If you are facing immigration proceedings or helping a loved one navigate them, you may have come across the concepts of removal and deportation orders. These terms are often used interchangeably. In U.S. immigration law, removal is the broad legal process used to expel non-citizens, replacing the older terms deportation and exclusion, with deportation now referring to a specific...
Continue ReadingWhen it comes to employment, is North Carolina an at-will state? Yes, it is. North Carolina allows employers or employees to end jobs at any time without giving a reason, except for unlawful reasons, as upheld in Kurtzman v. Applied Analytical Industries, Inc., 347 N.C. 329, 331, 493 S.E.2d 420, 423 (1997). Let’s look at what North Carolina at-will...
Continue ReadingWhat happens if an immigration judge denies your request for immigration benefits or orders your removal from the US? Is this the end of your case? Who can you turn to for help? Fortunately, the immigration system allows you to challenge the ruling or order. Just as important, you do not have to do it alone. In the face...
Continue ReadingBringing your parents to live permanently in the United States can be an exciting step for your family. If you’re a U.S. citizen, you may be eligible to sponsor your mother or father for a green card. While the process can seem complex, it generally involves verifying eligibility, filing an immigrant petition, completing the green card application process, attending...
Continue ReadingWhile a US citizen detained by ICE cannot be deported, ICE sometimes detains citizens in error. ICE may detain US citizens based on, for example, misidentification, outdated records, or confusion about a person’s citizenship status. Understanding what to do if ICE stops you and you are a US citizen is essential to protecting your rights. At EMP Law, we...
Continue ReadingDeportation — officially called “removal” under U.S. law is the legal process the government uses to remove a non-citizen from the country. What is the most common reason for deportation? Historically, criminal convictions have topped the list. But 2025 marked a significant shift in how immigration enforcement operates: nearly 50% of detained and deported individuals in 2025 had no...
Continue ReadingIf you have been injured at work and your workers’ comp claim is denied, you are undoubtedly worried about your medical expenses piling up. There are options to paying your medical bills, even when workers’ comp denies the claim. Health insurance covers bills consistent with your policy, but a denied claim may lead to high out-of-pocket costs. Insurers also...
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 ReadingMarriage to a US citizen can provide a path to lawful status. But can you be deported if you are married to a US citizen? Even if you are married to a citizen, you can still face deportation. Sometimes, you can avoid deportation based on your marriage, but it is not a guarantee, especially if you have a history...
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. A U Visa petition (Form I-918) currently takes anywhere from 5 to 10 years to process. This massive delay stems from a significant backlog and a strict Congressional cap...
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