Why You Need Legal Representation When Going to Immigration Court – ICE Will Grab and Deport You

Why You Need Legal Representation When Going to Immigration Court – ICE Will Grab and Deport You

By: Mary Campbell Immigration court is one of the most intimidating places you can find yourself. Every case is high stakes—your future, your family, and your ability to remain in the United States are on the line. Yet too many immigrants walk into court without an attorney, thinking they can “explain their side” or handle […]

USCIS Enacts Stricter Marriage-Based Green Card Rules, Makes Interviews Mandatory

USCIS Enacts Stricter Marriage-Based Green Card Rules, Makes Interviews Mandatory

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has introduced sweeping updates to marriage-based green card policies—effective August 1, 2025—mandating in-person interviews in nearly all spousal visa cases and sharply increasing evidentiary requirements to detect fraudulent petitions.  What’s Changed? 1. Mandatory In-Person Interviews for Nearly All Cases USCIS now requires face-to-face interviews in essentially all marriage-based […]

We Fell in Love While on Vacation and Will Marry in the USA

We Fell in Love While on Vacation and Will Marry in the USA

By Brian Figeroux, Esq. Bringing a foreign partner to the United States with the intention of getting married involves navigating specific U.S. immigration laws and procedures. While the desire to be together “as soon as possible” is understandable, the process is governed by regulations designed to ensure compliance and can take considerable time. The concept […]

Overstaying Your Visa: Understanding the Penalties and How to Legalize Your Status in the U.S.

Overstaying Your Visa: Understanding the Penalties and How to Legalize Your Status in the U.S.

By Brian Figeroux, Esq.  The U.S. visa system is complex, and unintentionally overstaying a visa is a common issue for many foreign nationals. However, overstaying can have severe consequences, including bans on reentry, loss of future visa eligibility, and possible deportation. Understanding the penalties associated with unlawful presence in the U.S. is crucial, as well […]

USCIS Waives COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement for Adjustment of Status to Lawful Permanent Resident Applications

USCIS Waives COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement for Adjustment of Status to Lawful Permanent Resident Applications

By Janet Howard As of January 22, 2025, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has waived the COVID-19 vaccination requirement for individuals applying for adjustment of status to lawful permanent resident (green card) within the United States. This policy change means that applicants are no longer required to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination on […]

Pathways to Legal Status for Individuals Who Entered the USA Without Inspection

Pathways to Legal Status for Individuals Who Entered the USA Without Inspection

By Brian Figeroux, Esq. | Editorial Credit: Charles McClintock Wilson / shutterstock.com Introduction: Understanding the Challenges and Opportunities for EWI Individuals For individuals who have entered the United States without inspection (EWI), the journey toward legal status and obtaining a green card is complex but not impossible. EWI refers to individuals who cross the U.S. […]

The Process of Simultaneous Petitioning and Adjustment of Status for a Spouse Who Overstayed Their Visitor Visa in the U.S.

The Process of Simultaneous Petitioning and Adjustment of Status for a Spouse Who Overstayed Their Visitor Visa in the U.S.

By Brian Figeroux, Esq. U.S. immigration law provides a pathway for U.S. citizens to petition for their foreign-born spouses to adjust their immigration status and obtain lawful permanent residency, commonly known as a Green Card. However, this process can become more complex when the foreign spouse has entered the U.S. on a temporary visitor visa […]