Know Your Rights: What to Do If ICE Stops You—Whether You’re a Citizen, Green Card Holder, or Undocumented

Know Your Rights: What to Do If ICE Stops You—Whether You’re a Citizen, Green Card Holder, or Undocumented

Editorial credit: Christopher Penler / Shutterstock.com Encounters with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) can be terrifying—not just for undocumented immigrants, but for U.S. citizens and green card holders as well. The sight of ICE agents, the pressure of questioning, and the confusion about what you’re legally required to do can cause fear, panic, and even […]

Dividing Lives, Defending Rights: Contested vs. Uncontested Divorce in New York When One Spouse Is Undocumented

Dividing Lives, Defending Rights: Contested vs. Uncontested Divorce in New York When One Spouse Is Undocumented

Divorce is always challenging—but when immigration status is part of the equation, it becomes significantly more complicated. For couples in New York State, understanding the legal distinction between contested and uncontested divorces is the first step in navigating a separation. When one spouse is undocumented, the stakes are even higher, involving not just emotional and […]

Breaking Free: How VAWA Empowers Immigrant Survivors of Domestic Abuse to Reclaim Their Lives

Breaking Free: How VAWA Empowers Immigrant Survivors of Domestic Abuse to Reclaim Their Lives

In the quiet corners of homes across America, countless immigrant women endure unspeakable abuse—trapped not only by the pain inflicted by their spouses but also by the fear of losing their legal status and being deported. Many of these survivors are married to U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents who exploit their immigration vulnerability to […]

Left Behind, Not Forgotten: A Path to Legalization for Abandoned Immigrant Minors

Left Behind, Not Forgotten: A Path to Legalization for Abandoned Immigrant Minors

Across the United States, countless immigrant children live in fear and uncertainty—not because of something they’ve done, but because they have been left behind. Abandoned by parents or caregivers, they face the world without the protection, stability, and love that every child deserves. This loss isn’t just emotional—it carries profound legal consequences. For these vulnerable […]

Top Immigration Official Defends “Anti‑American” Screening in Green Card Process

Top Immigration Official Defends “Anti‑American” Screening in Green Card Process

By: Mary Campbell In an exclusive interview, Joseph Edlow, newly confirmed Director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), has defended a controversial immigration policy shift allowing immigration officers to weigh applicants’ personal views—specifically whether they espouse “anti‑American” ideologies—as part of green card and visa evaluations. What This Change Entails Edlow emphasized that the policy […]

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 […]

Why Green Card Holders Should Immediately File for U.S. Citizenship in Light of the DHS Interim Final Rule

Why Green Card Holders Should Immediately File for U.S. Citizenship in Light of the DHS Interim Final Rule

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) upcoming Interim Final Rule (IFR) on Alien Registration and Evidence of Registration, set to take effect in April 2025, introduces new obligations and potential penalties for non-citizens residing in the United States. Given the increased scrutiny, stringent registration requirements, and potential legal consequences for noncompliance, lawful permanent residents […]

The Economic Cost and Rejection Probability of Immigrants Self-Representing or Using Notarios for USCIS Applications

The Economic Cost and Rejection Probability of Immigrants Self-Representing or Using Notarios for USCIS Applications

By Brian Figeroux, Esq.  The process of applying for legal immigration status or work permits in the United States can be complex and costly. Many immigrants, due to financial constraints or lack of awareness, either self-represent or seek the help of unauthorized immigration consultants, often referred to as “notarios.” Unfortunately, errors in these applications can […]

The Impact of State and Federal Public Assistance on Non-Citizens and Green Card Holders Legalizing in the U.S.

The Impact of State and Federal Public Assistance on Non-Citizens and Green Card Holders Legalizing in the U.S.

By Mary Campbell For many non-citizens and green card holders in the United States, public assistance programs provide critical financial support, food security, healthcare, and housing assistance. However, receiving public benefits can also impact an individual’s ability to adjust status, naturalize, or petition for family members under U.S. immigration laws. Understanding how federal and state […]