U.S. Citizenship Applicants Face Heightened ‘Good Moral Character’ Scrutiny

U.S. Citizenship Applicants Face Heightened ‘Good Moral Character’ Scrutiny

By: Mary Campbell U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has officially intensified its evaluation of the ‘good moral character’ (GMC) standard for lawful permanent residents applying for U.S. citizenship. Under this revised policy, applicants must now substantiate not only the absence of disqualifying behavior, but also demonstrate active, positive contributions to their communities. Expanded GMC […]

Tax Filing Status: Married Filing Separately vs. Married Filing Jointly – Consequences for Green Card Holders

Tax Filing Status: Married Filing Separately vs. Married Filing Jointly – Consequences for Green Card Holders

By Brian Figeroux, Esq.  Tax laws in the United States play a crucial role in an individual’s immigration status, particularly for green card holders. One of the key decisions for married couples when filing taxes is whether to choose Married Filing Jointly (MFJ) or Married Filing Separately (MFS). This decision has serious financial and legal […]

Immigration Law and First Amendment Violations in Deportation Proceedings

Immigration Law and First Amendment Violations in Deportation Proceedings

By Esther Claudette Gittens Immigration law in the United States has a long and complex history, particularly concerning when lawful permanent residents (LPRs), also known as green card holders, may be placed in deportation (removal) proceedings or subjected to expedited removal. One of the more controversial areas of immigration enforcement involves cases where an LPR […]

Deportation Inoculation Warnings: Why You Must File for U.S. Citizenship Now

Deportation Inoculation Warnings: Why You Must File for U.S. Citizenship Now

By Brian Figeroux, Esq. In the United States, millions of lawful permanent residents (green card holders) are eligible to become U.S. citizens but fail to do so. Many delay filing for naturalization due to fear, procrastination, misinformation, or simply not realizing the urgency. However, waiting too long to apply could expose you and your family […]

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 […]

Precautions Green Card Holders Should Take When Traveling with Pending Criminal Cases or Convictions

Precautions Green Card Holders Should Take When Traveling with Pending Criminal Cases or Convictions

By Brian Figeroux, Esq. | Editorial credit: fuadstephan / shutterstock.com  Traveling with pending criminal cases or past convictions presents significant risks for green card holders. Introduction For lawful permanent residents (LPRs), commonly known as green card holders, traveling—whether domestically or internationally—can be risky if they have pending criminal cases or past convictions. U.S. immigration laws […]

A Comprehensive Analysis: Renewing a Green Card After Expiration with Criminal Records in New York State

A Comprehensive Analysis: Renewing a Green Card After Expiration with Criminal Records in New York State

By Brian Figeroux, Esq.  Introduction For lawful permanent residents (LPRs) in the United States, renewing a green card after it has expired is typically a routine process. However, individuals with criminal records—including arrests without convictions—may face complications, including denial of renewal or placement in deportation proceedings. This article explores whether someone with a green card […]

Legal Consequences and Remedies for Green Card Holders Staying Outside the U.S. Beyond the Statutory Period

Legal Consequences and Remedies for Green Card Holders Staying Outside the U.S. Beyond the Statutory Period

By Brian Figeroux, Esq.  A green card, or lawful permanent resident (LPR) status, grants noncitizens the right to live and work in the United States indefinitely. However, this status is not unconditional. One of the most critical obligations for green card holders is maintaining continuous ties to the United States. Extended absences from the country […]

When Can a Green Card Holder File for Citizenship, Its Benefits, and Its Role as a Defense Against Deportation under a Trump Administration in 2025

When Can a Green Card Holder File for Citizenship, Its Benefits, and Its Role as a Defense Against Deportation under a Trump Administration in 2025

By Brian Figeroux, Esq. | Editorial Credit: Mehaniq / shutterstock.com  As the United States approaches a Trump administration in 2025, the rights and security of non-citizens are again under scrutiny. Immigrants who hold green cards (lawful permanent resident status) may find themselves vulnerable to shifting policies, increased enforcement, and the risk of deportation for infractions […]