<title>Blog</title> <link>http://mifamiliavota.org/blog</link> en lisa.wess@ellislab.com Copyright 2012 2012-01-12T22:36:24+00:00 <title>Benefits of Volunteering</title> <link>http://www.mifamiliavota.org/blog/post/benefits_of_volunteering1/</link> http://www.mifamiliavota.org/blog/post/benefits_of_volunteering1/#When:22:36:24Z Did you know that volunteering has many surprising benefits?We all have busy lives. But, taking time out of your schedule to make a meaningful and positive impact on your community can fulfill your life.For example, you can learn or develop a new skill, boost your career options, meet new and interesting people, have new experiences, increase your self-confidence and motivation, and even stay physically healthy. Studies haven found that those who volunteer have a lower mortality rate than those who do not, even when considering factors like the health of the participants..For more information on how volunteering brings satisfaction into your daily lives, click on the link below.http://www.helpguide.org/life/volunteer_opportunities_benefits_volunteering.htmTo sign up to volunteer with Mi Familia Vota and make a positive impact on the civic lives of Latinos and our ally communities, visit us at http://org2.democracyinaction.org/o/6111/signup_page/volunteer. 2012-01-12T22:36:24+00:00 <title>Learn About a Conditional Permanent Residence</title> <link>http://www.mifamiliavota.org/blog/post/learn_about_a_conditional_permanent_residence/</link> http://www.mifamiliavota.org/blog/post/learn_about_a_conditional_permanent_residence/#When:17:29:29Z   A conditional permanent resident receives a green card valid for two years. In order to remain a permanent resident, a conditional permanent resident must file a petition to remove the condition during the 90 days before the card expires. The conditional card cannot be renewed.  The conditions must be removed or your permanent resident status will be lost.To remove conditions on a green card based on marriage, you must file Form I-751, Petition to Remove the Conditions of Residence. Applicants must file this form at the USCIS California Service Center or the USCIS Vermont Service Center, depending on where they live.To remove conditions on green card for entrepreneurs, you must file Form I-829, Petition by Entrepreneur to Remove Conditions. Applicants must submit this form at the USCIS California Service Center.For more information on removing a Conditional Permanent Resident status, visit http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.eb1d4c2a3e5b9ac89243c6a7543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=4ca43a4107083210VgnVCM100000082ca60aRCRD&vgnextchannel=4ca43a4107083210VgnVCM100000082ca60aRCRD 2012-01-05T17:29:29+00:00 <title>Immigrant Petition Under Violence Against Women Act</title> <link>http://www.mifamiliavota.org/blog/post/immigrant_petition_under_violence_against_women_act/</link> http://www.mifamiliavota.org/blog/post/immigrant_petition_under_violence_against_women_act/#When:22:52:21Z As a battered spouse, child or parent, you may file an immigrant visa petition under the Violence against Women Act (VAWA). VAWA allows certain spouses, children and parents of U.S. citizens and permanent residents (green card holders) to file a petition for themselves without the abuser's knowledge. This will allow you to seek both safety and independence from the abuser. The provisions of VAWA apply equally to women and men. Your abuser will not be notified that you have filed for immigration benefits under VAWA. Help is also available from the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or 1-800-787-3224 (TDD). The hotline has information about shelters, mental heath care, legal advice and other types of assistance, including information about filing for immigration status. For more information, visit the National Domestic Violence website. To file this petition you must complete the Form I-360, Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant, including all proper documentation. Those Eligible to File Spouse: You may file for yourself if you are, or were, the abused spouse of a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. You may also include on your petition your unmarried children who are under 21 if they have not filed for themselves. Parent: You may file for yourself if you are the parent of a child who has been abused by your U.S. citizen or permanent resident spouse. You may include on your petition your children, including those who have not been abused, if they have not filed for themselves. You may also file if you are the parent of a U.S. citizen, and you have been abused by your U.S. citizen son or daughter. Child: You may file for yourself if you are an abused child under 21, unmarried and have been abused by your U.S. citizen or permanent resident parent. Your children may also be included on your petition. You may file for yourself as a child after age 21 but before age 25 if you can demonstrate that the abuse was the main reason for the delay in filing. You may also visit http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.eb1d4c2a3e5b9ac89243c6a7543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=b85c3e4d77d73210VgnVCM100000082ca60aRCRD&vgnextchannel=b85c3e4d77d73210VgnVCM100000082ca60aRCRD    2011-11-22T22:52:21+00:00 <title>A Download on Dual Citizenship</title> <link>http://www.mifamiliavota.org/blog/post/a_download_on_dual_citizenship/</link> http://www.mifamiliavota.org/blog/post/a_download_on_dual_citizenship/#When:20:48:06Z The concept of dual nationality means that a person is a citizen of two countries at the same time. Each country has its own citizenship laws based on its own policy. People may have dual nationality by automatic operation of different laws rather than by choice. For example, a child born in a foreign country to U.S. citizen parents may be both a U.S. citizen and a citizen of the country of birth. A U.S. citizen may acquire foreign citizenship by marriage, or a person naturalized as a U.S. citizen may not lose the citizenship of the country of birth. U.S. law does not mention dual nationality or require a person to choose one citizenship or another. Also, a person who is automatically granted another citizenship does not risk losing U.S. citizenship. However, a person who acquires a foreign citizenship by applying for it may lose U.S. citizenship.  The U.S. Government recognizes that dual nationality exists but does not encourage it as a matter of policy because of the problems it may cause. Claims of other countries on dual national U.S. citizens may conflict with U.S. law, and dual nationality may limit U.S. Government efforts to assist citizens abroad. Information on losing foreign citizenship can be obtained from the foreign country's embassy and consulates in the United States. You can read more by visiting http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.eb1d4c2a3e5b9ac89243c6a7543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=a2ec6811264a3210VgnVCM100000b92ca60aRCRD&vgnextchannel=a2ec6811264a3210VgnVCM100000b92ca60aRCRD 2011-11-15T20:48:06+00:00 <title>Freshen up your knowledge on the U.S. Constitution</title> <link>http://www.mifamiliavota.org/blog/post/freshen_up_your_knowledge_on_the_u.s._constitution/</link> http://www.mifamiliavota.org/blog/post/freshen_up_your_knowledge_on_the_u.s._constitution/#When:15:44:32Z The Constitution of the United States is the supreme law of the land. It is the framework for the U.S. government and for the relationship of the federal government with the states, citizens and all the people within the U.S.The Constitution was adopted on September 17, 1787 at the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It has 27 amendments; the first ten amendments are known as the "Bill of Rights." The first three Articles of the Constitution establish the three branches of the national government: legislative (Congress), executive (led by the President), and judicial (headed by the Supreme Court).The U.S. Constitution is the second oldest written constitution still in use by any nation in the world, after the 1600 Statutes of San Marino. The original document is on display at the National Archives and Records Administration in Washington, D.C.To learn more about the U.S. Constitution, visit http://www.archives.gov/exhibits/charters/constitution.html and start preparing for your U.S. Citizenship test today! 2011-11-08T15:44:32+00:00 <title>Ben Monterroso Featured on Telemundo Levántate!</title> <link>http://www.mifamiliavota.org/blog/post/ben_monterroso_featured_on_telemundo_levantate/</link> http://www.mifamiliavota.org/blog/post/ben_monterroso_featured_on_telemundo_levantate/#When:21:16:54Z Mi Familia Vota’s Executive Director Ben Monterroso was recently featured on Telemundo's national morning show Levántate!   Ben is a clear example that through hard work, motivation and dedication, one can brake through barriers and go beyond the limitations we encounter in our lives to achieve our dreams. Ben has not only fought for his own success, but he has also fought, and continues to fight, for the respect and the rights of millions of Latino immigrants in the United States by promoting the importance of civic participation in our communities. Watch the video and get inspired to participate in our country’s democratic process. Consider: Becoming a U.S. citizen Registering to vote and voting Volunteering with Mi Familia Vota Spreading the word about the importance of civic engagement        Felicidades, Ben! You are an inspiration to all of us. 2011-10-24T21:16:54+00:00 <title>Getting a Federal Job</title> <link>http://www.mifamiliavota.org/blog/post/getting_a_federal_job/</link> http://www.mifamiliavota.org/blog/post/getting_a_federal_job/#When:19:03:41Z Federal jobs offer competitive salaries, paid vacation, incredible benefits, and most of all, security. Something you don't find easily these days.With more than 1.7 million jobs and over 400 occupational specialties, the Federal Government offers more choices than any other single employer in the United States. One place to look for these jobs is the official U.S. government jobs site, USAjobs.gov <http://www.99ers.net/goto/USAjobs_gov/102/1> . <http://www.99ers.net/goto/_/102/2> It’s got an easy-to-use search feature where you can enter your zip code and a search radius. Plus, there are links to lots of additional resources. However, you will also find Federal job opportunities on some agency websites so don't rely solely on one job board or posting.  The free government publication, "How to Get a Job in the Federal Government" gives you a step-by-step overview and useful information on searching, qualifying, and applying for a job with the federal government. The Federal Application process is very different than the corporate process that you may be used to.   To download the government publication visit http://publications.usa.gov/USAPubs.php?PubID=1338Also, remember that you have to be a U.S. Citizen to apply for a Federal Job. Visit http://www.mifamiliavota.org/issues/citizenship to apply for U.S. citizenship now! 2011-10-20T19:03:41+00:00 <title>What to Expect during an Oath Ceremony</title> <link>http://www.mifamiliavota.org/blog/post/what_to_expect_during_an_oath_ceremony/</link> http://www.mifamiliavota.org/blog/post/what_to_expect_during_an_oath_ceremony/#When:19:26:40Z If the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services  (USCIS) grants you naturalization, you will become a citizen as soon as you take the Oath of Allegiance to the United States in a formal naturalization ceremony. In some places, you can choose to take the Oath the same day as your interview. If that option is not available, or if you prefer a ceremony at a later date, USCIS will notify you of the ceremony date with a "Notice of Naturalization Oath Ceremony" (Form N-445).When you arrive at your oath ceremony, you: Must return your Permanent Resident Card to USCIS Must bring with you the questions on Form N-445, which is sent with your oath ceremony date letter. These must be filled out before arriving at your oath ceremony. Do not sign the form until instructed by an officer the day of your ceremony. Your appointment letter may list additional documents that you will need to bring with you.  Once you have taken the oath, congratulations! You will receive your Certificate of Naturalization! You can visit http://ciudadania.yaeshora.info/faqs?id=0009 for more information on the oath ceremony.Also visit http://www.mifamiliavota.org/issue/citizenship to apply for citizenship if you're eligible. 2011-10-18T19:26:40+00:00 <title>Steps to Passing your U.S. Citizenship Test</title> <link>http://www.mifamiliavota.org/blog/post/steps_to_passing_your_u.s._citizenship_test/</link> http://www.mifamiliavota.org/blog/post/steps_to_passing_your_u.s._citizenship_test/#When:20:54:38Z Part of the path to obtaining U.S. Citizenship is passing the U.S. Citizenship Test & Interview. The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) conducts this test to all permanent residents applying for citizenship.Individuals are required to take an English and Civics test. The test includes 100 civic questions. Generally, applicants are asked up to 10 out of the 100 questions. In order to successfully pass the exam it’s required to answer at least six of the ten random questions asked.The English portion of the test has three parts, including reading, writing and speaking. Individual’s ability to speak basic English is determined by the USCIS officer conducting the interview. It’s required to read one out of three sentences correctly for the reading portion of the exam. Applicants are also required to write one out of three sentences correctly.Once your citizenship application is accepted, the USCIS gives you an easy to understand DVD and study guide to help you pass the test. It provides you the tools needed to gain the knowledge to be successful in passing the U.S. Citizenship Test and Interview.To do your interview in Spanish you need to be: 50 years old and 20 years as a U.S. Resident 55 years old and 15 years as a U.S. Resident You can visit http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.eb1d4c2a3e5b9ac89243c6a7543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=dd7ffe9dd4aa3210VgnVCM100000b92ca60aRCRD&vgnextchannel=dd7ffe9dd4aa3210VgnVCM100000b92ca60aRCRD to read more about these tools. You can also visit http://www.mifamiliavota.org/issues/citizenship today to apply for your U.S. Citizenship. 2011-10-13T20:54:38+00:00 <title>What to do if USCIS denies your application for Citizenship</title> <link>http://www.mifamiliavota.org/blog/post/what_to_do_if_uscis_denies_your_application_for_citizenship/</link> http://www.mifamiliavota.org/blog/post/what_to_do_if_uscis_denies_your_application_for_citizenship/#When:19:23:16Z If the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services denied your citizenship application and you think they were wrong to deny it, you may request a hearing with an immigration officer. Your denial letter will explain how to request a hearing and will include the form that you need. The form for filing an appeal is the "Request for Hearing on a Decision in Naturalization Proceedings under Section 336 of the INA" <http://www.uscis.gov/files/form/n-336.pdf> (Form N-336). You must file the form, including the correct fee, to USCIS within 30 days after you received the denial letter.  If, after an appeal hearing with USCIS, you still believe you have been wrongly denied naturalization, you may file a petition for a new review of your application in U.S. District Court. In many cases, you may also reapply. If you reapply, you will need to complete and resubmit a new Form N-400 <http://www.uscis.gov/files/form/n-400.pdf> and pay the fee again. You will need to have your fingerprints and photographs taken again. Your denial letter should indicate the date you may reapply for citizenship. If you are denied because you failed the English or civics test, you may reapply for naturalization as soon as you want. You should reapply whenever you believe you have learned enough English or civics to pass both tests. You can apply for your citizenship by visiting http://www.mifamiliavota.org/issues/citizenship 2011-10-11T19:23:16+00:00