Immigrant Business | ImmigrantBiz.org

July 12, 2017 0

Lacroix Ramos: We Help Immigrants

It’s easy to see only two sides in the immigration debate. On one side is the government, writing and rewriting confusing laws. On the other side are immigrants, hardy souls trying to live the American dream. But there’s also a key group in the middle: immigration lawyers, the people who speak for many who are otherwise voiceless. The skill and tenacity of these legal warriors helps decide who stays and who goes.

So what’s it like in their world?

Lacroix Ramos Immigration Lawyers

Meet Miriam D. Lacroix and Stephanie Lynn Ramos, who together make up Lacroix Ramos. This boutique law firm based in Westchester County, New York, provides family- and humanitarian-based legal immigration services to small business owners, victims of intimate partner violence and other serious crimes, migrant children, and LGBT families. They embody the expertise and tenacity needed to succeed in this difficult environment.

“We didn’t go to law school to work for big corporations; we wanted to work where we could change lives and help people,” Ms. Lacroix stresses. “That’s why we specifically went into immigration.” And true to their word, they change lives and help people every day.

“We didn’t go to law school to work for big corporations; we wanted to work where we could change lives and help people,”

Areas of Expertise

Family Based Immigration In order to promote a unified family, the USCIS has established processes which allow U.S. citizens to petition to have family members legally enter into the United States and leave here permanently.
Other Affirmative Action Immigration Naturalization, Consular Processing & Adjustment of Status, Asylum, U Visa, T Visa, Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), Temporary Protected Status (TPS)
Removal Defense
Contact Lacroix Ramos today in order to discuss your case and learn your legal options.(914-719-7570)

Immigrant Heritage

Both attorneys connect instantly with their clients’ stories. Ms. Lacroix is the daughter of a Haitian immigrant, and she saw firsthand the challenges that complex immigration laws present to individuals and families. Her background includes positions that featured human rights work, a Bachelor’s degree with high honors in Political Science from Pace University (focusing on civil rights and international human rights), and a law degree from Pace University School of Law, which included a stint with the Immigrant Justice Clinic. She then served as a Justice Fellow in the Immigrant Justice Corps and with the City Bar Justice Center in New York.

If small businesses are the engine of economic growth, then immigrants do their part to turbo-charge the process.

Ms. Ramos, meanwhile, tells of her maternal grandfather, who passed through Ellis Island in the 1920s, and her father, who came to the United States from Puerto Rico in the late 1970s. She was raised in immigrant-rich urban neighborhoods and faced many obstacles before graduating Magna Cum Laude from the University of Connecticut with a Bachelor’s degree in Human Services and a minor in Women’s Studies. She then worked at the Domestic Violence Crisis Center (DVCC) in Stamford, CT, before joining the law school at Pace. As a student attorney in the Immigration Justice Clinic (IJC), she met her future business partner, with whom she co-wrote a paper on discrimination in immigration law before launching their practice.

Over the years, they’ve heard every misconception about immigrants. “There’s the idea that immigrants are lazy, but that they also take American jobs—so which is it?” Ms. Ramos asks. “It’s important to remember that there are no benefits until people get naturalized, and a majority of them take jobs nobody wants.”

The current political climate has many in the immigrant community “upset, sad and fearful,” Ms. Lacroix notes, and some fall prey to scams that promise instant legalization. Meanwhile, the process is so fraught with uncertainty that it’s impossible to tell whether a case will be resolved in a year, or last 10 years. The laws change, the authorities involved change, and simple mistakes can take months to clear up, or even require a restart. “We do the best we can to keep people informed of their rights,” she says, but it’s difficult when so much is out of their hands.” As a result, some families are kept apart for years at a time. Each case is unique, and their roles run the gamut from legal counsel to family confidante.

And far from depending on government benefits—which they really don’t get—many of their clients work multiple jobs. Quite a few even launch ventures of their own. “We encourage many of our clients to start small,” Ms. Ramos emphasizes, since it’s not illegal for undocumented immigrants to work for themselves. As Immigrant Business recently reported: “Though they make up only 13.5 percent of the U.S.. population, immigrant entrepreneurs now account for 27.5 percent of all new entrepreneurs in America.”

This plays out in this firm’s clientele. They include founders of businesses that provide, cleaning services, landscaping, coffee, web development, pastries and a whole lot more. And of course, some of those small business become big—one retail outlet leads to others, one employee leads to many employees, and so on. If small businesses are the engine of economic growth, then immigrants do their part to turbo-charge the process.

The big picture on immigration, with toxic debates and cheap rhetoric, offers one view of this dynamic segment of the population. But a closer look at dedicated firms like Lacroix Ramos reveals a very different image. Here we find adventurous individuals who overcome great obstacles and fuel the economy through hard work and entrepreneurship.

Immigrant Resources

LaCroix Ramos
Domestic Violence Crisis Center (DVCC)
Immigrant Justice Corps
Immigrant Justice Clinic
City Bar Justice Center in New York.

Lacroix Ramos: A Small Law Firm, A Big Part of the Economy 1

Low-Cost, High-Value Franchise Ideal for Immigrant Entrepreneurs

Traditional cosmetics brand launches its own makeover, combining great products and new marketing approaches to become America’s top cosmetics franchisor

Overview

It all started during the Great Depression, when a registered nurse in Santa Monica California started making skin care solutions for her patients in her kitchen. That nurse was Merle Nethercutt Norman, and the skin care products and cosmetics she developed started a revolution. After Merle Norman Cosmetics began franchising in 1934, women all over the country became business owners by selling Merle Norman products to their friends and neighbors.

Merle Norman was an entrepreneur at heart. She knew that to get people to really appreciate and desire your products, you had to get them to use them first, so she developed the “Try Before You Buy” concept, and also the “Before and After” makeover concept, which are still in use throughout the industry 85 years later.

A Brand in Evolution

Although it is still a family business, Merle Norman Cosmetics is undergoing a revolutionary change. In the last five years, it’s products and business practices have been upgraded to meet the demands of the times under the direction of a dynamic board of directors. “We’re a brand in evolution,” says Travis Richards, a member of the board of directors and Vice President of Franchising for Merle Norman. “We’re evolving everything about the company to bring it current. “

New Investments

Richards says the company has made considerable investments, roughly $30 million for new packaging, new products, new manufacturing equipment, and even new computer systems to streamline operations. Considering that Merle Norman Cosmetics is a $100 million operation, the investment made by the board is significant.

Business Savvy Franchisees

They’re also upgrading their franchisees by raising the bar for new applicants, and it seems to be working. Today there are approximately 1250 Merle Norman Cosmetic Studios in operation, down from a high of 2000 earlier in the company’s history, but this decline is misleading. “Every Merle Norman franchise that opens today, replaces three that have closed because today’s franchisees are more business savvy,” Richards stresses, adding that on average, sales from a brand new studio will replace that of four closed studios. “I’ll take those numbers,” he says. “I’m very excited about that.”

Why You Should Own a Merle Norman Franchise

A Favorable Business Model for New Entrepreneurs

Unlike most franchise operations, Merle Norman Cosmetics does not charge franchise or royalty fees. “The only thing we ask you is that you buy our products and you sell all of our products, and we don’t have competing brands,” says Richards. Another thing unique to Merle Norman is a very generous co-op marketing plan which covers up to 60% of a franchisee’s marketing costs. The company also offers free marketing materials, demonstration samples, and promotes the brand by advertising in women’s magazines.

Financial Requirements

Initial Investment $60,773 – $191,200

Net Worth $100,000 – $150,000

Liquid Cash $40,000 – $50,000

The initial investment for franchisees ranges from a low of $60,000, which includes working capital, construction, furniture, displays, and products, to a high of $116,000 for a larger studio with more stock on hand and higher construction costs. The investment will naturally be larger if the franchisee leases space in an enclosed mall because of construction costs and leasing requirements.

Beauty is universal. If you lived in India and learned how to do makeup, or skin care techniques, these skills are applicable anywhere you might move to

Store Within a Store Concept

The low initial investment is due, in part, to Merle Norman’s store-within-a-store concept, which allows owners of existing businesses, such as a nail or beauty salon, to operate a Merle Norman boutique in a separate, branded area of the store. Richards calls store-within-a-store “one of our biggest growth opportunities.”

Immigrant Friendly Brand

A Merle Norman Cosmetics franchise is a good fit for immigrants wanting to get started or move up the ladder in the American economy. Merle Norman is a welcoming environment that celebrates the energy and drive of immigrants. “For an immigrant coming into the United States, that wants to strike out and have their own business, the empowerment and the confidence that they’ll have in the beauty industry is second to none,” says Travis Richards.

Furthermore, the costs are reasonable, the products are high quality, and the skills required are universal. As Richards says, “Beauty is universal. If you lived in India and learned how to do makeup, or skin care techniques, these skills are applicable anywhere you might move to.”

Also, Merle Norman Cosmetics provides thorough training for its franchisees, both before and after they open their studios.

Find out how you can own your own Merle Norman Cosmetics Studio. Click here!

The Future

With the investments and product updates Merle Norman Cosmetics has made, the future looks very bright, but there’s still more to come. They’re working on additional programs that will speak to the ambition of the new wave of franchisees that are joining the organization. Soon they’ll be coming out with a spa program, a day spa that will build upon their new product offerings, and offer franchisees the option of building larger free-standing Merle Norman Cosmetic Studios to enhance the beauty experience for their loyal customers.

Three Ways to Franchise with Merle Norman Cosmetics

Open a New Merle Norman Cosmetics Franchise – get more information
Buy an existing Merle Norman Franchise – see available markets
Add Merle Norman Cosmetics to your existing retail business

Find a Merle Norman Sudio

You should read – Vietnamese immigrant builds beauty empire

Opportunities With T-Mobile’s Biggest Distributor

Hardwired for Success: The Ameritel Story

20 years ago it was one store selling pagers; today, T-Mobile’s biggest distributor has 3,500-plus outlets offering wireless services

These are hard times for the retail industry. Many famous chains are already gone, and it gets worse every day. Teen favorite Rue21 just filed for bankruptcy, Michael Kors is closing over 100 stores, and venerable brands such as Sears may be running out of time.

Somebody forgot to tell Nathan Yanovitch.

Thanks to a gift for sales and an eye for opportunity, this immigrant entrepreneur has propelled his creation, Ameritel, into a retail powerhouse. In fact, every aspiring retailer looking to become a wireless provider may want to talk to his company.

Ameritel is the biggest distributor for T-Mobile and many prepaid and post-paid wireless services, including MetroPCS and Ultra Mobile.

Ameritel’s Business Model

#106 National telecom carriers like T-Mobile typically don’t retail directly to consumers; instead, they license distributors to operate their retail operations. As a result, anyone who wants to open a store that sells wireless products must form a partnership with one of these companies. Ameritel is the biggest distributor for T-Mobile and many prepaid and post-paid wireless services, including MetroPCS and Ultra Mobile.

Actually, the company started 20 years ago as a single store selling beepers and pagers. Today, it has 3,500-plus dealer partners nationwide—the company invests heavily in each partner—and by the end of June it will have a combined retail footprint of:

155 corporate T-Mobile stores
125 MetroPCS Exclusive stores.

In this tough retail climate, Ameritel will have opened 145-plus new retail locations between January 1 and June 30 of this year alone.

Get More Information on Ameritel Dealer Opportunities

Nathan Yanovitch’s Story

M Ameritel r. Yanovitch’s own story is just as interesting. He was born and lived in Israel until his father determined that the family’s future belonged in America. So the future business star was whisked out of school one day and brought to Queens, New York. This was back in the ’70s, and as with many new immigrants, it was tough—his father, who spoke little English, worked as a building supervisor while his mother cleaned houses.

Young Nathan worked a series of odd jobs in lieu of high school, and eventually became a baker. Oddly, that led him to a job in Helsinki, Finland—just down the road from Nokia, then the giant of the wireless industry. (Years later, as a telecom leader, he would visit those very same facilities.) Then, early in the ’90s, the pastry chef opted for a more lucrative job with a telecom outlet that paid only commissions—which worked out fine.

Ameritel has 3,500-plus dealer partners nationwide

T-Mobile – A Growing Industry Leader

“I found I had a talent for sales,” Mr. Yanovitch says in a definite understatement. Before long he was able to put together funding for that first store, and hasn’t looked back since.

“Our dealers come from Pakistan, India, China, Taiwan, Korea, the Middle East—all over the world”

This dynamic entrepreneur didn’t get where he is by having false illusions. “Companies like Amazon have changed the American retail landscape forever,” he acknowledges. “That’s why you need to align yourself with the right brand, and T-Mobile is that brand.” Indeed, the telecom giant is on its own rapid trajectory: It added 1.1 million customers in Q1 2017, the 16th straight quarter with 1 million-plus net customer additions.

“You need to align yourself with the right brand, and T-Mobile is that brand.”

Of course, there’s more to it. “You have to be agile, you have to always improve the quality of delivery, and you have to create a great customer experience,” Mr. Yanovitch says. He notes that wireless stores have been a savior to malls—they draw foot traffic that helps other outlets. And many of his partners are immigrants too. “Our dealers come from Pakistan, India, China, Taiwan, Korea, the Middle East—all over the world,” he adds.

T-Mobile is on its own rapid trajectory: It added 1.1 million customers in Q1 2017, the 16th straight quarter with 1 million-plus net customer additions.

Retail has always had great appeal in immigrant communities, and many dealers join Ameritel after gaining experience in related markets, like convenience stores. In this context Ameritel makes for an ideal partner. Its long list of contributions includes:

Real estate assistance (location search, negotiations, help with the lease, and even deposits)
New hire training
Ongoing business development training over 20 days a month
Recruitment assistance
In conjunction with T-Mobile, new-store-opening ads and marketing support of up to $45,000 a month.

Money Needed

In fact, Ameritel invests around $125,000 overall in each location—the gold standard for this industry. Meanwhile, each new dealer puts in approximately $100,000: half for the store buildout, and half for working capital. Stores are typically up and running in one to three months, and become cash-flow positive after six months. Many reach profitability in a year.

The Right Brand For Every Market

Ameritel doesn’t have just one offering. From T-Mobile Exclusive to the pre-paid options of MetroPCS Exclusive, the company helps new dealers match the programs to the market and the dealer’s own skill sets. The nature of ownership in each store may vary, but the customer will never know—all operations are fully integrated with corporate, and the uniform and excellent service are always the same.

Multiple Revenue Channels

Ameritel Dealers generate revenue through multiple sales channels:

Activation commission
Residuals
Upgrades
Accessory Sales
Bill payments

There’s now an Ameritel outlet within 10 miles of 230 million Americans, and the number keeps rising. It’s easy to be concerned about the future of retail, but Ameritel’s network offers great hope.

Reasons to Open an Exclusive Ameritel T-Mobile Store

Ameritel’s exclusive dealers are constantly in the Top 10 on the Nationwide ranking among all other T-Mobile TPR stores. Ameritel offers:
• Over 20 years of wireless experience as a wireless master agent
• Dedicated field reps supporting Ameritel’s dealers
• A dedicated training team for dealers
• Consignment inventory benefits over $70,000 inventory at NO cost to Ameritel’s dealers.

Ameritel is looking for New Dealers – Find out More Here

To be a part of the T-Mobile Premier Retailer Program retailers have the following qualifications:

• Have strong financial capabilities to open one or more locations
• Have a minimum $100k in liquid capital and $150k in net worth
• Show a commitment to consistent execution of a brand promise and store operation
• Can develop a business and marketing plan
• Possess a market-specific growth target over a specific time frame

Contact Ameritel

NYC – Corporate Office & National Logistics

250 47th Street, Brooklyn, NY 11220

Phone: 718-826-1111

400 Franchise Opportunities Under One Roof

There’s more than one way start a business. Many immigrants find their path to entrepreneurship and success in the U.S. through a franchise. The word conjures images of MacDonald’s and Jiffy Lube, but there are a wide variety of franchised businesses in the U.S. in a host of industries.

According to the International Franchise Association (IFA), there are more than 85 different categories, including fast food, advertising, construction, dating services, lawn care, real estate, hotels and copy services. In a franchise, a company typically distributes its products or services through a retail outlet or office owned by independent, third-party operators known as franchisees.

Franchising is Booming.

According to the ADP National Franchise Report, in the first five months of 2017 the franchise industry added more than 70,300 jobs. As economic optimism continues to rise and the franchise industry outpaces non-franchise business for the seventh consecutive year, prospective business owners from the United States and around the globe are gearing up for the industry’s biggest event.

400 Top Franchise Brands

The 26th annual International Franchise Expo (IFE), held June 15-17 at the Javits Center in New York City, gives entrepreneurs the chance to meet face-to-face with representatives of more than 400 top franchise brands. This year’s event will offer a look into the hottest trends in the franchise industry as attendees explore the vast emerging, international and mature franchise opportunities ranging from as little as $10,000 up to $1 million. Attendees can also take advantage of more than 85 educational programs and 10 in-depth workshops in addition to one-on-one consulting, exclusive financial discounts, and notable small business speakers.

“There is a world of opportunity out there, and we invite everyone to utilize the resources available at the expo and learn how to achieve financial freedom while changing their lives.”

Tom Portsey, president & CEO of MFV Expositions

“This is the place to be for anyone who has ever dreamed about going into business for themselves, just not by themselves. The IFE strives to provide a no-pressure, educational atmosphere for anyone curious about if franchising is right for them,” said Tom Portesy, president and CEO of MFV Expositions. “There is a world of opportunity out there, and we invite everyone to utilize the resources available at the expo and learn how to achieve financial freedom while changing their lives.”

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Education & Mentorship

Throughout the three days, expo-goers are encouraged to take advantage of events designed to educate and energize their entrepreneurial spirit. In addition to the franchise opportunities, there are:

85 educational programs, including 10 in-depth workshops on a variety of topics ranging from “The A to Z’s of Buying a Franchise” to “Franchising Your Business.”
SCORE, Counselors to America’s Small Business
New York Women in Business will be conducting seminars on small business topics.
Answer Center with experienced mentors, will provide free expert advice, one-on-one coaching, and start-up support

“The IFE strives to provide a no-pressure, educational atmosphere for anyone curious about if franchising is right for them”

Commitment to Female Entrepreneurship

Emphasizing its commitment to supporting female entrepreneurship, the IFE will welcome two “CBS Undercover Boss” stars to speak on the topic of Women in Franchising.

Shelly Sun, Chairperson of the IFA Board of Directors and CEO/Co-Founder of BrightStarCare
Catherine Monson, CEO of FASTSIGNS International, will be among the women speaking, providing attendees the opportunity to learn firsthand from industry leaders what it takes to get into a business of your own.

Make sure you read Immigrant Business’s Guide to Franchising “Find YOUR Best Franchise“

Green Card 101: Everything You Need to Know

Immigrant Business is pleased to share this essential Immigration information from Lacroix Ramos, Attorneys at Law, LLP:

You finally received your green card! Congratulations! This is one of the biggest steps toward being able to legally live and work in the United States. This might be the last step for you, if you want to eventually return to your home country and you come from a country that does not allow dual citizenship. For many this may be the bridge to remaining in the United States permanently and enjoying all the rights and benefits of U.S. Citizenship.

No matter where you started on your immigration journey or where you are headed. You do not want to lose your Green Card status unintentionally.

What’s a Green Card?

First let’s start with defining the term “Green Card” which is a bit of a misnomer. By now you have probably realized that the card is not actually green. At one point, they were and the name has stuck ever since. Green or not, what IS a “green card” and what does it mean to have one?

A “green card” grants you Lawful Permanent Resident status in the United States. You are authorized to live and work in the United States permanently with this status.

So, how “permanent” is Permanent Residence?

Ah, now that is the real question.
Generally, once USCIS approves your green card, you have Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) status indefinitely, but not necessarily permanently. Therefore, you have the status until you do something that triggers immigration to end your status. If that happens, ICE will place you in removal proceedings before an immigration judge. You have an opportunity to prove that you should be allowed to keep your LPR status in removal proceedings. You will likely need to hire an attorney to represent you in those proceedings and this can cost upwards of $10,000 to $20,000. And you will need to be sure that your lawyers is a real lawyer and not a “notario.” There are also unscrupulous attorneys that prey on immigrants in removal proceedings, they take your money and do very little to prevent your deportation.

The best thing to do is to avoid losing your LPR status.

What can cause me to lose my Green Card?

You commit a crime.
- There are many types of crimes that can trigger removal proceedings. I could write an entire s
  eries of blog articles on the crimes that can affect your LPR status. Let’s just say – don’t commit any crimes. None. Avoid them at all costs. This includes drug related offenses and drunk driving. See INA 212(a) and INA 237(a). If you find yourself in criminal court, get a criminal lawyer that knows about immigration consequences of crimes. Do not make a plea deal without first talking to an immigration attorney.
You abandon your status.
- You are allowed to travel abroad while in LPR status. But, you should not remain outside of the United States for more than 6 months at a time. There are some exceptions for longer trips that require special permission from USCIS. However, longer trips – even with permission – can interrupt the accrual of continuous residence for Naturalization purposes.

This list isn’t exhaustive and it assumes that there was no fraud or misrepresentation in the application process. But, in a nutshell committing a crime and abandoning your residence in the United States are the most common ways of losing your Green Card.

The BEST way to lose your Green Card.

Actually, there is one more way your LPR status can end: Naturalization. Once you are a US Citizen, you will no longer require a green card to remain in the United States. You can travel as long as you want without losing your right to return to the United States. You still shouldn’t commit any crimes – for obvious reasons – but for the most part you won’t have to worry about unintentionally committing a crime that results in losing your right to remain in the United States.

Of course, naturalization is the ideal way to end your Permanent Residence for those that intend the US to be their permanent home.

Glossary:
- LPR: Lawful Permanent Resident (Green Card)
- USCIS: United States Citizenship and Immigration Services
- ICE: Immigration and Customs Enforcement

Tel: 914-719-7570

Disclaimer:

Immigrant Business published this article by Lacroix Ramos, Attorneys at Law, LLP for educational purposes only. It is to give you general information and a general understanding of the law, not to provide specific legal advice. You understand that using this blog site does not create an attorney client relationship between you and Lacroix Ramos or it’s attorneys. You should not use this blog as a substitute for competent legal advice from a licensed professional attorney in your state.