Dear Attorney Inna Simakovsky,

One of the biggest changes currently being proposed is the new fee schedule which is designed to mitigate an approximate $1.3 billion short fall in the annual budget of Immigration. Immigration fees would increase by an average of 21%.

One of the biggest changes would be in applying for U.S. citizenship which is proposed to increase from $725 to $1,170. Many in our immigrant and refugee community are eligible for citizenship but have not applied.

Now is the time to apply before the fee for citizenship increases. Immigration provides both accommodations and exceptions to applying for citizenship to those that do not speak English. Call us so we can assist you in applying for citizenship and voting in the next election.

Some good news for our Liberian friends. Immigration will begin accepting green card applications from certain Liberian nationals under Section 7611 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020, Liberian Refugee Immigration Fairness (LRIF), signed into law on Dec. 20, 2019.

To be eligible for permanent residence under LRIF, a Liberian national must have been continuously physically present in the United States from Nov. 20, 2014, to the date they properly file an application for adjustment of status. USCIS will accept properly filed applications until December 20, 2020, one year from the enactment of the LRIF. Applicants must be otherwise eligible to receive an immigrant visa and be admissible to the United States.

The spouses, unmarried children under 21, and unmarried sons and daughters 21 or older of eligible Liberian nationals are also eligible for Green Cards.

Simakovsky Law has been providing professional immigration services for 20+ years. We enjoy educating the community on the ever-present changes in our immigration system. We are always looking to come to community events to provide information, answer questions and dispel myths.

Please contact us at 614-695-4605 to invite us to come and speak at your community event.

Now more than ever it is imperative to have professional legal advice and not seek the advice of notaries as there are daily changes that can impact a person’s case. Come and see us at 460 East Main Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215.