This week an immigration lawyer named Gerald Burns provided his experience and insights. Here is the interview breakdown with paraphrases of what Mr. Burns said.
How long have you worked with immigration law?
Mr. Burns has worked with immigration law for 13 years. He is the Arizona Chapter Chair of American Immigration Lawyers Association, as well as the Chair of the ALA Family Immigration Committee.
What are the most common ways you have seen people apply for a Green Card?
Through family relationships, as in marriage and family sponsored immigration, where the family sponsor is an U.S citizen.
How long does it generally take?
3-6 months to 6-7 years, depending on the circumstance.
What are the success rates?
It is very fact dependent.
What common problems do the applicants face?
It may be a burdensome process with lots of requirements. The applicant may need legal help. They may not be eligible. The cost may be a huge factor.
What problems have you faced?
It can be hard to defend clients who are under removal proceedings (deportation).
What do you not like about the process?
The amount of paperwork, and how immigrants are placed in a negative light.
Why do you think immigrants are placed in a negative light?
It may be due to politics and the economy. Many people view immigrants as a threat to their ability to find a job, because they believe immigrants will steal their job.
How can we change that view and improve the immigration process?
We have to remember that we are a country of immigrants. This is not an old lesson, but an ongoing lesson for all of us. Elect congress persons who remember their roots of immigration, and who will not proposed laws that punish immigrants.
I would like to thank Mr. Burns for his time and valuable input.
Stay tuned for another interview next Tuesday!
-Jenny
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