Two United States Senators have introduced a bill that would create a new residential homeownership visa for foreign nationals. The measure is apparently intended to shore up the sagging housing market in the United States. The bi-partisan proposal would allow foreign nationals to receive a three-year residential temporary visa for investing at least $500,000 in residential real estate. The proposal allows the investment to be divided as long as at least $250,000 is used to purchase a primary residence. If the money is split, the investor could reach the $500,000 level by purchasing separate properties and could rent out the home or homes that are not used as the primary residence.
Some citizens who are Florida residents do not quality for in-state college tuition
Federal lawmakers have discussed the DREAM Act for years, but no measure has made it through Congress. The idea would provide a pathway for certain undocumented immigrants to obtain legal status in the United States. The proposal would allow undocumented immigrants who entered the U.S. as children with their parents with the opportunity to gain permanent residency through attending college or joining the military.
Choosing the proper family visa application
On occasion, people can be confused by the complex variations of potential family visa forms and applications. The application process can be time-consuming and daunting, even when the proper forms are identified. For instance, this blog recently discussed the non-immigrant fiancée visa. In family immigration, a fiancée visa has a limited purpose. There are different family visas available under U.S. immigration law for other purposes.
Police in nation's capital told not to ask about immigration status
The mayor of the nation's capital city has signed an executive order telling Washington D.C. police officers not to inquire into the immigration status of people they are questioning, even after an arrest, unless the person's immigration status is directly related to a primary criminal investigation. District of Columbia Mayor Vincent Gray wrote in a statement Wednesday, "This executive order ensures public safety by ensuring that our police resources are deployed wisely and our immigrant communities feel safe cooperating with those who are sworn to protect them."
Appeals court puts temporary halt on part of immigration law
The United States Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit, which covers Florida, also covers Alabama. The federal appellate court issued a ruling this week temporarily blocking part of the tough Alabama immigration law. However, the court refused to temporarily halt other aspects of the state immigration law.
K-1 fiancée visas can include complex documentation
United States Immigration law provides a short-term, non-immigrant visa for fiancées of U.S. citizens. A fiancée visa, also known as a K-1 visa under U.S. law, is only good for 90 days and has complex requirements. Many applicants for a fiancée visa find the process overwhelming without legal representation from an attorney well-versed in U.S. Immigration law.
Napolitano defends immigration policies
Immigration issues continue to make news headlines, especially in regard to deportations and the controversial Secure Communities program. Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano said Wednesday that the U.S government expects to set a new record this year for deportations under U.S immigration law.
New fiscal year brings new allotment of employment based visas
The government's fiscal calendar does not actually follow the calendar that most people follow. That is, Oct. 1 is effectively New Years Day, when it comes to employment-based visas in the United States. As the beginning of fiscal year 2012, Oct. 1 marks the day that the new slate of allotted employment-based visas became available.
