Nevada’s immigration history traces its roots back to the mid-19th century during the famous Comstock Lode silver strike of 1859, an episode in history which attracted droves of miners and prospectors from different parts of the United States and the world. The mining boom catalyzed the state’s early growth and set the stage for Nevada’s inclusion as a state in 1864. The mid-1800s era also an influx of European immigrants, predominantly from Ireland, England, and Germany, seeking to benefit from Nevada’s booming mining industry. During this same period, one of the most distinct group of settlers to Nevada were the Basque community that made a significant mark in Northern Nevada.

Notably, Chinese immigrants were also part of this mining-driven migration. Like many other groups, they were drawn by the prospects of the “Gold Mountain” as the Western United States was often referred to. By the late 19th century, Nevada had a significant Chinese population. Despite facing discrimination and exclusionary policies such as the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882, these early Chinese immigrants contributed significantly to the state’s development through their labor in mines, railroads, and agriculture.

In the 20th century, Nevada’s immigration landscape changed considerably. The creation of the Hoover Dam in the 1930s was a pivotal moment, ushering in a new wave of immigrants, particularly from Mexico. The growth of Las Vegas in the mid-20th century as an entertainment and gaming hub also spurred increased migration. Post-World War II growth opened opportunities in construction, hospitality, and service industries, attracting immigrants from Latin America and other parts of the world.

In the later part of the 20th century, the 1986 Immigration Reform and Control Act, which granted amnesty to millions of unauthorized immigrants, had a noticeable impact in Nevada. A significant proportion of its beneficiaries resided in the state. This led to a further increase in Nevada’s Latino population, which today, is reflected in the state’s vibrant food, music and arts scenes.

Entering the 21st century, Nevada continued to be a major destination for immigrants, primarily from Mexico, but also increasingly from Asian countries such as the Philippines, India, and China. As of the 2020 census, approximately one-fifth of Nevada’s population was foreign-born, reflecting the state’s status as a significant immigrant hub.

These recent immigrants contribute extensively to Nevada’s economy and cultural dynamism. For instance, immigrants account for a large share of the workforce in crucial sectors such as tourism, entertainment, and hospitality – the lifeblood of Nevada’s economy. Furthermore, immigrants have also been influential in Nevada’s political sphere, particularly in urban areas like Las Vegas and Reno. The growing political clout of immigrant communities has led to their increasing representation in local and state-level politics, influencing immigration policies and other social issues.

Like many other states, however, Nevada has also faced its share of challenges related to immigration. These range from issues of undocumented immigration and integration of new immigrants to cultural tensions and socioeconomic disparities. Nonetheless, efforts have been undertaken at both the state and community levels to address these challenges and promote inclusive growth.

There is no debate, immigration has played a pivotal role in shaping Nevada’s diverse history, economy, and cultural fabric. From the early miners in the 19th century to the array of immigrants arriving today, these newcomers have continuously contributed to the state’s development. As Nevada continues to evolve, so too does its immigration narrative. It’s a story of ongoing change and adaptation that speaks to the state’s dynamic and inclusive spirit.

At BestImmigrationLawyer.com, we’re proud to represent thousands of diverse clients in Nevada and elsewhere. Our legal team, reflecting the ethnic diversity of our country, understands the complexities of the American immigration system. We know what it takes to win. If you or a loved one are in search of a great immigration law firm in Nevada, call us today. We’ve helped numerous clients in Nevada achieve the American dream. We can help you too.

Asylum is a form of protection granted to individuals who have arrived in the United States (U.S.) and who credibly fear persecution in their home country based on race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group. Once an individual has applied for asylum, they must wait approximately 150-days after the USCIS receives their completed asylum application before they can apply for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), also known as a “work permit.” If the asylum application remains pending after 180-days, counting from the 150-day mark, the applicant becomes eligible to receive a work permit while waiting for a decision on their asylum status. However, it should be noted, these waiting periods only apply if the asylum application is not acted upon (i.e. decided) by the USCIS. If, on the other hand, the application is granted, the individual becomes an asylee and is immediately authorized to work.

Many clients often ask, why is there a 150-day waiting period in the first place? The reason is because the government doesn’t want people coming to the United States for economic reasons instead of those reasons (i.e. race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group) that would normally support asylum. In other words, the waiting period is a way of discouraging economic migration. The processing time also allows USCIS sufficient time to properly investigate, assess and process asylum applications.

The process to apply for an EAD involves submitting a Form I-765 or “Application for Employment Authorization,” to USCIS. An EAD is typically granted for the same duration as the applicant’s immigration status and must be renewed periodically to continue working in the United States.

Applying for asylum is not an easy process. However, with the right lawyer, it can be made less stressful than it might otherwise be. It’s estimated that only around 28% of all asylum applications are granted. For this reason, it is very important to get the best immigration lawyer you can afford. The process for applying for asylum requires convincing an immigration judge that you have a credible basis to fear if you are forced to return to your home country. Just telling the judge you’re afraid is not enough. There has to be proof to show the government and the judge that what you’re alleging makes sense and is supported by credible facts. On this point, having a lawyer that understands the law is also not enough. An asylum seeker will also want a lawyer that can put together a compelling “case” in support of asylum by thoroughly investigating your situation and compiling information to show that your fears are legitimate. Sometimes, this might even require hiring an expert to testify on your behalf. It all comes down to what you can document to support your case for asylum.

At BestImmigrationLawyer.com, our legal team is highly-knowledgeable and experienced. We are well-equipped to represent your interests in any area of immigration law. With the latest technology at our disposal, we can represent you anywhere in the United States, including, of course, in Las Vegas, Los Angeles and Phoenix. Don’t hesitate, get in touch with us today. Let us help you navigate the immigration system and provide you outstanding legal representation. We know the law, we care about our clients and we know what it takes to win.

Let’s start with the early days. Back in the 18th and 19th centuries American immigration was pretty much a free-for-all. People from all over Europe were arriving in the United States seeking new opportunities and a better life. For the most part, there were no restrictions on who could come in to the country and immigration was seen as a way to boost the population and the workforce. However, as the country grew and changed, so did the attitudes towards immigration. The first major immigration law in the United States was the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 which was signed into law by President Chester A. Arthur. This act was pretty much what it sounds like—it prohibited Chinese laborers from immigrating to the US for ten years. Shamefully, this law came into being because there was a lot of anti-Chinese sentiment and prejudice during that time, fueled by fears of job competition and the belief that the Chinese were “unassimilable.” But the Chinese Exclusion Act was just the beginning.

In the early 20th century, the nation saw the introduction of a quota system with respect to immigration. The 1921 Emergency Quota Act and the 1924 Immigration Act put numerical limits on immigration and favored people from Western and Northern European countries. These laws were rooted in a desire to maintain the country’s ethnic and racial makeup, and they discriminated against people from Southern and Eastern Europe, as well as other parts of the world.

Fast forward to the mid-20th century and the “Bracero Program.” This was a series of laws and agreements between the United States and Mexico which allowed Mexican laborers to work in the US on a temporary basis. The program began in 1942 and lasted until approximately 1964. It played a significant role in shaping US-Mexican relations and the experiences of Mexican immigrants in the United States. This program came about due to a labor shortage in the agricultural industry of the United States brought about by World War II. The Bracero Program is estimated to have brought approximately 4 million person into the United States.

More big changes to the American immigration system came about in the 1960s. In 1965, the Immigration and Nationality Act was passed. Also known as the Hart-Celler Act, this law abolished the quota system and replaced it with a preference system based upon skills and family reunification. This was a significant milestone because the new law aimed to make the immigration process more equitable and less discriminatory. However, it also introduced some new challenges, like long waiting times and a backlog of applications for visas.

Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, there were several attempts to address the growing issue of undocumented immigration. One notable example is the 1986 Immigration Reform and Control Act (IRCA) which was signed into law by President Ronald Reagan. The law granted amnesty to millions of undocumented immigrants who had been living in the US since before 1982. It also aimed to strengthen border enforcement and penalize employers who knowingly hired undocumented workers. Despite these efforts, undocumented immigration continued to be a contentious issue. In the 1990s, the controversial Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act (IIRIRA) was passed during the Presidency of Bill Clinton. This law increased penalties for immigration violations and expanded the grounds for deportation. It also made it more difficult for undocumented immigrants to gain legal status or access public benefits.

In the 21st century, immigration policies have continued to evolve. One of the most significant changes came in 2012, when President Barack Obama introduced the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. This policy allowed certain young undocumented immigrants, who were brought to the US as children, to apply for temporary protection from deportation and work authorization. DACA has faced its share of challenges. The Administration of President Donald Trump attempting to end the program in 2017. That effort failed when the United States Supreme Court blocked an effort to dismantle DACA.

Throughout the course of American history, immigration has been an issue of major debate. The current times are no exception. There is not a day that goes by without some news involving immigration related issues. Given that the majority of people in the United States are either immigrants or descended from immigrants, there is no doubt immigration will remain an issue of significant discussion in the years to come.

If you’re an immigrant or someone that knows an immigrant, at BestImmigrationLawyer.com we have the experience and knowledge to help persons facing the most significant immigration issues. Get in touch with us today and let us help you if you’re facing an immigration issue and need legal help. Our team of lawyers and support staff have dealt with practically every type of immigration issue. We can also help you too.