For many immigrants living in the United States, obtaining lawful permanent residency—commonly known as a Green Card—is a major milestone. One of the most efficient ways to achieve this status without having to leave the U.S. is through a process known as Adjustment of Status (AOS) . What Is Adjustment of Status? Adjustment of Status allows eligible non-citizens already present in the United States to apply for permanent residence without having to return to their home country to complete visa processing. It’s a vital path for spouses, children, parents of U.S. citizens, and many employment-based visa holders. This process is governed by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and is often chosen by individuals who have maintained lawful status and meet the criteria for an immigrant visa. Who Can Apply? To be eligible for Adjustment of Status, applicants must typically meet the following criteria: Be physically present in the United States. Have lawfully en...
Under federal labor law, short breaks (usually 5–20 minutes) must be paid. However, meal breaks (30 minutes or longer) can be unpaid if: The employee is completely relieved of duties The break is uninterrupted The break is not spent working or on-call If your employer deducts pay for breaks you didn’t actually take, this could be a wage violation . Keep a record of your hours and report unlawful deductions to the U.S. Department of Labor.