Saturday, October 1, 2011

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Publishes QAs re EB-5 Applicants

USCIS Publishes QAs On Direct Email Communication With EB-5 Regional Center Applicants

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is implementing the first phase in a series of proposed enhancements to the EB-5 program. Beginning September 15, 2011, Form I-924 applicants will be able to communicate directly with www.uscis.gov.  USCIS adjudicators via email in an effort to streamline the process and quickly raise and resolve issues and questions that arise during the adjudication process.

The EB-5 Program, also known as the Immigrant Investor Program, is designed to stimulate the U.S. economy through job creation and capital investment by foreign investors. Form I-924 is the Application for Regional Center under the Immigrant Investor Pilot Program.

Some Q&A

Q1. What are the goals of direct email communication between USCIS and Form I-924 applicants?
A1. Direct email communication is a customer-service tool to enhance communication between USCIS and Form I-924 applicants. Form I-924 applicants may email USCIS questions regarding pending applications, including questions related to Requests for Evidence (RFEs) and Notices of Intent to Deny (NOIDs) issued by USCIS. USCIS may email Form I-924 applicants to informally ask for clarification on certain issues to facilitate review, understanding and adjudication of the application. USCIS may also send a courtesy copy of an RFE or NOID to the email address listed on the I-924 and, if applicable, to the email address listed on the Form G-28, Notice of Entry of Appearance as Attorney or Accredited Representative, associated with the application.

Q2. How will the direct email communication process work?
A2. Form I-924 applicants with pending applications will be sent an email with a unique identifier and a specific email address to use when corresponding with USCIS. Once assigned an email address, applicants may use this contact information to send and respond to emails to discuss—either informally or through the RFE or NOID process—issues raised in their regional center applications. An applicant will receive an email with instructions shortly after his or her Form I-924 application is accepted by USCIS for filing.

The direct email communication process is only available to entities that have a pending Form I-924 application. It is not available to regional center promoters who have pending regional center applications that were filed prior to the implementation of Form I-924 on Nov. 23, 2010.

Q3. Will USCIS use email to issue RFEs and NOIDs, and can Form I-924 applicants use email to provide evidence in response to such notices?
A3. USCIS may email a courtesy copy of an RFE or NOID to Form I-924 applicants and, if applicable, to attorneys or representatives of record listed on the Form G-28 associated with the application. However, applicants may not formally respond to an RFE or a NOID via email.

If an RFE or a NOID is issued in regard to a Form I-924 application, USCIS will follow standard procedures and will mail a hard copy of the RFE or NOID to the address listed on the Form I-924 or, if applicable, to the attorney or accredited representative listed on a valid Form G-28.USCIS cannot accept an applicant’s formal response to a RFE or NOID via email. Once an applicant is ready to submit the formal response to an RFE or NOID to USCIS, he or she should follow the response submission instructions provided on the RFE or NOID.

Q4. How will USCIS ensure that the attorney or accredited representative listed on the Form G-28 is included in email communication between USCIS and the applicant?
A4. USCIS can only communicate via email with counsel representing a Form I-924 applicant if the associated Form G-28 includes a valid email address for the representative. If a valid email address is not provided in the Form G-28, the attorney or accredited representative should provide USCIS with an updated Form G-28 that includes a valid email address. This updated Form G-28 should be sent as a PDF to USCIS’s general EB-5 mailbox at uscis [dot] immigrantinvestorprogram [at] dhs [dot] gov. An original, fully executed Form G-28 will also need to be mailed to USCIS for inclusion in the Form I-924 application.

Q5. Can the direct email communication process be used to discuss issues regarding individual Form I-526 and Form I-829 petitions or other EB-5 issues not directly related to a pending Form I-924 application?
A5. No. The direct email communication process is solely for discussing issues regarding pending I-924 applications. It is not a forum for general policy and legal questions about adjudicative procedures or decisions, or for questions relating to Form I-526, Immigrant Petition by Alien Entrepreneur; Form I-829, Petition by Entrepreneur to Remove Conditions; or Form I-290B, Appeals or Motions.

USCIS will not respond to emails received concerning issues unrelated to a currently pending I-924 application. For more information about how to make other EB-5 inquiries, visit the EB-5 Inquiries page on the USCIS website at www.uscis.gov.



Contact Us From Anywhere in the U.S.
(952)525-2285 ♦ satveer@chaudharylawoffice.com
Free consultation

Satveer Chaudhary is the founding lawyer of Chaudhary Law Office, PLLC.  In practice over 10 years, Chaudhary brings 14 years of legislative experience as a State Senator and Member of the Minnesota House of Representatives to each and every case.At Chaudhary Law Office, our clients come first. Every client is treated with courtesy and is guaranteed effective representation. Practicing in the areas of  Immigration Law, Wills, Divorce, Family Law, Small Business and Criminal Law, we provide free intial consultations to all our clients.

In 2004  Satveer Chaudhary was named the University of Minnesota Law School Alumni of the Year. He was also awarded the Governor’s Certificate of Commendation for the Legal Aid Society of Minnesota, served as Special Assistant to Minnesota Attorney General Hubert H. Humphrey III, and was recognized by the worldwide Asian-Indian community for  his dedicated work, Chaudhary was named to the top-50 non-resident Indians in the world (NRI World  magazine).  

The information provided is offered for informational purposes only. It is not offered as and does not constitute legal advice. Chaudhary Law Office, PLLC does not seek to represent you based upon your review of this brochure. You should not make legal hiring decisions based merely upon brochures, advertising or other promotional materials.

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

WHY YOU MUST BE ABLE TO TRUST YOUR IMMIGRATION LAWYER

On September 11, 2011 there was an interesting article in the Des Moines Register the rise of fraudulent and unethical legal advice.  This information really highlights why it is important to know and trust your immigration attorney and long term consequences for you and your family, if they are not providing sound representation.  Check out excerpts below:

"Complaints of fraudulent and unethical legal advice that can result in the deportation of immigrants are becoming more common ...illegal immigration law advice runs so rampant around the country that Citizenship and Immigration Services, a federal agency, teamed up in June with the Federal Trade Commission, state and federal prosecutors, and immigrant advocates to combat the problem.Officials in many states, from California to Kentucky, have investigated individuals and proposed legislation in recent years to combat the problem."

The article continues:

"Des Moines attorney Jim Benzoni said he has received complaints about legal assistants moving door-to-door... promising work permits for those who pay $500 to have an asylum claim filed. The catch? Asylum claims are extraordinarily hard to win, and those who apply are marked for deportation unless they win their cases.

The asylum claims can delay deportation hearings because of the backlog in immigration courts. While waiting for a hearing, those tagged for deportation receive a work permit. Pleased with the results, immigrants encourage others to do the same.  “Two years later suddenly ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) is showing up at your door and bingo. People won’t know that until the other shoe drops,” Benzoni said."

So while relying only on advice from colleagues, friends or the internet may seem like a good idea, doing-it-yourself or hiring and cheap, but unethical lawyer can cause many immigrant families to face dire consequences.

http://www.desmoinesregister.com/article/20110912/NEWS/309120021/-1/gallery_array/Complaints-legal-fraud-against-immigrants-rise


Contact Us From Anywhere in the U.S.
(952)525-2285 ♦ satveer@chaudharylawoffice.com
Free consultation

Satveer Chaudhary is the founding lawyer of Chaudhary Law Office, PLLC.  In practice over 10 years, Chaudhary brings 14 years of legislative experience as a State Senator and Member of the Minnesota House of Representatives to each and every case.At Chaudhary Law Office, our clients come first. Every client is treated with courtesy and is guaranteed effective representation. Practicing in the areas of  Immigration Law, Wills, Divorce, Family Law, Small Business and Criminal Law, we provide free intial consultations to all our clients.

In 2004  Satveer Chaudhary was named the University of Minnesota Law School Alumni of the Year. He was also awarded the Governor’s Certificate of Commendation for the Legal Aid Society of Minnesota, served as Special Assistant to Minnesota Attorney General Hubert H. Humphrey III, and was recognized by the worldwide Asian-Indian community for  his dedicated work, Chaudhary was named to the top-50 non-resident Indians in the world (NRI World  magazine).  

The information provided is offered for informational purposes only. It is not offered as and does not constitute legal advice. Chaudhary Law Office, PLLC does not seek to represent you based upon your review of this brochure. You should not make legal hiring decisions based merely upon brochures, advertising or other promotional materials.

Tuesday, August 16, 2011

FREE CITIZENSHIP CLASSES

Free Citizenship Classes can be taken to practice for the interview and citizenship test, improve your English skills. High quality, in-person instruction is offered at convenient locations and class times. Visit or call a learning center or 1-800-222-1990 for more information about how to enroll!

Classes Offered in 3 Minnesota Cities:

Minneapolis
Lincoln Adult Education Center:
730 Hennepin Ave & 270 E Lake St
(612) 871-6350

Rochester
Hawthorne Adult Basic Education:
700 4th Avenue SE
(507) 328-4440

Worthington
Worthington Adult Basic Education:
117 11th Avenue
(507) 376-6105

Monday, August 15, 2011

Areas of Practice for Chaudhary Law Office, PLLC

Chaudhary Law Office's, PLLC, Areas of Practice:  

Immigration
H1B and L1 Visas
Canada Entry Issues
Change of Status
Marriage Green Card
Family Unification 
Visitor Visas
Removals
Citizenship
       
Family Law
Divorce
Custody
Child Support
Alimony
Adoption
Separation

Wills
Trusts
Estate Planning
Guardianship

Criminal Law
DUI/ DWI
Shoplifting
Assault
Theft

Business Law
Incorporation
Restructure
Registration
Disputes
Contact Us From Anywhere in the U.S.
(952)525-2285 ♦ satveer@chaudharylawoffice.com
Free consultation

Satveer Chaudhary is the founding lawyer of Chaudhary Law Office, PLLC.  In practice over 10 years, Chaudhary brings 14 years of legislative experience as a State Senator and Member of the Minnesota House of Representatives to each and every case.At Chaudhary Law Office, our clients come first. Every client is treated with courtesy and is guaranteed effective representation. Practicing in the areas of  Immigration Law, Wills, Divorce, Family Law, Small Business and Criminal Law, we provide free intial consultations to all our clients.

In 2004  Satveer Chaudhary was named the University of Minnesota Law School Alumni of the Year. He was also awarded the Governor’s Certificate of Commendation for the Legal Aid Society of Minnesota, served as Special Assistant to Minnesota Attorney General Hubert H. Humphrey III, and was recognized by the worldwide Asian-Indian community for  his dedicated work, Chaudhary was named to the top-50 non-resident Indians in the world (NRI World  magazine).  

The information provided is offered for informational purposes only. It is not offered as and does not constitute legal advice. Chaudhary Law Office, PLLC does not seek to represent you based upon your review of this brochure. You should not make legal hiring decisions based merely upon brochures, advertising or other promotional materials.

Saturday, July 30, 2011

IRS Extends Deadline for Foreign Nationals to Disclose Offshore Accounts

The Internal Revenue Service announced postponement of the Aug. 31, 2011 deadline for Indians and other foreign nationals to voluntarily disclose their offshore bank accounts.  The new due date is September 9, 2011.

According to the IRS announcement, taxpayers who have not yet submitted requests and documents under the Offshore Voluntary Disclosure Initiative (OVDI) must by September 9 submit identifying information to the IRS' Criminal Investigation Office and send a request for a 90-day extension for submitting a complete voluntary disclosure information package to the IRS' Austin campus.

The OVDI was announced in February 2011, designed to bring money held in foreign bank accounts back into the U.S. tax system and to help taxpayers with income from offshore accounts to comply with federal tax law.  The reporting is used to identify unreported income maintained or generated abroad.  Such funds may or may not be subject to U.S. taxation.  

Under the program, taxpayers that disclose previously undisclosed foreign accounts and comply with the terms of the program can avoid otherwise applicable civil penalties and criminal prosecution.  Those with immigration statuses vulnerable to violations of U.S. law may desire to pay closer attention to the OVDI.  The recent postponement was due to the recent east coast hurricane.

Those who have not yet complied, or have questions about the OVDI, should check the IRS website, contact their accountant, or schedule an information session with Chaudhary Law Office on how to comply.



Contact Us From Anywhere in the U.S.
(952)525-2285 ♦ satveer@chaudharylawoffice.com
Free consultation

Satveer Chaudhary is the founding lawyer of Chaudhary Law Office, PLLC.  In practice over 10 years, Chaudhary brings 14 years of legislative experience as a State Senator and Member of the Minnesota House of Representatives to each and every case.At Chaudhary Law Office, our clients come first. Every client is treated with courtesy and is guaranteed effective representation. Practicing in the areas of  Immigration Law, Wills, Divorce, Family Law, Small Business and Criminal Law, we provide free intial consultations to all our clients.

In 2004  Satveer Chaudhary was named the University of Minnesota Law School Alumni of the Year. He was also awarded the Governor’s Certificate of Commendation for the Legal Aid Society of Minnesota, served as Special Assistant to Minnesota Attorney General Hubert H. Humphrey III, and was recognized by the worldwide Asian-Indian community for  his dedicated work, Chaudhary was named to the top-50 non-resident Indians in the world (NRI World  magazine).  

The information provided is offered for informational purposes only. It is not offered as and does not constitute legal advice. Chaudhary Law Office, PLLC does not seek to represent you based upon your review of this brochure. You should not make legal hiring decisions based merely upon brochures, advertising or other promotional materials.


Monday, June 6, 2011

US AGENCY TO FIGHT IMMIGRATION SCAMS

Multi-Agency Initiative to Combat Immigration Service Scams

June 3, 2011
Federal Agencies Combat Immigration Services Scams

DHS, DOJ and FTC Collaborate with State and Local Partners in Unprecedented Effort
WASHINGTON—The U.S. government will unveil a national initiative to combat immigration services scams on June 9 at 1 p.m. The Departments of Homeland Security (DHS) and Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) are leading this historic effort.

DHS’s U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), the lead agency responsible for
administering the U.S. legal immigration system, will announce the initiative while hosting events in
seven cities around the country as well as the national launch in Washington, D.C.

The unauthorized practice of immigration law is an exploitative practice that endangers the integrity of our immigration system and victimizes members of the immigrant community. Understanding the
gravity of this deceptive practice, federal, state and local partners have come together to combat
immigration services scams on all fronts. The initiative is set upon three pillars: enforcement, education, and continued collaboration. Each agency plays a critical role to ensure the success of this national effort.

This initiative exemplifies how government and community can work together to effectively address a serious problem.

WHO:  Alejandro Mayorkas, Director, USCIS, DHS
John Morton, Assistant Secretary, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, DHS
Tony West, Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Division, DOJ
Edith Ramirez, Commissioner, FTC
Juan Osuna, Director, Executive Office for Immigration Review, DOJ

WHEN:  Thursday, June 9, 2011, 1 p.m. EDT
WHERE:  U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
Tomich Center
111 Massachusetts Avenue, NW
Washington, D.C.

CONTACT(S):  Lauren Alder Reid
Counsel, Office of Legislative and Public Affairs
703-305-0289; PAO.EOIR@usdoj.gov

NOTES:  For planning purposes, media attending are requested to RSVP to
OCOMM.MediaDivision@dhs.gov by close of business June 8, 2011.

Thursday, May 26, 2011

CHAUDHARY LAW OFFICE WINS MOTION FOR ACCUSED FOREIGN STUDENT

Chaudhary Wins Motion For Foreign Student at Risk of Losing Status

Today a Minnesota District Court Judge, in rural Minnesota, granted Chaudhary Law Office's motion to withdraw a client's guilty plea that may have resulted in unexpected deportation or denial of his H1B.   The client, an Indian foreign national student, originally appeared in court to pay a fine for speeding on an interstate.  Unaware of the consequences, he was instead sentenced to a day in jail.

Chaudhary Law Office, PLLC, successfully argued that, under the 2010 Supreme Court decision Padilla v. Kentucky, the client had not been advised by the Court that his guilty plea may result in deportation and/or other adverse immigration consequences.  Chaudhary also cited two Minnesota Court of Appeals cases on the subject just this year, one decided during preparation of the motion.   Minnesota Rules of Criminal Procedure also require an advisory regarding adverse immigration consequences along with other waivers of individual rights, when pleading guilty.

In this matter, the client presumed his situation was innocent enough to avoid consulting an attorney before pleading guilty.  However he was surprised with a separate reckless driving charge, an "over 100 mph" rule causing license suspension, and resulting incarceration.  More importantly, he was unaware of his presumption of innocence, right to a public defender, and potential immigration consequences.

His case shows that temporary workers, visitors, or immigrants accused of any crime should not take chances with their status and at least consult an attorney.  It is better to have attorney representation than chance deportation or denial of future admission or change of status.

Furthermore, courts are increasingly allowing withdrawal of guilty pleas even if people were represented by a lawyer and--even if the plea occurred before the Padilla decision!  Those who have plead guilty to any crime in the past, and fear adverse immigration consequences, are advised to consult an attorney to consider their rights and options.  In this situation, ignorance of the law (i.e. one's rights) may indeed be an excuse!


Contact Us From Anywhere in the U.S.
(952)525-2285 ♦ satveer@chaudharylawoffice.com
Free consultation

Satveer Chaudhary is the founding lawyer of Chaudhary Law Office, PLLC.  In practice over 10 years, Chaudhary brings 14 years of legislative experience as a State Senator and Member of the Minnesota House of Representatives to each and every case.At Chaudhary Law Office, our clients come first. Every client is treated with courtesy and is guaranteed effective representation. Practicing in the areas of  Immigration Law, Wills, Divorce, Family Law, Small Business and Criminal Law, we provide free intial consultations to all our clients.

In 2004  Satveer Chaudhary was named the University of Minnesota Law School Alumni of the Year. He was also awarded the Governor’s Certificate of Commendation for the Legal Aid Society of Minnesota, served as Special Assistant to Minnesota Attorney General Hubert H. Humphrey III, and was recognized by the worldwide Asian-Indian community for  his dedicated work, Chaudhary was named to the top-50 non-resident Indians in the world (NRI World  magazine).  

The information provided is offered for informational purposes only. It is not offered as and does not constitute legal advice. Chaudhary Law Office, PLLC does not seek to represent you based upon your review of this brochure. You should not make legal hiring decisions based merely upon brochures, advertising or other promotional materials.

Wednesday, May 11, 2011

ICE Announces OPT Expansion

ICE announces expanded list of science, technology, engineering, and math degree programs

Qualifies eligible graduates to extend their post-graduate training

May 13, 2011 WASHINGTON - U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) today published an expanded list of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) degree programs that qualify eligible graduates on student visas for an Optional Practical Training (OPT) extension-an important step forward in the Obama administration's continued commitment to fixing our broken immigration system and expanding access to the nation's pool of talented high skilled graduates in the science and technology fields.

The announcement follows President Obama's recent remarks in El Paso, Texas, where he reiterated his strong support for new policies that embrace talented students from other countries, who enrich the nation by working in science and technology jobs and fueling innovation in their chosen fields here in the United States, as a part of comprehensive reform.

By expanding the list of STEM degrees to include such fields as Neuroscience, Medical Informatics, Pharmaceutics and Drug Design, Mathematics and Computer Science, the Obama administration is helping to address shortages in certain high tech sectors of talented scientists and technology experts-permitting highly skilled foreign graduates who wish to work in their field of study upon graduation and extend their post-graduate training in the United States.

Under the OPT program, foreign students who graduate from U.S. colleges and universities are able to remain in the U.S. and receive training through work experience for up to 12 months. Students who graduate with one of the newly-expanded STEM degrees can remain for an additional 17 months on an OPT STEM extension.




Contact Us From Anywhere in the U.S.
(952)525-2285 ♦ satveer@chaudharylawoffice.com
Free consultation

Satveer Chaudhary is the founding lawyer of Chaudhary Law Office, PLLC.  In practice over 10 years, Chaudhary brings 14 years of legislative experience as a State Senator and Member of the Minnesota House of Representatives to each and every case.At Chaudhary Law Office, our clients come first. Every client is treated with courtesy and is guaranteed effective representation. Practicing in the areas of  Immigration Law, Wills, Divorce, Family Law, Small Business and Criminal Law, we provide free intial consultations to all our clients.

In 2004  Satveer Chaudhary was named the University of Minnesota Law School Alumni of the Year. He was also awarded the Governor’s Certificate of Commendation for the Legal Aid Society of Minnesota, served as Special Assistant to Minnesota Attorney General Hubert H. Humphrey III, and was recognized by the worldwide Asian-Indian community for  his dedicated work, Chaudhary was named to the top-50 non-resident Indians in the world (NRI World  magazine).  

The information provided is offered for informational purposes only. It is not offered as and does not constitute legal advice. Chaudhary Law Office, PLLC does not seek to represent you based upon your review of this brochure. You should not make legal hiring decisions based merely upon brochures, advertising or other promotional materials.