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<title>Steven A. Culbreath - EzineArticles Expert Author</title>
<link>http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Steven_A._Culbreath</link>
<pubDate>Wed, 15 Feb 2012 06:18:29 -0600</pubDate>
<image><title>Steven A. Culbreath - EzineArticles Expert Author</title>
<link>http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Steven_A._Culbreath</link>
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<language>en-us</language>
<copyright>Copyright 2012 EzineArticles.com - All Rights Reserved.</copyright>
<description><![CDATA[I was born and raised in Germany, having spent about 20 years there. I am a native-speaker of English and German. I possess good working knowledge of Spanish and French. I can also read Dutch/Afrikaans and Italian. In 1994, following the receipt of my "ABITUR", I moved to Florida to start my college/university education. In 1998, I graduated from the University of South Florida cum laude with a B.A. in Political Science and Int'l Affairs. In December 2000, I graduated from Stetson University College of Law with a Juris Doctorate degree. Subsequently, I became a member of the Florida Bar. ... ]]></description>
<lastBuildDate>Mon, 15 Aug 2011 14:32:53 -0500</lastBuildDate>
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<title>The Green Card Lottery Requires Luck - And Risk</title>
<link>http://EzineArticles.com/6451819</link>
<guid>http://EzineArticles.com/6451819</guid>
<pubDate>Mon, 15 Aug 2011 14:32:53 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[The Green Card Lottery, or Diversity Visa Lottery is not a pure and simple gift of the United States to the world. Although relatively simple and for the most part successful, receiving that "winning notification" does not mean you're "home free". There are still hurdles and risks to look out for.]]></description>
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<title>VIBE Enters the Adjudications Arena to Help USCIS</title>
<link>http://EzineArticles.com/6299601</link>
<guid>http://EzineArticles.com/6299601</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 26 May 2011 10:26:54 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[In its ever-increasing efforts to streamline its adjudications processes, USCIS is resorting to more online tools and data to help its officers sift through thousands of petitions, attempting to separate the "legit" ones from those that are not (or at least appear less so). Potentially its newest verification tool "VIBE" could also be a positive, in terms of having to produce less documentation on the front end, or receiving less RFE's on the back end... time will tell.]]></description>
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<item>
<title>Visa Extension, Status Renewal - Bad Time for Surprises</title>
<link>http://EzineArticles.com/5632703</link>
<guid>http://EzineArticles.com/5632703</guid>
<pubDate>Fri, 07 Jan 2011 11:31:43 -0600</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[Don't Wait for Extensions and Renewals to Assess Where you Are. Filing for a visa renewal or for a status extension is not a good time to find out whether your business is in good shape, or whether your life's circumstances are favorable or undergoing significant changes, which could impact your legal status.]]></description>
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<item>
<title>Will Florida Become the Next Arizona?</title>
<link>http://EzineArticles.com/4887271</link>
<guid>http://EzineArticles.com/4887271</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 26 Aug 2010 11:16:41 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[The House of Representatives of the Florida Legislature just recently released its draft of the "Florida Immigration Enforcement Act". The major provisions of this draft legislation can be summarized as follows:]]></description>
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<title>Possible Claim to US Citizenship? Maybe</title>
<link>http://EzineArticles.com/4887313</link>
<guid>http://EzineArticles.com/4887313</guid>
<pubDate>Tue, 24 Aug 2010 11:39:02 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[Children born abroad to American citizen parents are entitled to be documented as American citizens, IF the citizen parent meets certain so-called "transmission requirements". Consider these options, which go above and beyond simply filing an N-400 for Naturalization.]]></description>
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<item>
<title>Looking For a Great SLR Camera With a Great Price - Value Ratio?</title>
<link>http://EzineArticles.com/3295060</link>
<guid>http://EzineArticles.com/3295060</guid>
<pubDate>Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:19:05 -0600</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[Maybe you're like me. I personally really wanted an SLR, because I had "maxed out" on the kinds of photos I can take with a "point-and-shoot", and by accounts of some "photo pros", I was doing fantastic work with just a "point-and-shoot". So I wanted to take things to the next level and see what kinds of things I could do with an SLR-camera. Here's how I arrived at the perfect choice for me.]]></description>
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<item>
<title>Why Immigration Reform is Needed (Part III)</title>
<link>http://EzineArticles.com/3277605</link>
<guid>http://EzineArticles.com/3277605</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 19 Nov 2009 07:45:11 -0600</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[Assuming that the undocumented, "illegal" immigrant population of millions cannot be physically removed from the United States, the next best thing the nation as a whole can and must do, is figure out how to turn this shadow population, into a productive, legal, law-abiding, tax-paying population, who will contribute to our society in a legal and meaningful way, in exchange for safe legal status in this country. Essentially this would amount to a win-win for both the immigrants and for the United States. Any viable legalization effort will have to make each undocumented alien satisfy a series of...]]></description>
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<item>
<title>Why Immigration Reform is Needed (Part II)</title>
<link>http://EzineArticles.com/3277306</link>
<guid>http://EzineArticles.com/3277306</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 19 Nov 2009 07:40:08 -0600</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[Before we can really understand why Comprehensive Immigration Reform (CIR) is needed, and what a workable, sustainable and realistic reform needs to include, we need to take a good look at the 'status quo' of our present immigration system in the United States. Our review should be as honest as possible, including an in-depth analysis of what's working and what's not working.]]></description>
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<item>
<title>Why Immigration Reform is Needed (Part I)</title>
<link>http://EzineArticles.com/3269928</link>
<guid>http://EzineArticles.com/3269928</guid>
<pubDate>Wed, 18 Nov 2009 14:57:34 -0600</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[During the past 25 or so years, the United States has experienced significant advances in all areas of human development and interaction. Yet, while the United States and the world around it continued to change and evolve, our immigration system somehow remained frozen in time, not progressing beyond the mid-1990's. ]]></description>
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<item>
<title>What's the Deal With ESTA? Visa Waiver Travelers, Listen Up</title>
<link>http://EzineArticles.com/1929121</link>
<guid>http://EzineArticles.com/1929121</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 05 Feb 2009 16:54:43 -0600</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[Starting on January 12, 2009, travelers from all participating Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries - there are now 34 - are required to obtain approval through the United States' Department of Homeland Security's new Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) prior to traveling to the United States. This requirement applies to all eligible citizens or nationals traveling under the VWP, but not to current visa-holders.]]></description>
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<title>What Can We Expect From US Immigration After the Presidential Elections?</title>
<link>http://EzineArticles.com/1515909</link>
<guid>http://EzineArticles.com/1515909</guid>
<pubDate>Mon, 29 Sep 2008 10:31:39 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[Following the ongoing election coverage and Congress' failure last year to pass sweeping immigration reform, everyone holding an active interest in U.S. Immigration issues is eagerly anticipating forthcoming changes and developments.]]></description>
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<title>Are You a Foreign Buyer of US Real Estate?</title>
<link>http://EzineArticles.com/1515730</link>
<guid>http://EzineArticles.com/1515730</guid>
<pubDate>Fri, 26 Sep 2008 11:55:48 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[While owning overseas property can be -- and often is -- very rewarding, obtaining property in another country can be a process fraught with pitfalls, problems, delays and other frustrations, ranging from inconvenience, to economic loss, to legal liability.  One should never attempt an overseas property transaction unprepared, without the guidance and advice of seasoned, competent advisors.]]></description>
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<title>Are the EB-5 Regional Investment Centers in Jeopardy?</title>
<link>http://EzineArticles.com/1486369</link>
<guid>http://EzineArticles.com/1486369</guid>
<pubDate>Tue, 16 Sep 2008 15:15:34 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[Unless U.S. Congress acts soon and quickly, a vital aspect of the Employment Creation / Investor Green Card (EB-5) could soon be history.  A law on the books allowing for a reduced investment in a pre-approved investment scheme is about to expire.  Will Washington have the where-with-all to save this program or not?]]></description>
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<title>Inspection of US Citizens on Return From Abroad - Did You Know?</title>
<link>http://EzineArticles.com/1375760</link>
<guid>http://EzineArticles.com/1375760</guid>
<pubDate>Fri, 15 Aug 2008 14:26:49 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[Many U.S. citizens - especially first time international travelers -, are very surprised to learn that immigration inspectors at U.S. airports also require U.S. citizens to go through inspection upon their return from abroad. Officers of the Customs and Border Protection Service (CBP) are charged with maintaining U.S. national security and border integrity, keeping tabs on what people (and goods) are coming and going.]]></description>
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<title>Military Personnel Exempt From Inspection by CBP</title>
<link>http://EzineArticles.com/1371105</link>
<guid>http://EzineArticles.com/1371105</guid>
<pubDate>Fri, 15 Aug 2008 13:53:33 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[Members of U.S. Armed Forces are exempt from immigration controls, including the requirement to present a passport and visa. Members of NATO Armed Forces are normally exempt and enter the United States upon presentation of military identification and official travel orders.]]></description>
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<title>Important Issues For Green Card Holders to Remember and Consider When Traveling</title>
<link>http://EzineArticles.com/1371028</link>
<guid>http://EzineArticles.com/1371028</guid>
<pubDate>Mon, 04 Aug 2008 16:25:50 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[Clients who are Green Card holders (i.e. permanent residents) frequently ask me about issues they need to be aware of when traveling internationally, outside of the United States. Here are some things to consider to minimize the potential for problems at the border.]]></description>
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<title>Are You Or Do You Know a Foreign Student Who May Be About to Graduate?</title>
<link>http://EzineArticles.com/1333462</link>
<guid>http://EzineArticles.com/1333462</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 31 Jul 2008 10:25:55 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[Under limited circumstances, they CAN work in the U.S. Optional Practical Training (OPT) is temporary employment that is directly related to an F-1 student's major area of study. Under the prior rules, an F-1 student could be authorized to receive up to a total of 12 months of practical training either before (pre-) and/or after (post-)completion of studies.]]></description>
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<item>
<title>Have Children (On Visas) About to Graduate From High School?</title>
<link>http://EzineArticles.com/1333447</link>
<guid>http://EzineArticles.com/1333447</guid>
<pubDate>Tue, 22 Jul 2008 14:03:28 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[While many of my Non-Immigrant Visa clients come to the United States with spouse and/or children in tow on dependent visas, parents need to be mindful of their children's immigration status as they approach adulthood. Oddly enough,and to the astonishment of many clients, the critical age to watch is 21, not 18. Children, on turning 21, will lose their dependent visa status, and must now independently qualify for his or her own visa classification.]]></description>
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<title>Application For US Citizenship by Service Members of the US Armed Forces</title>
<link>http://EzineArticles.com/1333433</link>
<guid>http://EzineArticles.com/1333433</guid>
<pubDate>Tue, 22 Jul 2008 14:01:20 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[USCIS has streamlined the application and naturalization process for military personnel serving on active-duty or recently discharged. Generally, qualifying service is in one of the following branches: Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, certain reserve components of the National Guard and the Selected Reserve of the Ready Reserve.]]></description>
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<item>
<title>B-1 &quot;Business&quot; Visitor - What is One Allowed to Do in the US?</title>
<link>http://EzineArticles.com/1330075</link>
<guid>http://EzineArticles.com/1330075</guid>
<pubDate>Mon, 21 Jul 2008 13:12:09 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[Certain kinds of "business"related travel, is permitted using a B-1 visitor visa. The definition of"business" under immigration law is limited, and does not generally allow for gainful employment, labor for hire or productive activity such as operating a business or consultancy work.]]></description>
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<item>
<title>US Border Inspection Process Explained</title>
<link>http://EzineArticles.com/1321449</link>
<guid>http://EzineArticles.com/1321449</guid>
<pubDate>Wed, 16 Jul 2008 14:03:53 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[For someone how has never travelled to the United States before, a likely question to arise in their mind would be "What happens at the Port of Entry when I arrive?" Foreign travelers to the United States, will arrive initially at a so-called "port of entry" (POE). This POE can be an airport, a land border crossing, or a seaport. What's next?]]></description>
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<title>Visa Cancellation Vs Visa Revocation</title>
<link>http://EzineArticles.com/1321420</link>
<guid>http://EzineArticles.com/1321420</guid>
<pubDate>Wed, 16 Jul 2008 14:03:09 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[People often wonder what reasons are behind the cancellation or revocation of a visa previously issued. It's quite simple, really. Contrary to widespread perception, canceling or revoking a visa are not per se something negative.]]></description>
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<item>
<title>The Process of a Non-Immigrant Visa Application Explained</title>
<link>http://EzineArticles.com/1321049</link>
<guid>http://EzineArticles.com/1321049</guid>
<pubDate>Wed, 16 Jul 2008 13:18:20 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[Have you ever wondered what happens when a foreign national makes an application for a non-immigrant visa at a U.S. Consulate or Embassy.  This article will break down the process into its major components.]]></description>
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<title>Returning to the US After an Absence of One Year Or More?</title>
<link>http://EzineArticles.com/1316949</link>
<guid>http://EzineArticles.com/1316949</guid>
<pubDate>Tue, 15 Jul 2008 11:52:41 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[A Green Card holder, or lawful permanent resident, needs to comply with physical presence requirements in the United States, or risk losing the Green Card status. Under some circumstances, prolonged absences of one year or more are acceptable, by means of applying for a Re-Entry Permit, via Form I-131.  Follow these simple pointers to avoid hassle at the border.]]></description>
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<title>What is Standard Operating Procedure When Petitions Are Sent Back to USCIS For Revocation?</title>
<link>http://EzineArticles.com/1316941</link>
<guid>http://EzineArticles.com/1316941</guid>
<pubDate>Tue, 15 Jul 2008 11:44:59 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[There is some degree of curiosity and lack of knowledge surrounding what happens when a Consular Post sends an approved petition back to USCIS for revocation. The following will shed some light on this, thanks to some information recently provided by USCIS on this issue.]]></description>
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<title>EB-5 Green Card Investment in Regional Centers Explained</title>
<link>http://EzineArticles.com/1316920</link>
<guid>http://EzineArticles.com/1316920</guid>
<pubDate>Tue, 15 Jul 2008 11:43:24 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[The EB-5 Green Card was created in the 1990s by what was INS in order to create employment in the United States by attracting foreign investment 'in exchange for' lawful permanent resident status. While typically an investment of at least $1 million is required, under certain limited circumstances, a reduced investment of $500,000 is acceptable. One of these circumstances is a qualifying investment in a government-approved Regional Center investment program. The various EB-5 Regional Center Investment Programs are designed to enable foreign investors to qualify for permanent residence in the United States (i.e. a "green card") by investing $500,000 in a Regional Center.]]></description>
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<title>What Exactly is &quot;Visa Shopping&quot;?</title>
<link>http://EzineArticles.com/1321399</link>
<guid>http://EzineArticles.com/1321399</guid>
<pubDate>Tue, 15 Jul 2008 08:13:14 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[While not illegal, "visa shopping" is frowned upon by Consular Posts, in non-essential (i.e. non-emergency) situations. Under some circumstances, an accepted form of visa shopping, called "Third Country National" (or TCN) processing is permissible.]]></description>
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<title>Notarios Providing Legal Services Constitutes Unlicensed Practice of Law</title>
<link>http://EzineArticles.com/1284685</link>
<guid>http://EzineArticles.com/1284685</guid>
<pubDate>Wed, 02 Jul 2008 15:28:21 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[Some people in Florida are confused as to what services a Latin American notary public - "notaria," "consultoria" or "notario publico" - can provide regarding immigration matters. In fact, these persons are not attorneys unless properly licensed to practice law in this state, and they should not be relied on for legal advice because they cannot give legal advice. Numerous complaints have been received about persons of Hispanic descent who have been harmed after mistakenly seeking legal assistance from notaries who offer such services in immigration matters.]]></description>
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<title>Some Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's) About E-Verify</title>
<link>http://EzineArticles.com/1286254</link>
<guid>http://EzineArticles.com/1286254</guid>
<pubDate>Wed, 02 Jul 2008 15:23:17 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[E-Verify is currently the best means available for employers to verify electronically the employment eligibility of their newly hired employees. E-Verify virtually eliminates Social Security mismatch letters, improves the accuracy of wage and tax reporting, protects jobs for authorized U.S. workers, and helps U.S employers maintain a legal workforce.]]></description>
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<title>Visa-Free Travel to the US Under the Visa Waiver Program Explained</title>
<link>http://EzineArticles.com/1284703</link>
<guid>http://EzineArticles.com/1284703</guid>
<pubDate>Wed, 02 Jul 2008 15:22:06 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) enables nationals of certain countries to travel to the United States for tourism or business for stays of 90 days or less without obtaining a visa. The program was established in 1986 with the objective of eliminating unnecessary barriers to travel, stimulating the tourism industry, and permitting the Department of State to focus consular resources in other areas. VWP eligible travelers may apply for a visa, if they prefer to do so.]]></description>
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<title>TSA's Practices at US Airports Regarding Immigration Status</title>
<link>http://EzineArticles.com/1285930</link>
<guid>http://EzineArticles.com/1285930</guid>
<pubDate>Wed, 02 Jul 2008 09:42:20 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[In recent times, increasingly many reports across the country have surfaced, regarding security personnel (TSA) at U.S. airports inquiring into passengers' immigration status, as part of their routine check-in and screening procedures. At some airports, passengers who could not provide documentary proof of valid, legal status in the U.S., were detained, while CBP officers were called in by TSA to investigate further.]]></description>
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<title>Searches and Seizures by CBP at US Ports-of-Entry - Enhanced Security Or Harassment?</title>
<link>http://EzineArticles.com/1286129</link>
<guid>http://EzineArticles.com/1286129</guid>
<pubDate>Wed, 02 Jul 2008 09:23:00 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[Over the past 12 months, I have personally noticed a substantial increase of clients' accounts on unpleasant inspections and interrogations on entry to the United States, by members of CBP, the law enforcement agency operating under the umbrella agency Department of Homeland Security (DHS). CBP Officers are charged with maintaining the security and integrity of the U.S. borders, while allowing for and promoting legitimate travel and trade. They are essentially the official "greeter" at the border. I can just hear many of my readers cringing and shaking their heads in disbelief...I know what you're thinking!]]></description>
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<title>Immigration Update in View of Upcoming of Presidential Elections</title>
<link>http://EzineArticles.com/1286164</link>
<guid>http://EzineArticles.com/1286164</guid>
<pubDate>Wed, 02 Jul 2008 09:16:04 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[The U.S. Immigration laws were supposed to change considerably during the summer of 2007. Much debated legislation proposals were supposed to have been reconciled under an umbrella-version known as "Comprehensive Immigration Reform". These proposed changes, which were highly debated and seen by many as controversial, were supposed to expand the available range of legalization mechanisms, offer temporary work programs, increase options of alien children to attend institutions of higher learning, streamline and expand enforcement efforts by U.S. agencies, increase inter-agency communication, step up work-site enforcement, and enhance border security, and implement fixes to what were generally seen as 'broken aspects' of the current immigration system. So what happened to this proposed "Comprehensive Immigration Reform" ?]]></description>
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<item>
<title>Comprehensive Immigration Reform - Where Are We Today?</title>
<link>http://EzineArticles.com/1284699</link>
<guid>http://EzineArticles.com/1284699</guid>
<pubDate>Tue, 01 Jul 2008 15:08:23 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[Rewind by about a year.  Summer 2007.  The summer of great legislative anticipations and actions. Or was it? Legislators and groups alike, on either side of the hallway, had their agendas regarding wide-sweeping changes to a clearly broken American immigration system.  What was touted by various legislators in the U.S. Congress as a "Comprehensive Immigration Reform" (C.I.R.), was a series of band-aids and  splints to  address some  serious  flaws and gaps in the system.]]></description>
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<item>
<title>Are You Now, Or Could You Become, A Large-Scale Commercial Investor?</title>
<link>http://EzineArticles.com/1284696</link>
<guid>http://EzineArticles.com/1284696</guid>
<pubDate>Tue, 01 Jul 2008 15:07:13 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[For those who are living and working in the United States on so-called "non-immigrant visas", there may be an option of applying for an "Investor Green Card", if you can (or already may have) invest in an active U.S. enterprise on a large scale.     Many would-be immigrants often neglect to consider the EB-5 Employment-Creation Green Card as a possible, long-term immigration benefit, for those who aspire Legal Permanent Resident status, and some day even U.S. Citizenship. 
]]></description>
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<item>
<title>Very Brief Overview of U.S. Immigration Benefits</title>
<link>http://EzineArticles.com/1284686</link>
<guid>http://EzineArticles.com/1284686</guid>
<pubDate>Tue, 01 Jul 2008 15:05:39 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[Lawful permanent residents are non-U.S. citizens who have authorization to work and stay in the U.S. indefinitely. They may serve in the U.S. military, but may not vote. They must follow certain guidelines to maintain their status when traveling and staying outside of the U.S. for extended periods of time. They may lose their status as well if they commit crimes.]]></description>
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<item>
<title>How to Choose an Appropriate Immigration Lawyer</title>
<link>http://EzineArticles.com/1284666</link>
<guid>http://EzineArticles.com/1284666</guid>
<pubDate>Tue, 01 Jul 2008 15:03:29 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[Many times I have a prospective client on the phone, or in the conference room during a consultation, speaking openly and candidly about their life, their experience, their ambitions, their motivations and their dreams.    Sometimes these sessions can become very emotional, and on many levels very real.]]></description>
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