By Mary Campbell | Media Courtesy of: USCIS In an important crackdown on immigration fraud, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), in coordination with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), recently helped dismantle a nationwide marriage fraud operation. The case highlights both the complexities of immigration enforcement and the sophisticated strategies used to exploit legal […]
Applying for a U.S. passport as a derivative citizen involves a series of steps to establish and document your citizenship status. Derivative citizenship refers to individuals who automatically acquired U.S. citizenship through their parents, typically under the Child Citizenship Act of 2000. This guide provides a comprehensive, step-by-step overview of the process, including the necessary […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]