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Beware of Online Immigration Forums

May 25, 2012 by Thomas Geygan

While it can be helpful and encouraging to know that you’re not alone in the immigration process, online immigration forums can be a source of misinformation.  If you act or fail to act because of something someone said in an online forum, you and your family may be at risk.  Instead, always work with a qualified immigration lawyer.

The risk is so great, that the USCIS (United States Citizenship Immigration Services) just issued a warning on their blog, The Beacon. 

  • Unlike online forums, if you read information on The Beacon or on this website, you can depend on it. 
  • However, it’s always imperative that you get personalized advice regarding your individual situation.

The USCIS cites three examples of misinformation being circulated on online immigration forums.  However keep in mind, there is much more misinformation out there.

Deadline for Green Card Approval/Disapproval

FALSE:  The government  (USCIS) has 180 days from the time of your green card interview to render its approval or disapproval of your application.

TRUE:  There is no deadline for response to your green card application (Form I-485) and an interview is not always required for adjustment of status. 

There is an internal USCIS goal of responding to an adjustment of status request within 4 months, but such is not required.

Approval/Disapproval Granted at Interview

FALSE:  You will receive approval or disapproval of your adjustment of status (i.e. Green Card) application at the interview.

TRUE:  First, interviews are not always required for a green card application (Form I-485) adjustment of status. 

Second, if an interview is held and additional information is requested, a response to your application during the interview would be premature. 

On occasion, a response is provided at an interview.

A Wife Takes Her Husband’s Name

FALSE:  In marriage-based adjustment of status (i.e. Green Card) cases, the wife must take her husband’s name.

TRUE:   The wife in a marriage-based adjustment of status case, may use her maiden name, her current name, or any combination of her maiden/current name and husband’s name.  There is no requirement for a wife to take her husband’s name, even for a marriage-based Green Card application.

Make Sure You are Getting Your Immigration Information from a Reliable Source

While contributors to online immigration forums likely mean well, immigration law is extremely complicated and rule oriented.  Misunderstanding legal requirements and how they pertain to your individual situation could have life-long consequences for your and your family.

Always consult with a qualified immigration attorney for accurate and personal advice.  Do not go it alone.  Your next step is to contact our immigration law office:  513-791-1673 or Thomasjr@geygan.com.  We look forward to hearing from you and we’ll make sure you get the immigration information you need.

Filed Under: Adoption, Asylum, Citizenship, Deportation & Removal, Employment, Employment Visas, Family based Immigration, Family Member, Family Visas, Green Card, Green Card, Immigration, Immigration Court, Naturalization, Soap Box

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