Legal BLOG

     As a classic comedy film, "Coming to America" may not be the first movie that comes to mind when considering immigration experiences. However, upon closer examination, the movie nails several aspects of the immigrant experience in the United States. Here are six things that "Coming to America" got right about the immigrant experience: 1. The Culture Shock:  When Prince Akeem Joffer (Eddie Murphy) lands in the bustling city of New York from his serene home country of Zamunda, he experiences the quintessential immigrant sensation of culture shock. The fast-paced lifestyle and unfamiliar food choices leave Akeem feeling overwhelmed, a sentiment that echoes the experiences of many immigrants in the United States. 2. The Language Barrier:  Akeem's friend and assistant Semmi (Arsenio Hall) struggles to understand the slang and colloquialisms Americans use, highlighting the language barriers many immigrants face when coming to a new country. 3. The Struggle to Fin

When a U.S. citizen or LPR is petitioning for their spouse to obtain lawful residence, they must show evidence of a legitimate marriage. A great way to show USCIS that you're marriage is legitimate is by providing proof of combined finances with a joint account.  However, some undocumented individuals have reported difficulties opening a bank account. This article lists some of the banks that you may be able to open an account with as an undocumented immigrant.  Bank of America : Bank of America allows immigrants currently living in the U.S. to open an account in person at one of their financial centers. You must be able to provide both your permanent (foreign) and local address, as well as, your Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN).  What to bring to your appointment: Proof of U.S. residency - For example: U.S. government-issued photo ID, student/employer photo ID, current utility bill or rental agreement (documents must show your name and U.S. physical address); One primar

Are you or someone you know an undocumented immigrant living in the United States? If so, you may have faced challenges navigating day-to-day life without a Social Security number. But don't worry - there is an alternative! The Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) can provide certain benefits, such as allowing you to work as an independent contractor, open a bank account, and apply for loans. It may even help you obtain a driver's license in some states. However, it's important to consider the limitations and consult with an attorney before applying. One of the main disadvantages of the ITIN is that it does not provide a path to permanent residency or citizenship. In addition, it does not provide access to many government benefits, such as Social Security benefits. Furthermore, while an ITIN can be used to file taxes, it does not provide the same level of protection as a Social Security number and can be more difficult to verify. ITIN Application Process Applyin