Don't Get Dog-bit

Being bitten by a dog is rarely pleasant, but it is something I need to discuss.

A guy (call him Guy 1) sees another guy (call him Guy 2) with a dog. Guy 1 asks Guy 2, “Does your dog bite?” Guy 2 says, “No.” Guy 1 reaches to pet the dog, which promptly bites him on the hand. Shocked, Guy 1 shouts to Guy 2, “You said your dog doesn't bite.”

Guy 2 responds, “That isn't my dog.”

I thought of this old American joke the other day, after getting a call from someone who wanted answers to some green card and F-1 questions. After I explained arrangements, he emailed back the next day, saying that he found answers on the Internet and therefore didn't need my help.

I responded that I hoped his sources and his information were correct.

However, after thinking some more, I realized that for this person, simply having correct information was not enough. That information had to actually apply to the person, that is, it had to be relevant. Otherwise, this person would be like Guy 1, who received correct information (i.e. that Guy 2’s dog did not bite) but for whom that information was irrelevant (because the dog by Guy 2 was not Guy 2’s dog at all).

You probably have done much searching on the Internet for information, and if so, I hope your information is correct, particularly if it relates to immigration. However, as with the person who called, make sure that your information—even if it is correct—actually applies to you. Everyone's situation is different. Your green card options and waiting times depend, for example, on (among other things) where you were born, what type of degree you have and whether your work benefits the national interest. Your H-1B options depend on whether or not your employer is exempt from the cap, and whether you yourself might be exempt, even though your employer isn't.

If you care only about the correctness of your information, and ignore its relevance, you could end up like Guy 1: dog-bit.

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You are welcome to contact me at csun@calvinsun.com, 215-983-3723, 610-296-3947. This information does not constitute legal advice.