Miami Immigration & Naturalization Law Blog

Developer issues public statement regarding real estate disputes

On behalf of Cuevas, Garcia & Torres, P.A. posted in real estate disputes on Tuesday, May 21, 2019.

There are many old buildings in Florida that will likely be demolished before 2019 ends. As with many other demolition projects across the country, it is common for real estate developers to construct new buildings and housing developments on such sites. In fact, that is what was scheduled to occur at the site of an old hospital building in another state. However, real estate disputes have prompted serious delays in the project's completion.

It seems the company hired to demolish the building and the real estate development company are at odds. The president of the latter says the company refuses to pay for incomplete work and has already sunk more than $1 million into the project that is nowhere near up-to-date in the projected and agreed-upon project completion time frame. Developers say the contractor has falsely claimed that the project is 90% complete.

Elderly man in Florida, threatened with foreclosure

On behalf of Cuevas, Garcia & Torres, P.A. posted in foreclosure on Monday, May 20, 2019.

It can be challenging to keep up with lawn maintenance, especially when extenuating circumstances arise that require someone to be away from home for an extended period of time. Given the typically warm climate in Florida, grass, weeds, flowers and plants often grow quickly. Many readers may be surprised to learn that being away from home and unable to mow the lawn could possibly lead to a threat of home foreclosure.

That appears to be the case for a 69-year-old man who had to traveled away from his home for a number of weeks. He says he was hit with fines of $500 per day, amounting to nearly $30,000 in two months because his grass had grown tall while he was out of town. The man is reportedly completely unprepared to pay the sum, especially, he says, because the fines were issued without any warning at all.

Woman seeking adjustment of status arrested, husband deployed

On behalf of Cuevas, Garcia & Torres, P.A. posted in adjustment of status on Thursday, May 16, 2019.

Many Florida immigrants are married to U.S. citizens. Those who are currently worried about legal issues that have surfaced after seeking adjustment of status may want to follow a case in another state involving several members of the same family. A young woman, her parents and a cousin were all recently taken into custody by Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers.

The woman is a recipient of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals protection. She was brought to the United States when her parents fled Colombia after her mother, who was a school principal there, suffered threats on her life. The young woman, who is now the mother of a 5-year-old child, was in the process of applying for citizenship.

Are you worried about a possible foreclosure in Florida?

On behalf of Cuevas, Garcia & Torres, P.A. posted in foreclosure on Thursday, May 16, 2019.

There are currently Florida residents who have fallen behind on their mortgages. This is not uncommon, as people in most states throughout the country run into financial problems at some point in their lives. Some situations are definitely more serious than others, however, especially if those involved are at risk for losing their homes to foreclosure.

Bankers and lenders typically want to avoid taking over ownership of a mortgagor's home. This is why many of them are willing to negotiate alternative payment plans. In the end, doing so may be a win/win situation for the homeowner and the lender, as well.

Is your Florida family facing US immigration law problems?

On behalf of Cuevas, Garcia & Torres, P.A. posted in u.s. immigration law on Tuesday, May 14, 2019.

Moving to the United States from another country is definitely not without its challenges. From learning to speak, read and write English to finding a home, getting a job and helping your kids adapt to a new lifestyle, the life of the average immigrant can be exciting and stressful at the same time. If U.S. immigration law problems arise, your stress level might soar; in fact, you may be worried that your ability to stay in Florida could be severely compromised.

There are many issues that could cause legal status problems. If your paperwork was in good order when you entered the United States, you might find it easier to resolve whatever issue it is you happen to be facing at this time. However, many immigrants arrive on U.S. soil in situations that are urgent, such as those who have fled violence or persecution in their homelands.

How to choose a best course of action to real estate disputes

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

Florida property owners often encounter various legal issues. Whether they own private homes or commercial properties, any number of issues can arise with neighboring property owners, local government officials or others, such as tenants if a property owner is also a landlord. It is essential to know what options are available to find the fairest, most agreeable solutions to any real estate disputes in as swift and economically feasible a fashion as possible.

While most people get excited about becoming property owners, purchasing, selling or maintaining a property can be complex and confusing, especially for those who have no background in real estate. If you run into a problem regarding property taxes, lease agreements, a business acquisition or some other issue, where would you seek support to help you settle the matter in an amicable manner? In some situations, you might simply be able to discuss the issue with the other party or parties involved.

Agents went to restaurant on US immigration law business

On behalf of Cuevas, Garcia & Torres, P.A. posted in u.s. immigration law on Tuesday, May 7, 2019.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers are human beings, so they have to eat, just like everyone else. However, when ICE agents recently showed up at a restaurant in another state, they apparently weren't there to dine. Instead, they took seven people into custody for allegedly violating U.S. immigration law. Florida immigrants who work at restaurants or other local establishments may want to follow this case.

The officer were reportedly searching for one person in particular, whom they claimed was a felon who violated entry laws in the United States. They are said to have found the 42-year-old man they were looking for and placed him under arrest. A local controversy erupted due to further events that unfolded.

Detention centers overcrowded in adjustment of status cases

On behalf of Cuevas, Garcia & Torres, P.A. posted in adjustment of status on Tuesday, April 30, 2019.

When an immigrant arrives at a U.S. border to seek asylum, he or she is typically detained until the case can be fully processed. Such detentions are usually meant to be temporary, and many asylum seekers are later released while they await full adjudication of their cases. However, before an adjustment of status is granted, many Florida immigrants encounter serious challenges, often including severe adverse health risks, when they are placed in detention facilities that are already overcrowded.

There always seems to be controversy brewing regarding U.S. immigration policies and alleged personal rights violations that many say often occur in detention centers throughout the country. Sadly, many incidents involve children. It's understandable why so many parents and immigrant advocates are concerned about detention housing, especially regarding rumors that the U.S. Defense Department may have plans to send children to Guantanamo Bay, a facility known for its past use as a prison for convicted terrorists.

Overcoming challenges when seeking US permanent residency

On behalf of Cuevas, Garcia & Torres, P.A. posted in u.s. permanent residency on Tuesday, April 30, 2019.

As you adapt to a new lifestyle in Florida, you may relate to many issues other immigrants have experienced in their own journeys. For instance, if you have a significant language barrier, it can be stressful to try to learn to read, write and speak English. There are several ways to obtain U.S. permanent residency status, and challenges may arise at any time during the application process, which is why it's always a good idea to know where to seek legal support when necessary.

To get a green card, a spouse or other family member may be able to sponsor you. Many immigrants file their applications through their U.S.-based employers as well. Those who own businesses in the United States may also be able to obtain permanent residency status. A green card allows you to live and work in Florida or any other state indefinitely.

US immigration law officials report another detention death

On behalf of Cuevas, Garcia & Torres, P.A. posted in u.s. immigration law on Sunday, April 28, 2019.

In Florida and elsewhere, concern is growing about the number of people dying in detention centers. U.S. immigration law officers recently reported that a detainee had previously reported flu symptoms and was placed under medical observation on April 1, though it is not clear what that entailed. Two days later, he was discovered unresponsive and not breathing. Attempts were made to revive the man, but he was declared dead about a half hour later.

The man's death was supposedly the fourth fatality reported in U.S. detention centers since last October. Two of them were children. An Immigration and Customs Enforcement spokesperson said every immigrant who is taken into custody is given medical, dental and mental health examinations within 12 hours of being detained.