Immigration Lawyer Peter Messersmith

Peter Messersmith is an attorney located in Orlando, Florida. He has been practicing immigration law since 2002 and has represented thousands of immigrants and US businesses with their immigration needs.

How Many Citations Needed for EB1?

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How Many Citations Needed for EB1?

Criteria for Demonstrating Extraordinary Ability

You must meet 3 out of the 10 listed criteria below to prove extraordinary ability in your field:

  • Evidence of receipt of lesser nationally or internationally recognized prizes or awards for excellence
  • Evidence of your membership in associations in the field which demand outstanding achievement of their members
  • Evidence of published material about you in professional or major trade publications or other major media
  • Evidence that you have been asked to judge the work of others, either individually or on a panel
  • Evidence of your original scientific, scholarly, artistic, athletic, or business-related contributions of major significance to the field
  • Evidence of your authorship of scholarly articles in professional or major trade publications or other major media
  • Evidence that your work has been displayed at artistic exhibitions or showcases
  • Evidence of your performance of a leading or critical role in distinguished organizations
  • Evidence that you command a high salary or other significantly high remuneration in relation to others in the field
  • Evidence of your commercial successes in the performing arts

Many applicants are concerned about their low citation counts.  In reality, citations are only helpful in regards to one of the ten listed criteria – original scientific, scholarly, artistic, athletic, or business-related contributions of major significance to the field.  In many fields where publications are not the norm such as in IT or management professions, citations are completely irrelevant and in other scientific or academic fields like Economics, Business, Computer Science, or Mathematics, they are very hard to come by.  It is very normal for Economics papers to have no citations or be in the low single digits.  This is ok and is not fatal to an EB1 case.  It simply means that we need to identify other criteria on the list to get your case approved.  We have handled hundreds of self petitioned green card such as EB1 and know what USCIS wants to see in order to approve a case.  Over the past 15+ years we have successfully helped clients obtain EB1 green cards in software, engineering, speaking, business, consulting, acting and other fields where the applicants had none to very few citations.  There are many ways to make a strong case without a strong citation record.  For your reference, here are some samples of our approved petitions.  If you’d like our help, please feel free to call us at 305 515 0613 or email us at info@messersmithlaw.com.  

Intent to Revoke Was Sent

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A Notice of Intent to Revoke, issued by USCIS, can occur in any type of immigration application or petition, both family based and employment based, that has previously been approved.

The Notice of Intent to Revoke or NOIR is a detailed statement, made by USCIS, of the grounds for the revocation and whether USCIS intends to revoke the petition in whole or in part (and if in part, which part(s)), and shall advise the petitioner of his or her right to review and/or rebut the allegations upon which the intended revocation is based within 30 days of the date of the notice. (“Revoked in part” means that the approval is revoked with regard to one or more, but not all, of the beneficiaries of a multiple beneficiary petition, or with regard to one or more, but not all, of the proposed employment sites or events listed in a multi-site/event petition.) The petitioner may submit evidence in rebuttal within 30 days of receipt of the notice. The director shall consider all relevant evidence presented in deciding whether to revoke the petition in whole or in part. If the petition is revoked in part, the remainder of the petition shall remain approved and a revised approval notice shall be sent to the petitioner with the revocation notice.

If the petitioner does not overcome the basis for the revocation, or fails to respond timely, prepare a decision of revocation. A petitioner may file an appeal on a decision to revoke a petition just as if the petition had been denied originally, except that the authorized period for filing the appeal is only 15 days regardless of the type of petition. A petitioner may also file a motion to reopen or reconsider the decision revoking the decision.

The issuance of an NOIR is bad news.  USCIS has already decided there is a good reason to revoke and the response made to the NOIR will be decisive in determining if you will lose or retain your approved petition.  If you receive an NOIR, you must act fast.  If you would like our assistance, you will need to send us a copy of the notice immediately upon receiving it so we have to to investigate and prepare a proper response.  Failure to act quickly will result in revocation.  For your reference, here are some samples of our approved petitions.  If you’d like our help, please feel free to call us at 305 515 0613 or email us at info@messersmithlaw.com

NIW Requirements

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NIW Requirements

The bare minimum qualification for the NIW standard is that the foreign national is a member of the professions holding an advanced degree, defined as a bachelor’s degree with five years of progressive experience or a Master’s degree or higher OR has exceptional ability in the sciences, arts or business.  Exceptional ability is defined as “a degree of expertise significantly above that ordinarily encountered.”  The foreign national can prove this by showing they meet at least three of the following criteria:

  • Official academic record showing that you have a degree, diploma, certificate, or similar award from a college, university, school, or other institution of learning relating to your area of exceptional ability
  • Letters documenting at least 10 years of full-time experience in your occupation
  • A license to practice your profession or certification for your profession or occupation
  • Evidence that you have commanded a salary or other remuneration for services that demonstrates your exceptional ability
  • Membership in a professional association(s)
  • Recognition for your achievements and significant contributions to your industry or field by your peers, government entities, professional or business organizations
  • Other comparable evidence of eligibility is also acceptable.

Foreign nationals seeking a national interest waiver must also demonstrate that waiving the labor certification process be waived because it is in the interest of the United States. Though the jobs that qualify for a national interest waiver are not defined by statute, national interest waivers are usually granted to those who have exceptional ability and whose employment in the United States would greatly benefit the nation. Those seeking a national interest waiver may self-petition (they do not need an employer to sponsor them).

In 1998 in the case of New York State Dept of Transportation (NYSDOT) established specific criteria for NIW petitions but this standard was recently modified to make petitions by job creators easier.  In Re Dhanasar (2016) now directs USCIS to grant a national interest waiver if the foreign national demonstrates by a preponderance of the evidence: (1) that the foreign national’s proposed endeavor has both substantial merit and national importance; (2) that the foreign national is well positioned to advance the proposed endeavor; and (3) that, on balance, it would be beneficial to the United States to waive the requirements of a job offer and thus of a labor certification.

The applicant’s spouse and minor children may obtained derivative green cards based on the principle applicant’s approval and all beneficiaries who apply while in the United States may obtain temporary work authorization (EAD) and permission to travel (Advance Parole).

We have successfully helped hundreds of clients obtain NIW green cards. We’re looking forward to helping you and your family obtain green cards as well.  Feel free to call us at 305-515-0613 or email us at info@messersmithlaw.com. For your reference, here are some samples of our approved petitions.

Motion to Reopen

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Motion to Reopen

When USCIS denies a case, the applicant normally has the opportunity to file a motion to reopen, motion to reconsider and/or an appeal.  A motion to reopen, reconsider, or an appeal must be filed within 30 days of the unfavorable decision (or 33 days if the decision is mailed).  A late filed motion to reopen may be excused in the discretion of USCIS if the delay was reasonable and beyond the applicant’s or petitioner’s control.

Unlike appeals, which asks a new authority to review and reverse a decision, motions to reopen and/or reconsider request a review by the authority that issued the denial.  This is typically a USCIS field office or a Service Center such as Nebraska, California, Texas, or Vermont.   While an appeal normally takes at least 6 months, and in many occasions much longer, to adjudicate, a motion to reopen or a motion to reconsider is typically adjudicated in 3 months or less.

A motion to reopen must state new facts and provide supporting evidence.  Merely resubmitting previously provided evidence will not meet the requirements of a motion to reopen.  A motion to reconsider must establish that the decision was based on an incorrect applicant of law or policy and that the decision was incorrect on the evidence of record at the time of decision. The applicant must provide citations to the statute, regulation, or precedent decisions to support motion to reconsider.

A motion to reopen and reconsider can be filed together. and even in addition to an appeal.  Contact us to determine which option is best for you.

USCIS Appointment and Green Card Interview Rules – NEW

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New USCIS Interview for Employment Based I485 Applicants

For the past 15 years, USCIS has only required in person interview of employment based I485 applicants in situations where the USCIS adjudicator believed the applicant may have committed fraud, violated their nonimmigrant status or had a criminal record.  On August 28, 2017 that all changed.  USCIS has announced that their new policy is phase in in-person interviews for all employment based applicants.  This includes employer sponsored EB2 and EB3 based applications as well as self sponsored EB1 and NIW based applications.  These interview are expected to begin on October 1, 2017.

Scope of Interview and Possible Interview Questions

To determine what USCIS is looking for in these new interview, we can look to their announcement itself.  In their announcement, USCIS states that

Conducting in-person interviews will provide USCIS officers with the opportunity to verify the information provided in an individual’s application, to discover new information that may be relevant to the adjudication process, and to determine the credibility of the individual seeking permanent residence in the United States.

It becomes readily apparent that the purpose of these interviews is to find a reason to deny your application.  Similar to marriage based fraud interviews, USCIS will use their available resources to conduct an investigation of the application prior to their interview to determine whether or not the applicant or the applicant’s employer made an false or misleading statements or submitted any false or misleading documents in support of either the labor certification or I140.  Moreover, in addition to background checks previously performed, USCIS is likely to perform credit checks and internet searches to see if there is any information available that contradicts what was submitted in the filings.

In marriage green card interviews, the adjudicating officer will review the forms filed, the documents submitted, and the question the applicants to determine not only if they meet the minimum requirements but also if their relationship is genuine and bonafide.  Questions about maintenance of nonimmigrant status are unusual in those case but in these new USCIS interviews for employment based applicants, it is likely to be one of the primary focuses.  If you are on an employment based visa, expect to be asked questions regarding your work, your job duties, the job location and all related questions.  USCIS will want to see if you properly maintained your status and if they determine that you did not, your case may be denied.  Furthermore, the likely main focus will be on the job identified in the I140.  Why did the employer sponsor you?  How did you hear about the job?  Do you currently work there?  How about your past experience?  Is it legit?  Are you currently working there?  Who are your coworkers?

After we appear at some of these interviews, we’ll know exactly what to expect but this is a new hurdle for employment based I485 applicants and if your interview does not go well, expect big delays and possible denials.  And if you have a spouse or child who has filed a derivative I485, expect to be grilled over those relationships as well, especially if the marriage is young or either of you have been previously divorced.  Our office has extensive experience with USCIS interviews and we can assist you in this matter.  If you are scheduled for an interview at a local office in Chicago, IL, Milwaukee, WI, St. Louis, MO, Des Moines, IA, or Indianapolis, IN, we can help you.  Contact us here.

 

EB1 Requirements

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Documentation for EB1 Requirements

The EB1A green card is for aliens of extraordinary ability engaged in the arts, sciences, business, education or athletics. Many scientists, post docs, and PhD students utilize the EB1A category to self sponsor their permanent residency as no job offer or labor certification is required. The legal standard for the EB1A category is codified in INA Section 203(b)(1)(A) and states that how an applicant may qualify for EB1A classification.  The EB1 requirements are:

  1. the alien has extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics which has been demonstrated by sustained national or international acclaim and whose achievements have been recognized in the field through extensive documentation,

  2. the alien seeks to enter the United States to continue work in the area of extraordinary ability, and

  3. the alien’s entry into the United States will substantially benefit prospectively the United States.

8 CFR Section 204.5(h)(3) states the EB1 requirements for how an applicant can show sustained national or international acclaim:

A petition for an alien of extraordinary ability must be accompanied by evidence that the alien has sustained national or international acclaim and that his or her achievements have been recognized in the field of expertise. Such evidence shall include evidence of a one-time achievement (that is, a major, internationally recognized award), or at least three of the following:


(i) Documentation of the alien’s receipt of lesser nationally or internationally recognized prizes or awards for excellence in the field of endeavor;


(ii) Documentation of the alien’s membership in associations in the field for which classification is sought, which require outstanding achievements of their members, as judged by recognized national or international experts in their disciplines or fields;


(iii) Published material about the alien in professional or major trade publications or other major media, relating to the alien’s work in the field for which classification is sought. Such evidence shall include the title, date, and author of the material, and any necessary translation;


(iv) Evidence of the alien’s participation, either individually or on a panel, as a judge of the work of others in the same or an allied field of specialization for which classification is sought;


(v) Evidence of the alien’s original scientific, scholarly, artistic, athletic, or business-related contributions of major significance in the field;


(vi) Evidence of the alien’s authorship of scholarly articles in the field, in professional or major trade publications or other major media;


(vii) Evidence of the display of the alien’s work in the field at artistic exhibitions or showcases;


(viii) Evidence that the alien has performed in a leading or critical role for organizations or establishments that have a distinguished reputation;


(ix) Evidence that the alien has commanded a high salary or other significantly high remuneration for services, in relation to others in the field; or


(x) Evidence of commercial successes in the performing arts, as shown by box office receipts or record, cassette, compact disk, or video sales.


8 CFR Section 204.5(h)(5) discusses the absence of a job offer requirement:

No offer of employment required. Neither an offer for employment in the United States nor a labor certification is required for this classification; however, the petition must be accompanied by clear evidence that the alien is coming to the United States to continue work in the area of expertise. Such evidence may include letter(s) from prospective employer(s), evidence of prearranged commitments such as contracts, or a statement from the beneficiary detailing plans on how he or she intends to continue his or her work in the United States.

Over the years, there have been a variety of cases that made it into federal court which has allowed the judiciary to provide guidance and rules on how applicants can meet the EB1 requirements. In 1994, a federal district court ruled against USCIS when denied an EB1 petition filed by an NHL player and stated that published material about an alien is sufficient so long as there is “published material about [him] in professional or major trade publications or other major media.” Later in 1995, the court held in Racine v. INS that published articles about an applicant do not need to state that the applicant is “one of the best in his field.” Many other court cases followed since then but the court in Kazarian v USCIS offered the most sweeping review and provided major guidance that was adopted by USCIS.

Kazarian adopted a two part analysis which puts the onus on the applicant to establish that they meet three of the 10 criteria set forth in 8 CFR §204.5(h)(3)(i)-(x). Once this is established, USCIS will perform a “final merits determination” analysis to determine whether or not the applicant truly has “sustained national or international acclaim.”

Many immigration lawyers, myself included, feel the final merits determination to be a requirement contrary to any reasonable reading of the statutory language but multiple courts since Kazarian have upheld this reading of the law and USCIS, itself, has embraced it as well so we’re Kazarian defining the EB1 requirements. Because the final merits analysis is completely subjective and is open to a different interpretation by different service centers and different USCIS officers it is very important to present a structured case tailored to what USCIS wants to see. Our office has handled thousands of immigration cases and we have posted thousands of approval notices on our web site to back up that claim. We know what USCIS wants to see in this final merits determination and we can help you win your case. Send us a copy of your CV or give us a list of your accomplishments and we can help you win your green card through the EB1A category.

Athlete Visa and Athlete Green Card Options

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For foreign nationals who wish to come to the United States to work or perform as an athlete in sports like football, basketball, hockey, MMA, tennis, golf or in other competitions, there are several different visa and green card options to be found.  Typically, the most difficult part of the process is finding sponsorship but, fortunately for you, I can tell you several ways to get around that issue to perform in the US legally.

Athlete Visa Options

Option 1 – The B1 Visa.  The B1 visa, also known as a business visa, can be used by amateur athletes “competing in an athletic event for which they will receive no payment, other than incidental expenses” and by professional athletes “who receive no salary or payment other than prize money.”  This is clearly not the best option for an athlete who wishes to remain in the US for a longer term as this visa is limited to a six month duration and typically only granted for the exact sporting event period which can be just a couple weeks.  Also, payment is limited to prize money or incidentals.  However, it does not require sponsorship and you do not have to file a petition to USCIS for approval.  The application for a visa can be made at the Embassy and the process is very quick though not always simple to get approved.

Option 2 – The H2B Visa.  The H2B is a seasonal worker visa.  It can be used by athletes to perform in any sport that is seasonal, such as basketball or hockey.  However, for sports that are played year round, this visa type will not be an option.  The H2B visa required a US employer to sponsor the athlete and even more than that, the employer is required test the market for potential employees, run advertisements and promise to pay the “prevailing wage” for the job.  Then the employer must file applications with both the US Department of Labor and USCIS and get approvals from both before a visa application can be made at the Embassy.  Another benefit is that the H2B visa holder can bring his or her spouse or children along with an H4 visa.  The process is slower and cumbersome and you must stay aware of the H2B visa cap which mandates that only 66,000 H2B visas be issued each fiscal year.

Option 3 – The O1 Visa.  The O1 visa is limited to foreign nationals with “extraordinary ability.”  This basically means that this category is reserved for accomplished professional athletes.  Sponsorship is required but it does not need to be from the employer, it can be from a sports agent.  Having a sports agent as a sponsor for your O1 visa is ideal for golf, tennis or other individual sports players that are going to play at multiple different sports events or tournaments.  Unlike the H2B visa, there is no wage requirement and there are no required tests of the labor market.  The employer or agent will file a petition with USCIS and once that is approved, an application for a visa can be made at the Embassy.  A big benefit of this visa type is the athlete can bring a spouse and children along with an O3 visa and you can bring your assistants (multiple) with an O2 visa!

Option 4 – The P1 Visa.  The P1 visa is the only visa type that is specifically designed for athletes.  The athlete does not need to demonstrate extraordinary ability and there is no distinction between amateurs or professionals or individual or groups.  Sponsorship is required but it does not need to be from the employer, it can be from a sports agent.  There is no prevailing wage requirement and no test of the labor market is required.  However, the athlete must be “internationally recognized” and is used to compete at a specific athletic competition.  If you are only competing for prize money, the B1 visa is likely the better option and if you want to remain in the US for a longer period of time then you are likely better off with the H2B visa or O1 visa.

Athlete Green Card Options

Option 1 – PERM Labor Certification + EB3 Green Card.  The PERM labor certification requires a US employer to promise to pay the athlete the prevailing wage and perform a test of the US labor market to see if any minimally qualified US workers are willing and able to take the position, if offered to them.  If no US workers can be located then the green card application can proceed.  The PERM process + the green card process typically takes a couple years if there are no complications or no visa availability issues as listed in the visa bulletin.

Option 2 – EB1 Green Card.  The EB1 requirements mirror the requirements of the O1 visa.  The athlete must be a professional and be significant accomplishments in the sport as to show they are extraordinary.  However, unlike the O1 visa which requires sponsorship by a US employer or agent, the EB1 category has no such requirement.  That means that any foreign athlete can self sponsor and petition for a green card based on their own merits and does not have to rely on anyone else.  When the green card is approved, they are required to continue in their sport but not with any particular employer or agent.  This category is very quick and we have many EB1 cases approved in less than 1 week.

If you would like to explore your athlete visa or athlete green card options, you can contact our office by phone at 305-515-0613, by email at info@messersmithlaw.com or through this contact form.  Our firm has handled thousands of immigration cases and we can evaluate your case to determine the best path for you.

Trump Visa – Trump Green Card

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President Trump has been in office for less than one week yet he has already followed through with many of his campaign promises that relate to immigration such as building a wall along our southern border with Mexico and temporarily halting visa issuance to nationals of Iraq, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen.  Many people are concerned that Trump’s America First policy will lead to fewer opportunities for foreign nationals to enter the United States.  However, Trump has been consistently clear that his new policies will be geared towards employment creation for American workers and there are many visas and paths to green cards which are grounded in employment creation.  Some of these employment creation visas and green card paths have been recently expanded and Trump is likely to create new opportunities for those who will employ US workers in the near future.

Nonimmigrant Visa Options

  1. The E2 visa allows foreign nationals of certain treaty countries to obtain a visa to open or purchase a business in the United States so long as their business plan shows that will employ at least one US worker.
  2. The H1B visa is not often thought of as an employment creation visa but it can be employed by foreign nationals to set up a US enterprise and work in the United States.
  3. The L1 visa allows foreign companies to set up a new branch or purchase a US office and transfer their workers to the United States to manage or work for that branch office.
  4. Entrepreneurs who have an active role in a US start up company can now be paroled in to the United States (no visa required) for up to 5 years to manage that enterprise.

Green Card Options

  1. The EB1A green card allows outstanding business people who have made great business accomplishments to self petition for US residency.
  2. The EB1C green card category allows managers or executives of international companies that have offices in the United States to sponsor those business leaders for US residency.
  3. The EB2 NIW or National Interest Waiver category has recently been revamped and is now specifically geared to help foreign entrepreneurs who set up US enterprises and hire US workers obtain US residency.
  4. The EB5 green card for entrepreneurs allows those who invest a minimum of $500,000 in a US enterprise and employ US workers to obtain US residency.

I am hearing that it is likely that Trump will continue to support these job creation visas and green card options and we may even see some significant expansions of these programs in the near future.  Trump has expressed that he wants to see manufacturing job flowing back to the United States and many manufacturers, both foreign and domestic, have announced their intents to return or expand in the United States.  Trump has also expressed his desire for small and medium sized businesses to prosper so it is likely that we will see new employment creation visa programs introduced or current programs expanded and streamlined.  This is a great time to be in business in the United States.  Our firm has handled thousands of immigration cases and we believe that this new administration welcomes all who would want to make this country great.  You can contact us for further assistance.

212(a)(6)(C)(ii) False Claim to US Citizenship

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212(a)(6)(C)(ii) False Claim to US Citizenship

Inadmissibility Series INA 212– Part III

212(a)(6)(C)(ii) False Claim to US Citizenship

Section 212 of the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952 lists a series of classes of foreign nationals who are inadmissible to the United States. Some classes are complete bars and others allow specific types of waivers of inadmissibility. If you are attempting to enter the Unites States or are already in the United States and you are inadmissible then you will be barred from receiving immigration benefits such as a visa or green card. There are many ways a foreign national may be deemed inadmissible. The three most common ways are when he or she applies for a visa at a US Consulate, attempts to enter the US with a visa or applies for an immigration benefit while in the United States. In making one of these types of immigration applications, an immigration officer can make a determination that the foreign national’s past actions make him or her inadmissible or ineligible for benefits.

If an immigration officer determines that you are inadmissible then you have two options to overcome the determination. You can either challenge the determination of inadmissibility or apply for a waiver of inadmissibility if the law allows. In many cases. challenging the determination of inadmissibility is the only option because the foreign national is either not eligible for a waiver or the law does not offer a waiver.

212(a)(6)(C)(ii) False Claim to US Citizenship

In general.-Any alien who falsely represents, or has falsely represented, himself or herself to be a citizen of the United States for any purpose or benefit under this Act or any other Federal or State law is inadmissible.

This section shall not apply to an alien making a representation, if each natural parent of the alien (or, in the case of an adopted alien, each adoptive parent of the alien) is or was a citizen (whether by birth or naturalization), the alien permanently resided in the United States prior to attaining the age of 16, and the alien reasonably believed at the time of making such representation that he or she was a citizen, the alien shall not be considered to be inadmissible under any provision of this subsection based on such representation.

How to obtain a determination that the 212(a)(6)(C)(ii) False Claim to US Citizenship ground of inadmissibility was incorrectly made.

If you believe that the 212(a)(6)(C)(ii) False Claim to US Citizenship determination was made made in error in your case, we can help you overcome it.  No matter which US government agency made the inadmissibility determination, each provides a method to dispute the determination, though each has drastically different processing times. We have achieved successful outcomes by petitioning the US Department of State where the determination was made by the Consulate in as little as 2 weeks. CBP quotes turnaround times of as little as 30 days and USCIS will not offer a time frame. In our experience, the more difficult the situation, the longer it will take to get resolved.

Waiver of Inadmissibility for an Immigrant Visa due to 212(a)(6)(C)(ii) False Claim to US Citizenship.

212(a)(6)(C)(ii)(II) provides an immigrant waiver only where the false claim was made prior to 1997 and can demonstrate that his or her parents were US citizens and he or she permanently resided in the US before the age of 16.

Waiver of Inadmissibility for a Non Immigrant Visa due to 212(a)(6)(C)(ii) False Claim to US citizenship.

INA 212(d)(3) – Except as provided in this subsection, an alien (i) 20b/ who is applying for a non immigrant visa and is known or believed by the consular officer to be ineligible for such visa under subsection (a) (other than paragraphs (3)(A)(i)(I), (3)(A)(ii), (3)(A)(iii), (3)(C), 20a/ and clauses (i) and (ii) of paragraph (3)(E) of such subsection), may, after approval by the Attorney General of a recommendation by the Secretary of State or by the consular officer that the alien be admitted temporarily despite his inadmissibility, be granted such a visa and may be admitted into the United States temporarily as a non immigrant in the discretion of the Attorney General, or (ii) 20b/ who is inadmissible under subsection (a) (other than paragraphs (3)(A)(i)(I), (3)(A)(ii), (3)(A)(iii), (3)(C), 20a/ and clauses (i) and (ii) of paragraph (3)(E) of such subsection), but who is in possession of appropriate documents or is granted a waiver thereof and is seeking admission, may be admitted into the United States temporarily as a non immigrant in the discretion of the Attorney General. The Attorney General shall prescribe conditions, including exaction of such bonds as may be necessary, to control and regulate the admission and return of inadmissible aliens applying for temporary admission under this paragraph.

If you have been determined to be inadmissible, we can help you overcome the determination or obtain a waiver

Many people who are faced with a inadmissibility determination believe that they will never be able to obtain a waiver or enter the US again. This is simply not true. For almost all types of inadmissibility classes, a waiver is available and there is always an option to challenge the determination. We have successfully helped many clients who were determined to be inadmissible and we can assist you. We believe that with the right approach, there is always a hope to win your case.

If you would like our assistance, please feel free to call us at 305-515-0613 or email us at info@messersmithlaw.com

212(a)(6)(E) Smugglers

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212(a)(6)(E) Smugglers

Inadmissibility Series INA 212– Part IV

212(a)(6)(E) Smugglers

Section 212 of the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952 lists a series of classes of foreign nationals who are inadmissible to the United States. Some classes are complete bars and others allow specific types of waivers of inadmissibility. If you are attempting to enter the Unites States or are already in the United States and you are inadmissible then you will be barred from receiving immigration benefits such as a visa or green card. There are many ways a foreign national may be deemed inadmissible. The three most common ways are when he or she applies for a visa at a US Consulate, attempts to enter the US with a visa or applies for an immigration benefit while in the United States. In making one of these types of immigration applications, an immigration officer can make a determination that the foreign national’s past actions make him or her inadmissible or ineligible for benefits.

If an immigration officer determines that you are inadmissible then you have two options to overcome the determination. You can either challenge the determination of inadmissibility or apply for a waiver of inadmissibility if the law allows. In many cases. challenging the determination of inadmissibility is the only option because the foreign national is either not eligible for a waiver or the law does not offer a waiver.

212(a)(6)(E) Smugglers

In general.-Any alien who at any time knowingly has encouraged, induced, assisted, abetted, or aided any other alien to enter or to try to enter the United States in violation of law is inadmissible.

This section shall not apply in the case of alien who is an eligible immigrant, was physically present in the United States on May 5, 1988, and is seeking admission as an immediate relative if the alien, before May 5, 1988, has encouraged, induced, assisted, abetted, or aided only the alien’s spouse, parent, son, or daughter (and no other individual) to enter the United States in violation of law.

How to obtain a determination that the 212(a)(6)(E) Smugglers ground of inadmissibility was incorrectly made.

If you believe that the 212(a)(6)(E) Smugglers determination was made in error in your case, we can help you overcome it.  No matter which US government agency made the inadmissibility determination, each provides a method to dispute the determination, though each has drastically different processing times. We have achieved successful outcomes by petitioning the US Department of State where the determination was made by the Consulate in as little as 2 weeks. CBP quotes turnaround times of as little as 30 days and USCIS will not offer a time frame. In our experience, the more difficult the situation, the longer it will take to get resolved.

Waiver of Inadmissibility for an Immigrant Visa due to 212(a)(6)(E) Smugglers ground of inadmissibility

There are two sections of law which allow a foreign national to apply for a waiver of inadmissibility where he or she is ultimately applying for an immigrant visa or permanent residence (green card).

212(d)(11) provides for an immigrant waiver where the foreign national is an applicant for a family based petition and only helped smuggle a spouse, parent or child; and 212(c) provides a waiver to an LPR returning to the US who helped smuggle a spouse, child or parent. The alien demonstrates extreme hardship to the alien or the alien’s United States citizen, lawful permanent resident, or qualified alien parent or child.

Waiver of Inadmissibility for a Non Immigrant Visa due to 212(a)(6)(E) Smugglers ground of inadmissibility

INA 212(d)(3) – Except as provided in this subsection, an alien (i) 20b/ who is applying for a non immigrant visa and is known or believed by the consular officer to be ineligible for such visa under subsection (a) (other than paragraphs (3)(A)(i)(I), (3)(A)(ii), (3)(A)(iii), (3)(C), 20a/ and clauses (i) and (ii) of paragraph (3)(E) of such subsection), may, after approval by the Attorney General of a recommendation by the Secretary of State or by the consular officer that the alien be admitted temporarily despite his inadmissibility, be granted such a visa and may be admitted into the United States temporarily as a non immigrant in the discretion of the Attorney General, or (ii) 20b/ who is inadmissible under subsection (a) (other than paragraphs (3)(A)(i)(I), (3)(A)(ii), (3)(A)(iii), (3)(C), 20a/ and clauses (i) and (ii) of paragraph (3)(E) of such subsection), but who is in possession of appropriate documents or is granted a waiver thereof and is seeking admission, may be admitted into the United States temporarily as a non immigrant in the discretion of the Attorney General. The Attorney General shall prescribe conditions, including exaction of such bonds as may be necessary, to control and regulate the admission and return of inadmissible aliens applying for temporary admission under this paragraph.

If you have been determined to be inadmissible, we can help you overcome the determination or obtain a waiver

Many people who are faced with a inadmissibility determination believe that they will never be able to obtain a waiver or enter the US again. This is simply not true. For almost all types of inadmissibility classes, a waiver is available and there is always an option to challenge the determination. We have successfully helped many clients who were determined to be inadmissible and we can assist you. We believe that with the right approach, there is always a hope to win your case.

If you would like our assistance, please feel free to call us at 305-515-0613 or email us at info@messersmithlaw.com