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 […]

The Risks of Filing an Improper or Untimely Divorce After Receiving a Green Card Through Marriage

The Risks of Filing an Improper or Untimely Divorce After Receiving a Green Card Through Marriage

By Brian Figeroux, Esq. Divorce is a complex legal process, but it becomes even more complicated when one spouse has obtained a green card (permanent residency) through marriage. The timing of the divorce and how it is handled can have serious immigration consequences, including the potential loss of legal status and deportation risks. This article […]

Citizenship Applications in 2025 Amidst Heightened Scrutiny by the Trump Administration

Citizenship Applications in 2025 Amidst Heightened Scrutiny by the Trump Administration

By Brian Figeroux, Esq.  The process of applying for U.S. citizenship has always been complex, but in 2025, under the Trump Administration’s intensified immigration policies, the path to naturalization has become even more challenging. With an ongoing crackdown on immigrants, naturalization applications face increased scrutiny, particularly for those who obtained green cards through marriage. If […]

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 […]

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 Esther Claudette Gittens 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 […]

Does an Annulment Prevent a Plaintiff or Defendant from Filing a VAWA Application for Immigration Relief?

Does an Annulment Prevent a Plaintiff or Defendant from Filing a VAWA Application for Immigration Relief?

By Brian Figeroux, Esq.  The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) provides a pathway for survivors of domestic abuse to apply for immigration relief without relying on their abusive U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident (LPR) spouse, parent, or child. VAWA allows these individuals to self-petition for a green card if they can demonstrate they were […]

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 […]

Advance Parole Consult an Attorney

Advance Parole Consult an Attorney

By Brian Figeroux, Esq. | Editorial credit: create jobs 51/ shutterstock.com  It is advisable to consult with an immigration attorney to evaluate the individual’s specific circumstances, especially to explore whether Advance Parole or other legal avenues might be pursued successfully. Advance Parole is one of the most common and viable options for individuals without lawful […]