Hello,
I got into a difficult situation with INS and need help and advice. I would highly appreciate your courtesy if you\'ll find a couple of minutes for me.
I have arrived into US in September 1998 with one-year business visa B-1. In February 1999 I\'d went to Canada and I have been staying where till January 2001, working with legal work permit.
In January 2001 I signed a contract with US employer and they started H1B process for me. While getting back from Canada to the US in January 17 2001, I was told at INS post that I had to visit INS office on April 23d, 2001. At that time I didn\'t have valid US visa.
On April 23d I came to INS office and they issued a lawsuit against me. I was prosecuted in violation of US immigration law according to that I should be considered an illegal immigrant who stayed in the US for more than 2 years with expired visa, in spite of my Canadian residence. They took away my passport.
So, I dare to ask several questions:
1. Is that really true that above mentioned law exists?
2. Then and how could I get my passport back?
3. What is the worst-case scenario for me?
4. How much will it cost to get professional lawyer assistance during a sitting of the court?
Please help me.
Thanks in advance.
I got into a difficult situation with INS and need help and advice. I would highly appreciate your courtesy if you\'ll find a couple of minutes for me.
I have arrived into US in September 1998 with one-year business visa B-1. In February 1999 I\'d went to Canada and I have been staying where till January 2001, working with legal work permit.
In January 2001 I signed a contract with US employer and they started H1B process for me. While getting back from Canada to the US in January 17 2001, I was told at INS post that I had to visit INS office on April 23d, 2001. At that time I didn\'t have valid US visa.
On April 23d I came to INS office and they issued a lawsuit against me. I was prosecuted in violation of US immigration law according to that I should be considered an illegal immigrant who stayed in the US for more than 2 years with expired visa, in spite of my Canadian residence. They took away my passport.
So, I dare to ask several questions:
1. Is that really true that above mentioned law exists?
2. Then and how could I get my passport back?
3. What is the worst-case scenario for me?
4. How much will it cost to get professional lawyer assistance during a sitting of the court?
Please help me.
Thanks in advance.