When you’re watching dangerous stunts on TV, there is usually a warning that the viewer should “not try this at home.” I’d like to think of this post as a warning to foreign nationals (and Americans, for that matter) that certain movies do not realistically depict immigration situations. By all means watch these films for their dramatic plots, intrigue, romantic moments, and even comedic value, but do not rely on them for learning how the US immigration system works. We have provided grades, not for the quality of the movie but for how well they manage the immigration facts.
Read moreI love you. You’re perfect. Now, we need a visa.
When I became an immigration attorney, something happened that I wasn’t quite expecting. I found myself curious about the immigration aspects of strangers’ lives. From the famous actress on the Oscars’ red carpet who is speaking with that lovely accent to the athlete from Eastern Europe joining the NBA to the random bike messenger with a brogue, I wanted to know the path that led them to the US. It was more than that, too. When Justin Bieber was arrested (multiple times) my first thought was, “How will this affect his immigration status?” When George Clooney became engaged to a British woman, my mind immediately went to what kind of a visa would she get (and then shortly thereafter to, “Guess my chances are gone”).
Needless to say, I love all things pop culture, and that includes reality television. So, when Joseph sent me a link to TLC’s 90 Day Fiance, I was immediately intrigued.
Read moreMy Favorite International Travel Apps
When I was twenty, I studied abroad in Barcelona. At that time, whenever I left my apartment, my bag had (at least) a Spanish/English dictionary, a map, a camera, a basic cell phone, a notebook and pen, a calling card, a train schedule—shall I go on? Without admitting my true age, technology has dramatically changed travel since then. Now, I can leave with only my iPhone and my credit card/cash and I can easily get around and communicate with locals wherever I am. I love—LOVE—to travel and the following apps are ones that will make any trip run as smoothly as possible.
Read moreO-2s in America
There is the old adage, “It takes a village to raise a child,” and the same is true (well, the village part, not the child part) for many artists and athletes working in the US on an O-1 visa. Indeed, behind many leading photographers, directors, athletes, actors, make-up artists, and other O-1 holders here in the US, there is often an individual or team of qualified, experienced, and essential support personnel in O-2 status who have worked extensively with the O-1 beneficiary over the years and who ensure every project runs smoothly.
Who can use the O-2?
The O-2 classification is for essential support personnel of an O-1 artist or athlete. A photographer’s assistant or retoucher, members of a graphic design team, members of a film crew, actors, or other such personnel, may qualify for the O-2 visa. There is no enumerated list of qualified positions. Moreover, more than one support personnel member can apply for O-2 classification with the same O-1.
Anna and Karl
Anna and Karl (on the corner of Kenmare and Elizabeth in Soho) by artist Bradley Theodore, who says: "'Fashion allows people to become art[.}'”
New York F/W Fashion Week Report
Twice a year, in February and September, New York City hosts Fashion Week: an eight-day long fashion extravaganza. According to The New York Times, New York Fashion Week presents approximately 320 shows and hauls in over $860 million for the City (more than the US Open, the marathon, or Super Bowl). Fashion Week is the culmination of months of work for not only designers, but also for many other artists and contributors, including supremely talented producers, hairstylists, makeup artists, nail artists, fashion stylists, set designers, DJs, and models, all helping to make these shows works of art. We always love an invite to a show whether for our clients or designers we admire. For buyers and editors the shows mark the beginning of their work for the next season, but luckily for us we can sit back and enjoy the shows solely for their fashion and artistic merits.
I attended two shows: the Jill Stuart show, held in the Tents at Lincoln Center, and the Marc Jacobs show at the Armory. I also watched MADE Fashion Week at Milk Studios from afar (okay, from our offices across the street).
Read moreImmigration Apps
Thirty years ago cells phones were the size of footballs and were limited to making and receiving phone calls. Now we can order dinner, email a coworker, and play Words With Friends with a cousin who lives across the country. The variety and sophistication of apps continues to multiply daily, and that includes apps related to US immigration law. We downloaded and tested some of these apps, and while nothing can replace the value of seeking professional legal advice from an attorney, these may be helpful tools to help with the US immigration process.
Pocket DACA (free) on iTunes and Google Play – On June 15, 2012, President Obama signed a memo outlining consideration for deferred action for certain undocumented foreign nationals called Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA). One great app we found is Pocket DACA. The app’s main function is to walk the user through the process of figuring out if he/she is eligible to apply for DACA. As users go through the requirements, the app either allows users to continue or stops and explains why the user is not eligible. It also asks follow-up questions depending upon the answers given. If the user makes it to the end of the brief set of questions, the user may enter his/her zip code and find local legal assistance. The app also features a helpful FAQ tab, which tells the user what forms to use, how much it costs to apply for DACA, and other pertinent information. The app also does a great job at updating its DACA news tab. Overall, this is a helpful app for users to find out if they are eligible for DACA.
CitizenshipWorks (free) on iTunes and Google Play – This is one of the most comprehensive immigration mobile apps we found and it is available in both English and Spanish. With this app, the user can determine eligibility for naturalization, learn about the process of naturalizing, find legal assistance, and study for the requisite citizenship test. Additionally, while there are dozens of citizenship tests available in the iPhone app store (ranging from free to $4.99), CitizenshipWorks has perhaps one of the best practice tests we found. Most other apps are set up as a multiple-choice test, which is not how the exam is actually given. CitizenshipWorks’ quiz is set up as a Q&A, best played with a friend. Indeed, the exam is giving orally and this will help the user practice speaking the answers out loud. In short, this app is helpful, easy to navigate, and practical.
USCIS Helper (free) on iTunes – The user plugs in his/her receipt number, and the app will give the case status from the US Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS) website. This app is not affiliated with USCIS, so there is a disclaimer that the app does not guarantee the accuracy of the information. We did, however, check a case to test the app and the information was current and accurate. One drawback is that while the user can store multiple case numbers, there is no place to set an alert for the case number entered. Instead, the user will have to go into the app and check it manually instead of receiving an alert when the status of the case has changed; however, this developer, Spinach Mobile LLC, does have an app available for Android devices and on Google Play called USCIS Case Status Notifier that does just this. This feature on the iPhone could greatly improve the app.
Best Time to Cross the Border (free) on iTunes and Google Play – The app, created by students at the University of California – San Diego, focuses on Mexican and Canadian border wait times. It provides information about entering the United States (not exiting) via foot or car from these countries. On this app, users can not only check current wait times, but can also search the best time to cross according to the average over the previous three months. It also breaks down the wait times according to passenger, commercial, and pedestrian lanes. It should be noted, however, that a quick search through the app’s reviews note several instances when the app was inaccurate.
VisaProcs ($1.99) on iTunes – Like USCIS Helper, VisaProcs is a helpful and practical immigration app. The app provides current visa bulletin dates and visa processing times for various service centers, and while it is not officially affiliated with USCIS, when we checked information against USCIS.gov, it was correct. As with USCIS Helper, while these apps can be a convenient source of information, it is always safest to double-check on USCIS.gov (for free!) for the most current and accurate information.
While we did find some helpful immigration-related apps here, we’re looking forward to a time when USCIS, Customs, and US Embassies/Consulates worldwide use smartphone apps in new and inventive ways to help navigate the immigration process. In the meantime, they are active on YouTube.
P-1 Fact Pattern: The Hungarian Dolls
This is a fictional fact pattern case study for the purposes of providing general legal information. No Daryanani & Bland client information is used or revealed and any similarity to real people is entirely coincidental.
MICKEY: Hi, Sienna. It’s Mickey. If you remember, I’m a manager with the Heater Group, a talent agency in LA. You helped one of our artists get a work visa before, and now I just signed on to manage a fantastic girl group from London. We want to bring them over here to the US to start touring as soon as possible.
MICKEY: They’re called The Hungarian Dolls, and it’s five women: Allison is the best singer and the face of the group, known as Hot Doll. Katrina is the youngest member. She's quiet so we named her Shy Doll. Tara is our best dancer. She’s called Fierce Doll. Samantha is originally from Russia and exudes self-confidence so she’s referred to as Vixen Doll. Then there’s Anka, the oldest member of the group. She has truly seen it all. She's Crazy Doll. Can they just come to the US under the visa waiver program to perform?
Read moreFILM REVIEW: The Visitor
The Visitor, a 2007 film written and directed by Thomas McCarthy, begins with Walter, a college professor in Connecticut, working through the mundane tasks of his everyday life. He is again teaching the economics course he has taught for many years, never updating the material or injecting any enthusiasm. He wakes up, lectures, goes home, and then does it again the next day. Without any real skill or passion, he spends his free time attempting to learn piano. When a faculty member tells Walter that he must attend a conference in New York City, he doesn’t want to go, but he does not have a choice. A few days later, he finds himself back in the city at an apartment he owns but rarely visits.
Read more14th St. and Washington
Right outside our front door.