The ability to acquire Lawful Permanent Residence status can be obtained, in certain circumstances, by those of Cuban, Haitian, and Nicaraguan nationality.

General eligibility for relief is as follows:

• The Nicaraguan and Central American Relief Act (NACARA) − In 1997, Congress enacted NACARA, which provides statutory relief to certain individuals from Nicaragua, Guatemala, El Salvador, Cuba, and certain Eastern European countries (including regions within the former U.S.S.R.). NACARA is a highly complex piece of legislation that determines relief based largely on country of origin and date of arrival in the United States.
• Cuban Adjustment Act (CAA) − The Cuban Adjustment Act of 1996 provides for a special procedure under which Cuban citizens and their accompanying spouses and children, may remain in the United States as Lawful Permanent Residents. The CAA gives to the Attorney General wide discretion to grant permanent residence to natives of Cuba or to citizens seeking adjustment of status if they have been present in the United States for at least one year after admission or parole and are admissible as immigrants.
• Haitian Refugee Immigration Fairness Act (HRIFA) − The Haitian Refugee Immigration Fairness Act was signed into law in 1998. HRIFA allows certain individuals from Haiti to apply for Lawful Permanent Resident status without having to first apply for an immigrant visa at a United States Consulate abroad. HRIFA also waives many of the usual requirements for immigration.

It is crucial that you talk with one of our attorneys at Teplen & Associates, PLLC, before making any applications, as qualification for each of the above is very specific.

Businesses Expanding to the U.S.

Many foreign businesses are experiencing difficulties expanding due to the economic downturn in many countries. It may be in the best interests of the business to explore expanding to the U.S. Our firm represents business owners and investors who are interested in exploring the possibility of starting a branch of a business, a new business or investing in a business from countries such as:

• India
• Italy
• Ireland
• South Africa
• United Kingdom (UK)

To talk to a lawyer about any personal or business immigration concern, call our offices in New York City at 212-401-4040 or Toll-Free in the U.S. at 866-746-0137. You can also contact us online.