At Alisheva Law, the overall safety of our staff, clients and anyone who walks through our office doors is a top priority for us. However, we are also aware that people’s immigration problems don’t just go away, even during this distressing coronavirus pandemic and the abundance of caution and heightened awareness that have come with it. Deadlines still need to be met and families still need to be reunited. As a law office that provides essential immigration services, Alisheva Law will continue to be open during Washington State’s “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” order but we have implemented several precautionary measures by closely following the guidelines set forth by the federal government and CDC.
Policies & Procedures
- For clients, consultations and meetings will be conducted via telephone and/or Skype.
- A limited number of staff will continue to work within the office, but anyone who displays symptoms, including a fever greater than 99.5, will be sent home immediately.
- Social distancing will be followed between all staff within the office.
- Direct contact between staff and clients will not be permitted.
- The doors to the office will be locked at all times. The office interior is only accessible for essential employees.
- The phones will still be answered as will email messages.
- Extra sanitation efforts will be made whenever someone enters and exits the office.
Document Drop-off
Most documents can be scanned and emailed and any documents that require original signatures can be sent via mail or courier. However, we have set up an exterior document drop-off box, appropriately labeled, near the main entrance to our office. This can be used during normal business hours, Monday through Friday, 9am-5pm. There is also a payment lockbox that can be used for making payments, though we prefer electronic payments if possible. Receipts for payments will be promptly mailed.
The drop-off box and lockbox will be thoroughly sanitized after each use, so there is no need to worry about cross-contamination.
Immigration Court Closures & USCIS
We have been getting a lot of questions and concerns from our clients about whether or not immigration courts are closed and what the current status is regarding the immigration process. We will try our best to clarify a few things.
Non-detained immigration courts are, in fact, closed until May 1 (which may or may not be extended). All court hearings have been postponed and any court dates are subject to change.
Detained immigration courts (concerning those who are currently detained in Tacoma, Washingon) are actually still open. Deportation proceedings are continuing as usual.
The USCIS has postponed all in-person meetings and interviews but is still accepting and processing applications. This is why it is important for people to be aware that, yes, the immigration process is still going on for our clients and can be for prospective clients as well. We are still compiling documentation and filing applications as normal – the only thing that has changed is that any in-person parts of the USCIS process have been postponed.
From Everyone at Alisheva Law
We appreciate your patience and understanding during these troubling times. If you have any questions regarding our Coronavirus Preparedness Plan, please speak to any member of our office or call us at 509.396.7147.
Stay home, stay healthy and stay safe.
