Washington Immigration Forms - Wa Legal Immigration

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Immigration Forms FAQ Washington Immigration Citizenship

  • What is immigration?
  • Federal immigration law determines whether a person is an alien, and associated legal rights, duties, and obligations of aliens in the United States. It also provides means by which certain aliens can become naturalized citizens with full rights of citizenship. Immigration law determines who may enter, how long they may stay and when they must leave.

  • What laws govern immigration?
  • The main legislation governing immigration is the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952, (INA). The act has been amended numerous times, the most significant of which was the establishment of a new quota system in 1965. For INA purposes, an "alien" is any person who is not a citizen or a national of the United States. There are different categories of aliens: resident and nonresident, immigrant and nonimmigrant, documented and undocumented (illegal).

    Immigration law is under the control of Congress. Presidential power is limited to policies on refugees. Courts will not become involved in immigration issues unless constitutional rights are involved.

    Several laws have been passed to strengthen regulation of illegal immigration practices, such as hiring of illegal aliens and sham marriages. Congress enacted the Immigration Reform and Control Act (IRCA) of 1986, which toughened criminal sanctions for employers who hire illegal aliens, denied illegal aliens federally funded welfare benefits, and legitimized some aliens through an amnesty program. The Immigration Marriage Fraud Amendments of 1986 attempts to curb sham marriages for the sole purpose of obtaining citizenship.


    What is an Affidavit of Residence?

    An Affidavit of Residence is a legal document that proves where a person lives. It is often used when someone needs to establish their residency for various reasons, such as enrolling in school or applying for government services. In Washington state, an Affidavit of Residence is required in certain situations, like when a student wants to attend a school in a different district. It is generally signed by the person who can confirm the residency, such as a landlord or a parent, and it attests to the individual's current address and the duration of their residency. This document helps ensure that individuals receive the appropriate services based on their actual place of residence.


    Affidavit of Residence vs. Affidavit of Domicile

    An Affidavit of Residence is a legal document that states where a person currently lives. It is used to prove residency in a specific location, such as a city or state. On the other hand, an Affidavit of Domicile is a legal document that confirms the primary home or permanent residence of an individual. In Washington, both affidavits serve different purposes. The Affidavit of Residence is commonly used for school enrollment, while the Affidavit of Domicile is often required to establish residency for tax or inheritance purposes. It's important to understand the purpose and requirements of each affidavit to ensure compliance with the law.


    When is an Affidavit of Residence Needed?

    An Affidavit of Residence is needed when you need to prove your residential address for official purposes. In Washington, you may need it when enrolling a child in school, applying for a driver's license, registering to vote, or accessing certain government services. It is a legally sworn statement, signed by a person who has personal knowledge of your residence, affirming that you live at a specific address. It must include their full name, contact information, and relationship to you. Furthermore, it serves as a way to confirm your address when you don't have a formal document, like a lease or utility bill, to prove your residency.


    How To Write an Affidavit of Residence

    To write an Affidavit of Residence in Washington, you can follow these simple steps. Begin by stating your full name, address, and contact information at the top of the document. Next, clearly mention that the purpose of the affidavit is to prove your current residence in Washington. Write a statement affirming that you are a legal resident of the state and have been residing at your current address for a specific period of time. Be sure to include information about the property you are residing in, such as its address and the duration of your stay. Additionally, provide any supporting details or documents that may strengthen your claim, such as utility bills or rental agreements. Lastly, sign and date the affidavit, and if necessary, have it notarized to make it legally valid.


    Step 1 – Personal details of the Affiant

    In Step 1 of the affidavit process in Washington, we start by providing the personal details of the person making the statement, also known as the Affine. This includes basic information such as the Affine's full name, address, date of birth, and contact details. It's important to accurately fill out this section using simple and easily understandable language, making sure to provide all the required information about the Affine to proceed with the affidavit.