Keys to Legally Regularize Your Immigration Status in the U.S.

How to Collaborate with U.S. Authorities to Ensure a Successful Immigration Process

Clarification Note:
At International Family Coaching, our mission is to support bicultural families and individuals in their process of emotional restoration, strengthening their bonds through respect, communication, and emotional intelligence.

We have training in International Law and extensive experience supporting Latin American communities in the United States. However, we do not provide legal services or representation in immigration processes.

Due to the large number of inquiries we receive about asylum and immigration regularization processes, we offer educational guidance to inform and accompany families in understanding their rights and responsibilities.

We promote a preventive approach aimed at strengthening conscious and responsible decision-making, in harmony with our commitment to reduce anxiety, stress, and difficulties generated by immigration processes.

For specialized legal advice, we collaborate with recognized organizations to whom we can refer clients, and who support our community in an ethical and professional manner.

One of the most common mistakes made by Latin American citizens who enter the United States and decide to remain in the country is failing to regularize their immigration status immediately.

Individuals who enter without a visa properly issued by U.S. embassies or consulates in their country of origin are considered to have entered the country illegally or irregularly and are therefore subject to deportation proceedings.

However, if at the time of entry into the country the individual presents themselves to Border Control Officers, explains their situation, and is admitted under the condition of initiating their immigration process — for example, by applying for asylum within one calendar year — they are complying with the established legal channels.

What is the purpose of this concession?

From a legal standpoint, this measure is intended to allow the individual to formalize their stay in the country, present their case to the appropriate authorities, and enter the legal process of biometric data collection. This allows the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to begin identity verification and determine the applicant’s eligibility to create their immigration file and, if approved, issue documents such as a work permit.

Unfortunately, the most common mistake is not cooperating with the authorities. Many people allow time to pass without taking action, which results in serious legal consequences, such as:

• Automatic exclusion from the process due to inaction — in other words, by not allowing biometric procedures to be carried out or by failing to cooperate in the investigation needed to determine the applicant’s identity.

Even if the individual believes they pose no threat and have no criminal background or ties to illicit activities, they must formally prove it. To do so, it is essential to provide the authorities with identity documents, fingerprints, and a photograph.

If the individual becomes “invisible” to the immigration system and fails to attend their scheduled appointment to present their case or submit their asylum application, they run a high risk of being deported. Failure to appear may result in a deportation order for noncompliance with the law.

In summary, breaking the law has consequences in any country, but in the United States, the principle of legality is applied rigorously: no one is above the law.

If, due to force majeure, you were unable to submit your asylum application or initiate your immigration process on time, we strongly recommend seeking legal guidance as soon as possible.

At International Family Coaching, we will be happy to guide you. You can find us on social media as @InternationalFamilyCoaching.

We support bicultural families in their integration processes — contact us at 502-495-8444 or email us at info@internationalfamilycoaching.org.