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

U-Visa to offer deportation defense for some in California

It is no secret that many immigrants fail to report crimes due to fears of being deported. It is sad that anyone should feel they have to remain in horrific circumstances just to stay in the country. Lawmakers in California, in an attempt to help these victims, have passed a bill making it possible for these individuals to obtain a certain type of visa that will serve as a deportation defense.

Bill SB674 was passed by the state Senate recently. The purpose behind this bill was a simple one — to help immigrant victims of crime. With the passing of this bill, individuals in such circumstances will be able to apply for the U-Visa, also known as the Victim of Crime Visa.

Obtaining this visa is not necessarily a quick or easy process, however. Immigrants who are victims of crime will have to report the activities — such as rapes, sexual assaults and human trafficking — to their local police. After the report is filed, law enforcement officers will have to sign a certain certificate which must be obtained before the application for a U-Visa can be completed.

Surely, many are wondering when this option will be available. Unfortunately, a start date for this new practice has not been reported. In the meantime, California immigrants who are victims of crime need to know that they can seek help. Other legal options may be available to help such a victim escape his or her current circumstances by offering a deportation defense and getting him or her on the road to obtaining the documents needed to remain in the country.

Source: santacruzsentinel.com, “California bill aims to protect immigrant crime victims“, June 1, 2015

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