Will U.S. Immigration Services Offer Special Relief to Permanent Residents Who Return to the United States After Being Abroad for More Than One Year Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic?

September 27, 2020

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection Agency (“CBP”) has not announced any special relief to a lawful permanent resident (“LPR’) who has remained outside the United States for more than one year because of COVID-19 travel and movement restrictions. Currently, a LPR who was remained outside the United States irrespective

What Happens to a Lawful Permanent Resident if They Have Been Outside the United States for More than One Year Because of COVID-19 Travel Restrictions?

September 24, 2020

Due to significant travel and movement restrictions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, Lawful Permanent Residents (“LPR”’) have found themselves stranded abroad and thus unable to travel to the United States despite not having the intention of abandoning their LPR status. All permanent residents receive an identification called a Form I-551

What Could Happen to My Green Card if I am Outside the United States for More than 180 Days Due to COVID-19 Travel Restrictions?

September 23, 2020

There are many reasons why a lawful permanent resident (“LPR”) would remain outside the United States for more than 180 days. However, staying outside the U.S. for a long period could result in the U.S. government taking the position that an LPR has abandoned his or her intent to live

USCIS Extends Flexibility for Responding to Agency Requests

September 20, 2020

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) is extending the time within which to reply to certain notices and requests that is originally announced on March 30, 2020.{ https://enterlinepartners.com/language/en/announcement-extended-deadlines-to-respond-to-rfes-and-noids/ } The extension applies to any stakeholder that is responding to the following: Requests for Evidence; Continuations to Request Evidence (N-14);

Federal Court to Allow Public Charge Inadmissibility to Resume

September 12, 2020

The United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit lifted an injunction issued by a federal judge allowing the Department of Homeland Security (“DHS”) to resume public charge inadmissibility. The most recent ruling has been part of intense ongoing litigation since DHS, under the direction of the Trump Administration,

Priority Processing for Investments Made In Rural Areas

May 6, 2026

The EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act of 2022 (“RIA”) establishes priority processing for rural areas, ensuring that Form I-526/I-526E Petitions (“Petitions”) filed for business or projects in these areas are expedited. Under this provision, Petitions for EB-5 investments in rural areas shall be prioritized in processing and adjudication, allowing investors

Know Your Rights: What to Do if You Are Detained at a U.S. Port of Entry (for Lawful Permanent Residents)

April 24, 2026

Updated for 2025: Heightened Enforcement at Ports of Entry Like all international travelers, lawful permanent residents (LPRs)—also known as Green Card holders—are subject to inspection by U.S. Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) when arriving at an airport or land port of entry. While LPRs enjoy greater rights than nonimmigrants when

What Questions Will the U.S. Consulate in Ho Chi Minh City Ask My Vietnamese Fiancé(e)?

April 22, 2026

When your Vietnamese fiancé(e) (“fiance’) undergoes his/ her interview at the U.S. Consulate in Ho Chi Minh City, the consular officer’s primary goal is to determine if your relationship is genuine and bona fide. While the exact K-1 visa interview questions vary based on the specific details of your case,

Establishment Of An EB-5 Regional Center

April 16, 2026

The EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act of 2022 (“RIA”) introduced significant changes to the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program, including changes to the establishment and oversight of Regional Centers. A Regional Center’s establishment represents a strategic effort to stimulate economic growth by drawing in foreign investment and generating employment opportunities within

Step-by-Step Guide to the K-1 Fiance(é) Visa Process

April 9, 2026

Applying for a K-1 fiancé(e) visa involves multiple government agencies, including United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”), the National Visa Center (“NVC”), and the appropriate U.S. Embassy or Consulate. As a result, the process requires careful coordination at each stage. If you are researching how to apply for a

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