Legal BLOG

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

Immigration Laws and Policies The United States is a country established by immigrants. Yet, the United States has had anti-immigration sentiment since its establishment. Early signs of anti-immigrant views in the United States were exhibited by The Alien and Sedition Acts passed in 1798.  As the number of immigrants continued to increase at a rapid speed, this led to an increase in the number of white Americans who believed that born Euro-Americans, the descendants of European settlers (not including indigenous people) deserved more rights than foreigners.  After certain states passed immigration laws following the Civil War, the Supreme Court in 1875 declared regulation of immigration a federal responsibility. However, today there are a few states that have developed stricter immigration laws and policies, displaying a more hostile stance towards undocumented immigrants.  Here are six states that currently have some of the strictest immigration laws:   1. Arizona: Arizona is known fo

United States employers are required to ask for proof of legal status because it is illegal for any employer to hire a person knowing that the individual is not lawfully authorized to work in the U.S. Therefore, most undocumented immigrants face significant barriers to gaining employment in the U.S. Nonetheless, there are some legal ways for undocumented immigrants to earn money in the United States. Independent Contractor Undocumented immigrants may work as independent contractors, and file and pay taxes without having to disclose legal status. An independent contractor is a self-employed person, also known as a freelancer . Who has control is what makes the difference between an employee and an independent contractor. An independent contractor has control of what and how the work will be done. An individual or business pays the independent contractor for their services and controls only the result of the work.  Independent contractors normally do business in their name using an indiv