Blogs
USCIS changes policy on approval of visa petitions for widow(er)s
A few days ago, USCIS released a new policy memo on the approval of visa petitions for widows/widowers. The new policy allows a spouse of
Requirements for Cancellation of Removal for Permanent Residents
I am currently working on a cancellation case for an individual from San Francisco. As I work on the case, I am going to
Immigration Blog Round-Up, Week Ending November 27, 2015
Every Friday I include a round-up of blog posts from the past week related to Immigration law. I feature blogs published by solo practitioners
What immigrants can be thankful for this Thanksgiving
It seems the news is all bad in terms of immigration – stories about closing our borders, or denying the admission of Syrian refugees, or
Interfaith service in Benicia, Tuesday, November 24, 2015
With so much hatred going on in the world right now, it is nice to report on something positive. For almost 20 years, Congregation B’nai
Can I show the USCIS officer my Facebook page at my green card interview?
A common question I receive from my clients when applying for a green card based on their marriage is whether they can bring in their
Getting the Earnings Record Right
In many of my cases the Social Security Earnings Record is an issue in and of itself. It isn’t that Social Security is getting it
Will Social Security consider the years of schooling I have had or what my real edcuational ability is when determining what other work I can do?
I am currently working on a federal court case in which my client completed 8th grade but believes that she really only has an education
SSA Office of Inspector General issues Semiannual Report to Congress
Last week the Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General (“OIG”) issued their Semiannual Report to Congress. It summarizes their auditing activities within the
Social Security Administration fails to reduce initial claims backlog due to funding
In a report, The Social Security Administration’s Progress in Reducing the Initial Disability Claims Backlog released on April 28, 2014, the Office of the
Something to look forward to if you are 55 or older – easier to win disability
Individuals who are 55 and older are treated differently under Social Security’s rules for disability than younger individuals. Essentially it becomes easier to win a
The fastest and (soon only) way to obtain verification of SSI/SSDI benefits
I have often sent my clients to the local Vallejo Social Security field office to obtain a benefit verification letter. It is no longer necessary
