant can obtain a Taxpayer Identification number through the IRS and begin by paying their 2012 taxes, on time, along with any back taxes they may owe.

2. Obtain Identification

In order to file any immigration application, the immigrant must be able prove who they are. The immigrant can do this by obtaining a government issued I.D., ideally a passport, through their consulate. Having photo identification is a good idea anyway, so that in case an undocumented immigrant is stopped by police they can properly identify themselves and possibly avoid arrest.

3. Learn English

It is likely that immigrants will have to demonstrate that they can converse in English and have knowledge of U.S. history, much like a citizenship test currently. We do not know what stage of the process this will be required, but any pathway to citizenship will require it at some point. Now is the time to begin practicing so that the immigrant can pass this portion of the application process.

4. Collect Documents Showing Presence in U.S.

No matter what plan comes into effect, the immigrant must be able to show that they have been in the U.S. for an extended qualifying period of time. Based on the current Deferred Action requirements, it is likely that an immigrant will have to show continuous residence for at least five years in order to qualify for the pathway to citizenship. This can be shown through school documents, medical bills, leases, taxes, bank receipts, etc.

5. Pay Fines

There should be no loose ends that could prompt the U.S. government to deny the application, especially criminal issues. The immigrant should begin paying off any and all fines even if that means setting up a payment plan with the court. If the immigrant has a record, they may want to look into getting crimes expunged. The Federal Government can still access those records, but it reflects positive on the record as a whole that the crime was expunged by local authorities.

6. Start Saving Money

There is likely to be a penalty fee on top of any government filing fee, which will make the process very expensive. Attorney's fees are separate from the fees the government requires. Applying through an experienced attorney is always advisable because if the immigrant does not gain legal status, they risk being deported. Legal fees vary depending on location and experience, but can make all the difference in an immigration application. Do not trust notarios who prey on small budgets. They cannot be trusted and they may file an application that could make the immigrant ineligible for legalize status.

GKH will keep you informed of the developments regarding comprehensive immigration reform, and if reform occurs, will be ready to prepare applications and assist with experienced legal counsel. Please call the GKH Immigration Group toll free at 888-463-8117, or send an e-mail here for more information or representation in your immigration process. We help clients through the internet from around the U.S. and the world. Let us help you no matter where you are, near or far!

About the Author

GKH attorneys pride themselves on being on the forefront of new immigration developments to best serve clients located around the world. Brittany Thomas joined GKH in 2012 as a member of GKH's Immigration Group and focuses her practice on immigration including Deferred Action for DREAMers, family based immigration petitions, and employment based petitions. She received her B.A. from Pennsylvania State University in 2009, and her J.D. from the University of Tennessee in 2012 where she was Director of the College of Law's Pro Bono Program. Before coming to GKH, Ms. Thomas worked at several immigration non-profits and created the College of Law's U Visa Alternative Spring Break Program. She is committed to providing personalized, cost-effective immigration services for her clients around the world and across the U.S.

This blog is not intended to create an attorney/client relationship or provide legal advice. Please contact the author if you have any questions or comments regarding the subject matter.

< Older Post Newer Post >

Mail

Mid-South Super Lawyers Selects Grant, Konvalinka & Harrison P.C. Attorneys

November 27, 2024

Grant Konvalinka & Harrison, P.C. is pleased to announce that two (2) of its attorneys and counselors are named to the 2024 Mid-South Super Lawyers Edition. In addition, three (3) attorneys were recognized in the Rising Stars category this year. The selected attorneys are recognized for this achievement of professional excellence and peer recognition. Each year, the Super Lawyers research team recognizes no more than 5% of Tennessee attorneys for this distinction and selects no more 2.5 % of attorneys in a state for the Rising Stars category based upon eligible candidates who are in practice for 10 years or less or 40 years old or younger.

The Grant, Konvalinka & Harrison Law firm is pleased to announce that Amanda Williams and Zachary Atchley have joined the firm as an Associates.

By Sandy Vander Griend • October 24, 2024

The Grant, Konvalinka & Harrison Law firm is pleased to announce that Amanda Williams and Zachary Atchley have joined the firm as an Associates. Amanda comes from the Golden State of California, specifically San Diego. Amanda attended Boston College and received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and Economics. Amanda then attended the University of Tennessee College of Law, where she was a student-attorney in the Domestic Violence Clinic and the Expungement Clinic. She was also the Pro Bono Director during her third year of law school. Amanda was previously a summer associate with Grant, Konvalinka & Harrison during law school and joined the firm after her graduation in May 2024. Amanda handles primarily domestic relations issues. In her practice, she addresses a variety of topics such as divorce, child custody, child support, and paternity issues. Amanda strives to give zealous yet efficient representation while helping clients navigate one of the most emotional and challenging periods of their lives. When not in the office, Amanda can be found kayaking the rivers of Tennessee, running along the Tennessee Riverwalk, reading a great book, or cheering for the Tennessee Vols. Zachary Atchley is the second fourth-generation attorney on his father's side who benefitted greatly from the mentorship he received from both his father, Fielding H. Atchley, and brother Trevor F. Atchley, with whom he practiced law before joining Grant, Konvalinka & Harrison P.C. Zachary practices in the areas of General Civil & Commercial Litigation, Financial and Estate Planning, Probate Administration, and Business and Corporate Law. Zachary received his B.A. from Appalachian State University Graduate in 2006. While at Appalachian State, Zachary graduated from Watauga Residential College, an alternative honors program focused on writing, discussion, complex thinking, creativity, community, and curiosity. He received a Master of Public Administration with a Nonprofit Management Concentration from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga in 2010 and his J.D. from Lincoln Memorial University's Duncan School of Law in 2022. Law is Zachary's second-career as he has over 10 years' experience in nonprofit management, where he specialized in program development, grant writing and administration, organizational planning, and fundraising for nonprofits serving Chattanooga's disinvested neighborhoods and underserved populations. Throughout his life, Zachary has been an active volunteer, involved in both church and civic activities. As a boy scout, he earned the rank of Eagle Scout. His law school emphasized the importance of engaging in community service and pro bono work is an important part of his practice. Zachary regularly volunteers at Chattanooga School for the Arts and Sciences and Center for Creative Arts. where his daughters attend, serves as a Deacon. Sunday School Facilitator, and Worship Leader at First Christian Church Chattanooga, serves as co-president of Barking Legs Theater's Board of Directors, and serves the Citv of Chattanooga as a member of its Beer Board.

David Higney has been Invited to join the Alumni Board of Directors of the University of Tennessee Chattanooga

June 20, 2024

Grant, Konvalinka and Harrison congratulates one of their own, David Higney, on being invited to join the Alumni Board of Directors of the University of Tennessee Chattanooga. The University of Tennessee Chattanooga is excited to introduce the new board members. Each member brings a wealth of experience, a deep commitment to our community and a passion for supporting and advocating for UTC. The new board members include: Marla Cobb, David Higney, Joyce Lloyd, Lessie Lyttle, Walker Rhodes, Taylor Rowell, Victor Sims, and Brian Wright.

The Grant, Konvalinka & Harrison, P.C. law firm is pleased to announce that Melissa Weitzel has joined the firm as an associate.

May 10, 2024

The Grant, Konvalinka & Harrison, P.C. law firm is pleased to announce that Melissa Weitzel has joined the firm as an associate. Melissa will be practicing in Business and Corporate Law, Financial Services and Transactions, Governmental and Administrative Law, Litigation, and Labor and Employment. Melissa is a Gulfport, Mississippi native and graduate of Vanderbilt University’s Law School. Prior to joining the firm, Melissa worked as a Law Fellow in Vanderbilt University’s Office of the General Counsel where she assisted with a range of higher education matters including finance, labor and employment, intellectual property, and student affairs. During law school, Melissa participated in the Intellectual Property & the Arts Clinic where she represented small businesses in trademark filings and disputes. She completed a full-semester externship with the Office of the Staff Judge Advocate at Arnold Air Force Base in Tullahoma, Tennessee, and a summer internship with USAID’s Justice for All Activity Ukraine. She served on the executive boards of the Space Law Society, the Entertainment & Sports Law Society, and OutLaw. Prior to law school, Melissa attended Mississippi State University where she graduated summa cum laude with degrees in Political Science and History. During her time as an undergraduate, she studied internationally at the University of Oxford and with Cornell University in Turin, Italy. At Mississippi State, Melissa worked as a Student Office Assistant for the Shackouls Honors College, served as Secretary-General of Mississippi Model Security Council, and as Vice-President of the College of Arts & Sciences’ Dean’s Student Advisory Council. Melissa is a member of the Chattanooga Bar Association, the Tennessee Bar Association, Young Lawyers Division, and the Southeastern Tennessee Lawyers' Association for Women (SETLAW). In her free time, Melissa enjoys practicing her (very underwhelming) Russian language skills, being active, and traveling with her loved ones.

What You need to Know about the New USCIS Fee Schedule By: Brittany T. Faith and Molly E. Green

March 5, 2024

New Fee Schedule Will Take Effect on April 1, 2024

Grant, Konvalinka & Harrison elects Attorney Kane Shepherd as Director

January 22, 2024

The Board of Directors of Grant, Konvalinka & Harrison ("GKH"), a Chattanooga law firm, are pleased to announce the election of Kane Shepherd as Director at the firm. Kane guides clients in all aspects of real estate matters, financial and lending transactions, and mergers & acquisitions. Kane represents clients ranging from startups to businesses with large international footprints. Kane is a native of Montana who joined the firm in 2019. He received his undergraduate degree from the University of Montana, and received his J.D. with a concentration in business transactions from the University of Tennessee in 2018. Prior to joining GKH, Kane clerked at the Hamilton County Chancery Court for the Honorable Pamela A. Fleenor and the Honorable Jeffrey M. Atherton, and previously worked as a wildland firefighter for the U.S. Forest Service. To learn more about Mr. Shepherd, please visit his webpage at http://www.gkhpc.com . Contact him at 423-756-8400 or by email at kshepherd@gkhpc.com .