Isabel Schmieta

Celebrating the Strength and Resilience of Immigrants on International Migrants Day

Every year on December 18, the world comes together to celebrate International Migrants Day—a day to honor the contributions, resilience, and courage of migrants who leave behind familiar lives in search of safety, opportunity, and brighter futures. At Hope Immigration, this day is especially close to our hearts. Every story we hear, every case we […]

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The Affirmative Asylum Process and What the Backlog Means for Applicants

For many seeking safety in the United States, asylum offers a lifeline. However, the process can be complicated and daunting. In this post, we’ll break down the basics of affirmative asylum, including who qualifies, how to apply, what to know about work permits, and the challenges posed by the long wait times for interviews. What

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The Heart of Immigration: What Will Always Stay the Same

As we look toward the upcoming change in presidential administration, it’s natural to wonder how immigration policies might shift. Change, after all, is part of the nature of politics. But while the details may evolve—processing times, fees, or procedural steps—the core principles of immigration law remain. These are the principles that bring families together, open

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Preparing for the Upcoming Presidential Transition: Practical Steps for Immigrants

With the upcoming change in presidential administration, many immigrants are understandably concerned about potential shifts in immigration policy. While some changes are being discussed, it’s important to remember that these are currently only words—not concrete actions. Some of the proposed changes may not even be legally or constitutionally possible, and others may take years to

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The Growing Asylum Backlog: Why Over 1 Million Are Waiting for Protection

The U.S. asylum system, a lifeline for people fleeing persecution and violence, is facing a significant crisis. More than one million asylum seekers are currently stuck in a backlog, waiting years—sometimes more than a decade—for their cases to be processed. This massive delay has created profound hardships for those seeking protection and has raised concerns

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New U and T Visa Policies: What You Need to Know

The 2023 fiscal year marked a significant milestone in immigration law—it was the first year that the T visa cap of 5,000 applications was reached. This highlights just how vital these visas are for victims of trafficking and other crimes seeking protection in the U.S. In response to the growing demand, the Department of Homeland

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Understanding Deportation in the U.S.: Separating Fact from Fear

At Hope Immigration, we often hear from clients who are concerned about deportation—whether for themselves, a family member, or a loved one. With so much fear and misinformation out there, especially during election season, we want to clear the air about what deportation really is, what it entails, and the reality of mass deportations. What

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Celebrating 30 Years of VAWA: A Lifeline for Survivors of Abuse

September 13th marked the 30th anniversary of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), a groundbreaking program that has changed the lives of countless individuals who have experienced abuse. VAWA isn’t just about protecting women—it provides a critical pathway for all survivors of abuse, regardless of gender, to escape dangerous situations and rebuild their lives. At

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The Benefits of Applying for Immigration Online: Why It’s the Way to Go

When applying for immigration benefits, you may have two filing options, depending on the type of application: submit your application online or through the mail. We know that choosing a new process can feel unsettling, but applying online offers several benefits that can help make your journey smoother and more efficient. In this blog, we

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