Immigration QA

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...

La cantidad de consejos legales que se dan en TikTok es alarmante. Si su hijo estuviera enfermo, ¿acudiría a TikTok para pedir consejo médico o iría a un médico?  A veces tengo que informar a las personas que una opción de inmigración no está disponible para su caso. La gente dice: "Pero mis amigos obtuvieron sus papeles de esa manera". Cuando alguien dice esto, siempre les pido a sus amigos o familiares que me muestren cómo lo hicieron. Si me equivoco, con gusto cambio de opinión. Pero hasta ahora eso nunca ha sucedido. En primer lugar, circulan muchos rumores sobre lo que es posible, y esos rumores no son ciertos. En segundo lugar, la situación de cada persona es diferente. Por eso, cuando alguien me llama, hago muchas preguntas sobre su situación particular para ver si la ley puede ayudarle. TikTok no es un bufete de abogados. Los notarios no son abogados. Aquí, los abogados deben tener licencia y, si engañan a sus clientes, se les puede revocar la licencia. Sí, hay malos ...

One way to reduce delays in an immigration application is to ensure a properly formatted passport photo. Here in the US, it’s not as difficult because you’re typical Walgreens or CVS knows exactly what a passport photo should look like. They have the white background set up and Paper cutters set to the precise 2 x 2 square size. However, when people send me photos from foreign countries, the results very widely. Photos will be one by 1 inch, have a blue background, improper, head and shoulder proportions, etc. If a passport photo is required for an immigration application and such a photo is submitted, the entire application can (and often is) be rejected. I don’t know why they can’t simply process the star processing the application and then send a notice to provide new passport photos. In the vein of Bob Weber, I think there is a Tamata mentality.Keep in mind, that an application can take a a week to arrive at the USCIS, and anothercouple weeks to just to begin processing. if it does...