Immigration Reform is Imminent!!! Are you ready?

President Obama is getting closer to issuing executive orders which will benefit over 5 million immigrants.   According to some sources it could be  within the week. http://www.ijreview.com/2014/08/171322-obama-executive-action-immigration-coming-week-dem-congressman-says-get-prepared/

The attorneys at Richards, Brinley & Richards have over 25 years helping immigrants. We are ready for what ever President  Obama announced and are eager to help our immigration clients live the American dream.

REFORMA MIGRATORIA 2014: Ahora es el Tiempo para Prepararse!

REFORMA MIGRATORIA 2014 

Durante las últimas semanas se ha hablado mucho sobre la reforma migratoria y si es o no el presidente Obama, por orden ejecutiva, se va a hacer algo acerca de la inmigración. Todo indica que la respuesta es, probablemente, va a ser que sí a pesar de las amenazas de los republicanos de un posible juicio político o los demócratas preocuparse de perder escaños adicionales en el Senado estas elecciones de mitad de período, por lo tanto perder el control del Senado.

El propósito de este artículo es tratar de dar una idea de lo que la reforma podría ser similar y lo que usted puede hacer para estar mejor preparados para solicitar sus beneficios, si es que el presidente Obama crea algunas reformas por orden ejecutiva.

Actual Sistema de Inmigración 

No hay duda de que nuestro actual sistema de inmigración está roto. Como un abogado de inmigración, que no entiendo por qué se requieren 14 años o más para procesar la solicitud de alguien para que ellos reciban su residencia permanente (tarjeta verde). No ha sido un camino largo a juego de la culpa en ambos lados de la isla política para conseguir algo pasado. Sin embargo, la mayoría de los estadounidenses están a favor de algún tipo de reforma migratoria. Muchos inmigrantes recuerdan la campaña del presidente Obama de que iba a lograr una reforma migratoria en los primeros 100 días de su presidencia. Bueno, eso no ha sucedido. Los republicanos hablan de la necesidad de asegurar la frontera antes de considerar otras reformas. Bueno, eso no ha sucedido tampoco. De hecho, ayer mismo, un agente de la patrulla fronteriza fuera de servicio fue muerto a tiros mientras pescaba cerca de McAllen, Texas. Los presuntos asesinos han sido capturados y se ha descubierto que uno de ellos ha sido deportado un total de cuatro veces anteriores. El sistema está roto y ambos partidos políticos son posturas demasiado ocupado para las próximas elecciones para lograr cualquier cosa.

SERÁ EL PRESIDENTE HACER ALGO? 

Según http://www.whitehouse.gov/issues/immigration, el presidente Obama tiene la intención de actuar por orden ejecutiva. El marco de tiempo es entre dentro de un par de semanas para algún momento de octubre. Se debe entender que una orden ejecutiva no es lo mismo que la legislación que se pasa en materia de inmigración y luego de ser firmada como ley por el Presidente. Lo que el Presidente puede hacer por decreto es crear políticas y priorizar la forma actual se implementan las leyes de inmigración.

LO QUE EL DECRETO PODRIA SER SIMILAR 

Aunque, esto es sólo especulación, una mera conjetura, muchos indicadores y mi experiencia como un punto a las siguientes posibilidades abogada de inmigración:

1 El Presidente tiene la intención de organizar una manera de conceder permisos de trabajo, I-765s a más de 11 millones de inmigrantes que actualmente viven en las sombras.

2. El programa y los requisitos podrían ser algunos lo similar a los implantados cuando en 2012 el presidente Obama, por orden ejecutiva, implementado la Acción Diferida para la Infancia Arrivals (DACA). La expansión de este formato sería lo más lógico.

3. Otra idea es que el Presidente podría ofrecer estatus legal temporal a los miembros de la familia que son tutores elegibles para permanecer y trabajar legalmente en los EE.UU. bajo el programa DACA o tal vez a aquellos que tienen hijos ciudadanos estadounidenses menores de edad.

Para leer más sobre lo que la orden ejecutiva del presidente podría ser como usted puede ir a: http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/aug/04/us-immigration-obama-executive-order-options-deportation .

¿QUÉ PUEDO ESTAR HACIENDO PARA ESTAR PREPARADOS? 

Se debe entender que no hay garantías de que el Presidente, por orden ejecutiva, implementar algunos cambios en las políticas (reformas). Lo que es seguro es que si lo hace, habrá una avalancha de inmigrantes que se clasificarán y un considerable registro de vuelta se producirá al tratar de pasar todas las aplicaciones. Mi oficina experimentado esto con las aplicaciones de DACA. Es dudoso que el gobierno iba a contratar más agentes para manejar la demanda. Además, es probable que se procesarán en orden de llegada. ¿Cuáles son algunas cosas probables que se necesitan con el fin de estar mejor preparados y uno de los primeros contribuyentes?

1. Usted probablemente necesitará un cheque de nuevo terreno penal. La mayoría de ellos se obtienen en la Oficina de Investigaciones Criminales de su estado. El costo es por lo general alrededor de $ 20.00 por solicitante. Ahora es el momento de conseguir el tuyo!

2. Prueba de vivir en los Estados Unidos. Sólo puedo especular sobre el marco de tiempo, pero es probable que necesite para demostrar que usted llegó a los Estados Unidos en una fecha determinada, por lo general la fecha de la orden ejecutiva se implementa.

3. La prueba de que usted ha vivido continuamente en los Estados Unidos desde cualquier lugar a partir de ahora de nuevo a cinco (5) o diez (10) años a partir de ahora. Me gustaría empezar con la recolección de la prueba que muestra continua residido aquí de forma continua durante al menos los últimos cinco (5) años. La prueba más de que usted tiene la más fuerte y mejor será su caso.

4. ¿Qué constituye una prueba? Las declaraciones de impuestos, contratos de arrendamiento o de alquiler, facturas de servicios mensuales en su nombre, y talones de pago son algunos artículos. Es probable que tenga algo para cubrir cada mes durante el período de tiempo requerido.

5. Guardar dinero. Habrá la presentación de los costos y honorarios legales en caso de que recurrir a un abogado. NO UTILICE notarios o servicio que no es abogado EMPRESAS !!! Ellos no están calificados para darle asesoramiento jurídico y, de hecho, podrían incluso retrasar el proceso de solicitud. Vea estos, videos informativos: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s5CXht-Vs94#t=14 y http://www.uscis.gov/es/eviteestafas. Usted está poniendo su futuro en riesgo si lo hace.

Ahora es el momento de preparar y reunir la información. Prepárese. Los que están estará en una mejor posición para tomar ventaja de los cambios a la inmigración, siempre y cuando éstas se produzcan.

IMMIGRATION REFORM 2014: NOW IS THE TIME TO PREPARE!!!

IMMIGRATION REFORM 2014           

            Over the last few weeks there has been much talk on immigration reform and whether or not President Obama, by executive order, is going to do something about immigration.  From all indications the answer is probably going to be yes despite threats from Republicans of possible impeachment or the Democrats worry about losing additional seats in the Senate this mid-term election, thus loosing control of the Senate.

           The purpose of this article is to try and give some insight into what the reform might look like and what you can do to be better prepared to apply for its benefits, if in fact President Obama creates some reforms by executive order.

CURRENT IMMIGRATION SYSTEM 

            There is no doubt that our current immigration system is broken.  As an immigration attorney, I do not understand why it takes 14 years or longer to process someone’s application for them to receive their permanent residency (green card).  There has been a blame game way to long on both sides of the political isle to get anything passed.  Yet the majority of Americans are in favor of some form of immigration reform.  Many immigrants recall President Obama’s campaign that he was going to accomplish immigration reform within the first 100 days of his presidency.  Well, that hasn’t happened.  Republicans talk about the need to secure the border before other reforms are considered.  Well, that hasn’t happened either.  In fact, just yesterday, an off duty border patrol agent was shot and killed while fishing near McAllen, Texas.  The alleged assassins have been caught and it has been discovered that one of them has been deported a total of four previous times.  The system is broken and both political parties are too busy posturing for the next election to accomplish anything.

WILL THE PRESIDENT DO SOMETHING? 

            According to http://www.whitehouse.gov/issues/immigration, President Obama intends to act by executive order.  The time frame is between within the next couple of weeks to sometime in October.  It must be understood that an executive order is not the same as legislation being passed concerning immigration and then being signed into law by the President.  What the President can do by executive order is create policy and prioritize how current immigration laws are implemented.

WHAT THE EXECUTIVE ORDER MIGHT LOOK LIKE 

            Although, this is only speculation, a mere educated guess, many indicators and my experience as an immigration attorney point to the following possibilities:

1.     The President intends to arrange a way to grant work permits, I-765s to more than 11 million immigrants who are currently living in the shadows.

2.     The program and requirement might be some what similar to those implanted when in 2012 President Obama, by executive order, implemented the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA).  The expansion of this format would make the most sense.

3.     Another idea is that the President could offer temporary legal status to family members who are guardians eligible to legally stay and work in the US under the DACA program or perhaps to those who have minor US citizen children.

For more reading on what the President’s executive order might look like you can go to: http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/aug/04/us-immigration-obama-executive-order-options-deportation . 

WHAT CAN I BE DOING TO BE PREPARED? 

            It must be understood that there are no guarantees that the President will, by executive order, implement some policy changes (reforms).  What is certain is that if he does there will be an onslaught of immigrants who will qualify and a considerable back log will ensue in trying to pass all of the applications.  My office experienced this with the DACA applications.  It’s doubtful the government would hire more agents to handle the demand.   Also, they will probably be processed on a first come basis.  So what are some probable things you will need in order to be better prepared and among the first filers?

1.     You will probably need a criminal back ground check.  Most of these are obtained at your state’s Bureau of Criminal Investigations.  The cost is usually around $20.00 per applicant.  Now is the time to get yours!

2.     Proof of living in the United States.  I can only speculate on the time frame but you will probably need to show that you arrived in the United States by a certain date, usually the date the executive order is implemented.

3.     Proof that you have lived continuously here in the United States from any where from now back to five (5)  or ten (10) years from now.  I would start with gathering proof showing continuous resided here continuously for at least the past five (5) years.  The more proof you have the stronger and better your case will be.

4.     What constitutes proof?  Tax returns, lease or rental agreements, monthly utility bills in your name, and pay stubs are a few items.  You will probably need some thing to cover each month over the required time period.

5.     Save money.  There will be filing costs and legal fees should you elect to use an attorney.  DO NOT USE NOTARIOS OR NON-LAWYER SERVICE COMPANIES!!!   They are not qualified to give you legal advice and in fact might even delay your application process.  See these, informative videos: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s5CXht-Vs94#t=14  and  http://www.uscis.gov/es/eviteestafas .  You are putting your future at risk if you do.

            Now is the time to prepare and gather together your information.  Get prepared.  Those who are will be in a better position to take advantage of the changes to immigration, if and when they arise.

Visit www.inmigracionlawyers.com for online help and services about your immigration case, or call 801-621-7443 or email us at jaime@richardsgodfrey.com

Immigration: Understanding and Getting help with the Immigration Process

Immigrating to the United States can be a long and complicated process. For many the process appears so daunting  they are too afraid to get the process started. It is true, the process of obtaining legal status in the United States can be complicated and difficult. But as with most things, a little education and preparation make even the most daunting and difficult tasks manageable. With understanding and the right tools, the immigration process can be easily managed and you can get the result you desire.

There are many free resources where you can go to learn about the immigration process, like U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services website, the official page of the Department of Homeland Security dedicated to citizenship and immigration. Once you get a little understanding, it is important to get the right kind of help with the process. Using the wrong kind of help can cost you more than just money, but cost you the chance of successfully completing and obtaining the immigration status you desire.

Immigration law is one of the most complex areas of law in the legal field. Only a licensed attorney is legally authorized to help you green card applications and other immigration cases. Unlike not notarios or other consultants, an experienced and licensed immigration lawyer has gone through extensive education and training to help you. In fact, it is against the law for notaries public and other consultants to provide immigration advice. Even if they just the filling out of forms or green card applications should be done by a licensed immigration lawyer.

See this video to learn more about the risks and dangers of using notarios or other consultants:

DON'T BE FOOLED, immigration is a complex process. Notarios and former employees of attorneys are not attorneys and are not qualified to give legal advice. By using their services you are putting yourself at risk of being deported.

BUT I AM FIGHTING FOR THE BEST INTEREST OF MY CHILD! REALLY??????

If I could have a dollar for every time I heard from a parent fighting over custody: “but I am doing it for the “best interest” of our child or children, as the case may be, I would be rich. 

In my 25 years of practice I have made the following general observations: First, most of the time when this phrase is used it is not at all about “best interest” but rather the desire to exercise control, not over the children, but over the other parent; Secondly, parents who really seek to work in the best interest of their children find more areas on which they agree on how to raise their children than where they disagree.  Their focus is not so much on them or each other, but on their children. 

Endless fighting over the children is toxic.  It deprives children of tranquility, the feeling of security as well as challenging their beliefs. After all, children generally love both of their parents equally and they don’t understand the divorce at all.  Their preference would be that you stayed together.  If children could make a list and have their desires heard and considered the list would probably read something like this: 

• An end to parents’ fighting.
• An end to uncertainty about where and with whom they are going to live.
• A return to some degree of normalcy in their lives, (this really means consistency)
• Security in knowing that they are loved by both parents who deeply care for them. 

Prolonged custody battles usually stand as a hindrance to children obtaining these very things they desire most. This is not all, they are often dragged into the dispute b y having to go through the custody evaluation process.  As litigation continues, the parents generally become more caustic towards one another and as much as the parents think they are shielding their children form this, they’re not.  Children, especially as they get older, know more about what is going on around them than we give them credit. 

Granted there are those cases where custody needs to be challenged but  in more cases than not custody and co-parenting can better be determined by the parties working together through alternative means such as cooperative divorce or mediation. 

So the question really is:   Do you love your children enough not to fight over them?

You can read more about the affects of parents fighting during divorce here: http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/contemplating-divorce/200911/divorce-doesnt-harm-children-parents-fighting-harms-child 

Richards, Brinley and Richards Law Group: How to Make Sure Your Small Business Will Make it!...

Richards, Brinley and Richards Law Group: How to Make Sure Your Small Business Will Make it!...: I am excited about all that is happening in Ogden over the past few years and especially recently. There has truly been a revitalization of ...

How to Make Sure Your Small Business Will Make it!

I am excited about all that is happening in Ogden over the past few years and especially recently. There has truly been a revitalization of downtown which is great to see. However, getting those who aren't from here or who reside outside of Ogden is difficult and frustrating. Many people I know who don't live here have often asked, "Why would you want to live in Ogden?", "Nothing is happening in Ogden" and "Ogden isn't going anywhere". Well, those of us who live in Ogden, love its beauty, its access to a variety of recreational activities and we can now say its ever growing business and commerce. 

Unlike other places, Ogden still maintains a good balance of large commercials business and local small business which help Ogden maintain some of the characteristics we love about it. I root for the local small businesses in Ogden to thrive and grow but I know how difficult it can be for small businesses to make it. 

Most every small business owner's dream is to create a successful business that will continually grow, hopefully for generations to come. For some the goal is to stay small, for some they can't wait to shed the "small business" connotation. However, regardless of what the new start up business's goals are, there are things to be done to make sure they don't end up like most new business, closed and bankrupt within the first few years. 

Pat Shriver, a fellow attorney, wrote a great short article about what common mistakes small businesses make which may lead to their downfall. The ten most common he states as follows:

1. Failure to organize a business entity.
2. Failure to adopt a well-thought-out business plan.
3. Failure to address employment issues.
4. Failure to do a buy/sell agreement.
5. Failure to have a succession plan.
6. Failure to protect intellectual property and trade secrets.
7. Failure to understand the consequences of personal guarantees.
8. Failure to avoid costly litigation.
9. Failure to consider more than legal issues.
10. Failure to hire legal services. 

To learn more about these common mistakes most small businesses make, read Pat's article;Top 10 Common Small Business Legal Mistakes.

An experienced and competent attorney can help your small business take necessary steps to ensure your business will grow successfully far into the future. At Richards, Brinley & Richards Law Group we know how to help you get your small business start off on the right foot.