International students: Learn key tips to maintain your F-1 visa status while studying in the U.S. Get legal support from the Law Office of Michael P. Kenny.

Facing deportation in Denver? Learn your legal options—from asylum to cancellation of removal—with help from the Law Office of Michael P. Kenny.

Explore the differences between H-1B and L-1 visas, including eligibility, sponsorship, and duration. The Law Office of Michael P. Kenny in Denver offers guidance for U.S. work visa applications.

Who Qualifies for Talent-Based Immigration to the United States?

What Are the Documents Required to Apply for Naturalization?

When facing immigration detention in Denver, Colorado, one of the most critical concerns for individuals and their families is the bond amount. Immigration bonds allow detained individuals to be released from custody while awaiting their court hearings. However, bond amounts can vary based on several factors. Understanding these factors is essential for those seeking to secure release or reduce bond amounts in their immigration cases. Flight Risk and Criminal History One of the primary factors that influence bond amounts is the perceived flight risk of the individual. If the immigration judge believes the person may not attend their future hearings, they may set a higher bond amount to ensure their appearance in court. Criminal history also plays a significant role in the bond decision. Individuals with a past criminal record, particularly involving serious offenses, may face higher bond amounts or even the denial of bond altogether due to concerns over public safety. Family Ties and Community Support The individual’s ties to the community are another critical consideration. Those with strong family connections or community involvement in Denver may be granted lower bond amounts, as these ties are seen as indicators of stability and the likelihood of attending future hearings. Letters of support from family, employers, or community members can sometimes help in demonstrating a person’s roots and positive standing in the community. Immigration History and Legal Status An individual's immigration history is also evaluated when determining bond. Those who have a history of immigration violations, such as previous deportations or overstaying visas, may face higher bond amounts as they may be seen as less likely to comply with immigration laws. In contrast, individuals with a clean immigration record, who have complied with U.S. immigration laws, may be granted more favorable bond terms. Various factors, including flight risk, criminal history, community ties, and immigration history influence the bond amount in immigration cases. If you or a loved one is facing immigration detention in Denver, it is crucial to understand these factors and how they affect bond decisions. Working with an experienced immigration attorney can help ensure your case is properly presented, potentially reducing the bond amount or securing a more favorable outcome. 4o mini

Who Can Apply for Asylum in the United States?

Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) is a vital program that has allowed many young immigrants, often referred to as "Dreamers," to live, study, and work in the United States without fear of deportation. At the Law Office of Michael P. Kenny in Colorado, we are dedicated to helping Dreamers understand their rights and navigate the complexities of DACA to secure a brighter future.  What Is DACA? DACA is an immigration policy introduced by the Obama administration in 2012 that provides temporary protection from deportation for individuals who were brought to the U.S. as children and meet certain eligibility criteria. While DACA does not offer a path to permanent residency or citizenship, it provides crucial benefits, such as work authorization and protection from removal. DACA Eligibility Requirements To qualify for DACA, you must meet specific criteria: Age at Entry: You must have arrived in the United States before your 16th birthday. Residency: You must have continuously lived in the U.S. since June 15, 2007. Presence in the U.S.: You must have been physically present in the U.S. on June 15, 2012, and at the time of applying for DACA. Age as of 2012: You must have been under the age of 31 as of June 15, 2012. Education or Military Service: You must be currently in school, have graduated, or obtained a GED, or be an honorably discharged veteran of the U.S. military. No Serious Criminal Record: Individuals with certain criminal convictions, including felonies or serious misdemeanors, are ineligible for DACA. Benefits of DACA for Dreamers For many Dreamers, DACA provides critical benefits that enable them to pursue their goals and contribute to their communities: Work Authorization: DACA recipients can apply for work permits, allowing them to work legally in the U.S. Protection from Deportation: DACA offers temporary protection from removal for two years, which is renewable. Education Access: Many Dreamers use DACA to access educational opportunities, such as higher education, scholarships, and, in some cases, in-state tuition rates. Driver’s License: In Colorado, DACA recipients are eligible to apply for driver’s licenses, which increases their mobility and independence. The Future of DACA Although DACA has been a lifeline for many young immigrants, its future remains uncertain due to ongoing legal challenges and shifting immigration policies. Recent court rulings have limited the ability to process new DACA applications, though renewals are still being accepted. It’s essential for current DACA recipients to stay informed about the status of the program and ensure their renewals are filed on time. DACA Renewals: Why It’s Important to Act Early If you are a current DACA recipient, it’s crucial to renew your DACA status before it expires to avoid any gaps in protection or work authorization. The renewal process involves submitting the necessary paperwork, supporting documents, and fees to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). At the Law Office of Michael P. Kenny, we help ensure that your application is completed correctly and submitted in a timely manner. Filing for renewal at least 120 to 150 days before your expiration date is recommended to avoid delays that could affect your employment or legal status. What Happens If DACA Ends? If DACA is terminated or altered significantly, Dreamers may face uncertainty regarding their legal status and future in the U.S. In such a scenario, it’s essential to explore alternative legal options. Some potential pathways include: Family-Based Petitions: If you have a family member who is a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, they may be able to sponsor you for a green card. Employment-Based Visas: Certain Dreamers may qualify for employment-based visas, especially if they have advanced skills or are employed in high-demand industries. Asylum: Dreamers who fear persecution in their home country may be eligible to apply for asylum. At the Law Office of Michael P. Kenny, we are committed to helping Dreamers explore all available options to secure a stable future in the United States. How the Law Office of Michael P. Kenny Can Help Navigating the complexities of immigration law can be challenging, especially for Dreamers facing uncertainty regarding their legal status. At the Law Office of Michael P. Kenny, we provide comprehensive legal services to help DACA recipients and other immigrants in Colorado understand their rights and protect their future. Our services include: DACA Applications and Renewals: We assist with the initial DACA application process and ensure timely and accurate renewals. Legal Consultation on Immigration Options: We explore all potential pathways for Dreamers, including family-based petitions, work visas, or other forms of relief. Advocacy and Representation: If you encounter legal issues or challenges related to DACA, we are here to represent you and ensure your rights are protected. DACA has been a critical program for thousands of young immigrants, offering protection and opportunities to build a life in the United States. However, with ongoing legal challenges, it’s essential for Dreamers to stay informed and seek legal guidance to protect their status. At the Law Office of Michael P. Kenny, we are dedicated to supporting DACA recipients and helping them navigate the complexities of immigration law. If you are a Dreamer or have questions about your immigration status, contact the Law Office of Michael P. Kenny today for a consultation. We are here to help you secure your future in Colorado.

Navigating the U.S. immigration system can be complex, especially when seeking certain benefits that require proving a “qualifying relative.” Whether you are applying for a waiver of inadmissibility, cancellation of removal, or some other form of immigration relief, understanding what constitutes a qualifying relative and how to meet this requirement is essential. In this blog post, we’ll break down the concept of a qualifying relative, the role it plays in immigration applications, and key strategies for demonstrating eligibility. What is a “Qualifying Relative”? In the context of U.S. immigration law, a qualifying relative is a family member whose relationship to an immigrant makes the immigrant eligible for certain waivers or forms of relief. This relative must meet specific criteria, depending on the type of immigration benefit or waiver sought. Not every family relationship qualifies, and the specific requirements can vary significantly based on the legal context. Common Situations Requiring a Qualifying Relative There are several scenarios in which proving the existence of a qualifying relative is crucial. Some of the most common include: Waivers of Inadmissibility Individuals deemed inadmissible to the United States due to unlawful presence, criminal history, or other grounds may apply for a waiver of inadmissibility. In most cases, a qualifying relative—typically a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident (LPR) spouse or parent—must demonstrate that they would suffer extreme hardship if the waiver is not granted. Cancellation of Removal for Non-Permanent Residents To apply for cancellation of removal, non-permanent residents must show that their removal would result in exceptional and extremely unusual hardship to a qualifying relative, which is usually defined as a U.S. citizen or LPR spouse, parent, or child. Adjustment of Status Based on Certain Grounds of Inadmissibility Some adjustment of status applicants who are subject to specific grounds of inadmissibility may need to establish a qualifying relationship to a U.S. citizen or LPR spouse or parent to overcome these barriers. Provisional Unlawful Presence Waivers Immigrants who have accrued unlawful presence and need to leave the U.S. for a consular interview can apply for a provisional waiver to reduce the risk of being barred from re-entry. This waiver often requires a qualifying relative, which is typically a U.S. citizen or LPR spouse or parent. Who Can Be a Qualifying Relative? The exact definition of a qualifying relative varies depending on the type of relief or waiver sought. The most common qualifying relatives include: Spouse: A U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident spouse can often serve as a qualifying relative in waiver applications and other contexts. Parent: U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident parents may qualify, particularly for non-citizen children applying for certain types of waivers. Child: In some scenarios, a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident child may be a qualifying relative. However, for certain waivers, children are not considered qualifying relatives. Proving the “Extreme Hardship” Standard In many cases, the existence of a qualifying relative is not enough on its own. Applicants must also prove that the qualifying relative would suffer “extreme hardship” if the immigrant were denied the requested benefit. This can be one of the most challenging aspects of the process. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) considers several factors when evaluating hardship, including: Health Concerns: If the qualifying relative has a serious medical condition that would be worsened by separation or relocation. Financial Impact: If the denial of relief would result in a significant financial burden on the qualifying relative. Emotional or Psychological Hardship: Separation from a close family member or the emotional impact of relocating to a foreign country. Educational and Professional Impact: If the qualifying relative would lose educational or career opportunities due to the denial. Supporting evidence for extreme hardship might include medical records, psychological evaluations, affidavits from family members, financial documentation, and expert testimony. Preparing a Strong Application Successfully meeting the qualifying relative requirement and proving extreme hardship requires thorough preparation and careful presentation of evidence. Here are some tips for strengthening your case: Gather Comprehensive Documentation Collect all relevant documents that support your relationship with the qualifying relative and demonstrate the hardships they would face. This might include medical records, financial statements, educational transcripts, and personal statements. Focus on the Specific Hardship Factors Tailor your evidence to focus on the factors that USCIS will consider, such as health conditions, financial impact, and emotional well-being. Highlight any factors that make the case unique or particularly compelling. Submit Expert Opinions In some cases, expert testimony, such as a letter from a doctor or mental health professional, can strengthen the argument that a qualifying relative would suffer extreme hardship. Create a Cohesive Narrative Present the case as a cohesive story that shows how the immigrant’s departure or inability to remain in the U.S. would have a profound impact on the qualifying relative’s life. Seek Legal Assistance Immigration laws and regulations are complex, and meeting the qualifying relative requirement can be challenging without legal guidance. Working with an experienced immigration attorney can significantly improve your chances of success. How The Law Offices of Michael P. Kenny Can Help Navigating the requirements for a qualifying relative and proving extreme hardship can be daunting. At the Law Offices of Michael P. Kenny, we have extensive experience helping clients prepare strong applications and waivers to meet these requirements. We understand the intricacies of U.S. immigration law and are dedicated to protecting your family’s future. If you need help determining whether you meet the qualifying relative requirement or need assistance preparing a waiver or application, contact us today. Our team is here to guide you through every step of the process, ensuring that your application is as strong and persuasive as possible. Call us today to learn more about how we can support your immigration case and help you keep your family together.