Tag: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services

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Self-Deportation: What You Need to Know

Self Deportation What You Need to Know
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This article discusses the nature and consequences of “self-deportation,” a term prominently encouraged by the Trump administration for undocumented or unauthorized immigrants residing in the United States. “Self-deportation” is not a formal legal term defined within the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). Instead, it describes the act of an individual with no legal status departing the U.S. on their own initiative, often in response to heightened interior enforcement and policies designed to make life untenable.

An immigrant who “self-deports” by simply leaving the country faces severe and lasting legal consequences. The most significant of these is the triggering of statutory bars to re-entry, potentially for three years, ten years, or permanently. Furthermore, by leaving, the individual may forfeit the right to pursue various forms of legal relief from removal for which they might have been eligible, such as asylum or Cancellation of Removal. This brief will analyze the legal framework surrounding self-deportation, its distinction from formal legal processes like Voluntary Departure, and the profound, often irreversible, consequences of such a decision.

The Nature of Self-Deportation

“Self-deportation,” as a policy concept, operates on the principle of “attrition through enforcement.” The goal is to create a sufficiently difficult and fearful environment that undocumented immigrants choose to leave the United States “voluntarily,” thus bypassing the formal, and often lengthy, removal process in immigration court.

It is crucial to distinguish this informal act from two recognized legal procedures:

  1. Voluntary Departure (INA § 240B): This is a form of relief granted by an Immigration Judge or agreed upon with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). An individual granted Voluntary Departure agrees to leave the U.S. at their own expense by a specified date. In exchange, they avoid a formal order of removal on their record, which carries its own separate bar to re-entry. However, failure to depart as promised results in severe penalties, including a civil fine and a 10-year bar to several forms of immigration relief. Importantly, Voluntary Departure does not erase any inadmissibility bars based on prior unlawful presence.
  2. Stipulated Removal: This is an agreement between an individual and DHS in which the individual concedes they are removable as charged and waives their right to a hearing before an Immigration Judge. In exchange, a final order of removal is entered. This is often seen as a way to exit immigration detention more quickly, but it results in a formal deportation order with all its attendant consequences.

“Self-deportation” is distinct because it typically occurs outside of any formal court or administrative process. The individual simply leaves. While this may seem to offer more personal control, it is fraught with legal peril, as the departure itself is the event that can trigger significant legal penalties.

Legal Consequences of Self-Deportation

The most critical consequence of self-deportation is the triggering of inadmissibility bars under INA § 212(a)(9). These bars are activated by the act of departing the United States after a period of “unlawful presence.”

  • Definition of Unlawful Presence: An individual accrues unlawful presence if they are in the U.S. without being admitted or paroled, or if they remain beyond the expiration of their authorized period of stay.

The primary inadmissibility bars are:

  1. The 3-Year Bar (INA § 212(a)(9)(B)(i)(I)): An individual who accrues more than 180 days but less than one year of continuous unlawful presence and then voluntarily departs the U.S. is barred from being readmitted for a period of three years from the date of their departure.
  2. The 10-Year Bar (INA § 212(a)(9)(B)(i)(II)): An individual who accrues one year or more of continuous unlawful presence and then voluntarily departs or is removed from the U.S. is barred from being readmitted for a period of ten years from the date of their departure or removal.
  3. The Permanent Bar (INA § 212(a)(9)(C)): This applies to individuals who accrue more than one year of unlawful presence in the aggregate, or who are ordered removed, and then enter or attempt to re-enter the U.S. without being lawfully admitted. While labeled “permanent,” an individual may be eligible to apply for a waiver, but only after having been outside the U.S. for at least 10 years.

These bars are automatic. Choosing to “self-deport” does not avoid them; on the contrary, the departure is the very act that makes them effective. Any suggestion that self-deportation will “preserve your opportunity to potentially return the legal, right way” is legally misleading, as it fails to account for these statutory bars which immediately complicate any future legal return.

Forfeiture of Legal Rights and Relief

By departing the United States, an undocumented immigrant automatically and irrevocably forfeits their right to pursue any form of immigration relief or protection that requires physical presence in the U.S. These include, but are not limited to:

  • Cancellation of Removal (INA § 240A(b)): This is a defense against deportation for certain non-permanent residents who can demonstrate, among other things, ten years of continuous physical presence in the U.S. and that their removal would result in “exceptional and extremely unusual hardship” to a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident spouse, parent, or child. Departing the U.S. breaks the continuous presence requirement and renders an individual ineligible.
  • Adjustment of Status: For individuals who may have become eligible for a green card (e.g., through marriage to a U.S. citizen or an employment petition), leaving the U.S. can terminate their pending application and subject them to the 3/10-year bars, severely complicating or preventing their legal return.
  • Right to a Hearing: Every individual placed in removal proceedings has a right to a full and fair hearing before an Immigration Judge to determine if they are, in fact, removable and if they are eligible for any form of relief. By leaving before or during these proceedings, an individual waives this fundamental due process right. If they leave while their case is pending, the judge will likely issue an in absentia order of removal, which carries its own 5-year bar to re-entry and other negative consequences.

Conclusion

The policy of encouraging “self-deportation” presents undocumented immigrants with a legally precarious choice. While framed as a way to avoid arrest and take control of one’s departure, it is a legal trap. The act of leaving triggers severe, long-term bars to re-entry and constitutes a waiver of fundamental due process rights and any potential claims to legal status. An undocumented immigrant considering this option must understand that they are not sidestepping legal consequences, but rather activating them. The decision to self-deport has profound and often permanent effects on an individual’s ability to ever legally return to the United States and reunite with family and community.

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For more information about the implications/consequences of self-deportation, or if you need legal advise contact our attorneys at Tancinco Law, P.C at (415)397 0808 or email us at law@tancinco.com or visit our website at www.tancinco.com

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Let’s Stay Safe and Strong Together

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My dearest TLAW community and friends: 

In the past few weeks, a shadow of fear has fallen over many of our homes. We’ve seen and heard the news – a sharp increase in ICE arrests, not just at the border, but in our cities, our neighborhoods, and even in places that were once considered safe.

This isn’t just about numbers; it’s about our families, our friends, our neighbors. Hardworking people, with deep roots in this country, are being separated from their loved ones. This is happening for the following reasons. First, arrests at the southern border have significantly decreased. To meet demanding new quotas – reports say as many as 3,000 arrests a day – ICE is now looking for arrests domestically, within the United States.

This has led to controversial and new ICE arrest tactics. We’re seeing ICE agents making arrests at courthouses, detaining people moments after their immigration cases are dismissed. They are targeting those who are diligently following the rules and showing up for their required check-ins. ICE raids are happening at construction sites, in restaurants, and on farms – places where our community works hard to build a better life.

The fear and uncertainty you are feeling are real, and they are valid. In these moments of crisis, the most important thing we can do is stand together and be prepared.

Your safety is the priority. We must be proactive. The constitutional right to peacefully assemble and make our voices heard is a cornerstone of this nation. But I urge you to please exercise this right with great care. Violence will only endanger you and our entire community. Do not give anyone an excuse to target you.

Before you consider any action, I want you to do a personal risk assessment. Understand the potential consequences for you and your family. And most importantly, know your rights.

If you are approached by ICE, remember:

  • You have the right to remain silent. You do not have to answer questions about your immigration status or where you were born.
  • Do not open your door unless they can show you a judicial warrant signed by a judge. Ask them to slip it under the door or hold it up to a window. An ICE administrative warrant is not the same as a judicial warrant.
  • You have the right to speak with a lawyer. Do not sign any documents without legal advice.
  • If you are detained, you have the right to contact your nearest consulate. They are there to help you.

It is critical that you do not make any major decisions without first consulting with an experienced and trusted immigration attorney. We can help you understand your options and what is best for your specific situation. If the worst happens and a loved one is taken, having a lawyer and knowing their “A” number will be essential to locate them and explore any legal options for their release or return.

Beyond our immediate actions, we must also look at the bigger picture. As a community, and for those of us who are citizens, we must call on our elected representatives in Congress. We need to demand more than just enforcement. We need comprehensive, humane immigration reform that reflects the values of this nation of immigrants – a system that is just, respects the rule of law, and upholds human dignity.

Let us meet this challenge with wisdom, preparation, and unity. Stay safe, know your rights, and let’s look out for one another. We are a strong and resilient community. We will get through this together.

Sincerely,

Atty. Lou Tancinco

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Updates

The Changing Landscape of U.S. Immigration

The Changing Landscape of U.S. Immigration
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Quarterly Updates from Atty Lou Tancinco
Atty Lou Tancinco shares her latest updates via our quarterly newsletter.

Dear TLAW Subscribers:

The landscape of immigration law is constantly evolving, and recent policy shifts have brought significant changes and heightened uncertainty. To help you stay informed, our latest quarterly newsletter offers timely insights into key immigration issues.

In this edition, we focus on empowering individuals with knowledge about their rights, particularly in the event of an encounter with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). We address crucial questions such as: What are your rights if a friend or family member is detained? What recourse is available if there is no final order of removal?

We also delve into other critical topics, including:

We encourage you to take a moment to review these informative articles and updates. Staying informed is crucial for navigating the complexities of immigration law.

We remain committed to advocating for just, fair, and humane immigration reform. In the meantime, we urge you to be vigilant in asserting your rights. Our firm is here to provide guidance and support. If you have any questions or require legal assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Sincerely,
Atty. Lou

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Should the Unauthorized Immigrant Leave Voluntarily?

Should the Unauthorized Immigrant Leave Voluntarily?
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San Francisco, CA – With President-elect Trump’s promise of a mass deportation of illegal immigrants, many unauthorized immigrants (including those who have overstayed their visas) are concerned about their future in the United States. While Mexico has 4.1 million unauthorized immigrants, there are approximately 350,000 Filipino immigrants in the U.S. with undocumented status.

Though Trump has pledged to initiate mass deportations on the first day of his term, the details of this policy remain unclear. At present, there are no explicit guidelines on how deportations might be implemented. Based on campaign statements, the following actions are anticipated:

  • Use of emergency and executive authorities to bypass existing laws
  • Reactivation of the 1798 Alien Enemies Act, which served as the legal basis for the detention of people of Japanese, German, and Italian descent during WWII
  • Enlisting local and state police, U.S. military, and the National Guard to enforce immigration laws

According to the American Immigration Council, deporting one million people per year could cost taxpayers an estimated $88 billion annually. Additional resources would be required to increase law enforcement staffing, expand detention facilities, and staff immigration courtrooms, along with the substantial costs of deporting noncitizens via commercial airlines and chartered flights.

During his initial term in 2016, President Trump also discussed mass deportation, yet no more than one million immigrants were deported. Most of those removed were convicted felons or individuals with final orders of removal.

3-10 Year Bar Rule Applies

Choosing to leave the United States voluntarily before a potential mass deportation requires careful consideration of the consequences. The term “voluntary departure” can have different meanings for laypeople and within legal contexts.

In layman’s terms, voluntary departure means leaving the United States independently, such as by taking a flight back to the Philippines. This option is available only if the noncitizen is not currently in removal proceedings. However, there are consequences: even with an approved petition, departing voluntarily can result in a 3-10 year bar on reentry. Specifically, unauthorized immigrants who have been in the U.S. for over six months face a three-year bar, while those who have stayed over one year face a ten-year bar. For families with a mix of U.S. citizens or green card holders and unauthorized immigrants, this could mean separation from family members in the U.S. for three to ten years.

For those in removal proceedings, voluntary departure might allow them to reenter the U.S. later if proceedings were initiated while they were still in status. If they were already out of status, however, a 10-20 year or even a permanent bar may apply depending on the reason for deporation.

In conclusion, voluntary departure has significant immigration consequences, and consulting a licensed legal professional before making such a major decision is essential.

Rights of Unauthorized Immigrants

The U.S. Constitution guarantees due process rights to all residents, meaning that noncitizens may have the opportunity to be heard by an immigration judge before deportation. If detained, unauthorized immigrants may be entitled to a hearing. With a backlog of over three million cases, these hearings may be delayed by months or even years.

Exceptions to the right to a hearing include those who have been in the U.S. for less than two years and are arrested within 100 miles of the border and these group of immigrants may be subject to expedited removal. Most of the 350,000 unauthorized Filipino immigrants have resided in the U.S. for more than two years, and many have lived here for over 20 years.

ICE Raids and Targeted Arrests

With an anticipated increase in interior enforcement, ICE raids are expected to become more frequent during Trump’s administration. Former acting ICE Director Tom Homan noted that raids would not be indiscriminate neighborhood sweeps but rather targeted arrests based on investigative processes.

In a recent  NBC interview, President-elect Trump stated that there is no “price tag” for these deportation efforts, emphasizing that the removal of individuals involved in severe crimes is non-negotiable. According to Pew Research, of the 11 million unauthorized immigrants in the U.S., the majority have no criminal record. However, collateral arrests may still occur for those without criminal convictions who are encountered during ICE raids.

Know Your Options and Rights Before Departing

For Filipino nationals who have resided in the U.S. for extended periods, possess strong family ties, and lack criminal convictions, exploring legal options before deciding to leave is advisable. You may still have a right to a hearing where relief, such as a green card, might be possible through immigration courts.

On the other hand, if the prospect of a mass deportation creates anxiety and sleepless nights, you may choose to depart voluntarily—so long as you understand the legal consequences of your decision.

(Atty. Lourdes Tancinco is an immigration attorney and immigrant rights advocate based in the San Francisco Bay area and a partner at the Tancinco Law P.C., law firm established since 1992.  She is also a producer/host of Pusong Pinoy sa Amerika, an immigration law informational show aired on GMA Pinoy TV. She may be reached at law@tancinco.com, www.tancinco.com, facebook/tancincolaw, or at 1-888-930-0808)

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Updates on Biden’s U.S. Citizenship Act of 2021

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The U.S. Citizenship Act of 2021 (H.R. 1177 and S.348) introduced in Congress by the Democrats on February 18 and 22, 2021 is currently referred to various committees including  the Judiciary Committee for hearing and consideration. No significant action has been taken on this Biden bill since its introduction.

There are two stand-alone bills that were approved by the U.S. House of Representatives in the month of March 2021. These are the American Dream and Promise Act and the Farm Workforce Modernization Act. Both of the provisions of these bills are also included in the broader U.S. Citizenship Act of 2021.

(This update is current as of June 7, 2021. Previous updates on the U.S. Citizenship Act of 2021 may be viewed here.)

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Updates on Biden’s U.S. Citizenship Act of 2021

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The U.S. Citizenship Act of 2021 (H.R. 1177 and S.348) introduced in Congress by the Democrats on February 18 and 22, 2021 is currently referred to the Judiciary Committee for hearing and consideration. No significant action has been taken on this Biden bill since its introduction.

There are two stand-alone bills that were approved by the U.S. House of Representatives in the month of March 2021. These are the American Dream and Promise Act and the Farm Workforce Modernization Act. Both of the provisions of these bills are also included in the broader U.S. Citizenship Act of 2021.

The American Dream and Promise Act

On March 18, 2021, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the American Dream and Promise (H.R.6) by a bipartisan vote of 228 to 197. Nine Republicans voted yes with the Democrats. 

The Dream and Promise Act would grant Dreamers conditional permanent resident status for 10 years, and cancel removal proceedings if they:

  1. Have been continuously physically present in the U.S. on or before January 1, 2021;
  2. Were 18 years old or younger on the initial date of entry into the U.S.;
  3. Are not otherwise inadmissible.

The Farm Workforce Modernization Act

On March 18, 2021, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Farm Workforce Modernization Act by a 247 to 174 vote. The passage was bipartisan with 30 Republicans voting yes with the Democrats; one Democrat voted against the bill.

This bill establishes a program for agricultural workers in the United States (and their spouses and minor children) to earn legal status through continued agricultural employment. The bill provides a process for farm workers to seek Certified Agricultural Worker (CAW) status—a temporary status for those who have worked at least 180 days in agriculture over the last 2 years. CAW status can be renewed indefinitely with continued farm work (at least 100 days per year). 

Both the American Dream and Promise Act and the Farm Workforce Modernization Act must be passed before the Senate before it becomes effective as legislation. The Senate must pass these bills with bi-partisan support. Given the support of the Republicans (9 Republicans on the Dream Act and 30 Republicans on the Farmworker bill), we are optimistic that these bills will also pass in the Senate. 

We are monitoring progress of the U.S. Citizenship Act of 2021 where various committees including the Judiciary Committee must recommend approval of the bill after examining all the provisions. If approved it will provide, among others, pathways to citizenship for millions of unauthorized immigrants once passed into law. This is a 353-page bill that would revamp the outdated immigration law which has not been updated in 30 years. The bill states as its purpose “to provide an earned path to citizenship, to address the root causes of migration and responsibly manage the southern border, and to reform the immigrant visa system, and for other purposes.”

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Visas for Spouses & Minor Children of Green Card Holders Available for December 2019

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Normally, one has to be a U.S. citizen to be eligible to file a simultaneous I-130 petition and I-485 application for adjustment of status. Petitions by U.S. citizens on behalf of spouses, parents and minor children are considered as immediate relatives and visas are immediately available. In the last couple of months, the Visa Bulletin under the F2A visa category which covers petitions by green card holders for their minor children and spouses is reflecting a “current” visa availability. Filipinos who are green card holder petitioner’s in certain circumstances may also file simultaneous I-130 petition and I-485 adjustment of status under the F2A visa category.

Claire was petitioned by her mother under the F1B visa category. Her mother is a U.S. citizen who waited for more than 10 years before Claire was able to immigrate to the U.S. under the F1B visa petition. Claire has a minor child, Jason, but was not married to Nico, the father of her child.

When Claire immigrated in 2018 to the United States, she was able to take her minor child Jason with her. But Nico was left behind in Manila. Recently, Nico arrived in the United States on a student visa (F1), he is taking up Masteral Degree related to his career. Claire and Nico recently got married and Claire filed a petition for Nico under the F2A visa category (spouse of a green card holder) on December 1, 2019.

Nico regularly follows and reads the Visa Bulletin issued by the Department of State (DOS) to determine when his visa may become available. He noticed that for the months of F2A, the Final Chart on the Visa Bulletin shows that the F2A has the letter “C” on it. But the Filing Chart shows a 2009 priority date. What does the “C” status on the F2A category mean for Nico? Can Claire now file for his petition and simultaneously adjust his status?

Understanding the Two Charts on the Visa Bulletin

The monthly Department of State Visa Bulletin has two different charts. The DOS will post two charts per visa preference category. The charts are: (1) Application Final Action Dates (dates when visas may finally be issued); and (2) Dates for Filing Applications (earliest dates when applicants may be able to apply).

According to the recently released November 26, 2019 policy guidance, when USCIS determines there are immigrant visas available for the filing of additional adjustment of status applications, generally, the Dates for Filing Applications chart will be used to determine when to file an adjustment of status application with USCIS. Otherwise, if the priority is current as indicated on the Application Final Action Dates chart, then the final action date chart must be used to determine when to file an adjustment of status application with USCIS.

This means that despite a cut-off date on Filing Chart (second chart), if the Final Action chart (first chart) shows a “C” or a current priority date for a visa category, the application for adjustment of status may be filed immediately for that specific month.

Going back to the case of Nico, who is the beneficiary of an F2A petition, since the Final Action chart indicates a C (or a current priority date), he may now file for an adjustment of status. This is because the C indicates that a visa is available for the month of December 2019. However, unlike immediate relative petitions of U.S. citizens, unless there is 245(i) eligibility, beneficiaries of F2A petitions must be in lawful status to be able to file for adjustment of status.

(Atty. Lourdes Santos Tancinco, Esq. is an immigrant advocate and a principal partner at the Tancinco Law Offices, a San Francisco CA based law firm. She may be reached at 1 888 930 0808, law@tancinco.com , facebook.com/tancincolaw, or through this website tancinco.weareph.com/old)

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Closing of USCIS Office in Manila Will Not Adversely Affect U.S. Visa Applicants

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Beginning July 5, 2019, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) field office in Manila will be closed. Visa applicants and those who have pending visa petitions were alarmed by this recent development. It is important to note that the processing and issuance of visas will still continue at the U.S. Embassy in Manila through its visa services unit. USCIS and the U.S. Embassy have distinct responsibilities when it comes to immigration.

The USCIS

The USCIS is an agency within the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and administers the country’s naturalization and immigration system. USCIS field offices such as the one in Manila handle immigration petitions such as petitions for immediate relatives (I-130), Application for Travel Document (Carrier Documentation), Abandonment of Lawful Permanent Resident Status (I-407), among others. The USCIS announced that individuals who were previously assisted in its Manila field offices before June 3, 2019 must follow new filing instructions that may be found on their website (www.uscis.gov).

The U.S. Embassy

The U.S. Embassy is under the U.S. Department of State (DOS) has varying responsibilities in immigration law which include non-immigrant visas, immigrant visas and anti-fraud activities related to the administration of visa issuances among others. The U.S. Embassy handles applications and the issuance of visas.

Both immigrant and non-immigrant visa processing with the U.S. Embassy will continue despite the closure of the USCIS office. General information about the U.S. Embassy Manila is available on the embassy’s website (https://ph.usembassy.gov).

(Atty. Lourdes Santos Tancinco, Esq. is an immigrant advocate and a principal partner at the Tancinco Law Offices, a San Francisco CA based law firm. She may be reached at 1 888 930 0808, law@tancinco.com , facebook.com/tancincolaw, or through her website tancinco.weareph.com/old)

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Philippines Ranks Second in List of Countries with Most Backlogged Petitions

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The U.S. Department of State released a report indicating the number of petitions that are still considered pending for issuance of visas. In the numerical system of immigration, there are only limited number of visas that may be allocated in a given year. The worldwide quota for family based petitions each year is 226,000 and each country gets 7% of this quota. For the petitions filed by US citizens or lawful permanent residents for their qualified relatives in the Philippines, this means that only 15,820 are issued each year.

Immediate relative petitions for spouses, parents and minor children of U.S. citizens do not fall into a category where they have to wait for a visa to be made available. These immediate relative visa petitions have immediate visas available but will have to undergo a visa approval process and a consular processing. On the other hand, family preference petitions relating to petitions filed by U.S. citizens on behalf of their adult single (F1B), adult married children (F3), their siblings (F4) will have to wait for their priority dates to be current. The same holds true to petitions filed by green card holders on behalf of their spouses, unmarried minor (F2A) or unmarried adult (F2B) children.

An approved preference petition will have to wait for its priority date to become current before a visa may be issued. When there are more petitions filed than the visas that are available, a backlog is created. This means that petitions are adjudicated on a first come first serve basis depending on what the priority date is on the petition. Priority date is the date when the petition was filed and it is usually reflected on the the Approval Notice issued by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

Let us examine the severity of the backlogs in family petitions filed on behalf of Filipino nationals. As of November 1, 2018, there are 3,671,442 petitions that are on the pipeline waiting for visas to be issued. The top 3 countries with the highest waiting list are:

  • Mexico with 1,229,505
  • Philippines with 314,229
  • India with 298,571

The petitions that are mostly backlogged for Philippines are petitions by U.S. citizens for their married children (119,315) under the F3 category and those for their siblings (113,489) under the F4 category.

Considering this backlog in the issuance of visa petitions, the longest waiting time for a Filipino family member to receive his/her visa under the F3 and F4 category is 23-24 years. As of the December 2018, the visa petitions that are being processed are those with priority dates of 1995. This means that only petitions that were filed in 1995 are being processed. And if your relative is filing the petition for a sibling or married child in 2018, the waiting time will be 23 years assuming that the the movement of the priority dates is yearly.

Other visa categories like petitions for unmarried adult children of U.S. citizens or permanent residents are taking at least 9-10 years before visas are issued. The petitions by lawful permanent residents for their spouses and minor children take more or less 2 years.

With lengthy waiting periods, situations relating to status or health of petitioners and even beneficiaries (persons being petitioned) may change. Some petitioners may live long enough to see the beneficiaries arrive in the United States and be reunited with them. Others may be stricken with illness and eventually decide to return to the Philippines or even die while waiting for their visas to be issued. Unfortunately, the petition dies with the petitioner rule applies generally unless there is humanitarian reinstatement.

Despite this broken immigration system, a Filipino immigrant does not give up and waits patiently for the relative to arrive. Time passes swiftly and I have witnessed significant number of family reunifications through this lengthy petition process. As I often say to my senior citizen clients, stay healthy and in jest, even tell them ‘bawal mamatay’ (you can’t die yet) if you have a pending petition for your relative. For a Filipino immigrant, family is everything. We are all inspired to work hard because of family and in the end “family unity” is what every immigrant attains to achieve.

(Atty. Lourdes Santos Tancinco, Esq. is a San Francisco-based immigration attorney and an immigrant rights advocate. She may be reached at 1 888 930 0808, law@tancinco.com or facebook.com/tancincolaw, or through her website tancinco.weareph.com/old)