Mi camino hacia la Green Card

Natalia Hynes • July 10, 2021

Green Card basado en matrimonio 👰

        Bajo el actual sistema migratorio americano, hay tres caminos principales para convertirse en un residente permanente, conocido popularmente como un “Titular de la Green Card." Un primer camino es: lazos familiares. Esto significa que un miembro de la familia que califique, como un cónyuge, padre o hijo, patrocina la solicitud. Un segundo camino es: lazos laborales; lo que significa que su empleador patrocina la solicitud. Y tercer camino es: razones humanitarias. Este ultimo es el menos común de los tres caminos, e implica obtener la residencia a través de un programa de inmigración humanitaria, como el asilo o el estatus de refugiado. Este artículo explora el primer camino, la obtención de una green card a través del matrimonio ya que es mi propia historia, obtuve la green card a través del matrimonio con mi esposo.

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       Hace varios años, vine a los Estados Unidos con una visa de estudiante (F-1 / I-20). En el camino, me enamoré  ❤ y me casé 💑 con un caballero estadounidense extraordinario. Siempre le repito a mi esposo, "Tu especie -caballeros- se están extinguiendo lentamente." Sí, honestamente, un caballero en todo el sentido de la palabra es tan difícil de encontrar en estos días. Tuve tanta suerte de encontrarlo. Después de nuestro matrimonio, decidimos quedarnos y hacer nuestra vida aquí en los Estados Unidos, así que consultamos a un experto en inmigración para encontrar la manera de obtener mi "Green Card."


        Una vez que mi caso fue revisado y analizado, me dijeron que era elegible para "ajustar mi estatus a través de mi matrimonio.” Algunos de ustedes se preguntarán, 🤔 "¿qué significa ajuste de estatus?" Pues, yo también me hice la misma pregunta. Esta era la primera vez que había oído esa frase. La busqué en el Diccionario Cambridge y encontré, "ajuste de estatus es el proceso que se puede usar para solicitar el estatus de residente permanente legal cuando se está presente en los Estados Unidos." Seguidamente aprendí cada paso del proceso de "Ajuste de Estatus," como por ejemplo la preparación de formularios, la recolección de documentos, cita biométrica, permiso de trabajo, tarjeta de seguro social, y lo más importante, la entrevista.


       Después que asimile cada parte del proceso, fue mucho más sencillo entender el proceso en su totalidad. Lo que sigue a continuación es mi experiencia durante cada paso del proceso migratorio. Si usted es elegible para este proceso, espero que después de leer este artículo tenga una mejor idea de del referido proceso. 

1. Formularios y Documentos. 

Esté preparado para responder millones de preguntas 😩, inclusive preguntas muy personales; nunca había respondido tantas preguntas en mi vida ¡Ni siquiera cuando solicité una visa de estudiante en la Embajada Americana en Lima! Mis respuestas se utilizaron para completar más de cinco formularios oficiales que mi abogado presentó a USCIS. Los formularios fueron presentados con algunos documentos esenciales de mi esposo y la suscrita a USCIS. Poco tiempo después, USCIS envió recibos confirmando que habían recepcionado mi caso y que el mismo estaba en trámite.


Te dejo un pequeño consejo aquí 👍 Si un experto en inmigración te hace una pregunta o solicita algún documento en particular, por favor proporcione la información o el documento. Siempre hay (déjame enfatizar aquí, siempre) una razón legal detrás de la solicitud.

2. Cita biométrica. 

Meses después de recibir los recibos, fui notificada con la cita biométrica (aquí es donde USCIS toma tus huellas dactilares). Cuando estaba entrando al Centro de Soporte de Aplicaciones (ASC), mi corazón latía tan rápido. Este fue mi primer contacto con USCIS. Después de tomarme las huellas dactilares, el oficial selló y firmó el aviso como evidencia de que había asistido a la cita.

3. Permiso de trabajo y número de seguro social.

Durante el proceso de residencia, algunos solicitantes tienen la opción de solicitar un permiso de trabajo y un número de seguro social en el momento que envían su solicitud de ajuste. No solicité este permiso porque era un estudiante a tiempo completo en aquel momento. Por lo general, el permiso de trabajo llega simultáneamente con la tarjeta del seguro social. En mi caso, obviamente, no fue así. Mi abogado solicitó mi tarjeta de seguro social después de obtener mi Green Card (que es otra opción).

4. Reunión de preparación para la entrevista. 

Finalmente, después de meses de espera, ¡recibí el aviso de que mi caso había sido programado para una entrevista! Yay! 🤗 


    Cuando vi el aviso de la entrevista, tuve sentimientos encontrados. Por un lado, me emocioné hasta las lágrimas; por otro lado, mis nervios estaban hasta el cielo. Por favor tengan presente que la preparación que usted tiene con un abogado para la entrevista es vital para alcanzar la meta soñada.  La preparación para la entrevista es como beber agua en medio del desierto del Sahara en un día de verano. ¿Entiendes la idea? Un experto te guiará meticulosamente sobre lo que sucederá el día de la entrevista y los múltiples escenarios que se pueden presentar; oh sí, pueden presentar miles de escenarios que solo un abogado de inmigración sabrá manejar a tu favor.


     Además, tenga en cuenta que el consejo de un experto en inmigración tiene mucho más valor que el comentario de un amigo sobre el tema (ya sea que personalmente también haya pasado por el proceso o no). A partir de la experiencia única de un amigo, no se puede – y no se debe- formular una regla general. El proceso de inmigración es diferente para cada persona. 

5. Entrevista. 

La noche anterior a la entrevista, para relajar mis nervios, vi dos películas, “The Proposal" con Sandra Bullock y "Green Card" con Andie MacDowell. Ambas películas eran muy apropiadas para la noche anterior a mi entrevista en USCIS, ambas historias de amor, llenas de esperanzas y promesas; exactamente el tipo de mentalidad en la que quería estar antes del gran día que tenía por delante. Una vez que vi esas películas, sentí que estaba lista.


       Desde el momento en que mi esposo y yo fuimos llamados para ser entrevistados, sentí que estaba bajo la lupa del oficial.  😳 Desde el momento en que mi esposo y yo fuimos llamados para ser entrevistados, sentí que estaba bajo la lupa del oficial. Yo diría que la entrevista duró 5 horas; sin embargo, mi esposo me corregiría inmediatamente (como cualquier otro esposo en el mundo) y me recordaría que la entrevista sólo duró 30 minutos. El oficial repasó los formularios y nos hizo algunas preguntas específicas sobre nuestra casa; después, se levantó de su silla y, extendiendo su mano, me dijo sonriendo, "Señora Hynes, bienvenida a los Estados Unidos de América."   😍 Ese día fue uno de los días más felices de mi vida. Semanas después de la entrevista, recibí la famosa "Green Card" por correo. 

       Algunas historias de amor, como la mía, tienen finales felices, al igual que las películas - “The Proposal " y "Green Card". Si usted tiene alguna pregunta o inquietud acerca de la Green Card basada en el matrimonio, por favor programe una consulta de registro gratuita con la suscrita. ¡Esperamos poder ayudarlo con su caso de inmigración y esperamos que usted también encuentre su final feliz!👩


This blog is not intended to be legal advice and nothing here should be construed as establishing an attorney client relationship. Please schedule a consultation with an immigration attorney before acting on any information read here.


Natalia Hynes

The Laken Riley Act: A New Era of State Involvement in Federal Immigration Policy

By Kris Quadros-Ragar • February 6, 2025
On January 29, 2025, President Trump signed the Laken Riley Act into law, significantly altering how immigration policies are enforced in the United States. This legislation grants State attorneys general and other authorized officials unprecedented authority to interpret and implement federal immigration policies. It also empowers them to take legal action against the federal government if they believe federal immigration enforcement negatively impacts their state. With this new authority, states now play a direct role in shaping immigration outcomes—a responsibility traditionally held by the federal government. One of the most immediate effects of the Laken Riley Act is that it allows states to seek injunctive relief to block the issuance of visas to nationals of countries that refuse or unreasonably delay the acceptance of their citizens who have been ordered removed from the United States . This means that if a country does not cooperate with U.S. deportation efforts, its nationals—regardless of their legal status—could face significant difficulties obtaining or renewing visas. As a result, foreign nationals from these countries may encounter increased uncertainty when traveling internationally or securing work authorization in the U.S. Beyond visa processing, the law introduces a new level of unpredictability into the immigration system. By allowing state attorneys general to intervene in federal procedures, and immigration policies that may now vary based on state-level decisions. In the coming months, it remains to be seen how individual states will wield this power—whether they will actively seek to block visa issuance or push for broader immigration enforcement measures. For foreign nationals and employers, staying informed about which countries are deemed “uncooperative” is now more important than ever. Those needing visa renewals or planning international travel should prepare for potential delays and seek professional guidance to navigate these uncertainties. The Laken Riley Act also mandates federal immigration authorities to detain and deport individuals without legal status who are charged with certain offenses, including minor theft or shoplifting, assaulting a law enforcement officer, and crimes resulting in death or serious bodily injury. This provision underscores a stricter approach to immigration enforcement, affecting individuals accused of both minor and serious offenses. With immigration policies now subject to a new layer of state involvement, it is more important than ever to stay informed and prepared for potential challenges. If you have concerns about how the Laken Riley Act may affect your immigration status or business, contact Santos Lloyd Law Firm for strategic counsel tailored to your needs.

Understanding the January 28, 2025, Vacatur Memo on Venezuela TPS

By Angelica Rice • January 31, 2025
On January 28, 2025, Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem vacated the January 10, 2025, decision by former Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas that had extended the 2023 designation of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Venezuela and ordered that his January 17, 2025, notice re-designating Venezuela TPS be vacated. This action has understandably caused confusion and concern among Venezuelan TPS beneficiaries and those with pending applications. It is critical to clarify that this does not mean that the TPS program for Venezuela has been eliminated . Instead, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) must now reconsider whether to re-designate (extend) or terminate the previous Venezuela TPS designations from 2021 and 2023. What Does the Vacatur Mean? Because the January 17, 2025, TPS extension was vacated, the most recent valid TPS designation for Venezuela remains the October 3, 2023, designation . The vacatur does not immediately affect TPS protections for individuals covered under the prior designations. However, DHS must make key decisions in the coming months: By February 1, 2025 , DHS must decide whether to extend or terminate the October 3, 2023, designation . By July 12, 2025 , DHS must decide whether to extend or terminate the March 9, 2021, designation . If the Secretary does not make a timely determination (for example, if the Secretary were not to make determination by February 1, 2025 whether to extend or terminate the 2023 Venezuela TPS designation), then the statute provides for an automatic extension of the designation for an additional period of 6 months . INA 244(b)(3)(C), 8 U.S.C. 1254a(b)(3)(C). Until these decisions are made, TPS remains in effect under the previous designations , and those who have already been granted TPS are not immediately impacted. Who Is Affected and What Should You Do? Current TPS Holders If you were already granted TPS under the March 9, 2021, or October 3, 2023, designations, your status remains valid. You must continue to comply with all re-registration requirements to maintain your protection and work authorization. Re-registration period: TPS beneficiaries under the 2021 and 2023 designations must re-register between January 17, 2025, and September 10, 2025 , to maintain their legal status and work authorization. Individuals with Pending TPS Applications as of January 17, 2025 If you applied for TPS before January 17, 2025 , under a previous designation, your application will continue to be processed . If your application is approved, your TPS protection will remain valid at least until April 2, 2025 . There is no need to reapply. Individuals Who Applied for TPS Between January 10, 2025, and January 28, 2025 If you applied for TPS during this period, USCIS will cease processing your applications and issue refunds of any fees paid in association with those applications . Additionally, USCIS will invalidate EADs; Forms 1-797, Notice of Action (Approval Notice); and Forms 1-94, Arrival/Departure Record (collectively known as TPS-related documentation) that have been issued with October 2, 2026 expiration dates under the January 17, 2025 Mayorkas Notice. What Happens Next? Given the Biden administration’s prior support for TPS, many expect DHS to extend or re-designate Venezuela for TPS rather than terminate it . However, no final decision has been made , and Venezuelan nationals with TPS or pending applications should continue to follow updates closely. What Should You Do Now? If you currently hold TPS , continue to comply with all TPS renewal requirements and remain aware of DHS’s upcoming decisions. If you have a pending application , check USCIS updates regularly and consult with an immigration attorney for the latest guidance.  If you applied between January 17, 2025, and January 28, 2025 , seek legal counsel to understand how the vacatur may affect your application. Stay Informed and Get Legal Guidance Our immigration firm is closely following these developments and will provide updates as soon as DHS makes its decision. If you have questions about your TPS status or how this memo affects your case, contact our office today for a consultation. For more information, refer to the official DHS notice on the vacatur: Vacatur of 2025 Temporary Protected Status Decision for Venezuela .

U.S. Birthright Citizenship: The new Trump Order and its Legal Challenges

By Angelica Rice • January 23, 2025
On January 20, 2025, President Donald Trump signed an executive order titled "Protecting the Meaning and Value of American Citizenship," which aims to end birthright citizenship for certain children born in the United States . This order specifically targets children born to mothers who are either unlawfully present or temporarily in the U.S. on visas, such as student, work, or tourist visas, if the father is neither a U.S. citizen nor a lawful permanent resident. Under this new policy, these children will no longer be granted automatic U.S. citizenship. The order is set to take effect 30 days from its signing and applies only to births occurring after that period, meaning it does not retroactively affect children born before the effective date. This executive order challenges the long-standing interpretation of the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which guarantees citizenship to all individuals born on American soil . The amendment states, "All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside." For over a century, this provision has been understood to grant citizenship to most individuals born in the U.S., regardless of their parents' immigration status. In response to the executive order, immigrant rights advocacy groups, including the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), have filed lawsuits challenging its constitutionality . They argue that the order violates the clear mandate of the 14th Amendment and undermines fundamental American values. Legal experts anticipate that this issue will be contested in courts, with the potential for the order to be blocked or overturned. On January 23, 2025, a federal judge in Seattle issued a temporary restraining order (TRO), effectively blocking the executive order from taking effect for the next 14 days . The court cited potential constitutional violations and the need for further legal briefings before any enforcement could proceed. This ruling provides temporary relief to affected families and signals the likelihood of a prolonged legal battle. Further hearings are scheduled to determine whether the order will be permanently blocked or allowed to proceed. For families affected by this order, there is growing concern about the potential challenges their children may face without U.S. citizenship. Access to essential services, education, and employment opportunities could become more difficult for those impacted. However, it is important to remain hopeful, as the legal system provides checks and balances to ensure that any executive action aligns with constitutional principles. Historically, similar attempts to restrict birthright citizenship have faced significant legal challenges and have not been upheld . If you or someone you know may be impacted by this executive order, staying informed and understanding your rights is crucial. At Santos Lloyd Law Firm, P.C., our trusted immigration attorneys are available to provide guidance and support during this uncertain time, please contact us if you need assistance.
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