The Law Offices of Peter L. Johnston, LLC

The Law Offices of
Peter L. Johnston, LLC

How do I keep my family member in the United States?

What if, however, your relative or loved one is already in the United States but on a temporary visa, or what’s officially called a Non-Immigrant Visa? Depending upon their relationship to you, there may be a solution called as Adjustment of Status which allows some aliens in this situation to change — or adjust — their status from non-immigrant to immigrant and get a Permanent Resident Card, more colloquially known as a “green card”.

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Trust your immigration matter to an income tax form service?

So, H&R Block is now offering immigration form services. This is what the tax return company has to say:

“*Hiring an immigration attorney can be costly, depending on the complexity of the case, the reputation of the law firm and its geographic location. Prices can be $2,000 to file a relatively simple I-765 petition, or application for employment authorization. H&R Block is not affiliated with the USCIS or the government. H&R Block is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. This product is not a substitute for the advice of an attorney. Prices do not include government filing fees.”

Sounds great, right? Problem is that it is not. Properly handling your immigration matter is not simply a matter of filing out forms in bulk. It takes having an attorney to give your case the proper, careful and competent attention it deserves. And, contrary to what H&R Block says, most attorneys–and particular the attorneys at this office–charge reasonable and appropriate fees.

Like we said a few months ago when we discussed the perils of preparing your Last Will & Testament out of a form service, don’t leave these critical matters to chance with someone or some entity that doesn’t have the proper legal training. Use an attorney!
Contact us if your of someone you know needs help with an immigration matter.