Meeting with an immigration attorney for the first time can feel overwhelming. Many people come into consultations nervous, stressed, or unsure of what information matters most. Sometimes, valuable consultation time gets spent searching through bags of paperwork, scrolling through phones for dates, or trying to remember important details on the spot. Being prepared can help
USCIS recently issued a new policy memorandum emphasizing that Adjustment of Status (AOS) is a discretionary benefit — not an automatic entitlement. The memo repeatedly describes AOS as an “extraordinary” process because it allows someone to obtain permanent residence from inside the United States instead of through the normal immigrant visa process abroad through a
Reviewing the New USCIS Memo on Adjustment of Status vs. Consular Processing Read More »
VAWA protections are critically important. For many immigrants experiencing abuse by a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident family member, VAWA can provide a path to safety, stability, and lawful status without depending on the abusive relative. But in 2026, we are seeing a growing and dangerous problem: people being encouraged to file weak or
VAWA Fraud Concerns: What to Know Before Filing a Case Read More »
When someone is in immigration detention or facing deportation, things can move fast. Officers may hand them papers. They may feel scared, exhausted, or pressured. They may be told, “Just sign this, and you can leave sooner,” or “You can come back legally later.” But signing immigration paperwork can have serious, long-term consequences. That is
Before You Sign: Understanding Voluntary Departure and Deportation Paperwork Read More »
Summer is around the corner, and for many families, that means road trips, vacations, and visits with loved ones. But if you are an immigrant in the United States, travel (whether by car, bus, or plane) has become more complicated and often riskier than it was even a few months ago. Since our last post,
Summer Travel Advisory: What Immigrants Need to Know Before Traveling Read More »
Getting married to a U.S. citizen is an important and exciting step. However, many people are surprised to learn that marriage alone does not automatically give you legal status. There is still a legal process you must follow to apply for a green card, and sometimes there are hurdles that aren’t magically resolved with the
What Happens After You Marry a U.S. Citizen? A Simple Guide for Immigrants Read More »
If your immigration case has been pending for years with no decision, no update, and no clear explanation, you are not alone. Across the country, families are facing extreme delays with USCIS. Spouses remain separated. Parents are stuck abroad. Survivors wait in limbo. Green card applicants complete interviews and then hear nothing for years. Many
When Immigration Cases Are Stuck: How Mandamus Lawsuits Can Help Move Your Case Forward Read More »
Last week, I attended two green card interviews. Both times, USCIS was running behind, and I had about an hour to chat with our clients while we waited. Interestingly, both clients asked me the same question: “How have things changed this year?” There’s a lot we could have talked about—but before an interview, I always
The State of Immigration: Don’t Let Fear Hold You Back Read More »
When it comes to immigration, many families expect a long journey full of steps, paperwork, and waiting. But in some cases, U.S. law provides a kind of “shortcut” for children of U.S. citizens. Thanks to the Child Citizenship Act of 2000 (CCA), certain children automatically become U.S. citizens without having to go through a separate
The Child Citizenship Act: A “Shortcut” to U.S. Citizenship Read More »
If you’re an Afghan national who received a green card through the Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) program, there’s an important update you need to know. Over the past few months, the U.S. government has started revoking some previously approved SIV applications—even for individuals who already have green cards (also known as Lawful Permanent Resident or
What Afghan SIV Revocations Mean for Lawful Permanent Residents Read More »
