The Immigration Mastermind

Carlos Batara

About

The Immigration Mastermind is a podcast for immigrants and their families that shares tips, insights, and tidbits to help guide the quest for permanent residence and citizenship in the United States. The podcast strives to build knowledge, while dispelling myths in short bite-sized, easy-to-understand snippets of pull-no-punches information.

Designed for both immigrant families who have already started the immigration process and those just starting to think about their journey, the Immigration Mastermind provides a mix of expert tips about legal rules, insights about breaking news, and tidbits to help immigrants and their families to keep their chin up, even when the road to success seems to be a never-ending road.

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162 episodes

Lawyers And Activists: The Dynamic Duo Of Immigration Reform

It’s no secret. Immigration law in the United States is in need of an overhaul. I’ve long pondered whether such change will occur through politics, or whether the legal process is the only option truly available to reformers. Both approaches have limits. RELATED PODCASTS: Episode 157: Divide And Conquer https://immigration-mastermind.captivate.fm/episode/divide-and-conquer Episode 144: Flawed All Or Nothing Immigration Reform Strategy https://immigration-mastermind.captivate.fm/episode/flawed-all-or-nothing-reform-strategy RECOMMENDED LINKS FOR MORE INFORMATION: Why Immigrant Advocates Should Join The War Against Smuggling https://www.carlosbatara.com/immigrant-war-against-smuggling/ Lessons From The Same-Sex Marriage Supreme Court Victory https://www.bataraimmigrationlaw.com/same-sex-marriage-immigration-lessons

4m
Feb 20
What's In The USCIS Green Card Checklist?

In many, if not all, USCIS offices, the government uses checklists to review green card marriage applications. These issues on these checklists are not supposed to be the end-all to evaluations of permanent resident applications. In fact, many of the issues are subject to various interpretations. But they help officers spot certain responses that need to be looked at a little deeper. RELATED PODCASTS: Episode 154: Two USCIS Warnings: NOIDs Vs RFEs https://immigration-mastermind.captivate.fm/episode/notice-of-intent-to-deny-vs-requests-for-evidence Episode 45: How To Prevent Immigration Filing Fraud https://immigration-mastermind.captivate.fm/episode/prevent-immigration-filing-fraud RECOMMENDED LINKS FOR MORE INFORMATION: The USCIS Fraud Checklist: Green Card Applicants Under Review https://www.bataraimmigrationlaw.com/marriage-green-card-fraud-factors DHS Immigration Fraud Policy: Misfocused Blame Ga https://www.bataraimmigrationlaw.com/immigration-fraud-blame-gameme  

4m
Jan 18
Vinnie The Brave

Imagine being six years old, watching your father being killed by a firing squad. Standing there, with your mother and slightly older sister. That’s Vinnie’s story.  RELATED PODCASTS: Episode 41: Unfair Cambodian Refugee Deportations https://immigration-mastermind.captivate.fm/episode/unfair-cambodian-refugees-deportations Episode 96: The Age Of Immigration Darkness https://immigration-mastermind.captivate.fm/episode/age-of-immigration-darkness RECOMMENDED LINKS FOR MORE INFORMATION: What You Need To Know About Cambodian Refugee Deportations https://www.bataraimmigrationlaw.com/cambodian-refugees-new-deportation-targets From Cambodian Immigrant And Political Refugee To College Professor https://www.bataraimmigrationlaw.com/hemet-refugee-asylum-success-story

4m
Jan 16
If There's A Will, There's A Way

I wanted to retire. I felt unmotivated to fight. My passion for law had disappeared. My mother had passed away. Fighting my own emotional wounds, I had nothing left over to give to others. RELATED PODCASTS: Episode 80: A Lawyer And His Mother https://immigration-mastermind.captivate.fm/episode/a-lawyer-and-his-mother Episode 42: Cookies And Immigration https://immigration-mastermind.captivate.fm/episode/cookies-and-immigration RECOMMENDED LINKS FOR MORE INFORMATION: The Battle For Immigration Justice: Why Compassion Matters https://www.bataraimmigrationlaw.com/deportation-defense-justice-dna A Tribute To My Father: An Immigrant Success Story https://www.bataraimmigrationlaw.com/my-father-immigrant-success-story

4m
Jan 11
VAWA Cancellation Of Removal

The Violence Against Women Act, commonly known as VAWA, provides protection for immigrant spouses and children who have suffered abuse and cruelty at the hands of a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident. There are two roads to protection under VAWA. The first is through filing a self-petition with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.  The second occurs by filing for VAWA cancellation of removal at immigration court.    Immigrants, facing deportation charges at immigration court, often do not know the differences, causing them to lose their cases. RELATED PODCASTS: Episode 127: VAWA For Immigrant Males https://immigration-mastermind.captivate.fm/episode/vawa-for-immigrant-men Episode 104: New U Visa Procedures To Help Immigrant Victims Of Crime https://immigration-mastermind.captivate.fm/episode/new-u-visa-procedures RECOMMENDED LINKS FOR MORE INFORMATION: VAWA For Immigrants https://www.bataraimmigrationlaw.com/vawa-immigration-attorney VAWA Protections For Abused Immigrant Children https://www.bataraimmigrationlaw.com/salvadoran-immigrant-child-wins-vawa-deportation-case

3m
Jul 20, 2023
Too Little, Too Late: Filipino World War II Veterans

The immigration history of the United States has several embarrassing moments – some of which still affect immigration programs today. Many, many decades later.  . . Take the Filipino World War II Veterans Parole Program, (known by its acronym – FWVP) implemented by the Obama Administration on June 8, 2016.  Three years later, in 2019, Itstermination was announced by President Trump, as part of his effort to purge immigrant-friendly measures - only to be taken off the chopping block by the Biden Administration. But that’s not the real story. The real story dates back nearly 70 years ago.     . RELATED PODCASTS: Episode 108: The Untold Story Of The Chinese And Black Slaves Alliance In The American South https://immigration-mastermind.captivate.fm/episode/chinese-black-slaves-alliance-part-two Episode 93: The Plight Of Afghan And Iraqi Translators /ThePlightOfAfghanAndIraqiTranslators RECOMMENDED LINKS FOR MORE INFORMATION: Filipino Family Reunification: A Battle To Restore A 75-Year Old Promise https://www.bataraimmigrationlaw.com/filipino-family-reunification-parole What Is The Filipino World War II Veterans Parole Program (FWVP)? https://www.bataraimmigrationlaw.com/requirements-filipino-world-war-ii-veterans-parole-program

5m
Jul 18, 2023
Divide And Conquer

In a previous episode, I discussed how immigration reform might occur with a united political front of supporters from diverse cultural backgrounds. Afterwards, several listeners and colleagues disagreed. “Carlos”, they said, “your views are based on a pipe dream.” They missed my point. I know that we may never be able to achieve perfect unity.  But we can – and should – minimize the fragmentation and segregation in the house of immigration reform. RELATED PODCASTS: Episode 151 : United We Stand https://immigration-mastermind.captivate.fm/episode/united-we-stand Episode 10: Why Immigrants Should Support The Cuban Adjustment Act https://immigration-mastermind.captivate.fm/episode/why-immigrants-should-support-the-cuban-adjustment-act RECOMMENDED LINKS FOR MORE INFORMATION: No Room For Segregation In The House Of Immigration Reform https://www.bataraimmigrationlaw.com/immigration-reform-divided-house The Anti-Immigrant Propaganda War https://www.bataraimmigrationlaw.com/anti-immigrant-propaganda-war

5m
Jul 13, 2023
The Morales-Santana Citizenship Case

Question: When is a victory NOT a victory? Answer: When the case is about immigration law. Okay, I exaggerate.  A little bit. Take the Morales-Santana decision. The case involved how U.S. citizens confer U.S. citizenship to their children born in another country.  RELATED PODCASTS: Episode 65: The Truth About Dual Citizenship https://immigration-mastermind.captivate.fm/episode/truth-about-dual-citizenship Denaturalization: A New Fear For Immigrant Communities? https://immigration-mastermind.captivate.fm/episode/denaturalization-initiative-heightens-immigrant-fears RECOMMENDED LINKS FOR MORE INFORMATION: What Is The Citizenship Of A Baby Born In Airspace? https://www.bataraimmigrationlaw.com/airbirth-citizenship-child-born-on-plane Unlocking The Doors Of Citizenship After A Missed Family Generation https://www.bataraimmigrationlaw.com/overcoming-generation-missed-citizenship

5m
Jul 11, 2023
Reverse Brain Drain

I am strongly pro-immigrant. I want immigrants, especially from poor countries, to have the same opportunities as those of us from wealthier nations. But I’m torn on the issue of professional visas. My discomfort arises from the dog-eat-dog attitude displayed by some immigration lawyers. They complain about the loss of skilled immigrants because these workers will return to their home countries and work for U.S. competitors. They’ve even invented a term for this situation. Reverse brain drain. Their position is disingenuous. RELATED PODCASTS: Episode 117: Undocumented Immigrants: A Few Statistics https://immigration-mastermind.captivate.fm/episode/undocumented-immigrants-statistics Episode 66: Unclaimed Immigrant Income Taxes https://immigration-mastermind.captivate.fm/episode/unclaimed-immigrant-income-taxes RECOMMENDED LINKS FOR MORE INFORMATION: The Misguided Notion Of Reverse Brain Drain https://www.carlosbatara.com/the-misguided-notion-of-reverse-brain-drain/ Four Insights About The Economic Contributions Of Immigrants In The United States https://www.carlosbatara.com/immigrant-economic-contributions/

5m
Jul 06, 2023
Two USCIS Warnings: NOIDs Vs RFEs

A few episodes ago, we discussed the meaning of Requests For Evidence, known as RFEs.  We talked about how they are not an indication that your case is about to be denial. Today, I want to explain a different type of notice called NOIDs, short for Notice Of Intent To Deny. Many green card seekers get confused with the differences between a NOID and an RFE. Let's explore their similarities and differences.  RELATED PODCASTS: Episode 149: Do Not Fear A Request For Evidence https://immigration-mastermind.captivate.fm/episode/do-not-fear-request-for-evidence Episode 45: How To Prevent Immigration Filing Fraud https://immigration-mastermind.captivate.fm/episode/prevent-immigration-filing-fraud  RECOMMENDED LINKS FOR MORE INFORMATION: Does A Request For Evidence Lead To A Green Card Denial? https://www.bataraimmigrationlaw.com/questions-and-answers/index-family-visas/does-request-for-evidence-mean-green-card-denial What You Need To Know About Requests For Evidence https://www.bataraimmigrationlaw.com/video-requests-for-evidence

3m
Jul 04, 2023
Renewing Your Green Card: What You Need To Know

Today, let's discuss a practical subject. Renewing your green card. We’ll begin with the question most frequently asked by persons about renewing their green card. "Will I be deported for having an expired permanent resident card?" RELATED PODCASTS: Episode 72: What's In Your Immigration File? https://immigration-mastermind.captivate.fm/episode/what-is-in-your-immigration-files Episode 2: Three Filing Mistakes To Avoid https://immigration-mastermind.captivate.fm/episode/three-filing-mistakes-to-avoid RECOMMENDED LINKS FOR MORE INFORMATION: 11 Insights You Should Know About Winning Permanent Residence (Here And Abroad) https://www.bataraimmigrationlaw.com/permanent-residence-green-card-lawyer Immigrants Without Lawyers: Five Common Pro Per Mistakes https://www.bataraimmigrationlaw.com/five-mistakes-by-pro-per-immigrants

4m
Jun 29, 2023
Registry: A Fading Path To Legalization

Imagine being able to apply for permanent residence no matter how you arrived. Whether you crossed the border into the United States from Canada or Mexico without proper documents. Or whether you entered on a touristvisa and decided to remain here. Well, you can. Assuming you arrived before New Year’s Day in 1972 and have lived here continuously since then. RELATED PODCASTS: Episode 150: Immigrant Seniors https://immigration-mastermind.captivate.fm/episode/immigrant-seniors Episode 140: What Is INA 245(i) https://immigration-mastermind.captivate.fm/episode/what-is-ina-245i RECOMMENDED LINKS FOR MORE INFORMATION: Immigrant Seniors In Search Of Permanent Residency https://www.carlosbatara.com/immigrant-seniors-need-permanent-residency/ Persistence Is Often The Key To Immigration Success https://www.carlosbatara.com/persistence-key-to-immigration-success/

4m
Jun 27, 2023
United We Stand

I’ve said it before. I’ll say it again. United we stand, divided we fall. This theme was the title of a popular song in the early 1970s. But it is far more than that. It is a slogan worth adoption by all immigration reform supporters, by all immigrant communities. For if immigration reform is to take place, it will be the product of a team effort. RELATED PODCASTS: Episode 101: An Alliance Born Of Discrimination And Exclusion https://immigration-mastermind.captivate.fm/episode/alliance Episode 10: Why Immigrants Should Support The Cuban Adjustment Act /WhyImmigrantsShouldSupportTheCubanAdjustmentAct RECOMMENDED LINKS FOR MORE INFORMATION: No Room For Segregation In The House Of Immigration Reform https://www.bataraimmigrationlaw.com/immigration-reform-divided-house Forgotten Alliance Of The Late 1800s: Freed Black Slaves And Chinese Immigrants In The American South https://www.carlosbatara.com/chinese-immigrants-freed-black-slaves-alliance/

3m
Jun 22, 2023
Immigrant Seniors

Growing up, I was raised to respect my elders. If I was riding in a crowded bus or subway, and there were no open seats, I was taught to stand up and offer my seat to seniors and older adults. Common courtesy to seniors was as American as apple pie. It was – and is - the right thing to do for a vulnerable population. So why not begin immigration reform by carving a path to legalization for immigrant seniors? RELATED PODCASTS: Episode 152: Registry: A Fading Path To Legalization https://immigration-mastermind.captivate.fm/episode/registry-fading-path-to-legalization Episode 66: Unclaimed immigrant Income Taxes https://immigration-mastermind.captivate.fm/episode/unclaimed-immigrant-income-taxes  RECOMMENDED LINKS FOR MORE INFORMATION: Immigrant Seniors In Search Of Permanent Residency https://www.carlosbatara.com/immigrant-seniors-need-permanent-residency/ Persistence Is Often The Key To Immigration Success https://www.carlosbatara.com/persistence-key-to-immigration-success/

4m
Jun 20, 2023
Do Not Fear A Request For Evidence

It’s not uncommon for immigrants to panic when they receive a letter entitled “Request For Evidence” from the government.  Many fear the Request For Evidence, known as an RFE, means they’re going to lose.  They call my office and say, “We don’t have any more evidence.” Their fears are often misplaced. RELATED PODCASTS: Episode 154: Two USCIS Warnings: NOIDs Vs RFEs https://immigration-mastermind.captivate.fm/episode/notice-of-intent-to-deny-vs-requests-for-evidence Episode 45: How To Prevent Immigration Filing Fraud https://immigration-mastermind.captivate.fm/episode/prevent-immigration-filing-fraud RECOMMENDED LINKS FOR MORE INFORMATION: Does A Request For Evidence Lead To A Green Card Denial? https://www.bataraimmigrationlaw.com/questions-and-answers/index-family-visas/does-request-for-evidence-mean-green-card-denial What You Need To Know About Requests For Evidence https://www.bataraimmigrationlaw.com/video-requests-for-evidence

3m
Jun 15, 2023
U.S. Citizenship By Midwives In Border Towns

In the early 20th century, before public health care centers sprouted, it was not unusual for children to be born at home with the help of a midwife. This practice was more common in poorer areas like rural towns, such as those in South Texas, along the U.S. - Mexico border region. Today, such births often create nightmares for United States citizens – who find themselves suddenly alleged by the U.S government to be perpetuators of immigration fraud. RELATED PODCASTS: Episode 118: The Raul Rodriguez Story: Undocumented Immigrant, Exemplary Immigration Officer https://immigration-mastermind.captivate.fm/episode/raul-rodriguez-undocumented-exemplary-immigration-officer Episode 68: Why A Border Wall Is Not The Answer https://immigration-mastermind.captivate.fm/episode/border-wall-is-not-the-answer RECOMMENDED LINKS FOR MORE INFORMATION: Citizenship And Midwives: A Government Witch Hunt? https://www.bataraimmigrationlaw.com/citizenship-birth-by-midwife Fraudulent Midwife Citizenship Birth Registrations: The Devastating Impact On Children Of Immigrants https://www.carlosbatara.com/fraudulent-midwife-citizenship-birth-registration-waivers/

4m
Jun 13, 2023
Immigrants As Political Fodder

Let’s be honest. When it comes to immigration reform, both sides of the political aisle in Congress are engaged in a cynical game that treats migrants as campaign fodder for election purposes.  In so doing, they create a public impression that immigration is an intractable issue which, they claim, the other side is causing by their stubbornness to rigidly adhere to demands that are unacceptable.  Lost in this immature exchange of absolutism is the failure to craft sensible policies that help human beings in desperate need of stability and security. Related Podcasts: Episode 144: Flawed All Or Nothing Immigration Reform Strategy https://immigration-mastermind.captivate.fm/episode/flawed-all-or-nothing-reform-strategy Episode 43: Immigration Karate Chops https://immigration-mastermind.captivate.fm/episode/immigration-karate-chops Recommended Links For More Information: Why The One-Party Blame Game Is An Outdated Political Anachronism https://www.bataraimmigrationlaw.com/one-party-blame-game The Anti-Immigrant Propaganda War https://www.bataraimmigrationlaw.com/anti-immigrant-propaganda-war

4m
Mar 07, 2023
The Rise Of Mexican Asylum Claims In Canada

It was bound to happen. Sooner or later, as the U.S. has increasingly presented a not-so-friendly welcome mat to those seeking refuge, migrants were bound to look elsewhere in their quests for security and stability. . . . Even neighbors residing next door, at our Southwest border from Mexico. That some of our neighbors were trying to enter Canada is not new information to those of us who work in the field of immigration law.  However, the number of individuals bypassing the U.S. is larger than I personally suspected. RELATED PODCASTS: Episode 68: Why A Border Wall Is Not The Answer https://immigration-mastermind.captivate.fm/episode/border-wall-is-not-the-answer Episode 3: U.S. Asylum Seekers Flee To Canada https://immigration-mastermind.captivate.fm/episode/asylum-seekers-in-canada RECOMMENDED LINKS FOR MORE INFORMATION: Central American Children Refugees: A Failure To Plan Ahead https://www.bataraimmigrationlaw.com/central-american-refugee-planning-failure From TPS To Asylum In Canada: Betrayal, Hope, And Fear https://www.bataraimmigrationlaw.com/tps-asylum-seekers-in-canada

5m
Mar 02, 2023
Six Fiancé K-1 Visa Considerations For Couples

Immigration decisions are rarely simple.  For instance, take a couple who fall in love.  One person is a U.S. citizen living in the United States, the other lives in another country.  They decide to get married. They have two options. They can get married abroad. Then the U.S. citizen can file a marriage-based petition for their spouse. Or the citizen could petition their loved one as a fiancé to enter the U.S. and get married her To make their decision, such couples have six items to weigh: three legal requirements and three personal considerations. RELATED PODCASTS: Episode 136: K-1 Visa Requirements Couples Need To Know https://immigration-mastermind.captivate.fm/episode/k-1-visa-requirements Episode 37: Is Your Marriage Bona Fide? https://immigration-mastermind.captivate.fm/episode/bona-fide-marriages RECOMMENDED LINKS FOR MORE INFORMATION: K-1 Visa vs. Marriage Green Card: How To Choose Your Best Option https://www.bataraimmigrationlaw.com/fiance-visa-vs-marriage-visa What You Need To Know For K-1 Fiancé Visa Interview Success https://www.bataraimmigrationlaw.com/k-1-fiance-visa-interview-questions

3m
Feb 28, 2023
Flawed All Or Nothing Immigration Reform Strategy

Since I started paying attention to politics in junior high school, I’ve considered myself to be a liberal – and often a so-called “radical” liberal. But as time has passed, I have noticed that my views do not always jive with the opinions of those considered liberals in the media.  Take immigration.  Like my colleagues, I am angry at what is going at our country’s southwest borders. I am angry with the mistreatment of poor, starving, luckless folks by border agents, and the shameless grandstanding of politicians who only care to manipulate the public to vote for them.  But I am also upset with my side of the political aisle for not understanding that an “all or nothing” stance will not get us, as a nation, closer to a resolution for those vulnerable souls in need of help and compassion. RELATED PODCASTS: Episode 87: Why Immigration Reform Depends On Defeating Smuggling https://immigration-mastermind.captivate.fm/episode/immigration-reform-requires-defeating-smuggling Episode 4: Fighting Hate With Hate Is Not The Answer https://immigration-mastermind.captivate.fm/episode/fighting-hate-with-hate-is-not-the-answer Recommended Links For More Information: Is The Utah Compact The Beginning Of An Immigration Reform Solution? https://www.bataraimmigrationlaw.com/riverside-immigration-blog-political-reform Lessons From 1965: Why Skills-Based Reform Is Xenophobia In Disguise https://www.bataraimmigrationlaw.com/1965-immigration-act-lessons

5m
Feb 23, 2023
Upgrading I-130 Petitions For Immigrant Spouses: Tips And Pitfalls

What happens when a lawful permanent resident becomes a U.S. citizen - while the application they filed for their immigrant spouse is pending? Is it revoked and they have to start over? Is it automatically changed to a new category? Well, neither. Allow me to explain. RELATED PODCASTS: Episode 111: What Does Conversion Of Immigrant Petitions Mean? https://immigration-mastermind.captivate.fm/episode/immigrant-petitions-conversion Episode 74: Immigrant Adoption Potholes https://immigration-mastermind.captivate.fm/episode/immigrant-adoptions-potholes RECOMMENDED LINKS FOR MORE INFORMATION: What Family Members Can You Sponsor For A Green Card? https://www.bataraimmigrationlaw.com/video-which-family-members-can-you-immigrate How To Understand The I-130 Form For Immigrant Relative Petitions https://www.bataraimmigrationlaw.com/charts-graphs/immigration-family-petitions-visas

5m
Feb 21, 2023
How A Virtual Immigration Lawyer Helps Clients

Once upon a time, you would use the Yellow Pages to hire a local attorney to help you. Back then, the internet and technology had not yet shattered barriers to international communication. Driving to a brick-and-mortar office to meet with your attorney, however far away, was the only game in town. These days, many folks buy books, clothes, household items, bank, make flight reservations, and download music online through internet and phone technology. Why should high quality immigration legal services be any different? RELATED PODCASTS: Episode 53: Never Buy The Pessimism Of Others https://immigration-mastermind.captivate.fm/episode/never-buy-others-pessimism Episode 42: Cookies And Immigration https://immigration-mastermind.captivate.fm/episode/cookies-and-immigration RECOMMENDED LINKS FOR MORE INFORMATION: Immigration Virtual Law Cases We Handle https://www.bataraimmigrationlaw.com/immigration-virtual-law-office Immigrants Who Believe In Miracles Can Make Them Happen https://www.carlosbatara.com/immigrant-miracles-can-happen/

4m
Feb 16, 2023
10 Tips For Underdogs

Too, too often when clients visit me, I can hear the negative mindset. It comes out, not openly, but in little drips and drabs as they talk about their immigration situation. Well, it seems my entire career, I have been the little guy fighting the big giant, the government, for my clients. And I’ve learned a few things about fighting for what you believe in, even when the odds are against you. Let’s call them Tips For Underdogs. RELATED PODCASTS: Episode 16: The Brave Man Is Not Without Fear https://immigration-mastermind.captivate.fm/episode/brave-man-is-not-without-fear Episode 27: Immigration Success Is Not A Sprint https://immigration-mastermind.captivate.fm/episode/immigration-success-is-not-a-sprint RECOMMENDED LINKS FOR MORE INFORMATION: The Fallacy Of Quick Immigration Fixes https://www.bataraimmigrationlaw.com/immigration-quick-fix-fallacy Immigrants Without Lawyers: Five Common Pro Per Mistakes https://www.bataraimmigrationlaw.com/five-mistakes-by-pro-per-immigrants

3m
Feb 14, 2023
What Is INA 245(i)?

In his first campaign for president, Obama repeatedly told audiences that “It’s vital we bring immigrant families living in the U.S. out of the shadows and provide them with a pathway to citizenship.” Those of us practicing immigration law at the time thought one of his first actions would be to push for a change of section 245(i) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. Unfortunately, that did not happen. Here’s the significance of that unfulfilled promise. RELATED PODCASTS: Episode 125: The Plight Of U.S. Citizen Spouses Of Immigrants https://immigration-mastermind.captivate.fm/episode/citizen-spouses-of-immigrants Episode 114: Green Card Consular Processing For Marriages https://immigration-mastermind.captivate.fm/episode/consular-processing RECOMMENDED LINKS FOR MORE INFORMATION: Family-Based Green Cards And Permanent Residence https://www.bataraimmigrationlaw.com/permanent-residence-green-card-lawyer 8 Tips For Winning Your I-601 Waiver And Family Unity Hardship Case https://www.bataraimmigrationlaw.com/i-601-waiver-hardship-tips

4m
Feb 09, 2023
The Unfortunate Roots Of DACA

When the Deferred Action For Childhood Arrivals program, commonly known as DACA, was hatched, I was not a fan of the program. The program was a political sell-out of a better idea: The DREAM Act. I am still not a fan of DACA . . . although I have learned to leverage the program to benefit clients. What was lost WAS NOT insignificant – a path to permanent residency. The program, in short, was and is, a dead-end. The loss lingers today. RELATED PODCASTS: Why Entries And Exits Can Make Or Break Your Case https://immigration-mastermind.captivate.fm/episode/entries-exits-can-make-or-break-cases Why Not Seek Success That Has Never Been? https://immigration-mastermind.captivate.fm/episode/why-not-seek-success-that-has-never-been RECOMMENDED LINKS FOR MORE INFORMATION: Death Of DACA: Rebirth Of The DREAM Act And Immigration Reform https://www.bataraimmigrationlaw.com/daca-dream-act-political-purgatory The Immigration Twilight Zone: Deferred Action For Immigrant Youth https://www.bataraimmigrationlaw.com/immigration-twilight-zone-dream-act-prosecutorial-discretion

4m
Jan 26, 2023
Common Law And Immigration

Can a U.S. citizen in an unmarried relationship sponsor his – or her – partner to become a permanent resident? Maybe. After all, not all couples who fall in love officially tie the knot. Instead, they simply live together. They hold themselves out to friends, family and the community as being married but they never formalize the marriage. Such relationships, commonly known as common law marriages, though not recognized in most states, can provide a pathway to a green card in some circumstances for an immigrant spouse. RELATED PODCASTS: Episode 88: Bigamy, Polygamy, And Immigration Law https://immigration-mastermind.captivate.fm/episode/bigamy-polygamy-and-immigration-law Episode 86: Perilous Road To Green Cards Through Second Marriages https://immigration-mastermind.captivate.fm/episode/green-cards-through-second-marriages RECOMMENDED LINKS FOR MORE INFORMATION: How Common Law Marriages Help Win Permanent Residence https://www.bataraimmigrationlaw.com/common-law-marriage Polygamy vs Bigamy: A Battle Over Cultural And Religious Imperalism https://www.bataraimmigrationlaw.com/polygamy-vs-bigamy-battle-cultural-bias-religious-prejudice

3m
Jan 24, 2023
Sports And Immigration

I played a lot of sports growing up. I learned a lot about competition and achievement - about performing at a high level in an arena of competition. In particular, I learned the fastest, strongest, or most skilled athlete does not always win. Success, more often than not, is dependent on certain intangibles, the game within the game. In other words . . . the internal game of heart and mind . . . inside the external game of sporting events or courtroom battles. Let’s dive into some of these lessons – lessons applicable to my law practice today. RELATED PODCASTS: Episode 84: 7 Tips For Resilience https://immigration-mastermind.captivate.fm/episode/7-resilience-tips Episode 80: A Lawyer And His Mother https://immigration-mastermind.captivate.fm/episode/a-lawyer-and-his-mother RECOMMENDED LINKS FOR MORE INFORMATION: The Tortoise And The Hare: An Immigration Fable https://www.carlosbatara.com/the-tortoise-and-the-hare/ A Tribute To My Father: An Immigrant Success Story https://www.bataraimmigrationlaw.com/my-father-immigrant-success-story

4m
Jan 19, 2023
K-1 Visa Requirements

Often, clients visit my office because they want to immigrate someone they recently met and fell in love with.  However, they have a slight problem.  The love of their life lives in another country, hundreds and perhaps thousands of miles away.  Some of these individuals have heard about fiancé visas.  Most have not. But few know how they work.  So, assuming you want to petition a fiancé from another country, allow me to explain what you need to know. RELATED PODCASTS: Episode 132: Green Card Tips For Couples Before Marriage https://immigration-mastermind.captivate.fm/episode/unmarried-couples-green-card-tips Episode 56: Keys To A Successful Fiancé Visa Interview (Part 1) https://immigration-mastermind.captivate.fm/episode/keys-to-successful-fiance-visa-interview-part-1 RECOMMENDED LINKS FOR MORE INFORMATION: Love Across Borders: Bringing Your Fiancé To The United States https://www.bataraimmigrationlaw.com/fiance-and-marriage-visa-lawyer K-1 Visa vs. Marriage Green Card: How To Choose Your Best Option https://www.bataraimmigrationlaw.com/fiance-visa-vs-marriage-visa

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Jan 17, 2023
New Year's Immigration Resolutions

Ever look back at your year, and wonder what happened to the goals you set? You started the year with high hopes.  In your mind, you’d already won permanent resident status. You sat down at the dinner table.  You and your spouse talked about getting started.  The two of you looked ahead – you imagined visiting your family living abroad, taking trips with the kids to Disney World, and earning enough money to justify buying a larger screen television and a new car with almost zero mileage. Now, it’s a year later.  And your goal to win a green card has not moved an inch forward. RELATED PODCASTS: Episode 53: Never Buy The Pessimism Of Others https://immigration-mastermind.captivate.fm/episode/never-buy-others-pessimism Episode 27: Immigration Success Is Not A Sprint https://immigration-mastermind.captivate.fm/episode/immigration-success-is-not-a-sprint RECOMMENDED LINKS FOR MORE INFORMATION: The Impact Of Avoidable Actions: Small Mistakes, Huge Consequences https://www.bataraimmigrationlaw.com/impact-avoidable-immigration-actions Immigrants Without Lawyers: Five Common Pro Per Mistakes https://www.bataraimmigrationlaw.com/five-mistakes-by-pro-per-immigrants

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Jan 12, 2023
The TPS Revival

Recently, the political darkness lifted for the Temporary Protected Status program.  After a long five-year battle, TPS recipients can finally breathe a little easier.  At least for now. The Biden Administration has rolled back efforts to terminate TPS that were initiated under former president Donald Trump. Yet, being only a temporary program, lasting only 18 months per designation, TPS beneficiaries are NOT guaranteed benefits beyond their current cut-off dates.  RELATED PODCASTS: Episode 105: Temporary Protected Status Defeat At The Supreme Court https://immigration-mastermind.captivate.fm/episode/temporary-protected-status-admission-defeat Episode 49: Is The Temporary Protected Status Program Over? https://immigration-mastermind.captivate.fm/episode/temporary-protected-status-admission-defeat RECOMMENDED LINKS FOR MORE INFORMATION: 8 Ways TPS Beneficiaries Can Win Permanent Residence (Even If TPS Is Terminated) https://www.bataraimmigrationlaw.com/win-permanent-residence-after-tps-expires What You Need To Know About Temporary Protected Status https://www.bataraimmigrationlaw.com/haitian-tps-immigration-lawyer

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Jan 10, 2023