For persons wishing to immigrate to the US, the process of getting a green card can become very difficult if they have accumulated a certain amount of “unlawful presence” in the US. Unlawful presence is a term of art and is not the same as being undocumented or illegal.
In this immigration video, Attorney Carl Shusterman discusses the meaning of unlawful presence as it relates to persons who: (1) entered the US without inspection; (2) overstayed this authorized period of stay; or (3) violated their temporary visa status in the United States. He explains who is subject to the 3-year bar, the 10-year bar, and the permanent bar and touches upon how to obtain a waiver of unlawful presence.
It is possible to obtain waivers of the 3 and the 10-year bars by showing that certain qualifying relatives would suffer “extreme hardship” if the person were not permitted to return to the US for 3 or 10 years. In the past, most people had to go abroad to apply for a waiver. However, in 2013, it became possible to apply for a provisional I-601A waiver without leaving the US. In 2016, it became easier to qualify for a provisional waiver.
Client Reviews
Go to a Law Firm which is Professional and Knowledgeable
“Very professional law firm. We had a difficult issue and Mr. Shusterman’s office got right onto the case and resolved the issue with USCIS. Because of their efforts, me and my family were able to get our Legal Permanent Residency card. My suggestion to those trying to obtain employment based card. Don’t look for money saving attorney. They will cost you lot more in long run. Go to a law firm which is professional and knowledgeable. It pays in the long term.”
- Nilesh Patel, Chicago, Illinois
Read More Reviews
Zoom Consultations Available!
For additional information, please see our Unlawful Presence Bars & Waivers page.
Decades of Immigration Experience Working for You
What Can We Help You With - Videos
Winning Your Case in Immigration Court
Green Cards through Employment
Green Card through Marriage
Carl Shusterman
Immigration Attorney Carl Shusterman has 40+ years of experience. He served as an attorney for the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) from 1976 until 1982, when he entered private practice. He has testified as an expert witness before the US Senate Immigration Subcommittee. Carl was featured in SuperLawyers Magazine. Today, he serves as Of Counsel to JR Immigration Law Firm.