Miami Office: 4011 W Flagler Street, Ste. 406 Coral Gables, FL 33134 Clewiston Office: 518 E Sugarland Hwy, Clewiston, FL 33440 Serving Immigrants
February 2019
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NEWYEAR’S RESOLUTIONS Getting Your Immigration Status in Order
We’re a month into the new year, and if you haven’t gotten your immigration status or permit in order, now is the time. I see a lot of people detained at the end of the year because of a lack of planning and preparation for getting their residency in the U.S. Luckily, detainment can be prevented — the earlier you get your status or permit in order, the sooner you can feel at ease. One way you can apply for your U.S. citizenship is through naturalization, which is the legal process through which a non-citizen is integrated into a country. To qualify for naturalization, there are several steps you need to take. First, you need to fill out the Form N-400 — the Application for Naturalization — then take the naturalization test. You can qualify for naturalization either through continuous residence or physical presence. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services states that to qualify for continuous residence, a non-citizen must live in the U.S. for five years before applying, or for three years if they are married to a citizen. Physical presence requires a non-citizen to be physically present within the U.S. for 30 months in a five-year period, or for 18 months in a three-year period if married to a citizen. Non-citizens must provide evidence of either a continuous residence or a physical presence along with proof that they had immediate residence three months before completing Form N-400.
this particular form, it’s only one step in a long process. There are tests involved — and plenty of other forms and documents you need to finalize — in order to complete the process. The more you prepare yourself for what lies ahead, the easier the process will be, and the more confident you will feel. Not too long ago, I achieved my own goal of getting my Mexican residency. It was a long process involving a lot of planning, preparation, and paperwork, but it was worth the time and effort. Receiving my Mexican residency was very important to me, even though I don’t technically need it. It’s something I’ve wanted to do for a long time, and in the end, it took a little over a year to accomplish. It’s important for you, if you’re a non-citizen, to know that you need help to get your residency. I’ve encountered many people who think they can go through this process on their own, but it can be incredibly difficult and complicated when you don’t completely understand it. It is far easier to spend money on a lawyer who does everything in his power, ensuring all the paperwork and documents you need are available and properly filled out. When I was working toward my Mexican residency, I hired an attorney — even though I am one — to help me through the process. Make it your New Year’s resolution in 2019 to get your immigration status in order. If you need help or are unsure of how to start the process, contact our offices. All of us at Cuprys & Associates are here to help guide you through this complicated process and ensure that you receive what you need to get your citizenship.
I cannot stress enough how important it is to get your paperwork straightened out as you prepare for changing your immigration status. If you’re planning to fill out
- Magda
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WHAT YOU DIDN’T KNOW ABOUT CHOCOLATE
Chocolate is a treat savored by people all over the world. What we know as the sweet, creamy decadence that sustains Valentine’s Day actually has greater historical and cultural significance. Fermented chocolate drinks have been dated back to as early as 350 B.C. The Aztecs believed it was the beverage of wisdom, and the Mayans saw it as something to be worshipped. While the history of chocolate is as rich as its flavor, there are some common misconceptions about the treat. Dutch chocolate doesn’t necessarily refer to chocolate made in the Netherlands; the name refers to a specific chocolate-making process that uses the cocoa press. Before Dutch chemist and chocolate- maker C.J. van Houten invented the machine in 1828, chocolate was only used in beverages. Dutch chocolate is chocolate that has been modified with an alkalizing agent in order to produce a milder flavor, making it a fantastic option for use in baked goods, candy, and ice cream.
German chocolate actually has nothing to do with the country of Germany, either. It used to be called “German’s chocolate,” named after its inventor, Sam German, an American who made sweet chocolate for baking. Adding sugar to the chocolate made it a go-to option for bakers around the world, and the base for German chocolate cake was born. For chocolate to be classified as Swiss, it has to be made in Switzerland, as chocolate-making is considered an art form in the country. Known for its “melt in your mouth” quality, Swiss chocolate uses condensed milk to add a velvety texture. Many chocolate makers outside of Switzerland will refer to their interpretations of Swiss chocolate as milk chocolate instead.
Success
“Magdalena got rid of my deportation order, reopened my case, terminated my removal proceedings, and adjusted my status after waiting for a long time. She was professional and very helpful. She has become a member of my family. She really cares about her clients. Thank you, Magdalena.” What our Clients Are Saying
Stories
From the Firm
“My client had previously been granted withholding by Mazzie but denied asylum on the basis that DACA did not provide an exception to the filing deadline. DHS appealed the withholding and I requested remand to reconsider asylum based on your case. BIA just denied DHS’s appeal and ordered remand to reconsider the asylum filing deadline. Thank you so much! My client and I are incredibly grateful for your work opening the door for this argument and for providing the decisions.” If you or someone you know could use our services, please reach out immediately at 305-924-1133 or 863-599-4101.
–Ali H.
“Magdalena is an amazing lawyer. She’s not only great at her job but she’s also an amazing person and friend. She connects with her clients and helps them as much as she can. She gives her all on every case to help everyone. I recommend her 100 percent!”
–Jordana A.
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T NONIMMIGRANT STATUS
Know Your Options
T NONIMMIGRANT STATUS OR T VISA A T visa serves as a form of protection for victims involved in severe human trafficking. In cases where a perpetrator obtains, transports, provides, harbors, or recruits services from a person or persons by fraud, coercion, or force for any purpose, it is considered a severe act of trafficking. Sex trafficking and labor trafficking are both forms of severe trafficking under federal law. If an individual has experienced this, a T visa allows the victim to stay within the U.S. for four years. However, this only occurs if they agree to aid law enforcement in an investigation or prosecution of human trafficking. Also, not very many people can qualify for a T visa and they must go through the proper documentation to receive one. The attorneys at Cuprys & Associates can help you understand the process and benefits of applying for a T visa. If you or a loved one has experienced human trafficking in any form, call our offices today to speak to one of our reliable attorneys. We understand that this is an excruciating time for you, and we are ready and willing to help you gain the protection you deserve.
Human trafficking in the U.S. is a terrifying reality and doesn’t just happen within particular groups or cultures. Immigrants and U.S. citizens can become victims. Trafficking, according to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, is “a form of modern-day slavery in which traffickers use force, fraud, or coercion to compel individuals to provide labor or services.” It’s important to know that the term represents people who have gone through labor exploitation as well as sexual exploitation. WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR Traffickers look for vulnerable people and usually attempt to create a relationship with their target before striking. They could become a significant other, an employer, a friend, or a friendly stranger looking to “help” them out of a difficult situation. Their aim is to create a sense of trust, which they will later use against their victims. Immigrants, in particular, can be seen as perfect targets for human trafficking. People who are smuggled into the country or obtained a visa with promises of a better life are at a higher risk of becoming victims to trafficking. They are often forced to endure physical or sexual violence or are held hostage until family members or another party can pay for their release.
TAKE A BREAK
HAZELNUT BERRY CHOCOLATE BARK
This easy, delicious vegan chocolate bark is the perfect Valentine’s Day treat. Make it a few days in advance, bag it up, and share it with your loved ones.
Ingredients
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7 ounces dark chocolate
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1/4 cup dried cherries
Tools:
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1/4 cup roasted hazelnuts
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1/4 cup dried cranberries
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Candy thermometer
Directions
1.
Chop chocolate and place into a mixing bowl.
3.
Once melted, pour chocolate into a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Spread evenly.
2.
In a double boiler, melt chocolate. Stir frequently and remove from heat as needed to prevent burning. Keep chocolate under 115 F.
4.
Add hazelnuts and dried fruits. Let sit at room temperature until set.
5.
Break into shards and serve.
Inspired by Simple Vegan Blog
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INSIDE THIS EDITION Preparing Your Life as a Citizen PAGE 1 All About Chocolate PAGE 2 Success Stories PAGE 2 Helping Victims of Human Trafficking PAGE 3 Hazelnut Berry Chocolate Bark PAGE 3 Why Do We Need a Leap Year? PAGE 4
WHY DOWE NEED A LEAP YEAR?
The CalculationsThat Leave Us in Need of an Extra Day
Every four years, February gains an extra day at the end of the month. But what does this contribute to the year as a whole? You might be surprised by what this one day does for us! The 365 days in each year represent the time it takes for the Earth to circle the sun. However, the orbit actually takes nearly a quarter of a day longer than that. The additional 0.2421 of a day might
However, the Julian Calendar wasn’t perfect, because 0.2421 of a day can’t be rounded to a multiple of five, so it caused the calendar to have an extra 11 minutes every four years. Pope Gregory XIII fixed the problem in 1582 by creating the Gregorian Calendar. Now, a leap year occurs every four years except for the years that are evenly divisible by 100 and not 400. For instance, 1800 and 1900 were not leap years because they were divisible by 100. A LEAP DAY BIRTHDAY The odds of being born on Feb. 29 are about 1 in 1,500, which leaves approximately 187,000 people in the U.S. and 4 million people around the world celebrating their birthdays on Feb. 28 or March 1. People born on a Leap Day are faced with dilemmas such as which date they should receive their driver’s license. Although it varies from state to state, most consider March 1 the appropriate day for leap-year 16-year-olds —who are celebrating their fourth “official” birthday — to receive their license. With all the changes the calendar has undergone, it still isn’t quite perfect. Experts say that in about 10,000 years, it will need to be changed yet again.
not seem like it would make a significant impact, but after a few decades, it adds up. To ensure the calendar and seasons stay on the right timeline, the leap day was created. THE START OF THE LEAP YEAR The Egyptians were the first to officially calculate how many days it takes to orbit the sun, revealing the need for a leap year. Europeans at the time used a calendar that followed a lunar model, which needed an entire month added to retain consistency. The leap year wasn’t introduced into Europe until the reign of Julius Caesar. With the help of astronomer
Sosigenes, Caesar created the Julian Calendar, which included 12 months and 365 days, with a single day added every fourth year.
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