Miami Immigration & Naturalization Law Blog

US immigration law: Florida detention center under fire

On behalf of Cuevas, Garcia & Torres, P.A. posted in u.s. immigration law on Wednesday, July 10, 2019.

Homestead is one of many cities in the United States that houses immigrants in detention centers. In fact, a facility in this Florida city was the central focus of a heated congressional debate on a recent Tuesday. Many speakers implored the U.S. government to better protect immigrants by enacting immediate and drastic reform of its immigration policies. The immigration detention center in Homestead is one of many throughout the nation where conditions have been described as abhorrent and inhumane.

A democratic representative from another state gave testimony about female immigrants who were reportedly made to drink water from toilets at a border patrol station. The women were allegedly told that the sinks were not working properly at the time. As is often the case regarding immigration issues, there seems to be active debate among government officials; in fact, a senior adviser to the presidential administration publicly refuted the democratic representative's remarks, calling them untrue.

Threat of foreclosure doesn't necessarily lead to a done deal

On behalf of Cuevas, Garcia & Torres, P.A. posted in foreclosure on Wednesday, July 10, 2019.

It is understandable that a Florida homeowner facing a serious financial crisis might be worried about keeping up with mortgage payments. Even missing a couple payments can place someone at risk for foreclosure. If such a risk becomes a reality, it is best to try to not panic and to learn as much as possible solutions as possible because there are often ways to get things back on track without losing one's home.

Lenders typically want to avoid foreclosure as much as homeowners. This is why it pays to get in touch with a lender as soon as a problem arises. Doing so may lead to an alternate payment plan agreement that can prevent losing a home and also help restore financial stability.

Real estate disputes: Boundaries, titles and more

On behalf of Cuevas, Garcia & Torres, P.A. posted in real estate disputes on Monday, July 8, 2019.

When someone purchases or sells a piece of real estate in Florida, he or she undoubtedly hopes to avoid legal problems. If the property in question is a residential dwelling, it is critical to make sure no problems arise with other property owners in the area. Issues such as boundary lines can be difficult to resolve when real estate disputes erupt, so it is always best to try to avoid them from the start.

If someone wants to erect a fence on a particular property, he or she is wise to schedule a property survey first. This allows him or her to access updated information regarding property lines. In some cases, however, an updated survey is not possible, such as if a property is really old. For instance, if a deed contains terminology stating that a boundary line is a certain distance from a creek but there is no longer a creek at the location, things can get confusing.

US immigration law: Protestors call for action

On behalf of Cuevas, Garcia & Torres, P.A. posted in u.s. immigration law on Wednesday, July 3, 2019.

Many Florida households include members who are currently worried about their immigration legal statuses. In fact, hundreds, if not thousands, of families in this state and others are worried they may never see certain family members again because they have been locked up in immigration detention centers. Such centers are often said to be filthy, unhealthy and dangerous places, which has prompted protesters to call for changes in US immigration law.

Acting under the hashtag #CloseTheCamps, protesters throughout the country demanded that the U.S. government shut down detention centers along the border of the United States and Mexico. Those crying out for change have also implored government officials to reunite separated immigrant families and to stop funding detention and removal projects. One of the campaign's directors said that disgusting and inhumane conditions in detention facilities have ignited the group's passion as advocates seeking change.

Support available for those facing real estate disputes

On behalf of Cuevas, Garcia & Torres, P.A. posted in real estate disputes on Wednesday, July 3, 2019.

Many Florida residents are currently entangled in legal disagreements in conjunction with buying or selling property. Real estate disputes can be challenging to resolve. While it is possible to try to negotiate a solution on one's own, it typically is not the best option available. Sometimes, when negotiations are not successful, litigation is necessary.

Breach of contract, fraud and business-related issues are often the central focus of real estate disputes. Every state has its own regulations and codes regarding buying, selling or leasing property. In a landlord/tenant relationship, any number of issues may arise regarding rent, property maintenance or building regulations that cause friction between those involved. It is critical that all parties entering into a particular transaction clearly understand the terms of the proposed agreement before adding their signatures.

US permanent residency: Marriage after a student visa entry?

On behalf of Cuevas, Garcia & Torres, P.A. posted in u.s. permanent residency on Saturday, June 29, 2019.

Many students in Florida universities are immigrants who entered the United States from other countries of origin. The student visa process allows thousands of people to attend U.S. colleges and universities on a temporary basis. If an immigrant marries a U.S. citizen or someone with U.S. permanent residency, his or her legal status will also change.

By marrying a U.S. citizen, an immigrant may be eligible to obtain a green card, thus allowing him or her permanent residency status. He or she may be able to live and work in the United States while retaining citizenship in his or her country of origin. However, those who have crossed U.S. borders under student visa status must be careful not to place themselves at risk for legal action. If at any time during a stay in this country as a student a person plans to apply for permanent residency, he or she is no longer free to leave and re-enter the United States on his or her student visa.

Update on real estate disputes involving Katy Perry

On behalf of Cuevas, Garcia & Torres, P.A. posted in real estate disputes on Thursday, June 27, 2019.

Some Florida readers may be familiar with a legal battle that has been ongoing between Katy Perry and members of the Catholic Church. These real estate disputes erupted some time ago when nuns in a convent sold their property to an entrepreneur. The only problem was that another buyer was also interested in the same property, and it happened to be Perry.

Nuns in convents apparently need Archdiocesan approval before engaging in real estate transactions. The Archdiocese in question told the nuns the sale was invalid because the proper church officials had not issued approval. To further complicate matters, Katy Perry offered several million dollars more for the property, and the Archdiocese approved the proposed purchase.

US immigration law: Actress implores public to decry detention

On behalf of Cuevas, Garcia & Torres, P.A. posted in u.s. immigration law on Tuesday, June 25, 2019.

Alyssa Milano fans in Florida and elsewhere may be interested in knowing what the actress has to say regarding immigration detention. She has been outspoken about a need for reform regarding U.S. immigration law. In particular, she has tried to raise awareness about problems occurring in immigration detention centers in this state and others.

Milano says every adult should try to visit facilities where immigrants are detained. She recently used her Twitter account to get her message out to more than three million people who follow her social media platform. The actress suggests showing up at immigration detention centers unannounced, then requesting entry to tour the facilities. She recently did this, and because the detention center she went to allows community visits, they had to allow her entry.

US immigration law: Florida immigrants may be affected by changes

On behalf of Cuevas, Garcia & Torres, P.A. posted in u.s. immigration law on Wednesday, June 19, 2019.

It is no secret that staying updated on immigration-related issues can be quite challenging due to how often the laws and regulations change. The governor of Florida recently signed a bill regarding U.S. immigration law that is likely to have an impact on many immigrants in this state. Many people have been talking about the new state regulations, and as is common regarding immigration topics, opinions range from fully supportive to strongly opposed.

Even though no Florida city has enacted sanctuary policies to help immigrants avoid deportation, Governor Ron DeSantis saw fit to sign a bill that prohibits local governments from ever doing so. The governor stated that he believes sanctuary cities help people to skirt the law and that he has taken steps to make sure that doesn't happen in Florida. Those who oppose the newly signed bill say it seems more like a campaign ploy than anything truly meant to serve the public good.

What to do if obstacles arise in your path to citizenship

On behalf of Cuevas, Garcia & Torres, P.A. posted in Citizenship on Monday, June 17, 2019.

Perhaps you're one of many Florida immigrants who are currently studying and preparing for one of the most important tests of their lives. You came to the United States with dreams and an ultimate goal of obtaining citizenship. You've been working toward that goal ever since you crossed a U.S. border.

The path to citizenship involves many steps. You must show documented proof that you have lived in the United States for at least five years. If you're married to a U.S. citizen, the time is three years. It is necessary to prove that you are proficient in English -- that you can speak, read and write with fluency.