Immigration

What do I need to know about the expansion of Expedited Removal?

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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

Know Your Rights as an Immigrant – Your Right to an Attorney

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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

Know Your Rights as an Immigrant – Your Rights at Home

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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

Know Your Rights as an Immigrant – Your rights in the car

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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

Know Your Rights as an Immigrant – Prepare Yourself

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Gather Documents Gather copies of important documents in a safe place. These may include passports and IDs for all family members, birth certificates of US citizen children, marriage certificates, and proof of your time living in the United States. Develop a Family Plan Discuss a plan with your friends and family of what to do in case you are detained. Write down important information about your children (their schools, doctors, allergies or illnesses, medication, etc.). Ensure your children know who … Continued

What happens if I don’t have immigration status, but am marrying a US Citizen or Permanent Resident?

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One of the most common and well-known methods of gaining legal immigration status in the United States is via marriage to a US citizen (“USC”) or lawful permanent resident (“LPR”), commonly known as a green card holder.  If you are granted a green card through marriage to a USC, you are eligible to apply for citizenship three years later. However, the mere fact of getting married to a USC or LPR does not necessarily mean that you can get legal … Continued

How does the government shutdown affect my immigration case?

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With the ongoing government shutdown, we’ve received many calls from concerned immigration clients wondering what is open, what is closed, and how the shutdown affects their immigration case. USCIS (US Citizenship & Immigration Services) is not affected by the shutdown. USCIS services are paid by your filing fees so they remain open. Applications will continue to be received and processed even though the government is shut down. Biometrics (fingerprint) appointments will continue as scheduled, as will interviews. If you do … Continued

DACA Update – August 8, 2018

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What is happening with DACA? The DACA struggle continues. We are awaiting a decision on a lawsuit relating to DACA after a hearing today, Wednesday, August 8, 2018. The federal judge in Texas who will be making the decision, Judge Hanen, previously struck down the expansion of DACA. How did we get here? The DREAM Act to protect certain individuals who had been brought to the United States as children never passed congress, despite years of trying. The Obama administration … Continued

Temporary Protected Status (TPS) ends for El Salvador

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The Trump administration announced this morning that they are ending the humanitarian program known as Temporary Protected Status, TPS, for people from El Salvador. TPS provides temporary status for certain people in the US to live and work legally if their home country is affected by armed conflict, natural disasters, or other significant issues. Salvadorans have benefitted from TPS since devastating earthquakes hit their country in 2001 and became the largest group benefitting from temporary protected status in the US. … Continued

Update on DACA

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The below is an excerpt from a letter we have sent all our DACA clients. We share it here in hopes of disseminating information about today’s announcement. Please feel free to share this post – it is available in Spanish by clicking here. You are receiving this because you or a family member is affected by Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, known as DACA. Today, September 5, 2017 it was announced that DACA would be rescinded. As we write this … Continued