Probably the most critical element of the plan is the path to citizenship that it creates for immigrants who are currently in the country against the law. Those who meet a number of criteria, as well as paying certain fines to the government, are entitled to registered provisional status, which allows immigrants to remain in the country legally without risk of deportation. After a period of years, this status would have to be updated, and could eventually lead to permanent citizenship in the U.S.

High-skilled immigration would also be increased by almost double by increasing the number of H1-B visas from a current number of 65,000 to at least 110,000, and possibly much more. Furthermore, dependents of H1-B visa holders who come to the country with them would no longer count against the visa quota, meaning that the total number of workers eligible to come into the country under this system would actually increase much more than the double in visas suggests.

These are just some of the most important provisions of the new proposal. While it hasn’t been passed, or even voted on yet, this potential legislation would represent a substantial overhaul of America’s immigration laws.

At William Jang, PLLC, we are committed to helping immigrants with all their immigration law needs. Contact us today to learn more about what we may be able to do for you.

The U.S. Senate finalized the long-awaited reform bill last Wednesday, April 17. Critics of the legislation bashed the provision which states that unauthorized immigrants who came to the U.S. after December 31, 2011 wouldn’t be allowed to apply for temporary legal status.

Austin Immigrant Rights Coalition director Esther Reyes said their group will petition to have the number of people eligible for citizenship expanded and will clamor for reforms to bring together families that have been separated by deportation or detention.

Data from Grassroots Leadership, chaired by Bob Libal, show that more than 400,000 families in Texas were separated because of deportation in 2012.

Immigration laws are complex and difficult to understand; thus, when you are in need of help regarding immigration matters, you should have a lawyer from the Law Office of William Jang, PLLC, supporting you. Call 512-323-2333 to find out how our knowledge of this legal area can help you.

According to Border Network for Human Rights in El Paso executive director Fernando Garcia, a lot has changed in the past years from when people were opposing the institution of anti-immigrant agendas in Texas to today’s focus on finding a solution for this problem.

He added that two years ago, protesters were rallying against a bill that would cause disadvantages for undocumented immigrants. Lately, however, those seeking immigration changes are looking for ways in which people can be integrated into their new society and have better opportunities for becoming a citizen.

Immigrating to America and becoming a citizen is a complicated and usually extremely difficult, not to mention frustrating, process. If you are in need of help with immigration documents or any part of the process, call 512-323-2333 today. The legal team at the Law Office of William Jang, PLLC, can help you understand every step of the process and your options.

Teaming up with a group of religious leaders and law enforcement, TAB’s president Bill Hammond announced this position a day before President Barack Obama’s State of the Union Address and two days preceding the Senate Judiciary Committee’s hearing on the comprehensive immigration reform proposal.

Among the formed group’s main objectives for immigration reform are establishing worker programs, setting a proper citizenship procedure for aspiring citizens, and creating mechanisms for border security and community safety.

If you have questions about visas, naturalization, or any other immigration concerns, contact the Law Office of William Jang, PLLC, today by calling 512-323-2333.

The three are scheduled for a detention hearing in McAllen after being charged with harboring illegal immigrants. Thus far, the three men accused have denied the allegations.

According to court documents, the men used deadly weapons to coerce the immigrants into submission and, as stated by those held captive, were guarding the exit. An immigrant who escaped led Border Patrol agents to the discovery of the captive immigrants who came from Mexico, Guatemala, and El Salvador.

The immigrants are now being held by state officials pending verification of their status.

Understanding your rights and options as an immigrant can be difficult and overwhelming. To discuss your needs and the complexities of U.S. immigration laws and processes, call our Austin immigration attorneys at the Law Office of William Jang, PLLC, at 512-323-2333.

The state’s Democrat-run General Assembly passed Question 4 last year, but opponents were able to put it up for referendum after receiving enough petition signatures. The law passed by 58 percent–the first time such a law has been passed by a popular vote, the Washington Post reports.

For undocumented students to qualify for Question 4, they must first have attended a Maryland high school for at least three years, attend community college for two, and either 1) receive an associate degree before transferring or 2) transfer to a four-year college with at least 60 credit hours.

If you or a loved one is an immigrant trying to stay in the United States, contact an immigration lawyer from the Law Office of William Jang, PLLC to learn about your legal options.

This decline could potentially hurt American employment. According to the Washington Post, many economists agree that young businesses are the most consistent and reliable sources of job creation. More than half of America’s top venture-backed companies are started by immigrants.

Researchers at the Kauffman Foundation believe that current immigration laws have contributed to the decline in immigrant entrepreneurship because foreign-born students are forced to return home after receiving advanced degrees.

If you are interested in studying in America, contact the student visa attorneys of the Law Office of William Jang, PLLC, at 512-323-2333 today.

Five Florida high school graduates filed the lawsuit after they were charged expensive, out-of-state tuition to public in-state universities despite being U.S. citizens and state residents. In-state tuition is nearly three times less expensive than out-of-state tuition.

Reuters reports that about 9,000 to 12,000 students will benefit from the ruling. Previously, Florida was the only state that has laws that specifically deny U.S.-born citizens of illegal immigrants in-state tuition.

If you or a loved one needs assistance applying for U.S. citizenship, contact the immigration lawyers from the Law Office of William Jang, PLLC, at 512-323-2333.

Critics blame Obama’s amnesty program for the high rearrest rate. Others claim that the rearrest rate is actually much lower than the national average. According to the Pew Research Center, 43 percent of all released prisoners are rearrested in three years. In California, this rate stands at 65 percent.

The seemingly high rearrest rate of illegal immigrants could be attributed to the Secure Communities program, which doubled deportation rates from 2008 to 2011.

If you are at risk of deportation and need help with your immigration status, contact Law Office of William Jang, PLLC, by calling 512-323-2333.

In the group’s report, it claims that the job postings were designed in a way that signaled a preference for foreign workers, which discriminates against American-born workers. Many companies may prefer OPT participants because they do not have to maintain the same wage requirements as H-1B employers.

Dice has responded to the group’s claims and says it will work diligently to remove all ads that hint at any form of discrimination.

If you are considering studying in the U.S. on a student visa, contact the student visa lawyers of the Law Office of William Jang, PLLC today at 512-323-2333.