Hi everyone! This week is special because it marks my 100th week of presenting my articles here in Thai LA Newspaper! For those who have been following me from the beginning, thank you! I hope you all have benefited from reading my articles. And for those that are new to my column "Law Corner With JC", stay tuned because I hope to win you over with my style of writing that is truthful, caring and educationally relevant. In publishing these weekly articles, my goal has always been to educate and inform my readers of any laws that directly or indirectly affected the Thai community, to separate fact from fiction, clarify rumors within the community, and to present the law in terms that are easier to understand. Along the way, I might have published some information that may have been controversial at times because of its content or maybe because it might have exposed some people, other lawyers, etc, but regardless of any of that, it was always the truth and made known for the good and benefit of my Thai people. With that said, cheers to the next 100 articles!
Immigration Fees are Increasing Next Month!!!Many of you who follow me on Facebook already know this, but for those that don't know, Immigration intends to increase their fees. Starting October 2nd, USCIS application and petition fees will be increasing, in some instances, up by 28% higher! In addition, there will be other changes, including but not limited to, rules on who may or may not request fee waivers and also no more discounted prices for derivative children applying with their parents. After October 2, 2020, children will be required to pay the same amount as adults!
Here are just some examples of the more notable fee increases occurring next month:
Family-based Adjustment of Status(Nonimmigrant visa holders who wish to apply for Permanent Residency aka "Green Cards")
• Current Fee = $1,760.00 (with Work permit and Advance Parole for Travel)
• After Oct 2 = $2,860.00 (Note: After October 2, children who are "derivatives" - meaning they are applying along with their parents - must now pay the same price!)
Citizenship / NaturalizationCurrent Fee = $640.00
After Oct 2 = $1,170.00 (That is an 83% increase!!!!!!!)
Removal of Conditions on 2 Year Green Cards (for 10 Year GC)Current Fee = $595.00
After Oct 2 = $760.00 (Increased by 28%!)
These are just an example of price increases by USCIS.
JC's Conclusion: I have had great pleasure presenting my articles to my readers. I take great pride when I hear someone tell me that they read my article and it helped them in one way or another. With your help, I will continue to provide more information and news. Thank you all!
If you have any questions still left unanswered or you have general questions regarding other legal issues, or even if you have comments, please email me at: JC4LAW@HOTMAIL.COM or contact my office at (818) 846-5639, or my Thai direct line at (818) 505-4921. Also be sure to check us out on the web at: WWW.JC4LAW.COM, and on FACEBOOK at: https://www.facebook.com/ThaiAttorney Be sure to follow (and "like") me for the most recent updates in the law! For those in Thailand or outside of the United States, I am now reachable using the LINE app. My LINE ID is: JC_Esq
Disclaimer: The information contained herein have been prepared for informational purposes only and are not to be considered legal advice unless otherwise specified. If you have a specific question regarding your personal case, please contact the Law Offices of Joseph Chitmongran for a full consultation.