USCIS Expands Eligible Aliens for I-601A Provisional Waivers

>Effective August 29, 2016, a new class of individuals may be eligible for a provisional waiver of certain grounds of inadmissibility based on the accrual of unlawful presence in the United States. The newly released rule is intended to encourage eligible individuals to complete the immigrant visa process abroad while promoting family unity.

This rule will allow who are present in the United States to request a provisional waiver of these grounds of inadmissibility before departing the United States for consular processing of their immigrant visas from USCIS. This changes the requirement for individuals that would instead apply for a waiver abroad after their immigrant visa interviews using the Form I-601. An approved provisional waiver will help facilitate immigrant visa issuance at DOS and also reduce the time that applicants are separated from their U.S. citizen or LPR family members.

If you or someone you know believe you may be affected by this new change, contact our office to schedule a free initial consultation at (510) 437-9998.

Started at a New Law Practice This Week

On Monday October 1, 2012, I began my association with a great group of attorneys in Oakland, California, leaving behind the Law Offices of Haitham Ballout, where I practice for the last five years. The incentive in making this change is the intention of the group to form a partnership with myself as one of the named partners. This is an exciting and challenging moment, but in the long run, I firmly believe this is the right move professionally. In my former position at Mr. Ballout's Office, a very capable young attorney as accepted the offer and she will fill my post. The new practice will focus on removal and deportation cases, along with Mr. Dae Hee Kim, Esq. as the experienced criminal defense counsel. I have many years of experience in handling both immigration and criminal appellate cases. My experience also includes many administrative appeals to both the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) and the Administrative Appeals Office (AAO)in humanitarian cases, removal defense, and visa petitions, which involves Walsh Act cases and waivers of all types.