Immigration QA

Okay, for the record it was fake news that Costco started to sell marijuana in bulk. See here: https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/kushland-signature/ Having said this, recently an attorney colleague asked me the following question: Hey Satveer, I have a client who is Laotian and came to the US when he was 9 or 10 years old. He’s charged with possessing 5 pounds of marijuana – Felony Fifth Degree Possession of a Controlled Substance. He qualifies for a Minn Stat. 152.18 diversion, but will that disposition still affect his ability to become a citizen eventually? I don’t want to enter a plea to this if it means he will either be subject to deportation, or he will not be able to become a citizen. Do you know the ramifications of this off the top of your head? ANSWER: A drug diversion program under Minnesota Statute 152.18 is usually an ideal disposition for first-time drug offenders. It’s an opportunity to realize one’s mistake and not let it follow you the rest of your life. However, n...

Today is June 6, 2018. June 6 is a hallowed day in world history, and for America in particular. Today is the 74th anniversary of the invasion to take back earth from the slimy grip of Nazi Germany. Because this is an immigration blog, I focus here on asking every would-be American—Indian, Chinese, Somali, Mexican—to pause for at least 1 minute today and reflect on what this day means to every software developer, home health aide, roofer, doctor, temple priest, baseball player, or fashion model. It has been said, and I agree, that every historical event of the 20th century ultimately lead up to D-Day. And, every event of the 20th century since, was a result of it. Think about that. The world before June 6, 1944 had to change, and that change started on France’s beaches. And who lead that change? Yes, a handful of military brass chalked out a brilliant strategy. But it only happened because of ordinary American, British, Canadian, French, and Australian soldiers. But get this, you ...