Hablando con Carolina: Voluntary Departure, Citizenship Delays, and Green Card Risks
In this month’s episode of Hablando con Carolina, immigration attorney Carolina Antonini answers important immigration questions about voluntary departure, naturalization delays, the risks of traveling while your Green Card application is pending, and more pressing immigration issues.
If you have questions about your immigration status or how these developments may affect your case, contact Antonini & Cohen Immigration Law Group at (470) 428-3200 to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced Atlanta immigration attorneys.
At Antonini & Cohen, we know how. We fight harder.
01:35 – What Is Voluntary Departure, and Is It the Right Option for You?
Carolina explains some of the requirements for voluntary departure, including having valid travel documents, demonstrating good moral character, and proving you can afford to leave the country. While voluntary departure may benefit some individuals, leaving the US without a legal pathway to return may lead to serious immigration consequences.
07:29 – Why Are Citizenship Applications Taking So Long?
Carolina discusses how increased background checks, changes in immigration policies, and additional scrutiny of applicants' immigration histories have contributed to longer processing times for US citizenship. She also warns that certain issues discovered during the naturalization process could potentially lead to a denial or even removal proceedings.
Carolina also lists potential options for addressing prolonged delays, including contacting USCIS, seeking congressional assistance, or pursuing legal action in federal court.
13:27 – Can You Ask an Immigration Judge for More Time to Find an Attorney?
If you have an upcoming immigration court hearing and have not hired an attorney, you may be able to request additional time to obtain legal representation. While individuals in removal proceedings have the right to seek legal representation, immigration judges have become increasingly restrictive about granting lengthy continuances.
Waiting until your first hearing to begin searching for legal representation could leave you with very little time to prepare your case. Consult with one of Antonini & Cohen’s experienced Atlanta immigration attorneys as early as possible to understand your options and prepare for court.
16:10 – Can You Travel While Your Green Card Application Is Pending?
Certain individuals with pending Green Card applications may request to temporarily leave the US through an Advance Parole travel document using Form I-131. Leaving the country without the required travel authorization, or before it is approved, may result in your pending adjustment of status application being considered abandoned.
Even with an approved Advance Parole document, reentry into the United States is not guaranteed, and traveling may create additional complications depending on your immigration category.
21:11 – Increased Financial Scrutiny for Green Card Applicants
Immigration officers may evaluate financial sponsorship, credit history, employment, education, assets, debts, and other factors when reviewing a Green Card application. Meeting the basic financial sponsorship requirements may not always address every concern raised during the immigration process.
24:44 – What Is Happening With TPS for El Salvador?
Carolina examines the uncertainty surrounding the future of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for El Salvador. She explains that terminating a TPS designation requires legal procedures and notice, so it cannot be ended overnight.
Carolina also addresses concerns about expired work permits and driver's licenses, emphasizing that protection from deportation does not necessarily mean an individual is authorized to work in the United States.
Have Questions About Your Immigration Case?
Immigration laws and policies continue to change, and decisions involving voluntary departure, naturalization, international travel, or Green Card applications can have long-term consequences.
If you need guidance on your immigration options, contact Antonini & Cohen Immigration Law Group at (470) 428-3200 to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced Atlanta immigration attorneys.
At Antonini & Cohen, we know how. We fight harder.
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For more episodes of Hablando con Carolina, click here.
