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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
By Brian Figeroux, Esq. When a U.S. green card holder (lawful permanent resident) marries a spouse who is overseas, they face an important decision: Should they petition immediately for their spouse under their current status, or wait until they become a U.S. citizen to file the petition? The key consideration in this decision is speed—how […]
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 […]
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 […]
By Reuven Blau and Gwynne Hogan | Photo credit: Secretary Kristi Noem/X Little is known about where many of those arrested are being held, and immigration lawyers tell THE CITY they have had difficulty locating and contacting those detained. Over 100 people in the New York City area were detained by federal authorities over the past week, […]
By Brian Figeroux, Esq. The U.S. immigration system has strict eligibility requirements for family-based green cards, particularly for children of U.S. citizens or permanent residents. If a person is approved for a green card under the classification of a “child” (unmarried and under 21), getting married before entering the U.S. can have serious legal consequences. […]
By Brian Figeroux, Esq. The Laken Riley Act represents a significant clarification and development in the context of mandatory detention under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). Specifically, it addresses the interpretation of certain crimes that trigger mandatory detention under INA § 236(c)(1)(E), elucidating how these terms should be understood within the legal frameworks of […]
By Esther Claudette Gittens | Editorial credit: a katz / shutterstock.com Click here to know your rights. It’s January 2025 and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has intensified its operations to identify, detain, and deport undocumented immigrants across the United States. This escalation follows policy shifts under the current administration, leading to a broader […]