December 9, 2013
A deadly typhoon ravaged the Philippines last month, leaving millions homeless and claiming countless lives. The Nashville Immigration Lawyers with Ponce Law explain that Filipino nationals may be eligible for certain immigration relief efforts from the U.S Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
A Press Release from the USCIS indicates that under certain circumstances like natural disasters, those applying for immigration to the United States may be eligible to extend certain application deadlines and grants. They may even qualify for changes to their nonimmigrant status, even if the authorized period of admission has expired. Certain fees may also be waived, and employment authorization may also be expedited.
Those who have been affected by the typhoon may also be eligible for faster processing of immigration petitions if the applicant has immediate relatives who are citizens of the United States.
Anyone wishing to invoke their right to these exceptions are encouraged to contact the USCIS through their website or by contacting the National Customer Service Center at 1-800-375-5283.
The Nashville Personal Injury Lawyers with Michael D. Ponce & Associates point out the processes to implement these exceptions can be quite complicated and complex. That is why the firm would encourage anyone considering changing their immigration status to discuss his or her legal rights with a reputable attorney first.