Written by Helen L. Parsonage, an immigration and criminal defense attorney admitted to federal courts across North Carolina. If Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detains you, you may wonder: How long can ICE hold you before deportation? The answer depends on the specifics of your situation. ICE can request local criminal agencies hold a person for up to 48...
Continue ReadingWhen the US government concludes you are in the country without authorization or have violated the terms of your status, it may place you in removal or deportation proceedings. These proceedings are how the government determines whether non-US citizens have the legal right to come to or stay in the US. A Master Hearing is the first step in the Immigration...
Continue ReadingDoctors assign temporary work restrictions based on medical opinion, but permanent restrictions usually result from a functional capacity evaluation (FCE). Physicians use FCEs to define long-term work limitations. If you are injured at work, you will quickly become familiar with the different exams and evaluations likely required to return to work, including the functional capacity evaluation. FCE (Functional Capacity...
Continue ReadingWorkers’ compensation insurance covers surgery costs if the surgery is necessary for your recovery from a work-related injury. Surgery is often essential for treating back injuries, joint issues, or other musculoskeletal conditions. When you’re injured at work, workers’ compensation is designed to help cover the costs of medical care, lost wages, and recovery. But when your injury requires surgery,...
Continue ReadingA hostile work environment is a workplace where unwelcome conduct creates an intimidating, offensive, or abusive atmosphere, violating EEOC legal standards. Harassment is a common example of unwelcome conduct that can contribute to such an environment. North Carolina and federal statutes outlaw harassment in the workplace and provide remedies for employees suffering in hostile work environments. But while kindness...
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 ReadingIf 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 ReadingA notice to appear can feel frightening because it means the federal government has started removal (deportation) proceedings against you. It starts the removal or deportation process by requiring you to appear in immigration court. An NTA does not mean the court will automatically order removal, but it does trigger deadlines and responsibilities that can affect your ability to...
Continue ReadingThe deportation process in the United States is lengthy and often complex. In many cases, the process can take years. The outcome of these proceedings, no matter how slow or quick, could drastically change your life. It is always best to have skilled, aggressive immigration representation going into deportation proceedings. Learn how we can assist you by calling (336) 724-2828 or sending us an...
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...
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