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September 2019
Criminal & Traffic Defense | Immigration | Personal Injury
Welcome Home Why Becoming a US Citizen May Be Vital for Your Family
Becoming a citizen of the United States is a tremendous feat and an incredible honor. But with busy family schedules, work, and hobbies, it’s easy for many to push citizenship further down on their task list. There are many benefits to becoming a citizen: obtaining green cards with no wait time for immediate relatives, not having to continually pay U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) filing fees, and the ability to obtain citizenship for children born abroad. But more importantly, you are guaranteed the many freedoms U.S. citizens enjoy every day, such as voting in presidential and federal elections, getting certain jobs reserved for citizens, and traveling abroad wherever and whenever you want, as often as you desire. However, the biggest, most important reason to become a U.S. citizen is to protect you from the possibility of removal from the country. The fact is that if you’re not a U.S. citizen, the U.S. government can deport you if they determine you meet one of the many, many grounds for removal. The reasons vary, and it doesn’t take much. If you travel abroad and the government feels you have been gone for too long, violated travel restrictions, or didn’t maintain sufficient contacts in the U.S., they can place you in removal proceedings. If the government believes your marriage is a fraud or believes you are using drugs, they can move to deport you — even if you are not convicted of a crime. As a lawful permanent resident and green card holder, you are afforded certain rights, but you and your family are not fully protected.
I’m often reminded of a client of mine who had been a lawful permanent resident in this country for 10 years, had a young family, and was the president and CEO of a company. His business partners wanted to take the company for themselves. They accused him of embezzlement as a scheme to force him out of the company so that he would forfeit his interest to them. Because he was not a citizen of the U.S., not only did he face criminal legal consequences, but he also faced deportation if he were convicted. Since the charges were pending, filing for citizenship was not an option. Thankfully, we got the charges dismissed, and our client was able to continue living his life in the country he called home. However, it is a good illustration of how the client left himself exposed legally by not applying for citizenship when he could have. Rather than only facing consequences in criminal court, he was also faced with the reality that if he were convicted in criminal court, he would then face removal proceedings in immigration court. He would be deported from the county and his family. It added tremendous stress to the situation — stress that could have been entirely avoided if he had become a citizen years ago. Many people believe they won’t ever face legal trouble, but the truth is you never know. Not only are people sometimes wrongfully accused, but there are also many good people in U.S. courtrooms who inadvertently made minor mistakes or engaged in conduct that they were unaware was unlawful. For example, I had a client who was flying from California to Ronald Reagan National Airport in Arlington, Virginia. This client had severe ADHD, for which he was prescribed 90 pills each month. On this
trip, the client brought the pills with him, but when they were found in his bag at the airport, prosecutors charged him with possession with intent to distribute because they alleged the 90 pills were beyond what any normal person would need for personal use. Eventually, these ludicrous charges were dropped, but not without a fight. This is just one example of a simple misunderstanding that could have gone very wrong. Becoming a citizen takes work, but I help families do just that every day. Let me help with the process to ensure the paperwork is done correctly and the case is properly documented. This will give your citizenship application the best chance at success and limit the chance of green card revocation. Here’s the bottom line: Don’t file anything with the government without the help of an attorney, and don’t let a misunderstanding result in you being removed from your home. September for immigration consults who are former clients or referred by former clients. If you’re seeking to file a citizenship application, mention this article and Manikas Law will waive the consultation fee in August and
-Kyle Manikas
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HONORING THE CANINES OF 9/11 The 4-Legged Heroes of Ground Zero
In the immediate aftermath of 9/11, thousands of New Yorkers took to the streets to clear rubble, offer supplies, and search for survivors. It was a powerful act of resilience in a deeply trying time, and while most of the individuals helping with the disaster stood on two feet, more than 300 canines also answered the call to service.
Some dogs that found deceased victims refused to eat or interact with other animals. Search and rescue dogs became increasingly stressed and depressed the longer they searched without any results, mirroring their handlers. It wasn’t uncommon for handlers to stage mock “findings” of survivors to keep the dogs’ spirits up.
Dogs of all breeds and backgrounds, including search and rescue dogs, police dogs, service dogs, and therapy dogs, were brought in to help find and care for survivors in the wake of the destruction. They worked tirelessly alongside rescue crews as they searched through the debris. Search and rescue dogs and their handlers worked 12–16-hour days, searching for survivors and victims. They worked through dangerous conditions: Many dogs burned their paws as they dug through hot rubble, and both handlers and canines inhaled toxic dust. The task was both physically and mentally exhausting for the dogs during their shifts.
Fortunately, the sacrifices these dogs and their handlers made did not go unnoticed. Many dog owners were inspired to earn their search and rescue certifications after the events of 9/11, promising to aid in future disasters and hopefully lessen the impact of such catastrophes. After 9/11, various researchers conducted many studies examining the effect this kind of work has on animals, both physically and mentally. Many of these studies wouldn’t be possible without the AKC Canine Health Foundation, so if you’re looking to give back this September, visit them at their website to see how you can help: AKCCHF.org .
What Happened in Reed Springs? HOW A SMALL TOWNWENT BANKRUPT OVER A POTHOLE
In 2002, the quaint town of Reed Springs, Missouri, declared bankruptcy. The hard decision came after the town was forced to pay $100,000 to Sally Stewart, a woman who sued Reed Springs after she tripped over a pothole during a shopping trip. News of a greedy woman ruining a small village to make a quick buck sparked outrage across the country. But Stewart wasn’t the real villain of this story. A little digging into this case reveals a much deeper conspiracy. Stewart had been visiting Reed Springs in 1998 when she tripped on a pothole hidden beneath some overgrown grass on the sidewalk. But this was no small stumble. Stewart tore two ligaments in her ankle and
had to undergo surgery. To help pay for the medical bills, Stewart, who’d never sued anyone before, initially filed a personal injury lawsuit against the owners of the store in front of the pothole. However, the Missouri Court of Appeals determined the city of Reed Springs was liable for Stewart’s injuries. The court ordered Reed Springs to pay Stewart $100,000, over half the city’s annual budget. Despite the high price tag, in normal circumstances, this verdict wouldn’t have forced Reed Springs to declare bankruptcy because the town’s insurance would have covered the bill. Unfortunately, at the time of Stewart’s accident, the mayor of Reed Springs was a corrupt man named Joe Dan Dwyer. Dwyer left office while being investigated for insurance fraud, child pornography, statutory rape, witness bribery, and perjury, and he was later sentenced to seven years in federal prison. Among his many indiscretions, Dwyer also let the town’s insurance policy lapse. Reed Springs didn’t have insurance when Sally Stewart got hurt, which is why they had to write a check out of their own budget and ultimately declare bankruptcy. In this case, what started as a simple pothole accident quickly unveiled the lasting damage of an unscrupulous politician. Perhaps this case serves as reminder about why it’s important to vote in local elections.
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TAKE A BREAK
Have you ever wanted to experience the colors of a Boston fall while enjoying the peace and tranquility of the great outdoors? Autumn leaves are a universally appreciated sign of the changing seasons, and there’s no better place to see those vibrant yellows, oranges, and reds on display than in one of America’s national parks. So, if you’ve got some free time this autumn, here are some parks worth seeing. THE BEST NATIONAL PARKS TO VISIT THIS FALL While the maple, birch, and poplar trees of Acadia begin to change color in September, mid-October is the best time to witness autumn in full swing. The park is crisscrossed with unpaved trails that date back to a time of horse-drawn carriages, preserving an idyllic setting. If you want to see the colors in full effect, take a drive to the top of Cadillac Mountain, the highest point along the North Atlantic seaboard, and watch the sun crest over the vibrant leaves. To fully experience fall in the Northeastern U.S., Acadia National Park is a must-see. Acadia National Park, Maine
CACIO E PEPE
Ingredients
Inspired by Bon Appétit
Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee and North Carolina
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6 oz pasta, ideally spaghetti or bucatini 3 tbsp unsalted butter, cubed and divided 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
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3/4 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese, ideally Parmigiano- Reggiano 1/3 cup finely grated pecorino cheese Kosher salt, for pasta water and to taste
Further south, the autumn colors of the Smoky Mountains are no less breathtaking than those in the Northeast. This park offers many scenic lookout points accessible by car, so don’t worry about hoofing it into the forest if that’s not your thing. Park wherever you like and watch the warm colors of ancient maples, oaks, and cedars change before your eyes.
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Directions
Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming
1. In a large pot, bring 3 quarts of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook, stopping 2 minutes short of desired doneness. Drain pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water. 2. In a large pan over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons butter. Add pepper and cook until toasted and aromatic, about 1 minute. Add reserved pasta water and bring to a simmer. 3. Transfer pasta and remaining butter to pan and reduce heat to low. Add Parmesan cheese and cook until melted, tossing pasta throughout. Remove pan from heat and add pecorino, continuing to toss until cheese is melted and sauce coats pasta. 4. Transfer to bowls and serve.
While the West might typically be associated with evergreen pines, the deciduous trees of the relatively small Grand Teton National Park pack a colorful punch starting around the third week of September. It’s also breeding season for elk in the area, and their high, eerie whistles can be heard in the evenings. Popular destinations in the park include the Christian Pond Loop and String Lake. Just because the weather is cooling down doesn’t mean you have to abandon your favorite national parks until next summer. The natural beauty of America can be experienced at any time of the year, so start planning your next autumn outdoor excursion!
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703-556-0004 www.LawyerAdvocate.com 10513 Judicial Drive #203 Fairfax, VA 22030 INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Criminal & Traffic Defense | Immigration | Personal Injury
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Become a US Citizen to Protect Your Life
Honoring the Canines of 9/11 A Surprising Reason for Bankruptcy
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Cacio e Pepe The Vibrant Colors of America’s National Parks
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Why Are So Many People Deciding Not to Retire?
FINDING FULFILLMENT IN YOUR GOLDEN YEARS Why More Adults Over 55 Continue toWork
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, upward of 40% of people aged 55 and older are continuing to work past the normal retirement age. There are a number of reasons why people are choosing to stay employed, with one of the biggest being a lack of retirement funds, but some are also using work to keep their minds and skills sharp. In fact, most of the jobs that the 55-plus crowd goes after keep them engaged with the community and help them lead more active lives.
ones. This balance is exactly what many older workers are looking for, especially those who are “part-time retired.”
More importantly, however, most older workers find these jobs fulfilling. They allow older folks to interact with the community and stay active, both of which, research suggests, are essential to healthy living as people age. For many, working past retirement, or not leaving the workforce entirely, can be a win-win-win: It’s a win for your bank account, a win for your health, and a win for the community.
The BLS categorized the jobs many older workers are currently pursuing:
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Real estate appraisers/assessors
• Property/real estate/community association managers • Technical writers • Tax preparers • Construction/building inspectors • Crossing guards • Clergy These seven jobs are projected to grow between 8–14% over the next six years according to BLS data. They often pay well and don’t always require a full-time commitment. Many even offer flexible schedules, which can help older workers spend more time with peers or loved
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