Black Friday: Important Update for WGV Clients with Court on November 29, 2019

by | Nov 13, 2019 | Case Summary, Uncategorized

If you have been in immigration court in San Antonio for the past several years, you may have a hearing date scheduled for November 29, 2019. WGV has received confirmation from the Assistant Chief Immigration Judge in San Antonio that there will be NO HEARINGS on 11/29/2019. 

Why were so many cases scheduled on “Black Friday”?
In 2014, the Obama administration began cancelling hearings for thousands of people in deportation proceedings – especially in Central and South Texas – so that judges could instead address the so-called “surge” of asylum seekers at the Texas-Mexico border. From 2014 – approximately 2016, many thousands of hearings were cancelled and rescheduled for 11/29/2019. This was a way for the immigration court to “park” cases in the computer system and keep them open, but allow for more immediate hearings for people in detention and new arrivals. Ironically, the date is the day after Thanksgiving, so it only made sense to refer to it as “Black Friday.”

However, because the backlog of cases (and the level of chaos) in the immigration court has only continued to grow under the current administration, we are now fewer than 30 days out from Black Friday, and many people still have not received notice of a new hearing.

What is going to happen to my case?
Your case will be rescheduled. Many WGV clients have begun receiving new hearing notices with a date of February 21, 2021. Not surprisingly, this is another “fake” date. February 21, 2021 falls on a Sunday.

If you do not have an attorney and are waiting for a new hearing notice, you should continue to check the EOIR automated phone system WEEKLY for information about your case. That system may be accessed by calling 1-800-898-7180.

We are here to help! For an analysis of your case or help determining next steps for your immigration court hearing, call 512-633-1785 and schedule an appointment with one of our attorneys.

Want to vote in the next election? Apply for Naturalization NOW!

by | Feb 28, 2019 | Uncategorized

Attention permanent residents! If you are eligible to apply for citizenship, and you would like to do so in time to vote in the next national election in November of 2020, NOW is the time to apply. Current processing times at USCIS in San Antonio are averaging approximately 13 – 20 months, meaning that if you apply now, you could become a U.S. citizen by as early as March of next year (please note that processing times vary from office to office around the country). After you become a citizen, you need to register to vote. Deadlines for voter registration in Texas will fall in October of 2020 (please note that voter registration deadlines vary from state to state across the country). If you have been a lawful permanent resident for five years (or three years if you’re married to a U.S. citizen), you may be eligible to apply. Contact Walker Gates Vela at (512) 633-1785 in Austin, or (210) 284-4081 in San Antonio, to schedule your analysis today. Mention this notice and your consultation will be free!

Recent victories: WGV helps disabled permanent resident make the jump to US citizenship

Hale * began working with WGV partner Jacqueline Watson in 2011, when she applied for legal permanent residency as the daughter of a US citizen. Last month, Hale was able to achieve her dream of becoming a U.S. Citizen despite having profound physical and mental disabilities that prevented her from learning English, civics, history and even being able to attend her USCIS appointment. With Jacqueline’s advocacy, Hale was naturalized in her own home by a USCIS officer who traveled to her bedside to administer the naturalization ceremony.

Congratulations Hale and Jacqueline for this inspiring victory!

* Name changed to protect client confidentiality

Meet the sweetest new member of the WGV family: Fernando Alonso Posada. Fernando arrived January 30, weighing in at an impressive 8 lbs., 15 oz. Mom, Attorney Sandra Posada, is doing well and will be back in the office in early April.

We appreciate your referrals and recommendations!

facebookWalker Gates Vela PLLC does not advertise with TV, radio, or print publications. Since we opened in 2013, we have relied on client referrals and recommendations to achieve our mission of fighting for immigrants in Central Texas and beyond. If you know someone who could benefit from our services, please tell them about us. If you like us, please take a moment to review us on Google, or Facebook.

Thank you!

 

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