Immigration QA

Credit: PeaceProject.com In 2026 I've received more inquiries, than my entire career to date, about the necessity for a Certificate of Citizenship (CoC). This is document is not proof of  attaining citizenship, in which chase one would attain a Certificate of Naturalization (CoN). but when one is already a citizenship but doesn't have a U.S. birth certificate.   CoCs are issued in limited but important situations where one was born outside America but, under law, still a U.S. citizen by virtue of their U.S. citizen lineage.  Lots of ins and outs for eligibility for both CoCs and CoNs.  But the most common reasons to issue Certificates of Citizenship are 1) foreign adoption by American parents and, 2) birth abroad to American parents.  Notice I say reason for issuing, and not requirement . This is because someone in these (and some other) situations can actually obtain a U.S. passort directly from that agency by showing proof of their citizenship. Most people j...

Severe Due Process Violations In I.C.E. Enforcement Even for those within ICE's current enforcement pattern, the loss of due process (and human) rights is serious. We are seeing significant and troubling violations of each. These developments raise profound concerns for the rule of law and safety of all communities whether or not directly affected. Until then, I've written like mad this week explaining how to mitigate some of the worst outcomes--until something changes. Who Is Actually Affected by Current ICE Operations? Before addressing documents, it is essential to understand the scope of recent enforcement actions. As explained in my previous post ,  ICE’s current surge is targeted to particular categories—not the general population. There are serious problems with this targeting, that could also ensnare innocent parties, but it is important to note the current, factual context. If you are a U.S. citizen and your activities do not resemble those targeted in recent operati...

Some patterns have emerged from the recent upsurge of ICE arrests. I believe you will soon be arrested by ICE  if you have one of these: 1. A) You came in the last 3 or 4 years under a parole program, B) Someone who is not a lawyer filed an asylum application for you and, C) you have work permit. I believe you will be arrested soon because immigration believes your application is flimsy (which it is), it will be denied anyway (which it probably will be), you have a work permit (so they know your address or workplace), and you've never spoken with an immigration lawyer (you were told you don't need one unless you're arrested).  2. You are working without a work permit alongside the people described above. 3. Any type of asylum application filed by a nonlawyer. 4. A visa recently revoked or expired, even prior to end of grace period or appeal period. 5. U.S. citizen acting belligerently in the proximity of an ICE operation. I'm not saying any of these activities are in...

Nota: Originalmente escribí esto para los ciudadanos, pero me di cuenta de que son buenos consejos para todos. No esperen para hacer estas cosas. Los notarios, consultores, asesores y asistentes están arruinando cualquier posibilidad de que el proceso se lleve a cabo legalmente, y además están cobrando más dinero que un abogado de verdad.Busquen ayuda profesional--ahora mismo! Al atender llamadas durante un reciente aumento de redadas de ICE en Minneapolis, surgieron algunos temas comunes que resultan tanto frustrantes como instructivos. También aprendí que soy tan vulnerable como cualquiera a los miedos basados ​​en las emociones y a reaccionar impulsivamente, a pesar de tener ciertos conocimientos y herramientas. Así que, después de disculparme profusamente con algunas personas a mi alrededor, "empecé una lista". Aquí les presento lo que, como abogada de inmigración, creo que podría prevenir arrestos de ICE o marcar la diferencia en la defensa contra la deportación. Agradez...

During the recent upsurge by ICE in Minneapolis, a few common themes have arisen in my immigration law practice that both frustrate and educate.  I've also  learned that I'm equally vulnerable to emotion-based fears and lashing out as anyone, despite possessing  the actual knowledge and tools to act. So after profuse apologies to some people around me, I "started a list."  Here's what I, as an immigration attorney, believe could stem ICE arrests and/or strengthen a deportation defense. I welcome additional suggestions.  PS I’ve actually stopped saying "undocumented," because lots of people with legitimate immigration processes are being unjustly arrested by ICE, as well as U.S. citizens. T hese practical actions can make a true difference in a noncitizen's life: Emotional Support. Specifically: Assurance of friendship, love, compassion, and trust. Starting with listening is often helpful. Privacy is paramount . Calm nerves, first with oneself and the...

There has been an important recent development in the fight against notario fraud. I want to thank the Washington County Attorney and Kevin Magnuson for pursuing this matter and charging the above-pictured perpetrators.  Unfortunately, this case represents only the tip of the iceberg. In my professional practice, I am acutely aware of noncitizens with strong, legally viable immigration cases who are now facing deportation—not because they were ineligible, but because nonlawyers posing as immigration professionals took their money and filed unsubstantiated or even falsified applications on their behalf. Had these individuals worked with a licensed immigration attorney from the start, many could have entered or remained in the United States legally. What is especially troubling is that some of these notarios charge more than qualified lawyers. A common refrain I hear is, “You don’t need a lawyer unless there’s a problem.” Unfortunately, immigration law does not work that way. When...