CORONA VIRUS / COVID-19 ADVISORY

Due to the health risks posed by the Corona Virus tragedy, our office is following the directives of the governor of California in order to minimize the risks to our staff, our clients and our community. Our office will continue to operate fully, as it has thus far, observing our normal schedule, Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. We will continue to schedule appointments to meet with clients and will do this via ZOOM or Telephone only.

If you would like to schedule an appointment with any of our lawyers or staff members, please do so by calling our office at 619-291-1112. You can also contact us via e-mail at [email protected]janbejar.com

Thank you for your understanding.

AVISO DE CORONA VIRUS / COVID-19

Debido a los riesgos para la salud planteados por la tragedia del Virus Corona, nuestra oficina está siguiendo las directivas del gobernador de California para minimizar los riesgos para nuestro personal, nuestros clientes y nuestra comunidad. Nuestra oficina seguirá funcionando a pleno, como lo ha hecho hasta ahora, cumpliendo con nuestro horario habitual, de lunes a viernes de 8:30 a.m. a 5:30 p.m. Continuaremos programando citas para reunirnos con los clientes y lo haremos solo a través de ZOOM o por teléfono.

Si desea programar una cita con alguno de nuestros abogados o miembros del personal, hágalo llamando a nuestra oficina al 619-291-1112. También puede contactarnos por correo electrónico a [email protected]

Gracias por su comprensión.

Resolving Immigration ProblemsIn An Honest & Responsible Manner

California immigration: felony deters citizenship pursuit

Millions of immigrants took advantage of a 1986 law that allowed them the right to gain a green card. While many of those people received temporary status, some failed to pursue formal citizenship due to a fear that mistakes in their youth would prevent them from being eligible. One man that was part of the 1986 immigration program did not pursue citizenship because of a felony conviction he received prior to obtaining a green card. He reportedly lied to a border agent about his status after he tried to reenter the United States at the California border.

He obtained the temporary status shortly after the law was passed in 1986, but he was still not allowed to cross the border back into his home country while his green card application was pending. However, he decided to go home to visit family members anyways, and he was apprehended and thrown into jail after attempting to cross back into California. He was charged with a felony after he reportedly told authorities he was already a United States citizen. More recently, he married an undocumented immigrant, later learning that her chances of becoming legal would be increased if he obtained his citizenship. While the man did receive his green card about three years after he gained temporary legal status, he remains fearful that he will be denied citizenship with the felony on his record if he chooses to move forward with the application.

He also fears his green card could be stripped, and he might be deported. Statistics show around 40 percent of almost three million people in the immigration program went on to become citizens. Over half never pursued citizenship, possibly because of the fee and civics test required. In this instance, the man also worries that his felony conviction could result in his deportation. He also fears for his own health if his wife is deported because she administers the medication he needs for his diabetes.

Immigrants living in California have new paths available to them, especially with the ongoing immigration reform. However, those who have committed crimes while residing in the United States constantly fear deportation. Those interested in gaining citizenship would likely benefit from seeking the right assistance. Doing so could go a long ways toward achieving the dream of citizenship.

Source: Yahoo!, “Ubaldo: Legal, job woes follow amnesty recipient,” Liz Goodwin, Feb. 7, 2013

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