One of the calls on our hotline this past week came from a man currently residing in Ireland. His reentry permit does not expire until December of this year. He was about to book a trip to enter in October thinking that because he last entered the US in Oct. 06 he might lose his legal permanent residency card. We clarified that because he is in possession of a valid reentry permit, he does not have to enter each of the years during its validity.

A reentry permit, once issued, allows you to remain outside of the US for up to two years at a time. Once issued, it will have its expiration date on it. Before the end of this two year period, the holder may return to the US and apply for another if he/she needs one. All reentry permits are granted at the discretion of US CIS and usually for a compelling reason, for example to attend college or to care for an elderly or sick parent.

Chris Lavery, an immigration attorney added, “DHS can still inquire as to whether permanent residency has been abandoned, that a re-entry permit only prevents BCP from holding the length of absence against the returning LPR and other evidence of intended residency should be carried at time of reentry (proof of payment of taxes, property in the U.S., job to go back to, etc.).”

Possession of re-entry permit does not prevent DHS from inquiring as to whether holder abandoned his residency. It simply prevents the DHS from relying solely on the duration of the holder’s absence as a basis to determine abandonment.

Correct Customer Service Phone Number for USCIS published

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has issued notices to remind its customers that the correct phone number for the National Customer Service Center (NCSC) is 800-375-5283.

Between March 23 and June 5, 2007, it appears that USCIS mailed notices listing the wrong phone number for the NCSC. This error has since been corrected and all notices sent after June 5 contain the correct telephone number.

Prison Visits

Our Executive Director, Sr. Marguerite Kelly and Fr. John McCarthy continue prison visits to Irish immigrant detainees. If you know of anyone who would like a visit while they await deportation, please just give us a call with details.

Legal clinics

Our monthly clinic at the Half Door last week went well. Thanks to the volunteers who showed up including attorney Jane Chiang of Quincy based Sedna Law.

US Citizenship

Give us a call if you need help on your US citizenship application. One caller recently was surprised to learn that she my have to prove she paid all traffic citations she received during her thirty year driving history. Any arrests, citations, and/or convictions are serious matters and you should have a free consultation with one of our probono attorneys before you file any forms at USCIS.

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