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Immigration Issues: Most Popular Articles

These articles are the most popular over the last month.
How Do I Check My Case Status?
How to check on the status of your immigration case online, through email, by phone, mail, or in person.
Path to Legalization
Should the United States provide a path to legalization for illegal immigrants? The issue has been at the forefront of American politics for several years but the debate continues. What does a nation do with an estimated 10 to 20 million people residing in its country illegally?
Border Fence Pros and Cons
The purpose of the border fence is to tighten homeland security and prevent illegal immigration using a combination of physical barriers and high-tech "virtual" surveillance networks. This provides a quick-reading overview of the popular arguments for and against the border fence.
DV Green Card Lottery Info
Your one-stop shop for information about the diversity visa (DV) or "green card lottery" program.
MAVNI Program
The MAVNI pilot program gives legal aliens with skills considered to be vital to national interest the opportunity to expedite the naturalization process by serving in the U.S. military.
Fiance Visa Process
The K1 fiance visa allows U.S. citizens a way to bring their foreign fiances to the United States to marry. After marriage, the foreign spouse applies for permanent residence and will be able to work and live permanently in the United States.
Overview of US Visa Types
Get a quick overview of the types of US visas available and determine which one is right for you.
Immigration Reform Center
The latest news, information and developments in the immigration reform debate.
Immigration Issues - Issues
An index of Issues for the Immigration Issues guide site.
Alien Registration Number
A definition of the term, alien registration number, as it applies to immigration.
Immigrant Visa Number
In most cases, an immigrant visa number is required to become a lawful permanent resident of the United States. Here's an overview of the process to obtain an immigrant visa number.
Guide to Filing I-751
If you have conditional permanent residence, at some point you will need to petition the USCIS to remove the conditions before your green card expires. This step-by-step guide will give you the information you need to ready the packet for filing.
DV-2011 Green Card Lottery
Here you'll find information specific to the DV-2011 green card lottery.
Apply for an SSN
Find out how to apply for a Social Security number. Get some tips on what you can do as a new immigrant to make the Social Security number application process a little smoother.
Family-Sponsored Immigration
If you want to come to the U.S. to live and work permanently and you have a relative who is a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, you may be able to obtain permanent residence through family-sponsored immigration.
Married on a Travel Visa
Are people who get married while in the United States on travel visas able to stay in the U.S. and successfully adjust their status to gain permanent residence? Yes, they are. But this is not the preferred approach. Find out more about this type of green card marriage.
Immigration Medical Exam
Medical exams are required for many immigrant and nonimmigrant visas. Learn what to expect during an immigration medical exam.
Visa Wait Times
If you want to know how long it will take to get your visa, the U.S. Department of State provides an online tool showing visa wait times in all Consular locations.
Immigration Jobs at DHS
Looking for a job that deals with immigration? Three agencies within the Department of Homeland Security fit the bill: USCIS, CBP and ICE.
Opposition to the DREAM Act
No one wants to see children suffer because of the actions of their parents, but there are some who feel that the negative effect of the DREAM Act on the U.S. outweighs the lifelong impact of a "No" vote on undocumented youth.
Oath of Allegiance
The final step to becoming a U.S. citizen is taking the Oath of Allegiance. Find out what you are pledging when you declare your attachment to the United States and its Constitution.
Employer-Sponsored Green Cards
U.S. employers may sponsor eligible foreign nationals for a green card. Find out what is required for immigration through employment.
How To Fill Out Form I-751
Learn how to complete each of the 7 sections of the I-751 form to remove conditions on your permanent residence.
Obama's Immigration Agenda
President Obama's immigration agenda as posted on the official White House website.
Green Card Lottery Chances
Millions of green card lottery entries are made every year, but what are your actual chances of winning?
Citizenship Rights
Learn about your rights and responsibilities as a new U.S. citizen.
Immigration Issues - Articles
An index of articles for the Immigration Issues guide site.
Levi Strauss
Learn about Levi Strauss, founder of Levi Strauss & Company; the first company to manufacture blue jeans.
Immigration Interview Attire
The immigration interview is nerve-wracking enough without worrying if you're dressed properly. Learn what you should and should not wear to an immigration interview.
Required Vaccines
A list of the vaccines required to immigrate to the U.S.
History of the INA
A definition and history of the Immigration and Nationality Act.
Naturalization Requirement FAQ
Learn what is required to become a U.S. citizen.
Student Visa Basics
An overview of F-1 and M-1 visas for foreign students.
Expedited Citizenship
The Immigration and Naturalization Act allows expedited citizenship processing for certain members of the U.S. Armed Forces and their spouses stationed with them overseas.
Joint Sponsor
A definition of the immigration term, joint sponsor.
An Immigration Year in Review
A year in review: the top 10 immigration issues of 2008.
Grey's Anatomy Immigrants
ABC's popular hospital drama, Grey's Anatomy, boasts four successful immigrants among its cast of main characters.
Immigrants in Politics
They might have been born in a different country, but these immigrants in politics embraced the United States as their adopted home. Through their leadership, the following immigrants in politics have helped shape the country.
10 Citizenship Test Questions
Do you have what it takes to pass the new naturalization test? Take these 10 questions from the redesigned, new naturalization test and find out.
Redesigned Naturalization Test
The redesigned naturalization test is effective October 1, 2008. Find out everything you need to know about the new test.
NAFTA TN Visa For Canadians
Canadian citizens who meet the education and professional requirements may come to the U.S. under the nonimmigrant NAFTA TN visa.
Family-Based Immigration FAQ
An explanation of a popular immigrant visa category.
DV-2010 Excluded Countries
Anyone who wants to take part in the Green Card Lottery must be a native of an eligible country. Find out if what countries are on the DV-2010 ineligible list.
USCIS
A definition of the immigration term, USCIS.
Barack Obama on Immigration
An overview of Barack Obama's views on key immigration issues.
Immigration Reform Launches
Thursday, June 25, 2009 marked the first meeting between President Obama and members of Congress to discuss immigration reform.
Profile of Catherine Bell
Actress and naturalized citizen Catherine Bell is best-known for her roles in the popular military TV dramas, Jag and Army Wives.
NAFTA TN Visa
Mexican and Canadian citizens who meet the education and professional requirements may come to the U.S. under the nonimmigrant NAFTA professional worker TN visa.
Citizenship and the Military
U.S. military members who have served honorably on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces have an expedited path to citizenship. Learn about the 10 facts about citizenship and the U.S. military.
Hague Convention Countries
A list of the Hague Adoption Convention countries.
Profile of Anna Kournikova
Tennis star Anna Kournikova may be semi-retired from her sport but she hasn't slowed down. The Russian beauty is an active supporter of several charitable organizations and works as the brand ambassador for K-Swiss.
What is the DREAM Act?
A definition of the DREAM Act.
Immigration Consultants
There are many reasons for wanting to use an immigration consultant. Some people need a hand filling out the forms while others think a consultant is a cheap alternative to an immigration lawyer. Good immigration consultants provide valuable services, but you should be aware of the services an immigration consultant can and cannot provide.
Immigrant vs Nonimmigrant Visa
Explanation of immigrant and nonimmigrant visas as defined by the U.S. Department of State.
Department Homeland Security
A definition of the immigration term, Department of Homeland Security.
App/Petition Processing
If you want to know how long it will take to process your immigration application or petition, USCIS lists the processing times of specific forms at each of its field offices and service centers online.
History of Naturalization
The history of naturalization requirements can be found in the legislative history of immigration to the United States.
Lottery Winner
Millions apply for a diversity visa, but only those selected will receive notification.
Biometrics
A definition of the immigration term, biometrics.
Immigration at the N.A. Summit
Immigration-related excerpts from the transcript of the press conference by U.S. President Obama, Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Mexican President Felipe Calderon on August 10, 2009 during the North American Leaders Summit in Guadalajara, Mexico.
DV-2011 Excluded Countries
Anyone who wants to take part in the Green Card Lottery must be a native of an eligible country. Find out if what countries are on the DV-2011 ineligible list.
2010 Green Card Lottery Result
DV-2010 green card lottery results from the Department of State.
Affidavit of Support
A definition of the immigration term, affidavit of support.
International Adoption
An overview of how to bring a child into the United States through international adoption.
DV Lottery Entry Requirements
There are two basic entry requirements for the DV green card lottery.
Emigrate
A definition of the immigration term, emigrate.
Immigrant Investor Visa
Immigrant investors can receive permanent residency through the EB-5 immigrant investor visa.
Lottery Selection Confirmation
Millions apply for a diversity visa, hoping to be selected as a winner in the green card lottery. Find out how you can confirm if you're a green card lottery winner.
Driver's License
This state-issued piece of identification allows you to operate a motor vehicle and acts as a common form of ID. Find out how to get licensed.
Refugee
A definition of the immigration term, refugee.
Avoid Losing Your Green Card
Make sure you know how to maintain your permanent resident status to avoid losing your green card.
VWP Expansion Problems
The visa waiver program allows citizens of certain countries to travel to the U.S. for up to 90 days without obtaining a visa. In its efforts to expand the program, the Department of Homeland Security is faced with some significant challenges.
Civil Surgeon
A definition of the immigration term, civil surgeon.
Illegal Alien
A definition of the immigration term, illegal alien.
DV-2010 Green Card Lottery
Here you'll find information specific to the DV-2010 green card lottery.
Louis Prang
German immigrant Louis Prang is credited with being the "father of the American Christmas card."
Napolitano on Immigration
An overview of Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano's views on key immigration issues.
Profile of Liam Neeson
Irish-American actor Liam Neeson was bit by the acting bug as a young lad in Northern Ireland, but it took 35 years and a trip to Hollywood to make him a leading man.
Profile of Alejandro Mayorkas
Cuban-born USCIS Director Alejandro Mayorkas oversees the administration of the world’s largest immigration service.
Immigrants and Public Benefits
Many immigrants believe that they are ineligible for any type of public benefits and assistance. In fact, new immigrants and permanent residents can take advantage of a number of federal, state and local assistance programs. Learn which benefits you may be eligible for and how to avoid becoming a public charge.
Choose an Immigration Lawyer
Most people can handle immigration paperwork on their own, but some situations are more complicated and require legal assistance. If your case isn't straightforward or if you just want the comfort of letting a professional handle the process, these 5 tips will help you choose an immigration lawyer that's right for you.
Naturalized NASA Astronauts
If you're going to dream, dream big. These immigrants to the U.S. wanted to reach for the stars and become U.S. naturalized citizens to serve their adopted country as NASA astronauts.
First 100 Days and Immigration
The first 100 days in office yardstick is important to every President. Unfortunately for Americans, immigration reform was not one of President Obama's first-100-days key issues.
Immigration Issues - HowTos
An index of HowTos for the Immigration Issues guide site.
Profile of Sergey Brin
Google co-founder and president of technology, Sergey Brin is an immigrant success story. Brin emigrated from Russia at the age of six and at the age of 34, made #5 on Forbes 2007 list of richest Americans with a net worth of $18.5 billion.
What Is Dual Citizenship?
Explanation of dual citizenship.
Lottery Excluded Countries
Only countries with low immigration to the U.S. are included in the green card lottery.
Avoid Green Card Lottery Scams
The diversity visa green card lottery is a popular immigration program known around the world. And where there are a lot of people, there are bound to be scam artists ready to take advantage of the opportunity. Learn 5 ways that you can avoid green card lottery scams.
Port of Entry Tips
You have your visa and you are headed for the U.S. There's one more step to take before you can enter the country: border control. Get information on what to expect when you arrive at a port of entry.
Exchange Program Visa
Foreign nationals may experience life in the U.S. through the exchange program. A nonimmigrant visa classification designed for temporary visits to the U.S.
Vaccinations for Immigration
Find out why vaccinations are a necessary component of the immigration medical exam.
Proof of Immunizations
If you've already been immunized against certain diseases, you can avoid being re-vaccinated if you can show evidence of the vaccinations.
DV Education/Work Requirements
All green card lottery entrants must meet the education or work experience requirement to be eligible for the DV program.
Why Should I Vote?
Some new citizens register to vote as soon as they become eligible while others fail to register for years. Find out why naturalized citizens should exercise their right to vote.
SCHIP Act of 2009
In January 2009, Congress agreed that immigrant children should not have to wait five years for health coverage, and voted in favor of passing the Children's Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2009.
Repeal of the HIV Travel Ban
After more than 22 years, the United States antiquated policy preventing HIV-positive immigrants and nonimmigrants from entering the U.S. finally came to an end with a repeal of the ban.
Can I Vote?
Naturalized citizens and permanent residents do not have the same privileges when it comes to registering and voting in elections.
Withholding of Removal
A definition of the immigration term, withholding of removal.
The Debate Over Gardasil
Gardasil has been added to the list of vaccination requirements for immigrating females between the ages of 11 and 26.
Profile of Cristeta Comerford
The White House executive chef is a celebrity among chefs and foodies. The current executive chef has worked in the White House kitchen for over 10 years and is a naturalized citizen.
What Is an ITIN?
Find out who needs an ITIN and how to apply for one.
Asylum
A definition of the immigration term, asylum.
Conditional Permanent Resident
A definition of the immigration term, conditional permanent resident.
Immigration and 2010 Budget
On May 2, 2009, President Obama released his full budget providing all the details for the blueprint that Congress approved in the Budget Resolution. The focus is on border security and immigration enforcement rather than making the process easier for current legal immigrants.
Immigration News
Read about the latest immigration developments being discussed in the news.
Lottery Qualifying Occupations
Learn how to find what occupations qualify for the DV green card lottery work experience requirement.
Parolee
A definition of the immigration term, parolee.
Permanent Resident
A definition of the immigration term, permanent resident.
Find an Immigration Form
Where do you go if you need an immigration form? The most current version of every public use immigration form is available for download at www.uscis.gov/forms.
Selective Service
A definition of the immigration term, selective service.
Employment Third Preference
A definition of the immigration term, employment third preference.
What's New in DV-2010
The Department of State has announced that DV-2010 green card lottery entrants will be able to check the status of their entries online.
NOA
A definition of the immigration term, NOA.
DREAM Act Information Center
Your DREAM Act information center, including the latest legislative developments and DREAM Act resources.
Panel Physician
A definition of the immigration term, panel physician.
Alien
A definition of the immigration term, alien.
Sarah Palin on Immigration
An overview of Sarah Palin's views on key immigration issues.
Employment First Preference
A definition of the immigration term, employment first preference.
Immigration Elections Guide
Immigration issues, voting rights and even the citizenship status of the presidential candidates. You'll find that and more in this immigration elections guide.
Adjust Status
A definition of the immigration term, adjust status.
Significant Public Benefit
A definition of the immigration term, significant public benefit parole.
Family First Preference
A definition of the immigration term, family first preference.
Number of Diversity Visas
Up to 55,000 immigrant visas are available each year as part of the diversity visa program, but only 50,000 of these visas are allocated to the green card lottery. Find out where the missing 5,000 visas end up.
Advance Parole
A definition of the immigration term, advance parole.
Employment Fourth Preference
A definition of the immigration term, employment fourth preference.
Green Card
A definition of the immigration term, green card.
ICE Health Care Standards
ICE is responsible for providing safe and humane conditions to the detainees under its custody. Health care is one element of the agency's responsibility. All detention facilities must comply with national standards.
Fort Hood's Immigrant Victims
On November 5, 2009, U.S. Army Major Nidal Malik Hasan opened fire on Fort Hood's military base, killing 13 and wounding dozens more. Two immigrant soldiers were among the dead.
Employment Second Preference
A definition of the immigration term, employment second preference.
Michael J. Fox Profile
This dual Canadian-U.S. citizen is an actor and founder of The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research.
Port of Entry Parole
A definition of the immigration term, port of entry Parole.
Permanent Residents and Travel
Permanent residents may travel freely outside the United States but there are some conditions that must be followed to maintain your permanent resident status.
INS and USCIS explained
The names INS and USCIS are often used interchangeably to refer to the agency that administers immigration and naturalization services within the United States, but do they mean the same thing?
Deferred Inspection
A definition of the immigration term, deferred inspection.
REAL ID Act of 2005
The REAL ID Act of 2005 affects every person in America who uses a driver's license or state ID card for federal purposes.
Neil Gaiman Profile
Writer Neil Gaiman is commonly referred to as the rock star of the literary world. He wrote one of the most successful comic-book series in the United States and is the author of Coraline, a fantasy/horror novella recently adapted into a stop-action movie. Find out what the British-born Gaiman feels only America can provide and why he refuses to become a citizen.
What is the Diversity Visa?
The Diversity Visa Program, better known as the green card lottery, provides individuals from countries with low immigration to the U.S., an opportunity to live and work permanently in the United States.
EAD
A definition of the immigration term, employment authorization document
Lottery Lawyer Requirement
Green card lottery applications are straight-forward and can be easily completed without obtaining legal advice. However, errors made on the application could make you ineligible for selection, so weigh the pros and cons carefully before making a decision.
Petitioner
A definition of the immigration term, petitioner.
Profile of Rick Sanchez
Cuban-born Rick Sanchez anchors the 3-4 p.m. edition of CNN Newsroom and contributes to CNN en Español.
Immigration & Nationality Act
A definition of the immigration term, Immigration and Nationality Act.
Public Charge
A definition of the immigration term, public charge.
Notario Publico
A definition of the term, Notario Publico, as it applies to immigration.
Lottery Drawing Process
A little work is needed before the random drawing can take place.
Timing of Lottery Drawing
Once registration is complete, things move quickly. You will know if you're a lottery winner in five to nine months.
Visa Waiver Program FAQ
Definition of the program and a list of participating countries.
Family Fourth Preference
A definition of the immigration term, family fourth preference.
Naturalization
A definition of the immigration term, naturalization.
Napolitano Confirmt'n Hearing
On January 15, 2009, Homeland Security Secretary designate and Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano testified at her confirmation hearing before the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee.

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