Withholding of removal is a form of immigration relief that stops the government from deporting a person to a country where their life or freedom faces threats because of race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion. If you qualify, the immigration judge must grant withholding of removal, which allows you to stay in the...
Continue ReadingIf 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 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 ReadingYou may be wondering, How long do you have to be married to get a green card? As long as you are in a genuine, legal marriage, there is no length requirement. Marrying a U.S. citizen is one of the fastest ways to get a green card. The total wait time for a marriage-based green card averages about 9.3...
Continue ReadingAsylum is one of the most important ways for individuals fleeing danger to find a safe new home. Asylees—individuals who have been granted asylum protection—must wait at least one year after being granted asylum before applying for a green card—lawful permanent resident status. Once that year passes, how long it takes to get a green card after asylum approval...
Continue ReadingComing to or remaining in the United States without government permission violates U.S. immigration law and typically results in losing your right to immigration benefits. This rule can seriously harm many noncitizens who would otherwise qualify for lawful permanent resident (LPR) status. If you fall into this category, you may be able to convince United States Citizenship and Immigration...
Continue ReadingElliot Morgan Parsonage PLLC (EMP) is pleased to announce that ICE has released another of our DACA clients from custody at Stewart Detention Center. Working with several agencies, EMP attorney Joseph Lambert successfully assisted this young person in returning home to family, getting criminal charges dismissed and ICE to agree to his release without need for a bond hearing. ...
Continue ReadingEMP is proud to announce the inclusion of partner Helen Parsonage in the inaugural cohort of the North Carolina State Bar’s Pro Bono Honor Society in recognition of her contribution to pro bono work. She is one of only 170 so included.
Continue ReadingDonald Trump has been elected President and the Republicans control both the House and the Senate. Immigrants are wondering, “What does this mean for me?” It means three main things: 1. There will be no major immigration reform in favor of immigrants for at least the next four years. No amnesty. No CIR. No Dream Act. Nothing like that. Trump...
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