If you or someone you love has received a deportation order, you may feel overwhelmed and uncertain about what comes next. Depending on the circumstances, you may have the right to appeal the deportation order. A deportation appeal allows you to challenge the decision and potentially remain in the United States. The process is complex and time-sensitive, making it...
Continue ReadingThe U Visa is unique among U.S. visas. It allows crime victims to receive a visa and eventually a green card so long as they cooperate with the criminal investigation. U-visa processing takes several years due to a 10,000-visa annual cap and a backlog. The average processing time for Form I-918 is about 32.7 months. While your U Visa...
Continue ReadingCan an undocumented immigrant fly within the U.S. in 2025? Yes, they may be able to, but that does not mean the process isn’t fraught with potential pitfalls and some danger. In general, domestic travel involves requests for official identification and contact with agents of the federal government. This means that air travel presents opportunities for an undocumented immigrant...
Continue ReadingCan a U.S. citizen be deported? The short, practical answer is no—U.S. citizens generally cannot be deported. Once someone becomes a U.S. citizen, they have full constitutional protections and the right to remain in the country. Although they apply to very few individuals, U.S. law does authorize the government to revoke citizenship in specific and rare circumstances through a...
Continue ReadingIf you or someone you know is facing a removal (deportation) order from the United States, a motion to reopen may offer a second chance. In U.S. immigration law, a motion to reopen allows an individual to ask the immigration court to review a case they or another immigration court has already decided. Motions to reopen enable immigrants to...
Continue ReadingThe marriage-based green card interview is one of the most important steps in the marriage-based green card process. The interview focuses on confirming the legitimacy of your marriage and assessing whether your relationship meets the requirements set by U.S. immigration law. During the interview, you and your spouse will answer personal and relationship-based questions and show the interviewer supporting...
Continue ReadingAsylum is a vital legal protection that individuals who have fled danger in their home countries can apply for to gain the right to remain in the U.S. However, not every asylum application is approved. If you are concerned about having your claim for asylum denied, understanding why denials happen and what you can do next is crucial. EMP...
Continue ReadingApplying for an immigrant visa, a green card, is an exciting but unfortunately complicated and all-too-often frustrating process. If you are considering or currently applying for an immigrant visa, you may wonder, What can an immigration lawyer do for you? An immigration lawyer is an invaluable asset, helping clients understand their options, avoid mistakes, and improve their chances of...
Continue ReadingAsylum allows individuals fleeing dangerous conditions in their home countries to permanently settle in the U.S., potentially saving their lives. But how long does the asylum process take? Many factors influence the typical asylum processing time, including whether the individual is in removal proceedings and the backlog of cases pending with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)...
Continue ReadingA green card interview is often the final step in becoming a lawful permanent resident (LPR) of the United States. During the interview, a United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) or consular officer asks questions to confirm that you qualify for a green card. The exact questions vary, but understanding the process and preparing for likely green card...
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