Author Archives: Veronica Walther

If your employment has been affected by COVID-19, you can apply for unemployment benefits. This includes if you are ordered to not come into work because of COVID-19 precautions, or if your child is at home and you are unable to find childcare for them to allow you to return to work. Minnesota Governor Walz issued an executive order that waives the one week ‘waiting period’ to get unemployment benefits. Many clients are worried that receiving unemployment benefits due to … Continued

As we all figure out how to contain the spread of COVID 19, the novel coronavirus, courts and government agencies have been adjusting their policies as well. We will contact clients as they are affected, but below is general information about the courts and agencies we deal with at Walther Goss Law. Immigration court (EOIR): All immigration courts have stopped non-detained hearings, including master calendar hearings and individual hearings, through April 10, 2020. If you have a hearing during that … Continued

Protect yourself against new expedited removal rule Expedited removal, a form of removal (deportation) that does not require a hearing or review by an immigration judge, has been around for several years. Until now, it has only applied to people who have been in the US for less than 2 years and who are within 100 miles of the US border. As of July 23, 2019, it has been expanded to include the entire country, not just areas within 100 … Continued

In immigration court, you do not have the right to an attorney as you would in criminal court. You only have the right to bring an attorney that you have hired, at no cost to the government. If you cannot afford an attorney and are unable to find a pro bono (volunteer) attorney to help you, you must represent yourself in court. Even if you do not have an attorney, if you are detained by immigration, ask to be seen … Continued

An employer should only ask for your documents once they offer you a job, not before. If you are authorized to work and your documents come up as ‘no match’, you can appeal within 8 business days. Your employer may use E-Verify, an internet-based system that quickly compares your information with the Dept. of Homeland Security and Social Security Administration. Regardless of your status, you have the right to earn minimum wage, to be paid overtime if eligible, and work … Continued

You do not have to open the door to immigration or to police unless they have a signed arrest or search warrant. Ask to see any warrant under the door or through a window by your door. Do not open your door to see the warrant. If you open the door, officials will assume you are giving them permission to enter. Once inside, ICE may ask for documents and ID of all persons inside. A warrant is a document signed … Continued

If immigration or the police signals you to stop your car, you should do so. They can ask for your name, driver’s license, insurance and registration. Show them these documents if you have them. Always carry a valid form of ID even if you are not eligible for a driver’s license. Do not carry false ID with you! You have the right to remain silent beyond giving your name. Your passenger has the right to remain silent, but it may … Continued