America. The Land of Opportunity. A country built by immigrants.

According the United States Census Bureau, since 2006, this country has welcomed more settlers than all the other countries of the world — combined.

On October 3, 1965, President Lyndon B. Johnson stood at the base of the Statue of Liberty and signed the Immigration Act of 1965, “correct[ing] a cruel and enduring wrong in the conduct of the American nation.” With a stroke of his pen, American policy was changed. Quotas limiting the number of immigrants per country and region of the world were lifted, allowing the law to better heed Lady Liberty’s call to “give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free.”

Between 1970 and 2007, Census Bureau figures show, the number of first generation immigrants in the U.S. increased four times, rising from 9.6 million to 38 million. The year 2008 welcomed nearly 1.1 million new naturalized U.S. citizens. Most of them came from Mexico, India and the Philippines.

As of October 1, 2010, the population of the United States was 310,383,695.

So, how does one join the ranks of the millions of people from around the world that legally settle in the United States each year? Basically, the answer is three-fold: through citizenship, through permanent resident status (“Green Card”) and for humanitarian reasons (refugees and people seeking asylum). One can only become a U.S. citizen by birth or through naturalization.

Naturalization is a process for people born outside the United States. It requires paperwork, money, an oath of allegiance, and a crash course in U.S. history and government.  All the requirements and procedures are outlined in the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) document M-476, “A Guide to Naturalization,” which can be found on the agency’s web site, www.uscis.gov or by calling 1-800-375-5283.

The journey begins with completion of the Form N-400, “Application for Naturalization.”

Photographs and fingerprints are taken to complete the application, and an interview with a USCIS agent is scheduled. There is a fee of $595 for the application and an $80 “biometric services fee” for fingerprints, totaling $675, payable by check or money order to the Department of Homeland Security.

When a person is naturalized, they accept all the responsibilities of citizenship. They pledge allegiance to the United States, agree to support the Constitution and to uphold its laws. The pledge, or “Oath of Allegiance,” promises you:

•  Give up all prior allegiance to any other nation

•  Swear allegiance to the United States

•  Support and defend the Constitution and laws of the United States

•  Serve the country when required

The other main requirements to become naturalized are the ability to speak, read and write in basic English, and demonstrate a knowledge of the fundamentals of American history and how the government works. Newly naturalized citizens register to vote and are encouraged to become actively involved in their new community.

We’ll examine the naturalization process in greater detail in upcoming posts.

What is immigration reform and why is such a BUZZ word online?

Well, if that got your attention, let’s go beyond buzz and call it a full fledged debate. Instead of giving you a history lesson on immigration reform, let’s just get right to the point. What is immigration reform? How does it effect you? And how will they effect immigrants?

The Basics
“Immigration Reform” is a new campaign getting a lot of press. Type the word into Google, you’ve got a variety of opinions from the right and left (let’s include the middle too). There are some  defining immigration reform plan currently proposed by senators and President Obama. The problem is the so many different opinions floating on the web. There is bias all over the place.

So what is exactly do these new laws mean? The main problem addressed are the millions of undocumented workers across the U.S. (estimates say as many as 20 million). These are the driving forces; some are calling for them to be forced to leave, others calling for them to be allowed to stay. Immigration reform is the divide the sides are fighting on.

President Obama called 2010 the year for immigration reform. Some are concerned not enough action is occurring. Still more highlight how the reforms are changing to pander to the right in order to successfully pass.

The main goals involve border security, work site enforcements, guest worker programs, improving the current immigration system, and adapting the naturalization process.  Obama has clearly stated he is not for forcing millions of undocumented workers to leave the country, but he’s also making a point that immigrants undocumented are going to have to work within the laws. This includes learning English and paying a fine for staying in the U.S. illegally. But again, not to force them out.

This is good news for immigrants, because in most cases if you’re here undocumented, you can stay. And for  currently legal immigrants, only changes to becoming citizens will have an effect.

Border Security
The main goals of border security may be a means to play both sides, but it’s a problem with few options other than to tighten the security. This mans increasing the number of border patrol agents, adding hundreds of miles of fencing and vehicle barriers, ending the “Catch and Release” policy, and a list of other changes. To put it simply, the goal is to stop illegal immigrants from entering via the Mexico border.
Worksite Enforcement

All workers must hold legal status in the U.S. That means punishing companies who allow illegal immigrants to work there, and more.

Guest Worker Programs
This will reform seasonal worker programs to be more efficient in keeping undocumented immigrants from entering and staying.

Immigration System
Since the U.S. is still under threat from potential terrorists, the FBI will be working to reform the immigration system to better protect the borders. If illegal immigrants have easy access to entering the country, even if they intend no harm, it might open the door for enemies of the U.S. to do the same.

Naturalization
Lastly, the naturalization process will be reformed. This may come with some fighting, especially from senators in high immigrant states. The tests are designed to improve understanding of U.S. democracy, laws, and values. If you lack knowledge on becoming a U.S. citizen, you may want to read this POST.

This is by far not the whole story, but it’s a good start.

Getting a green card may seem like a dream to many immigrants wanting to live in the land of opportunity, but being naturalized, becoming a U.S. citizen, is truly where all the opportunities are.

Why become a U.S. citizen? There are more jobs and opportunities for people of all skills. Children have more opportunity for higher education. By paying taxes you become eligible for benefits when you retire. And even better, the best jobs in the world are in the U.S., and you must be a citizen to get the majority of them. It’s really no secret, with about 1 million immigrants coming into the country every year.

What do you need to do to be eligible for U.S. citizenship?
There are many requirements you can get by talking with a lawyer, but the basic ones are pretty simple. -You have lived in the U.S. legally for at least five years
-You have been present for at least half of those last five years
-You’ve been a resident of the state or district your filing in for at least three months
-You have not spent more than a year outside the U.S.
-Your primary home is in the U.S.
-You are 18 or older
-You can speak, read, and write in the English language
-You can swear you believe in the U.S. and will be loyal to this country
-You can pass a test on U.S. history and government
-You have good moral character

That may sound like a lot, and it is. The laws can be complex.

What if one of these immigration laws do not apply to you?
Some, such as being a permanent resident for five years, are written in stone. Others you can improve upon, such as how you handle tests on U.S. history and government, as well as mastering the English language.

How do you pass all these and successfully earn U.S. citizenship?
Hiring an immigration  lawyer has immense benefits if you want to be naturalized as a U.S citizen. A good immigration lawyer can walk you through all the documents you have to fill out, all the questions you have to answer, and all fees you have to pay. Becoming a U.S. citizen is a life changing event for many, and can be for you too.

How to Hire an Immigration Lawyer
If you’re interested in hiring an immigration lawyer, you must find one who can help with everything. By reading this blog, you are showing an interest in immigration law. Take that interest to hiring experts on immigration law. Ask for references from people you know with legal experience. Query several immigration lawyers and ask them how they can help. Also be sure to ask their workload, fees, and how much experience they have.

Becoming a U.S. Citizen
Naturalization happens to thousands every year, and most are a direct result of an understanding of immigration law. Now that you know you need an expert, start searching for the right immigration lawyer in your area.

Just what is a Green Card anyway? A Green Card is an identification card attesting to the permanent resident status of an alien in the United States of America. It can also refer to the immigration process of becoming a permanent resident.

The Green Card serves as proof that its holder, a Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR), has been officially granted immigration benefits, which include permission to reside and take employment in the USA. The holder must maintain permanent resident status, and can be removed from the US if certain conditions of this status are not met. Green Cards use to be issued by the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS), but after 911 and the forming of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the INS was absorbed into the DHS. Under the administration of the DHS, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) is the bureaucracy now responsible for issuing Green Cards.

Some facts about Green Cards we all should know:

• When an alien (foreigner) holds a legal Green Card, it entitles him or her to two very important permits while in the United States- a temporary work permit formally called an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) and a temporary travel document, advance parole, which allows the alien to re-enter the United States. Both permits confer benefits that are independent of any existing status granted to the alien.
• Being an LPR is not the same as being a citizen of the United States. Lawful Permanent Residents generally do not have the right to vote, the right to be elected in federal and state elections, the ability to bring family members to the United States, or eligibility for federal government jobs.
• The term “permanent” as used in LPR is probably more closely associated with the term indefinite. The Green Card has to be renewed every 10 years and continued residency is conditional. The issuance of the card to an alien will allow the alien to remain in the United States indefinitely if the card is renewed on time and he or she abides by the conditions set forth at the issuance of the card.
• An LPR can elect to become a naturalized citizen of the United States after five years residency.
• An LPR can elect to become a naturalized citizen of the United States after three years residency if married to a citizen of the United States.
• An LPR can elect to become a naturalized citizen of the United States after four years residency if residency was received through political asylum.
• Male LPRs between the ages of 18 and 26 are subject to register for the Selective Service System.
• Green Cards got there name because the cards were originally green in color. Today, the cards look similar to most driver’s license having the picture, thumb print, and other identification of the LPR along with the United States Seal. They are no longer green in color.
• Permanent residents who reside in the US must pay taxes on their worldwide income, like U.S. citizens.

What has been the Green Cards impact on Tucson, Arizona? Arizona has over 6.5 million residents today of which, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, approximately 13 percent of them are foreign born. Since 2000, it is estimated there has been an increase of around five percent in foreign born residency. Tucson, Arizona has a population of over one million residents in its metropolitan area. Applying the state percentages of foreign born residents and taking into consideration that it takes at least five years before an LPR can become a citizen, there could be well over 65 thousand Green Card holders in the Tucson area alone. Since there is approximately 377 thousand jobs available in the Tucson area, the implication is that at least 17 percent of those jobs are held by Lawful Permanent Residents. (Note: These statistics have been taken from Government census charts and are approximations intended for generalizations. They are not intended to be used as detailed and exact data for research)

If you know someone who is seeking permanent lawful status, to immigrate, or become a citizen of the United States, contact us right now at www.immigrationlawstation.com, and we will help you find an immigration attorney in your area who will answer any legal questions you may have about immigration law.

Most scientists believe that human beings first came to America over the Bering Straits about 20,000 years ago. These were the ancestors of the many Native American cultures, which would people the landscape for thousands of years. Around the year 1000, a small number of Vikings would arrive. Five-hundred years later, the great European migration would begin. Crossing the Atlantic meant two to three months of seasickness, overcrowding, limited food rations, and disease, but the lure of available land and the hope for political and religious freedoms kept the Europeans coming. People from Europe and all around the World are still coming today in order to seek out the “Land of the Free.”

The United States of America has embraced and welcomed immigration since its beginning including Herbert H. Dow, developer of Dow Chemical Co., who was born in Ontario, Canada.

Dow moved with his family to Cleveland, Ohio, and graduated with a B.S. from Case Western Reserve University in 1888. His senior thesis, which he presented that summer at the Cleveland meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, dealt with brine waters in Ohio.

From 1888-89, when Dow was professor of chemistry at the Huron St. Hospital College, he developed a process for manufacturing bromine from brine, receiving a patent in April of 1892.

In 1889 he organized a company to work with brine water in fields near Canton. That venture failed, however in 1890, he started Dow Process Co. in Midland, Mich. where the brine water contained heavy concentrations of bromine. Dow organized Midland Chemical Co., and in 1895 began manufacturing chlorine and its derivatives. He formed Dow Chemical Co. in 1897 to manufacture chlorine and caustic soda.

In 1900, Dow Chemical absorbed Midland Chemical Co. Dow was president and general manager of Dow Chemical, responsible for developing new chemical processes for which more than 100 patents were granted. His home in Midland, known as the Herbert H. Dow House, was declared a U.S. National Historic Landmark in 1976.

Between 1880 and 1930 over 27 million people entered the United States, but after the outbreak of World War I in 1914, American attitudes toward immigration began to shift. Nationalism and suspicion of foreigners were on the rise, and immigrants’ loyalties were often called into question. Through the early 1920s, a series of laws was passed to limit the flow of immigrants. Today, millions of immigrants throughout the years have had their influence on America. Herbert Dow has had a lasting influence in not only Cleveland, but he has had a lasting influence on all of America.

Today’s immigration laws, like in the 1920s, are still designed to limit the flow of immigrants into the United States. They are much more complicated than they were in those early days of America, but there are still many ways a foreigner can immigrate to the United States, become a permanent resident, or become a citizen.

Maybe you have had or know someone who has had a difficult time understanding our immigration laws. If so, you or they need legal counsel. Even if you already live here and just want to become a permanent resident or citizen, or have a relative that wants to become a permanent resident or citizen of the United States, contact us right now at www.immigrationlawstation.com, and we will help you find an immigration lawyer in your area who will answer any legal questions you may have about immigration law.

Who knows, maybe you, your relative, or someone you know that wants to be a legal resident in the United States will be the next Herbert H. Dow.

Throughout its history, millions of immigrants have landed at America’s shores. Their practical contributions are still felt in every field of endeavor including agriculture, industry, and the service trades, but within the great immigrant migration to America there also came gutsy and talented individualists, artists, and dreamers. Many of these exceptional talents have gone on to win worldly renown, and their names have lived on in history.

Ellis Island’s Famous Immigrants tells the story of some of the best known of these legendary characters and records their actual immigration experience at Ellis Island. Celebrities featured within Ellis Island’s records include such entrepreneurs as Max Factor, Charles Atlas, and Etorre Boiardi; painters Arshile Gorky and Joseph Stella; authors Isaac Asimov and Ludwig Bemelmans; spiritual figures Father Flanagan and Krishnamurti; Hollywood actors Claudette Colbert, Rudolph Valentino, and Bob Hope; sports figures Knute Rockne and Johnny Weissmuller; and Supreme Court jurist Felix Frankfurter. The United States no longer processes immigrants through Ellis Island, but there probably has never been a more famous immigrant to come to the United States than Arnold Schwarzeneggar.

Arnold Schwarzeneggar was born in a small village of Austria in 1947 where his father was the local chief of police. Raised in a strict Roman Catholic household, it is common public knowledge that Schwarzeneggar never got along with his father or older brother. Seeking a better life for himself, he took to body building where he quickly excelled at an early age being the youngest ever to win Mr. Universe and Mr. Olympia bodybuilding titles. To this day, he has remained a prominent face in the bodybuilding sport long after his retirement, and has written several books and numerous articles on the sport. After winning the Mr. Universe contest for the first time, he immigrated to the United States where he eventually won four more Mr. Universe and seven Mr. Olympia titles. He became a naturalized citizen of the United States in 1983.

After one of the most storied bodybuilding careers ever, Schwarzeneggar moved on to realize his life long ambition of starring in the movies where he has been the lead role in over thirty. Probably his most famous roles have been in the “Terminator” movies. For a couple of his movie roles, he was nominated twice to receive awards from the Golden Globes, but never won.

After his movie career, Arnold chose to enter the political arena. Choosing to be an active Republican ever since he was naturalized a citizen, Schwarzeneggar came to public light politically in the late 1980′s. In 2003, he ran for California Governor in a special recall election winning handily, and was re-elected in 2006 where he remains Governor to this day. Along the way during these three successful careers, Arnold put himself through college via correspondence, learned English, and entered into many successful business relationships making himself a millionaire by age 30, long before his Hollywood career.

Since the Ellis Island years, the immigration laws have changed, and it is much harder to immigrate to America today than it was in the days of the famous Ellis Island immigrants mentioned in this story. Whether you live in Sacramento, San Jose, San Francisco, Oakland, San Diego, Riverside, San Bernardino, Orange County, or any of their surrounding areas in California, you may be interested in becoming a permanent resident, or becoming one of its citizens. You may also be outside the United States and in a place where you know someone who has had a difficult time immigrating to the United States, becoming a permanent resident, or a citizen. If you or your acquaintances do not understand our immigration laws, you should probably seek legal counsel. Contact us at www.immigrationlawstation.com, and we will help you find an immigration attorney in your area who will answer any legal questions you may have about immigration law.

America is known as the land of opportunity. Arnold Schwarzeneggar new that fact about America and seized his opportunity. Who knows, maybe you, your relative, or someone you know who wants to be a legal resident in the United States will get the opportunity to immigrate just like Arnold Schwarzeneggar. So, seize the opportunity and contact us today!