Posted on February 20, 2020 in Immigration

The U.S. immigration process can seem intimidating to someone who has never stepped foot in the United States before. An immigrant cannot simply come here without having proper documentation. There are many terms and designations that foreign nationals need to understand if they want to enter the country legally. A person from a foreign country who wishes to enter the United States lawfully must first obtain a visa, which is a travel document issued by the individual’s country of citizenship. There are different types of visas, so it is imperative that those going through the immigration process understand which visas are available to them. The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) in conjunction with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced the countries that are eligible to participate in the H-2A and H-2B visa programs.

Who Made the Cut?

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 Posted on February 17, 2020 in Personal Injury

Owning a dog is usually a very rewarding experience. Multiple studies have shown that canine companionship is good for humans of all ages, because a dog can reduce stress and promote relaxation. However, not everyone’s experience with dogs is good. Although canines can be domesticated, they do not always act in predictable ways, and they can cause serious harm if they decide to attack someone. Though dog bites can happen to any person, children tend to be most susceptible. Injuries sustained from a dog bite can range in severity from small scrapes or bruises to severe lacerations or serious infections. If you have been bitten by a dog in Illinois, you may be able to claim compensation for your injuries.

Legal Liability for Dog Bites

In some states, owners are not liable for first-time dog bite attacks if they did not have a reason to believe their dog was capable of that behavior. Illinois is not one of those states. According to the Illinois Animal Control Act, dog owners are responsible for injuries inflicted by their animals in most situations, even if it is the first time the dog has acted with aggression. Typically, the onlys way an owner would not be held liable is if the victim provoked the dog or if they were trespassing on the owner’s property.

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 Posted on February 13, 2020 in Immigration

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has updated its policy manual regarding mobile biometrics services and fingerprint waivers. USCIS mandates that all applicants, petitioners, beneficiaries, sponsors, derivatives, and others who petition for certain immigration benefits must go through biometrics testing. Biometrics refers to specific body measurements, calculations, and metrics related to human characteristics. This scientific system is used to verify identity and conduct criminal and national security background checks. Below are the updated policy guidelines that are now in effect. The goal of the updates is to enhance consistency, fairness, and efficiency in how biometrics services are handled for immigration cases.

Mobile Biometrics Services

Typically, immigration applicants can initiate the biometrics collection process by scheduling an appointment at an Applicant Support Center (ASC). In limited cases and depending on a requestor’s circumstances, USCIS provides mobile biometrics services. Those with a disability or a health issue that does not allow them to attend in person are eligible for the mobile option.

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 Posted on February 12, 2020 in Family Law

When considering divorce, people are often concerned about two main points: the disruption that they and their children will experience in their lives and how much the divorce will cost. While one cannot overlook or discount the emotional pain that comes with the end of a marriage, financial issues can also be an important components of a divorce case. The costs involved in a divorce can vary significantly depending on the situation and the couple involved. Many circumstances, such as difficulties with the division of assets, can increase the overall cost of a divorce. Contentious divorces typically cost more than amicable ones. In short, couples who are concerned about the cost of divorce are encouraged to look for ways and opportunities to minimize their expenses.

Litigation Versus Negotiation

One of the biggest factors that can be controlled in a divorce is the choice to resolve issues as amicably as possible. Divorces that are litigated in the courtroom tend to be more costly than those that are negotiated, but even a mediated divorce can become quite pricey - especially if the negotiation process does not work out. However, in most cases, couples can reduce the costs of divorce by negotiating a settlement outside of the courtroom.

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 Posted on February 07, 2020 in Personal Injury

Although there are many prevention programs that aim to reduce the likelihood of car accidents, these tragedies still take place every day. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were more than 6.7 million police-reported traffic crashes in the United States in 2018. In those crashes, more than 2.7 million people were injured, and more than 36,000 were killed. Agencies such as NHTSA have made strides in determining the causes behind car accidents and the different methods that can be used to prevent them from happening altogether.

Crash-Related Factors

Even though a car accident can occur at any time and for many different reasons, there are certain actions that can increase the likelihood of an automobile crash taking place. Listed below are a few common things that have been found to cause a fender bender:

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 Posted on February 06, 2020 in Family Law

Parental guilt is exceedingly common among parents who get divorced, as many moms and dads struggle to overcome the feelings of remorse as they worry whether the choices they have made are what is best their child. Unfortunately, parents who succumb to such guilt can contribute to the manifestation of behavioral issues in their child, perhaps to the point where the child feels the need to comfort the parent. As a result, children in this type of situation may suffer from maladjustment during their developmental years. Thankfully, with an understanding of why parental guilt should be put into perspective, you may be able to avoid these issues and help your child get through the divorce process. Here are some tips that can help protect your child from the effects of divorce-related guilt:

• Be honest - Your kids can tell that you feel bad about the divorce, but voicing your emotions out loud can put them in a difficult position where they may feel the need to protect your feelings. You will want to be thoughtful about how you word things. Do not apologize for splitting up with your spouse when you know it is the best option for your family. Instead, apologize for the pain that it is causing your child. This approach lets them know that their hurt is your hurt, and it encourages them to accept the changes for what they are.

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 Posted on February 05, 2020 in Immigration

A division of the Department of Homeland Security, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is the federal agency that monitors lawful immigration to the United States. This includes the process that allows foreign nationals to work in the United States. Some of the opportunities are temporary, and some provide a path to a Green Card or lawful permanent residence (LPR) status. Recently, the USCIS proposed regulations to deter aliens from entering the country illegally by filing fraudulent or invalid applications for asylum in order to obtain U.S. work authorization.

Who Can Receive U.S. Employment Authorization?

The United States offers numerous employment opportunities in all kinds of industries. That is why many people who are from a foreign land wish to work in this country. To do so legally, a person must have one of the following:

• Permanent Resident Card (Green Card)

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 Posted on January 31, 2020 in Personal Injury

Riding a motorcycle can be a great experience, but it can also be dangerous. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were more than 5,000 motorcycle fatalities that occurred in the United States in 2017. Even if a wrongful death does not occur in a motorcycle accident, motorcyclists may experience several different types of injuries. The NHTSA also reports that there were roughly 89,000 motorcyclists injured in 2017. These injuries can range from minor to severe, depending on the circumstances of a crash, and they may include lacerations and cuts or spinal cord or brain damage. Listed below are a few more of the most common injuries that can occur in a motorcycle accident:

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 Posted on January 29, 2020 in Family Law

A study conducted by the National Survey of Family Growth reported that 48 percent of marriages dissolve by the 20-year milestone, and 20 percent of first marriages dissolve within 5 years after the wedding day. Although these kinds of statistics are grim, divorce does not have to be emotionally devastating. In fact, many couples manage to separate in a healthy way. If you and your spouse are seeking an amicable divorce, the following tips can help throughout the process:

1. Focus on Communication and Collaboration

Many couples struggle throughout the divorce process, because they cannot put their emotions aside for an extended period of time. You have a better chance of avoiding this issue when you take a proactive approach. The best course of action is to be prepared for the inevitable waves of emotion that can surface from the situation. Whenever you are caught in the heat of the moment and feel the urge to lash out, or if you are resistant to suggestions made by your spouse because you want to “win” the case, remind yourself that fighting only delays the process for everyone. Collaboration and effective communication can help facilitate a smoother separation and can reduce the overall amount of time you spend in the legal process.

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 Posted on January 28, 2020 in Personal Injury

Dogs are a man’s best friend and have been for thousands of years. As working animals and loving companions, it is no wonder that dogs are one of the most popular pets in the United States. Even though dogs are typically friendly with cheerful demeanors, they are still animals. You cannot always predict the behavior of a dog, even if they are trained and have no prior history of being aggressive. When dogs attack, the injuries that result can be severe. If you or a loved one has experienced a dog bite injury, you be sure to understand your options for receiving compensation. Here are a few mistakes that a dog bite victim should try to avoid after suffering from attack:

1: Not Getting Medical Attention

The first thing you should do after you are bitten by a dog is seek medical attention. Even if you think your injury is not that bad or that you do not need first aid, you should do so anyways. Getting your injury examined by a medical professional can ensure that the incident and injuries are documented, which can be useful later in the compensation recovery process.

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