Monday, April 15, 2013

Homeland Security Facts and Principles

The duty of the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS), is to protect the United States from national disasters and threats and the goal of the DHS is to keep America safe. The DHS is the national protection agency that secures the borders of the country and that prevents terrorists from attacking the country. This department was created in the year 2003 after the INS was dissolved in response to the terrorist attacks in 2001. The US Department of Homeland Security safeguards the constitutional rights of the Americans and protects the economy of the country. DHS is the executive department of the federal government and its main responsibility is to protect the country. It prevents terrorist attacks, enhances border security, administers immigration laws, secures cyberspace and minimizes the damage from natural disasters and potential terrorist attacks.

DHS oversees few different government agencies and the department was created through the integration of 22 different federal departments and currently the DHS oversees the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), US Customs and Border Protection (CBP), US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), US Coast Guard, the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center, US Secret Service (USSS) and the Office of Inspector General. The main goals of the DHS are to prevent terrorist attacks and to prevent them from using nuclear and chemical materials on American soil.

Likewise, the department allots funds to modernize ports of entry and it helps to enhance national preparedness in state and local law enforcement. It is also updating the border security technology as the goal of the department is to secure the land, air and sea ports of entry. It also investigates and prevents criminal organizations from getting into the country. DHS has doubled Border Patrol agents and it has deployed National Guard troops in order to help the law enforcement agencies. Moreover, the department is joining forces with Mexico to secure the border.

DHS implements immigration laws and the USCIS, a federal agency managed by the DHS, oversees all immigration processes. Likewise, the responsibility of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement, is to identify and remove undocumented immigrants. It is also working hard to combat human trafficking and is conducting programs to assist the victims. The National Cyber Security Division of the DHS counters cyber threats and implements cyber-risk programs. People can obtain information about cyber crimes from the National Cyberspace Response System and this system also assesses cyber threats through its US-Cert Operations. The Federal Emergency Management Agency of the Homeland Security, makes recommendations to the government and provides disaster assistance to affected communities. However, DHS that is keeping the country safe, is looking forward to become a smarter agency and protect the country more effectively.

Wednesday, April 10, 2013

What You Should Know When Renewing A Green Card?


Green Card is an identity document issued by the government of the United States to the permanent residents of the country. Green Card holders can enjoy various rights and they also have few responsibilities. With this Green Card, you can stay anywhere in America, as long as you wish and this permanent resident status will never expire. But this does not apply to Green Cards and the Green Cards will expire and these cards are good only for a decade and the Green Card holders will have to apply for Green Card renewal prior to the expiration of their cards.

Hence, it is mandatory to understand the renewal process. An expired Green Card will create problems and it might also endanger your permanent resident status. You may not be able to accept employment in the country if you do not have a valid document to prove that you are a permanent resident and you may not be able to obtain benefits that are meant for permanent residents. US employers may not hire you, if your permanent resident Card is invalid. To avoid such difficulties, you need to immediately file an application for Green Card renewal, if you find that your Green Card is about to expire or if it has already expired.

The USCIS forms that must be filed to get your Green Card renewed, is Form I-90. All the fields of this form must be completed and the required supporting documents along with the form must be mailed to the right service center. The form filing process may not be difficult as you can file Form I-90 electronically and you can just follow the customized form instructions and complete the form. Moreover, you will immediately receive a confirmation notice after you e-file your Green Card renewal application. Copies of supporting documents such as your driver's license, both the sides of your Green Card, passport and other relevant documents must be mailed to the location specified in the confirmation notice that you receive after filing your petition, online. You may pay the form filing fee through a check or a money order, if you file the paper form and through your debit or credit if you e-file your Green Card renewal application.

Currently, the form filing fee is $450 and this includes the biometrics fee. And remember that you will be sent a biometrics appointment notice after you file your petition and without fail you will have to make it to the location, specified in the appointment notice. USCIS might require applicants who have filed applications for Green Card renewal to appear for in person interviews and this may not be applicable to all the applicants. USCIS will issue a new Green Card that is valid for a ten year period, after conducting background checks or after the interview, if you are still eligible for lawful status in the United States.