Isabel Schmieta

The Fight for Justice: Resisting the Latest Anti-Immigrant Policies

Since his return to office, President Trump has unleashed a series of cruel and often unconstitutional executive orders, proclamations, and memoranda aimed at tearing apart immigrant families, stripping away rights, and making life even harder for those seeking safety and opportunity in the United States. These directives attack fundamental human rights and the very principles […]

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Know Your Rights: Protecting Yourself and Your Family in Uncertain Times

The political landscape has shifted, and immigrant communities across the country are feeling the impact. At Hope Immigration, we share your anger and frustration over the new policies that have made undocumented immigrants—and even those with legal status or pending cases—more vulnerable than ever.  Under this new administration, enforcement efforts have escalated rapidly. The resulting

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Understanding U Certifications: A Guide for Survivors of Crime

The United States offers several pathways for immigrants to seek legal status, including the U visa program, which provides immigrant victims of crimes a pathway to permanent residence and citizenship. An important step in applying for a U status is getting a U certification—in fact, one cannot begin the U status process without it. In

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Honoring Jimmy Carter’s Legacy: A Champion for Immigrants

As we reflect on the life and legacy of President Jimmy Carter, we want to take a moment to celebrate his unwavering commitment to human rights, compassion, and justice. His policies and actions not only shaped U.S. immigration law but also provided hope and opportunity for countless immigrants, especially in his home state of Georgia.

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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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