Posts in Immigration

Mar 01 What Is a U Visa?

U Visa Overview U Visas can provide temporary immigration status to victims of a qualifying crime or criminal activity and have suffered substantial mental or physical abuse. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will determine if you are eligible for a U visa based on information provided by...

Jan 27 How VAWA Works for Immigrants

The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) is a crucial piece of legislation that protects victims of domestic violence. Despite its name, VAWA is not exclusive to women, nor does it apply only to current U.S. residents. The legislation covers all victims of domestic abuse, including all genders, races, and...

Nov 30 Rights of Non-Citizens When Arrested or Charged with a Crime

Being arrested or charged with a crime can be a frightening experience—especially if you aren’t a U.S. citizen. Depending on your status and the alleged crime, you may face serious consequences, such as ineligibility for U.S. citizenship or even deportation. No matter your immigration status, however, you still have many rights. If...

Nov 27 4 Steps to Take if You Are Arrested for a Crime as a Noncitizen

One of the greatest benefits of U.S. citizenship is permanent protection against deportation. Even a criminal conviction will not trigger deportation for U.S. citizens. If you are a green card holder, however, you must take great care to follow both the law and the terms of your immigration status. When you, as...

Nov 23 What Happens When a Noncitizen Commits a Crime?

Criminal activity will almost always have serious consequences in the United States, but the stakes are much higher for anyone without U.S. citizenship. While a U.S. citizen may owe criminal fines and penalties or spend time in prison, a noncitizen may have trouble qualifying for immigration benefits, retaining their...

Nov 09 Crime & Immigration: Facing Charges as a Noncitizen

Crimmigration refers to the relationship between criminal law and immigration law. A crimmigration case, for example, may involve an immigrant who has become deportable because of their criminal history. Especially in recent years, the U.S. government has devoted substantial resources to crimmigration cases. Adjudicating officers scrutinize applications and conduct...

Oct 09 I-601 Waiver Checklist: What You Need for a Successful Application

Qualifying for a visa or green card—or simply protecting your status and home in the U.S.—can be a serious challenge. From unmet requirements to unlawful presence to criminal accusations, many different factors may render you inadmissible or even deportable. Fortunately, you may be able to overcome these issues by applying...

Sep 03 How Do I Remove Conditions on My Green Card?

How to Obtain a Permanent Green Card as a Conditional Permanent Resident One of the most popular paths to citizenship in the United States is through what is called a “marriage green card,” obtained by marrying a current United States citizen. The beneficiary is permitted to live and...

Jul 08 The New Public Charge Rule

Are you applying for a visa or lawful permanent residence? A new policy may affect the result of your case. The concept of a public charge has existed in immigration law for many years, but the new rule gives adjudicating officers much greater authority to deny applications. Although the public charge rule...

Mar 20 Right to Counsel

The right to counsel holds true in proceedings before the Immigration Courts. The Due Process clause and the Immigration and Nationality Act afford an alien the right to counsel of his own choice at his own expense. 8 U.S.C. § 1362. Importantly, the Due Process provides the right...