Aguilar Pierce Law

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Athens, GA
Aguilar Pierce Law

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Our law firm handles immigration and assists with Filipino legal matters. Fax: 706-549-6879

09/22/2026

We get this question all the time: "I filed an I-130 for my sibling/child. Can they apply for a B-1/B-2 tourist visa to visit me in the US while they wait?"

The short answer? Yes. ✅It is legally possible, but it can be VERY difficult. 💭

Because a family-based petition shows "immigrant intent" (the desire to live in the US permanently), the consular officer in Manila will heavily scrutinize a tourist visa application. Your relative must provide overwhelming evidence of their ties to the Philippines (like a stable career, property ownership, or dependent family members left behind) to prove that they will return home after a short visit.

If you are planning to try this, preparation is crucial. Contact us to discuss the risks and the right strategy for your family! ✈️ 🤔

09/17/2026

Is your family member preparing for their Consular Interview at the US Embassy in Manila? Preparation is the key to a smooth, stress-free appointment!

Here are the Top 5 Documents they absolutely must have organized and ready to go:

1. Unexpired passport (valid for at least 6 months beyond the intended date of entry)
2. The DS-260 confirmation page
3. Original civil documents (PSA Birth Certificates, Marriage Certificates, CENOMAR)
4. The sealed medical exam results from St. Luke's Medical Center
5. Updated financial support documents (I-864 Affidavit of Support and your most recent tax transcripts).

Tip: Bring organized photocopies of all original documents!

Save this post for when it's time to pack your interview folder! 📁💼

09/10/2026

Dreaming of bringing a family member to the U.S.? A critical part of the family visa process is proving to the U.S. government that your loved ones will be financially supported once they arrive. That’s exactly what the I-864 Affidavit of Support is for!

As the sponsor, you will need to gather a few key documents to prove your income. Here is a quick checklist:

📄 Your most recent Federal Income Tax Return (or IRS Tax Transcript)
📄 Your W-2s or 1099s for the most recent tax year
📄 Recent pay stubs (usually the last 3-6 months)
📄 A letter verifying your current employment and salary
📄 Proof of your U.S. Citizenship or Green Card status (U.S. Passport, Naturalization Certificate, or Green Card)

Worried you might not meet the minimum income requirements?
Don't let that stop you from starting the process! We routinely help families explore alternative options, like adding a joint sponsor or utilizing personal assets to meet the threshold.

If you have questions about your eligibility to sponsor your relatives, our team is just a message away! 📲💬

09/01/2026

Happy September 1st! You know what that means... the 'Ber' months are officially here!🎄✨

If there is one thing Filipinos are famous for, it's having the longest Christmas season in the world. 🤣From the moment September hits, the parols go up, and the Jose Mari Chan songs start playing!

Buuut we know that the true magic of the holidays isn't the decorations; it's being together.💖 For many of our clients, the ultimate goal is to have their family sitting around the table for Noche Buena.

Immigration takes time, but starting the process now brings you one step closer to those holiday reunions. Let’s get to work on bringing your family home. 🎁👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

08/25/2026

To our U.S. business owners: Are you struggling to find qualified workers locally? Sponsoring foreign talent through the PERM labor certification process might be your solution, but we know the process can sound intimidating.

Here is the PERM process broken down into 3 straightforward steps:

1. Prevailing Wage Determination: We ask the Department of Labor (DOL) how much you must pay the worker ("fair market wage") based on the job location and duties.

2. Recruitment: You test the U.S. labor market by placing ads to ensure no qualified U.S. workers are available for the position. We'll guide you through running specific job ads to legally prove there is a shortage of qualified U.S. workers for the role.

3. ETA Form 9089 Filing: We submit the application to the DOL certifying that you completed the recruitment and need to hire foreign talent!

You focus on running your business; we’ll handle the red tape.

DM us to talk about your hiring needs!🏢🤝

07/10/2026

Is your child turning 21 soon while waiting for their visa?

As a parent, watching the clock tick while your I-130 is pending is incredibly stressful. The Child Status Protection Act (CSPA) might 'freeze' your child's age to keep them eligible for a green card, but the math is complicated.

Don't let your child age out of their visa category. Contact our office to see if the CSPA applies to your family's petition. We offer ✨payment plans✨

07/04/2026

Happy Filipino-American Friendship Day and 4th of July! 🇺🇸🇵🇭

For decades, the ties between the US and the Philippines have been built on the dreams and hard work of immigrant families. We know the journey to bring your family here isn't always easy, but the resulting reunions make our communities stronger.

If you're ready to start your family's immigration journey, let's talk.

06/28/2026

🚨 IMPORTANT IMMIGRATION UPDATE 🚨
USCIS just announced a major policy shift regarding Green Card applications (Adjustment of Status).

According to a new memo released on May 22, most people in the U.S. on temporary visas (like students, tourists, and temporary workers) will no longer be able to apply for a Green Card from inside the country. Instead, applicants must *return to their home* country and go through consular processing.

Key takeaways from the new policy:
🔹 In-country "Adjustment of Status" will now only be granted in EXTRAORDINARY circumstances evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

🔹 The goal is to return to the "original intent of the law," preventing loopholes and reducing illegal overstays when residency is denied.

🔹 Moving these cases to the State Department abroad will free up USCIS resources for other priorities, like naturalization and visas for victims of violent crime.

If you or someone you know is currently navigating the immigration process, make sure to read up on these new rules and consult with an immigration professional!

DM us for a free consultation. We offer PAYMENT PLANS!

05/11/2026

🚨 Myth: "A visa and a green card are basically the same thing."

Not quite, and the difference matters more than you think.

A visa is permission to enter the U.S. for a specific purpose and time period. It can be for tourism, work, study, or family visits, BUT it has an expiration date and conditions attached.

A green card (permanent resident card) means you can live and work in the U.S. permanently, without the clock ticking over your head.

Think of a visa as a guest pass and a green card as a key to the house. The path from one to the other varies widely depending on your situation: family, employment, asylum, and more.

And speaking of employment-based paths, the PERM process (Program Electronic Review Management) is often the critical first step for employer-sponsored green cards. It's complex, time-sensitive, and easy to get wrong without guidance.

Confused about where you stand? That's what we're here for. 👇

📩 DM us to schedule a consultation.

12/25/2025

From everyone at Aguilar Pierce Law, we send the Filipino community our warmest wishes for a safe, joyful, and blessed Christmas season. May your day be filled with the warmth of family, good food, and the spirit of Christmas. 💗🎄

As you reflect on the year, let this holiday inspire you to secure your family's future. We will be scheduling consultations for the first week of January 2026. Secure your spot now so you can hit the ground running in the New Year!

Address

575 Research Drive, Suite C
Athens, GA
30605

Telephone

+17067653289

Website

http://aguilarpierce.com/

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