Welcome to the Kazi Law Firm! We are a boutique law firm steeped in Texas tradition personifying the warmth and congeniality consistent with southern hospitality. We believe in preserving integrity and professionalism with true Texan charm, staying true to our roots, while providing essential, affordable legal services to all. Located just north of Dallas, Texas in the rapidly growing suburb of Frisco; the Kazi Law Firm concentrates on contracts drafting and review, immigration law, will & estates, real estate law, landlord, tenant, mediation, and general business law needs.
Clients often ask me if they can start working in the United States, while they wait for their green card? The answer is YES. Many permanent residents qualify for a work permit and do not have to wait for their green card.
If you are applying for a green card from within the United States, you will likely qualify for a work permit while your permanent residency application is pending. This process, also known as “adjustment of status,” allows you to stay in the United States during the green card application process and work for a living. You are not required to leave the country for a visa interview. Keep in mind though that applicants who are required to leave the United States to attend the visa interview at a US Embassy or consulate abroad do not qualify for a work permit.
So, let’s delve a bit deeper into the adjustment of status topic. There are currently three scenarios for a person to legally work in the United States, while their green card application is pending.
Scenario 1: Adjustment of status based on lawful entry into the United States, which essentially means that you were lawfully inspected and admitted into the United States at a US port of entry. Keep in mind that in some unique cases, your entry may be considered a “lawful inspection and admission” even if you entered with no documents or false documents but were allowed in regardless. You will need a waiver to forgive potential fraud issues, but the fact that you presented yourself at the border for inspection and the officer admitted you, might be enough to qualify you for adjustment of status. In such a case, it’s prudent to consult with an experienced immigration lawyer.
Scenario 2: Adjustment of status through a military relative, even if you are currently living in the United States without legal status. This particular process is referred to as “Parole in Place and is the path to permanent residency for spouses, widows, parents, and children of active or honorably discharged US military members.
Scenario 3: Adjustment of status through the LIFE Act (245-i), which is a special policy that allows people to apply for a green card even if they entered the United States illegally, illegally worked in the United States, or have failed to maintain lawful status. In order to qualify, you must have been the beneficiary of an immigrant by petition (Form I-130 or I-140) filed on or before April 30, 2001. You may have a 245-i as a derivative applicant if an immediate relative (former spouse or parent) was approved for an immigrant petition. It would be prudent to consult with an experienced immigration attorney if you suspect that you may have a 245-i.
Immigration matters are always best left to attorneys who have the expertise to navigate this complex area of the law efficiently and accurately.
I built my law practice on the premise of being a life raft in a sea of sharks. I want to be an advocate for those that have been wronged and are too intimidated to seek help. My firm is here to explore your options, guide you through your legal journey, and give you that safe space to ask questions! There’s no such thing as a stupid question…Only the ones you don’t ask. So, my question to my clients is not “do you have any questions?” But rather “what questions do you have?”
As always, the Kazi Law Firm is standing by to help you in your time of need. Don’t hesitate to contact us today. We specialize in real estate law, landlord-tenant disputes, immigration, and wills & estates planning.
Family is at the core of our practice. Just as we treat our own family with respect and understanding, we treat yours. Come join the Kazi Law Firm family today!
Why swim alone in shark-infested waters when you don’t need to?
