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Immigration Services Officer Resume Example

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IMMIGRATION SERVICES OFFICER
Experience
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Immigration Services Officer 07/2015 to Current

  • Adjudicate I-130 petitions, adjustment of status cases, I-601 waivers, and motions.
  • Request initial and additional evidence when required for adjudication.
  • Compare statements made by the petitioner with other evidence to determine credibility.
  • Research marriage, divorce, and legitimation laws and the availability of documents in a country or state.
  • Complete record and security checks.
  • Identify fraud indicators and make referrals.
  • Write notices of intent to deny and denials.
  • Interview four days a week and usually complete 21 interviews per week.
  • Assist with naturalization ceremonies and the information counter.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Essex, VT Immigration Services Officer 02/2013 to 07/2015
  • Adjudicate applications and petitions for family-based and VAWA immigration benefits (Forms I-130, I-918, I-918A, I-765, I-192, and I-360 (Self-Petitioning Spouses and Children)).
  • Request initial and additional evidence when required for adjudication of all form types.
  • Analyze evidence, and apply statutory requirements, regulations and judicial and administrative precedents to the facts with minimal supervision.
  • Request initial and additional evidence as required Compare statements made by the petitioner with other evidence to determine credibility.
  • Draft complex denials for U-visa petitions when the evidence fails to show that the petitioner qualified as a victim; the certified crime was a qualifying crime; the victim was helpful to law enforcement; or the victim suffered substantial physical or mental abuse as a result of the crime.
  • Determine grounds of inadmissibility by reviewing the entire A-file, results from the criminal background check (rap sheet), BCU resolutions, and other sources as needed.
  • Prepare recommendations for waivers of certain particularly serious crimes when substantial equities make granting a waiver in the public interest.
  • Analyze elements of certified crimes with elements of qualifying crimes to determine similarity.
  • Reevaluate evidence to determine whether 204(c) marriage fraud is a bar.
  • Make findings of lack of good moral character.
  • Research marriage, divorce, and legitimation laws and the availability of documents in a country or state.
  • Complete record and security checks using Nationals, Claims 3, EARM, TECS, ADIS, Consular Consolidated Database, NASS for fingerprint appointments, Center Serve, and miscellaneous databases and applications.
  • Identify fraud indicators and make referrals after obtaining supervisory approval.
  • Completed the Basic Service Officers Training at the USCIS Academy July 2013.
Department of Veteran Affairs St. Louis, MO Term Veterans Claim Examiner 08/2009 to 02/2013
  • Examined education claims to determine eligibility for the Post-9/11 GI bill.
  • Accessed multiple databases and records to evaluate evidence.
  • Called claimants to request information, answered inquiries or complaints from veterans, and prepared correspondence to inform them of their status.
  • Authorized payments to institutions of higher learning and claimants based upon information on an enrollment certification prepared by the school certifying official.
  • Prepared audits.
  • Reconciled information from an old system with information converted to a new system during development and incorporated the new technology as it was developed.
  • Received a Federal Executive Board Excellence in Government Award, Education Division of the St.
  • Louis VA Regional Processing Office, 2010 Administrative Team Category in recognition of outstanding service to the United States government.
  • Daegis - June to July 2009.
The Dine Group Chicago, IL Attorney 01/2009 to 06/2009
  • Reviewed and analyzed electronically stored information as required by the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure to determine if relevant, confidential, and privileged using DocuMatrix for a federal intellectual property case involving the Internet for Mayer Brown.
HIRECounsel Chicago, IL Paralegal 12/2008 to 01/2009
  • Reviewed and analyzed electronically stored information as required by the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure to determine if relevant, confidential and privileged for an affirmative case alleging fraud by medical providers using CaseCentral for State Farm Insurance, Bloomington, IL.
Oak Forest, IL Attorney/Substitute Teacher 08/2006 to 12/2007
  • Worked: 20-40 hours per week.
  • Represented clients in family law, guardianship for minors, juvenile abuse and neglect, administrative, and civil matters in Cook and surrounding counties in Illinois.
  • Investigated a case regarding a minor child taken into an adjoining State by a guardian after the child reported knowledge about various arrests and drugs to his mother, my client.
  • Represented a client in the mediation of a juvenile court case involving sexual abuse of an infant.
  • Interviewed clients and witnesses and used my ability to listen effectively to collect necessary information; evaluated and advised clients on the risks and benefits of alternative actions; and determined credibility of the client and witnesses by questioning them and observing their non-verbal cues.
  • Collaborated with a colleague on the preparation of an appeal for a post-conviction case, including supplementation and extensive restoration of the court record.
  • Working as a general practitioner requires a deep understanding of rules and legal sources to reach sound conclusion in a fair and consistent manner across a variety of issues, cases, and situations and keep up with current changes in the law.
The Law Offices of Anderson J. Ward, P.C Mokena, IL Attorney 07/2005 to 08/2006

  • Represented clients in family, guardianship for minors, juvenile abuse and neglect, administrative, and criminal and civil matters in Cook and surrounding counties in Illinois.
  • Interviewed clients and witnesses and used my ability to listen effectively and ask indirect questions to collect necessary information.
  • Handled discovery requests and responses (including investigating financial fraud), argued contested motions, negotiated with opposing counsel, participated in pre-trial conferences, located and obtained or subpoenaed information from sensitive records, such as education, medical, employment, tax, and criminal files.
  • Researched legal issues using Westlaw.
  • Prepared appellate briefs for criminal and civil appeals presenting written facts and arguments in a logical and organized manner.
  • Litigated a civil case requiring the use of an interpreter for all witnesses.
  • Held meetings to find resolutions with clients dissatisfied with legal representation provided by a former employee.
  • Kept time records to maintain a case history and to determine appropriate hours for billing purposes.
U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service Chicago, IL Term Paralegal Specialist 10/1998 to 12/1999

  • Analyzed documents pertaining to 1150 complex requests to determine if the information requested was exempt from disclosure pursuant to the Privacy or Freedom of Information Acts.
  • Consulted with and referred records to other federal agencies.
  • Prepared explanatory responses and other miscellaneous duties.
  • Searched databases.
  • Researched legal issues and kept abreast of developments in the field of public disclosure and immigration law.
  • Developed and maintained a spreadsheet of statistical data for a report required by headquarters.
Champaign County Urbana, IL Attorney 12/1994 to 12/1995
  • Worked: 40-50 hours per week.
  • Represented indigent children or parents in abuse and neglect hearings and indirect criminal contempt (rule to show cause) cases.
  • Assumed immediate responsibility for more than 200 family cases involving over 700 children.
  • Averaged more than 70 court appearances per month and the litigation of 46 termination of parental rights cases which required both a trial to determine the unfitness of the parent and a dispositional hearing to determine the best interest of the child.
  • These cases required reviewing and organizing large amounts of discovery materials obtained from the State's Attorney and the child welfare agency to determine any defenses and possible placements for the child.
  • The Judge adopted my suggestion to handle discovery differently to eliminate duplication of information and documents.
  • My caseload included several of the most vocal parents and critics televised during public forums regarding this controversial court.
  • I attended Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) case reviews and administrative proceedings when time allowed although not a contractual obligation.
  • Investigated factual issues to determine the need for additional information and evidence and determined the appropriate method for obtaining such evidence.
  • Interviewed clients, lay witnesses, medical personnel, caseworkers, and foster parents.
  • Explained the proceedings and standard practices, particularly regarding compliance with DCFS case plans to both clients and foster parents.
  • Managed and advised clients about their legal rights and duties in my role as a sole practitioner.
  • Maintained effective working relationships or partnerships with other attorneys and DCFS caseworkers and supervisors.
  • Kept up with my court appearance dates and deadlines.
  • Developed the ability to questions witnesses or clients using different techniques to obtain testimony regarding sensitive information.
  • Handling an abuse and neglect case load requires patience and excellent communication skills in situations that are frequently emotionally charged and volatile.
Sangamon County Springfield, IL 03/1988 to 05/1989
  • Assistant State's Attorney - Worked: 37 hours per week.
  • Prosecuted mental health commitments and determined if information provided by family members and others required a court order for an evaluation of the person.
  • Drafted motions and argued against post-conviction relief in cases formerly prosecuted by the Office of the States Attorney.
  • Reviewed police reports regarding seizure of assets; determined if a forfeiture petition would be filed; prosecuted the case if a petition was filed; maintained liaison with law enforcement; and coordinated the cases requiring adoption with federal authorities.
  • Prosecuted traffic and misdemeanor cases, including violations of domestic violence orders of protection.
  • Drafted pleadings for injunctions.
  • Prepared and prosecuted petitions for demolition of unsafe buildings.
  • Defended an Inverse Condemnation suit through the discovery process.
  • Advised and represented the zoning department.
  • Researched legal issues and kept abreast of developments.
  • Contact person for Freedom of Information issues.
  • West Central Illinois Legal Assistance.
Galesburg, IL Senior Citizen Project Director/Staff Attorney 03/1985 to 10/1986
  • 37 hours per week.
  • Interviewed and advised clients regarding myriad issues.
  • Defended guardianship cases for disabled adults.
  • Represented victims of domestic violence.
  • Supervised lay advocates, trained, and monitored progress in presenting programs at senior centers.
  • Drafted pleadings and other documents.
  • Researched laws.
  • Monthly meeting were held to determine the cases the agency would accept and to brainstorm on various tactics for obtaining a successful outcome for our clients.
Education
Graduate Certificate in Immigration Law Studies awarded February 3, 2014: Immigration Law May 2012 CUNY School of Professional Studies, New York, NY GPA: 00/4.00 00/4.00 Immigration Law
Juris Doctor: Naturalization and Citizenship Law December 2012 University of Illinois, Champaign, IL Naturalization and Citizenship Law
Bachelor of Science: Economics 5/1974 University of Illinois, Champaign, IL GPA: 4.5 cum laude Economics 126 Semester Hours 4.5 cum laude
Constitutional Struggles in the Muslim World - University of Copenhagen, 10-week course -Certificate earned June 8, 2016 *Understanding Terrorism and the Terrorist Threat - University of Maryland, College Park - 12-week course - Certificate earned April 20, 2016
*Introduction to International Criminal Law - Case Western Reserve University on Coursera. 6-week course -Certificate earned on January 1, 2016 *International Human Rights La Prospects and Challenges - Duke University on Coursera. 6-week course December 21, 2015 Licensed Attorney in Illinois and Member of the Chicago Bar Association
Personal Information
Country of citizenship: United States of America
Interests
Highest Grade: GS-1801-11; 7/12/2015 to present Contact Employers: Contact me first Availability Within one month of an offer Job Type: Permanent Work Schedule: Full Time
Skills
Administrative, ask, agency, Attorney, Basic, benefits, billing, c, excellent communication, conferences, client, clients, databases, Database, equities, financial, forms, Forms I, Government, guardian, Insurance, intellectual property, law enforcement, Law, Legal, litigation, materials, mediation, meetings, mental health, Office, Migration, organizing, personnel, police, presenting, progress, Research, sound, spreadsheet, supervisory, supervision, tax, taxes, Westlaw, written
Additional Information
  • Country of citizenship: United States of America Veterans' Preference: No Highest Grade: GS-1801-11; 7/12/2015 to present Contact Employers: Contact me first Availability Within one month of an offer Job Type: Permanent Work Schedule: Full Time
  • COMPUTER PROFICIENCY: Lexis-Nexis, Westlaw, Pacer, CaseCentral, DocuMatrix, Immigrant Professional, Adobe Acrobat, MS Word, PowerPoint, Access, Word Perfect, databases, spreadsheets, word processors, email, and the ability to learn new software. COURSES RELATED TO IMMIGRATION: Chicago Bar Association: Immigration Consequences of Criminal Convictions - December 5, 2015
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Resume Overview

Companies Worked For:

  • U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
  • Department of Veteran Affairs
  • The Dine Group
  • HIRECounsel
  • The Law Offices of Anderson J. Ward, P.C
  • U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service
  • Champaign County
  • Sangamon County

School Attended

  • CUNY School of Professional Studies
  • University of Illinois

Job Titles Held:

  • Immigration Services Officer
  • Term Veterans Claim Examiner
  • Attorney
  • Paralegal
  • Attorney/Substitute Teacher
  • Term Paralegal Specialist
  • Senior Citizen Project Director/Staff Attorney

Degrees

  • Graduate Certificate in Immigration Law Studies awarded February 3, 2014 : Immigration Law May 2012
    Juris Doctor : Naturalization and Citizenship Law December 2012
    Bachelor of Science : Economics 5/1974
    Constitutional Struggles in the Muslim World - University of Copenhagen, 10-week course -Certificate earned June 8, 2016 *Understanding Terrorism and the Terrorist Threat - University of Maryland, College Park - 12-week course - Certificate earned April 20, 2016
    *Introduction to International Criminal Law - Case Western Reserve University on Coursera. 6-week course -Certificate earned on January 1, 2016 *International Human Rights La Prospects and Challenges - Duke University on Coursera. 6-week course December 21, 2015

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