US-Immigration-Explained, the first DVD to ever explain US immigration law to the masses in simple language is actually lowering illegal immigration rates. “We have received a number of calls recently”, states immigration lawyer and author Steven Riznyk, “that demonstrate the effect”. He states that people call explaining they had no concept of how the system works and for the first time really understand how their ideas were wrong and would hurt their lives. And people are actually telling me, states Mr Riznyk that they are returning, where others are telling me that they have decided against making the journey.

A lot of people, states Steven Riznyk, have this misconception that they can illegally enter the United States and a year or so later all is forgiven. “I don’t know how these rumors start, but they get misinterpreted along the way and people’s lives are ruined by them”. What we are observing now, states Mr Riznyk, is that people, given the right information, are making rational decisions based on reality, not rumor. If they can decide based on a fact, they are more likely to make a decision that they will honor. And what we are finding, states Steven, is that people are finally understanding that they do have a choice; they don’t just have to run to the United States because it’s there. They can file a case legally as well. Customers are also recognizing that some things have more value than money itself.

People do not realize that there are a number of ways of entering legally. More importantly, they are realizing what the penalties are for entering illegally. As a result, US-Immigration-Explained is making people think twice before risking their lives to enter illegally. One who enters illegally is known by immigration lawyers as an EWI (Entry Without Inspection). This situation has to be distinguished from someone who enters legally and then overstays their visa. Many people in this situation do not realize that there are some options available. Once you leave the United States, a law called IIRIRA kicks in with 3 or 10-year bars for certain people. As a result, many people who had a possible solution did not educate themselves, left the country, and now are stuck separated from their family for 3, or more likely, 10 years.

An EWI puts a lot at risk. The person, usually a male, leaves his wife and children behind, and often puts his life on the line trying to enter the United States. Where before he had a family to come home to every night, he is now alone. Where before he worked a certain number of hours, he is now working every single hour he can. The comfort of a place to live is gone, and he is often sharing with a number of people. Why put all that at risk, states Mr Riznyk, when you have to live like a fugitive? This message has value especially to those who do have a family and some work back home. I don’t think they realize what they stand to lose , states Mr Riznyk, and they really have to ask themselves if they are gaining anything by being here. I have spoken to many, many people over the years who gave up their families and children, and looking back they wish they had never snuck into the US. With all the great things America has to offer, there is more value in remaining with your family than chasing the material dream, especially if you are one of the lucky ones who do have work and a family to come home to.

“There is so much misinformation out there that I felt there was a need for a clear message.” states Mr Riznyk, who has been in the field of immigration law for 22 years. I have dealt with thousands of cases of all types and there was no end to the lack of accurate information, he goes on to say. Sadly, the Internet has a lot of information but it is not organized. And there is so much to explain if you want to be thorough, states Mr Riznyk, that the shortest DVD program we were able to produce turned out to be almost 5 hours long.

And frankly, states Steven, had we not excluded the section on doctors and nurses it would have been substantially longer, and that could have made people stay away. However, the program is conveniently divided into chapters such as visitors, investors, students, relatives, workers, citizenship, miscellaneous visas, Green Cards, and waivers for criminal and health reasons.

The flip side of this, states Mr Riznyk, is that a lot of people don’t realize that they can legally achieve their goals. For example, if someone is unskilled and wants to work in the United states for 1-3 years, they can legally do so under the H-2B visa and save up some money. A Green Card is even possible, states Mr Riznyk, if they are willing to find an appropriate job offer and wait patiently. However, lack of patience often is the theme of the day and destroys future chances. Issues such as stating you are a citizen when you are not, entering illegally a second time, or voting when you are not a citizen can keep you out of this country.

The DVD is available in English, Spanish, and Japanese. It is available at www.US-Immigration-Explained.com. Steven Riznyk’s law firm can be found at www.my-Immigration-Attorney.com. His e-mail address is sr@USAexplained.com. He has also created a web site for people new in the US, tagged “The Owner’s Manual to the United States” and that site can be found at www.USAexplained.com. He is the author of two blogs, one for immigration law, and one for business investors, and the links for both can be found on his attorney web site, www.my-Immigration-Attorney.com.

Via EPR Network
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