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It’s Time to Learn the Green Card Process

It's Time to Learn the Green Card Process

It’s Time to Learn the Green Card Process

One of the biggest challenges immigrants face when trying to live and work in the United States is obtaining a green card. A green card, also known as a permanent resident card, is a legal document that allows a foreign national to live and work in the United States indefinitely. It is an important step for immigrants who want to make the United States their home, but navigating the green card process can be confusing and overwhelming. In this article, we will explore the green card process and provide updated information using government resources to help you better understand this important step.

What is a Green Card?

A green card is a legal document that allows foreign nationals to permanently live and work in the United States. It provides permanent residency status and is issued by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Holding a green card allows a foreign national to enjoy many of the same rights and privileges as U.S. citizens, including driving privileges, access to healthcare, and the ability to travel outside of the United States and return without restrictions.

The Types of Green Cards Available

There are several types of green cards available, each with their own unique eligibility requirements. Here are some of the most common types of green cards available:

Family-Based Green Cards – Family-based green cards are the most common type of green card available. These green cards are issued to foreign nationals who are married to a U.S. citizen, have parents who are U.S. citizens, or have siblings who are U.S. citizens.

Employment-Based Green Cards – Employment-based green cards are issued to foreign nationals who have a job offer in the United States. These green cards are often issued to professionals with specialized skills, athletes, investors, and more.

Diversity Immigrant Visa – The Diversity Immigrant Visa, also known as the Green Card Lottery, is a program that randomly selects 50,000 foreign nationals from countries with low rates of immigration to the United States. The lottery aims to increase diversity in the United States.

Humanitarian Green Cards – Humanitarian green cards are issued to refugees, asylees, and other foreign nationals who are fleeing persecution in their home country. These green cards are issued to individuals who are seeking protection in the United States.

Steps to Obtain a Green Card

The green card application process can be long and complex, but it is a necessary step for foreign nationals who want to live and work in the United States permanently. Here are the general steps to obtain a green card:

Step 1: Determine Eligibility – The first step in applying for a green card is to determine eligibility. Applicants must meet the eligibility requirements for the specific type of green card they are applying for, which can include factors such as age, education, work experience, and more.

Step 2: File a Petition – After determining eligibility, the next step is to file a petition with the USCIS. The type of petition filed will depend on the specific type of green card the applicant is seeking.

Step 3: Attend the Interview – After the petition is processed and approved, the applicant must attend an interview with the USCIS. During the interview, the USCIS officer will ask questions about the applicant’s background and reason for wanting to live in the United States. The applicant must also provide documentation to support their application.

Step 4: Receive a Decision – After the interview, the USCIS will review the applicant’s application and make a decision. If the application is approved, the USCIS will issue a green card to the applicant.

Recent Changes to the Green Card Process

The green card process has undergone some recent changes that applicants should be aware of. In October 2020, the USCIS announced a new fee schedule that significantly increased the cost of obtaining a green card. The new fees went into effect on October 2, 2020, and include increases for filing and biometric fees.

In addition to the fee increases, the USCIS also announced changes to the Form I-944, Declaration of Self-Sufficiency. This form is used to determine whether an applicant is likely to become a public charge, or someone who relies on government assistance to survive. Starting on February 24, 2020, the USCIS will not accept any Form I-944 submitted with an application. Instead, the USCIS will only accept applications that are submitted without the Form I-944.

Navigating the Green Card Process

Navigating the green card process can be daunting, but there are resources available to help applicants. The USCIS website has a wealth of information about the green card process, including eligibility requirements, application forms, and other resources. Applicants can also consult with an immigration attorney for more personalized guidance and support.

Conclusion

Obtaining a green card is an important step for foreign nationals who want to live and work in the United States permanently. Though the process can be challenging, with careful preparation and guidance, immigrants can successfully navigate the green card process and achieve their goal of living and working in the United States. Aspiring immigrants should take advantage of the available resources, such as the USCIS website and immigration attorneys, to help them understand and navigate the green card process.


The green card application process is relatively involved, but certainly not insurmountable to anyone who has the proper documentation and assistance in obtaining a green card. The first steps of the green card process involve checking on a number of important preliminary concerns. For example, someone interested in submitting a green card application should first check the filing fees for such a green card application, and should ensure that he or she is prepared to pay those costs.

Furthermore, anyone submitting a green card application should check the green card processing time for the green card process, as the green card processing time may play an important role in determining exactly when an individual should submit a green card application and begin the green card process. For example, if an individual had a visa that allowed him or her to remain within the country up until a certain date, then it would be advisable for him or her to check the green card processing time and determine at exactly what point he or she should submit a green card application.

Green card processing time will also likely depend on exactly how many green card applications will likely be submitted at or around the same time. An individual beginning the green card process will also need to find a doctor for him or herself in the green card process.

They key element of the green card process is the submission of the actual green card application to the proper office. It is currently possible to submit a green card application online, as well. A green card application must be dependent on some basis for a green card, including that the individual applying for a green card is being sponsored by a family member or a job, or that the person applying for a green card has refugee or asylee status.

Alabama Immigration Law Forces Hispanic Students out of School

Alabama Immigration Law Forces Hispanic Students out of School

Alabama Immigration Law Forces Hispanic Students out of School

In 2011, the state of Alabama passed one of the most draconian immigration laws in the United States. Known as The Beason-Hammon Alabama Taxpayer and Citizen Protection Act, the law aimed to curb illegal immigration in the state by imposing harsh restrictions on undocumented immigrants. However, as many critics have pointed out, the law had unintended consequences that affected not only immigrants but also U.S. citizens and legal residents. One of the most troubling consequences of the law was the forced departure of many Hispanic students from Alabama public schools. This article will explore how this happened and what it means for the education and future of these students.

Background

The Beason-Hammon Act was signed into law by Governor Robert Bentley on June 9, 2011, and went into effect on September 28 of that year. The law introduced a range of measures designed to make life difficult for undocumented immigrants in Alabama. Among other things, the law made it a crime for undocumented immigrants to live or work in the state, required police officers to check the immigration status of anyone they suspected of being in the country illegally, and made it illegal for landlords to rent to undocumented immigrants. The law also required public schools to verify the citizenship and immigration status of students upon enrollment and report the information to the state.

As soon as the law went into effect, it became clear that its impact would be far-reaching and devastating for many residents of the state. An estimated 120,000 undocumented immigrants lived in Alabama at the time, and many of them worked in agriculture, construction, and other low-wage jobs. Once the law made it illegal for them to work or rent a home, many of them faced the prospect of homelessness and hunger. The law also had a chilling effect on the entire Hispanic community, which feared that they would be subject to racial profiling and discrimination by law enforcement.

Impact on Public Schools

One of the most pernicious effects of the Beason-Hammon Act was the way it affected public education in Alabama. The law required all public schools to collect data on the citizenship and immigration status of its students and report the information to the state. This meant that many Hispanic students who were U.S. citizens or legal residents were suddenly subject to scrutiny and suspicion from school officials. Some schools went so far as to ask students to provide proof of their parents’ legal status, which many families found intrusive and offensive.

The law also had an immedia impact on the enrollment of Hispanic students. Many families were afraid to send their children to school out of fear that they would be subject to harassment or deportation. Some families decided to leave the state altogether, preferring to relocate to other states where they felt they would be safer. Others simply kept their children at home, hoping that the situation would improve over time.

As a result of these dynamics, many school districts in Alabama reported a significant decline in the enrollment of Hispanic students. In some cases, the decline was as much as 50%, meaning that many Hispanic students were effectively forced out of school. This was not only a tragedy for the individual students but also a serious blow to the educational system as a whole. Studies have shown that the inclusion and integration of students from diverse backgrounds is essential for creating a thriving learning environment.

Legal Challenges

The Beason-Hammon Act faced legal challenges almost from the moment it was signed into law. Opponents of the law argued that it violated the Equal Protection Clause of the U.S. Constitution, which prohibits states from discriminating against individuals based on their race or national origin. In 2012, a federal court blocked some of the most controversial provisions of the law, including the requirement that schools verify the citizenship and immigration status of their students. However, many of the law’s other provisions remained in effect.

In 2015, the Supreme Court of the United States issued a ruling that struck another blow to the Beason-Hammon Act. The Court found that a similar law in Texas, which required police officers to check the immigration status of anyone they suspected of being in the country illegally, violated the Equal Protection Clause because it had a discriminatory effect on Hispanic people. The ruling set a precedent that could be used to challenge laws like the Beason-Hammon Act in other states.

The Future of Alabama’s Hispanic Students

Today, Alabama remains a deeply divided state when it comes to immigration policy and its treatment of Hispanic residents. While some of the most draconian aspects of the Beason-Hammon Act have been struck down, the law still has a chilling effect on the entire Hispanic community. Many families continue to live in fear of deportation and harassment, and this has undoubtedly hindered the education of thousands of Hispanic students.

However, there are reasons to be hopeful about the future. Despite the challenges they face, many Hispanic students in Alabama have persevered and even thrived. Some have even become advocates for immigrant rights and helped to change the conversation about immigration in the state. Moreover, there are many organizations and individuals who are working to support the education and well-being of Hispanic students in Alabama and other states.

Conclusion

The Beason-Hammon Act was a dark moment in Alabama’s history, one that brought fear and uncertainty to thousands of its residents. However, it also served as a wake-up call, reminding us of the importance of inclusion, diversity, and respect for human rights. We have a long way to go before we achieve these goals, but we can take inspiration from the resilience and determination of the Hispanic students who have refused to be silenced by this unjust law. As we move forward, we must remember that education is a fundamental human right that should be available to all, regardless of their immigration status. By working together, we can ensure that this vision becomes a reality for all students, now and in the future.


Alabama schools are witnessing abnormally high rates of absences for Hispanic students after the state enacted what is widely regarded as the toughest anti-immigration law in the United States.

The immigration law, which was unanimously approved by the state legislature, allows law enforcement officers to check for papers and detain undocumented residents without bail. The Alabama immigration law also mandates that public schools share with authorities the residence and citizenship status of all newly enrolled students.

In response to the law’s enactment, throngs of Hispanic students skipped classes out of fear of deportation or imprisonment. In response to the drastic number of absences and the brutal reality of the law, legislators responsible for the reform claim, assured residents that the law is merely about statistics and not about enforcing brutal penalties on its inhabitants.

Under the Alabama immigration law, schools are required to ask new students to either submit a birth certificate or sworn proof that they are in the United States legally. However, if the students are unable to provide such documentation they are still able to attend school. Under the law, neither the students nor the parents will be arrested for failing to provide proper documentation.

After the student submits (or fails to) his/her documentation, the school provides statistical information to the state concerning the number of students who were able to provide citizenship papers.

Alabama requires all schools to follow this immigration policy. The state made available form letters that schools send to parents of new students to clarify the requirements of the immigration law and inform parents that they should not be frightened or concerned if they are unable to provide sworn documents reflecting citizenship.

Steps To Fulbright Scholarship Grants

Steps To Fulbright Scholarship Grants

Steps To Fulbright Scholarship Grants: Fulfill Your Dream of Studying Abroad

The Fulbright Program is a wonderful opportunity for students, scholars, teachers, and professionals from all around the world to come together and explore a variety of academic fields while promoting cross-cultural understanding. Each year, the program awards around 8,000 grants to people from more than 160 countries. The highly competitive Fulbright program is designed to support students and scholars in furthering their academic and professional goals by providing them with funding, travel expenses, and a unique cultural immersion experience abroad.

If you are interested in being a part of the Fulbright program, this article will provide you with all the essential steps involved in applying and obtaining a Fulbright scholarship. This article will help you to familiarize yourself with the program’s requirements, deadlines, and process, and will share helpful tips to stand out from the crowd of applicants.

1. Understand the Types of Fulbright Scholarships Available

The Fulbright Program offers a range of scholarship types to students, scholars, and professionals based on their academic background, field of study, and location. Scholarship types include:

– Study/Research Grants: For graduate students or researchers who want to study or conduct research for periods ranging from three months to a year.
– English Teaching Assistantships: Opportunities for English teachers or aspiring teachers to spend up to nine months abroad as teaching assistants in schools or universities.
– Fulbright Specialist Program: For established professionals, this program provides two to six-weeks consulting assignments abroad.
– Fulbright International Education Administrators Program: For education administrators and leaders interested in learning about education governance, management, and administration, this program provides short-term or multi-country educational seminars.

Each scholarship type has specific eligibility requirements and a different application process. You should research what scholarship types are available for your academic or professional background to determine which program best fits your career goals.

2. Meet the Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the Fulbright scholarship, applicants are required to meet the following criteria:

– Must be a U.S. citizen, resident, or national.
– Must have a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, and in some cases, must hold a higher degree or have significant professional experiences.
– Proficiency in the host country’s language is not a requirement, but the ability to communicate in the local language is beneficial, and some programs may require it.

Additional requirements may apply to different scholarship types, and each grant may have different eligibility criteria, such as minimum GPA, age restrictions, and more.

3. a Host Country

After analyzing the available types of scholarships and fulfilling the eligibility criteria, the next step is to decide where you want to pursue your studies or research. The Fulbright Program covers a wide range of countries in every region of the world, which can make it difficult to decide where to go.

It’s essential to choose a country that is familiar to you or one that appeals to your personal and academic interests. Additionally, it’s best to consider the availability of academic institutions, research opportunities, and overall quality of life in your intended destination.

4. Find a Host Institution or Advisor

Once you have the country you want to study in, identify a suitable academic institution where you would like to study or research. It’s important to research potential institutions that offer your preferred courses or research opportunities.

Additionally, you should reach out to potential advisors or professors whom you would like to work with, as they can be helpful in providing more insights about research opportunities or suggest local resources that might be beneficial. It’s essential that you establish a mutual and professional relationship with the proposed host institution or advisor.

5. Research the Application Process and Timeline

The Fulbright application process is highly competitive and involves several stages. Therefore, it’s essential to pay close attention to the application requirements and the deadlines for each stage. Responding late or missing application deadlines may result in disqualification.

The application process for Fulbright scholarships begins about a year before the intended commencement of the program. The application process for study/research grants usually begins in the late summer or early fall for the following academic year. Meanwhile, English teaching assistantships applications typically have deadlines in October, with the program commencing in the fall of the following year.

It’s important to check the Fulbright website for the latest updates and be aware of any changes in the deadlines or requirements for the intended scholarship type you want to apply to.

6. Prepare Your Application Documents and Essays

After understanding the application process, it’s time to begin gathering necessary application documents and preparing your essays. Every scholarship type has its application requirements, but in general, the following documents are necessary:

– Application Form
– Resume or Curriculum Vitae
– Transcripts for all college-level coursework
– Three Letters of Recommendation
– Statement of Grant Purpose (2-5 pages)
– Personal Statement (1 page)

The Statement of Grant Purpose outlines the student’s proposed academic or research project. The Personal Statement provides an opportunity for the student to share their background, experience, and motivation for wanting to pursue the proposed project. It’s important to give your essays lots of thought and organize the points to be clear, persuasive, and authentic. Make sure to proofread and refine your essays numerous times before submitting.

7. Submit the Application

With all required documents ready, it’s time to submit your application. The application should be submitted online through the Fulbright website. The submission deadline may vary depending on the scholarship type; therefore, check the website for the latest updates or program changes.

8. Fulbright Program Review and Interview ion

The Fulbright Program office will review your application and determine if you meet the program requirements. If you meet the requirements, you will be invited to an interview. The interview is necessary to assess your suitability for the fellowship. The interviews typically take place in a U.S. city and are conducted by a ion committee. The interview aims to evaluate your academic and personal qualifications, your language skills, and your commitment to the Fulbright Program objectives.

9. Fulbright Scholarship Award Notification

The Fulbright Student Program receives a large number of applications every year, and it is incredibly competitive. Therefore, the ion process is rigorous. After the application review and interview, each candidate will receive notification via email confirming their application status, whether ed or not.

If you are ed, the email will contain a conditional grant letter stating the result of the competition, terms of the grant, and deadline for acceptance. The letter contains extensive information about the scholarship, including the grant duration, available funds, and any required pre-departure orientation.

10. Fulfill Any Pre-Departure Requirements

If ed, awardees are required to fulfill any pre-departure requirements, such as obtaining appropriate visas, health requirements, and travel arrangements. Additionally, it’s essential that you attend the mandatory pre-departure orientation program to prepare yourself fully for the Fulbright experience.

Conclusion

The Fulbright Program is a highly competitive and rewarding opportunity for American students, scholars, and professionals looking to pursue intellectual exploration and cultural exchange. The program offers significant advantages such as academic support, research funding, and an opportunity to fully immerse oneself in another culture.

By following the above-listed steps, you can boost your chances of being ed for the Fulbright scholarship program. As you prepare to apply and embark on the Fulbright experience, it is essential to remain focused and dedicated to the objectives of the program, which is to foster mutual understanding between the United States and other countries around the world.


Is Fulbright Scholarship Right For Me?

The Fulbright Program was conceived as a competitive international educational exchange program for
talented US citizens to travel abroad while studying, teaching or conducting research.  Similarly, non-US citizens may come to the United States to conduct similar activities.  Approximately 8,000 Fulbright scholarships are given out every year through the US Department of State with funding furnished by Congress with some alternate funding from foundations, corporations and other governments.  The total congressional contribution to the Fulbright Program was $253.8 million in 2010 with an additional $85.2 million contributed by other sources.  To date, 155 countries participate in the Fulbright program on a bi-lateral basis.

History

The Fulbright program was the brainchild of Arkansas senator William J Fulbright who suggested selling
surplus materials from World War II and putting the proceeds toward an international exchange program for the advancement of world peace.  The first Fulbright participants went abroad in 1948 and since then 310,000 individuals have been program participants.  To date, there are 43 Nobel Prize and 78 Pulitzer Prize winners that were participants in the Fulbright Program.  Senator Fulbright remained an avid supporter and advocate for the program until his death in 1995.

Select Fulbright grants:

For US citizens

–       Fulbright US Student Program –

o  Sends students and young professionals to study abroad for a year with the opportunity to teach English

–       Fulbright-mtvU Fellowship

o  Gives 4 US students to study an aspect of music and its relation to other cultures, sharing their experiences through social media

–       Fulbright US Scholar Program

o   Sends US scholars and professionals abroad for a year to teach or research

–       Fulbright Specialist Program

o  Sends US scholars and professionals abroad for two – six weeks to serve as specialists for curriculum and institution planning at foreign academic institutions

For foreign citizens

–       The Fulbright Foreign Student Program

o  Allows foreign students to study in the United States for one year, with the possibility of renewal.

–       The Fulbright Foreign Language Teaching Assistant Program

o   Invites foreign English teachers to improve their skills in the United States at various colleges and universities.


Fulbright Visiting Scholar Program &
Fulbright Scholar in Residence Program

o  Invites foreign scholars to teach or conduct research at colleges and universities in the United States for a year.

–       Hubert H Humphrey Program

o  Invites professionals from developing countries to the United States for study and experience.

–       The International Fulbright Science and Technology Award

o   Invites foreign students to pursue doctoral study in science, technology and engineering for outstanding students.

There are additional programs for teacher exchange and excellence in education.  Additionally, the Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) sponsors US undergraduate students to study languages important to American policy and foreign affairs.

Who administers Fulbright grants?

The Fulbright Program is the responsibility of the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs at the US
Department of State.  The Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board is made up of twelve members, appointed by the President to serve as a steering committee for the program and approve all grant recipients.  In foreign countries, there may be a bi-national Fulbright commission or foundation dedicated to screening, recruiting and
publicizing the Fulbright program.  In countries without a commission, the US Embassy publicity handles the
commission’s duties to recruit potential grant recipients.

Specialized committees such as AMIDEAST and LASPAU administer grants for the Middle East and Latin
America/Caribbean respectively.

What does one study on a Fulbright grant?

What are other organizations that are related to Fulbright grants?

What is included in a Fulbright grant?

How do I apply for a Fulbright grant?

Are there group grants?

Who is eligible?

Any and all persons involved with the State Department or an immediate family member There is a variety of
subjects that can be studied under a Fulbright grant from humanities to science and technology.  It will not support an individual entering medical school but will support studies and research into patient care and public/global health.  There are no grants for the role purpose of learning English.  There are specialized enhancement grants for US students that intend to go to a country with a language identified as “critical” by the US State Department.  These languages include Mandarin Chinese, Korea, Arabic, Hindi, Urdu and Farsi.

The Fulbright Association, which is not associated with the government, is a private non-profit group of
Fulbright alumni that educate Congress on the continued needs of the program and its mission.  They award the J. William Fulbright Prize for International Understanding to exceptional individuals that contribute to world peace and foster international cooperation.

The Fulbright Academy is also not affiliated with the program but is an alumni association that serves as a
support network to foster collaboration and support amongst its members.  It boasts approximately 9,000 members and serves as support for new Fulbright members.

Most Fulbright grants include roundtrip transportation, stipend, tuition and insurance as well as
compensation for travel and participation in mandatory Fulbright events.  Students from other countries are entitled to receive some orientation and pre-academic programs to improve their English language skills, especially when dealing with technical subjects such as law and health.

If you are an exceptional and high achieving individual, you may be selected to receive a Fulbright grant.  You must demonstrate academic excellence, leadership and a feasible project that can be completed with the funds.  Generally speaking, you must apply to the program fifteen to twelve months before the grant is administers.  The https://fulbright.state.gov will provide you with a list of available grants and where the applications to those grants may be sent.  Applications are not submitted to this website.

Bear in mind that the Fulbright program is bi-national and will only fund American students going abroad or
foreign students studying in America.  It will not fund foreign students seeking to study in other countries.  It also does not fund foreign students already in the US.

The most common method for an American to apply to the Fulbright program is through their university or
college which can guide them through the process.  Larger institutions will have a Fulbright advisor for the purpose of recommending and guiding prospective applicants.

Should you be deemed eligible for further examination, you will be given a language test to ensure you have
adequate proficiency in the language of the target country.  Foreign applicants will need to demonstrate
English proficiency.  The applicant will also need to submit GRE or GMAT scores depending on the American program they are enrolling in, based on the standards of the institution.

The Fulbright-Hayes Group Project Abroad Program is a department of education grant that funds groups seeking to study humanities, foreign language or social sciences abroad for the purposes of group study or curriculum development.  These educators collectively work especially to increase understanding of area studies and develop a curriculum to be used in the United States.

There may be age restrictions and recommendations attached to each grant.

Fulbright US Student Program

Holding a doctorate will disqualify an applicant from the Fulbright Program.  Qualifications will vary depending on the type and location of the grant, but the applicant must have a bachelor’s degree and a proficiency in the language of the country they are applying to work in.

Fulbright US Scholar Program

The applicant must have a Ph.D. and teaching experience as well as demonstrate the foreign language proficiency needed to carry out the project.

Fulbright Teacher Exchange Program

All that is required for this program is a bachelor’s degree, full time teaching assignment and English fluency.

`Foreign Fulbright applicants must meet the individual requirements set by their country’s Fulbright Commission.  They cannot have US citizenship/permanent residency.  Scholars must have a doctoral degree or relevant experience as well as English language proficiency.

How are candidates selected?

Candidates are assessed on merit based on their record of achievement, language preparation/proficiency and
their project proposal.  Depending on the project, several organizations may be involved in assessing the candidate in a collaborative process that also involves embassies in the target country.

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