Countless immigrants face the U.S. court system alone. But now, the pandemic is complicating matters even more. As many civil and criminal trials stopped, immigration detention hearings continued until recently, despite nationwide stay-at-home orders. But now, federal...
How do I replace my green card?
If you have a status change, there is incorrect information or you lose your green card, then you will need to replace it. It is essential that your green card documentation has accurate information and conforms to the law. In addition, the U.S. Citizenship and...
A Brief Overview of the February 2020 USCIS Public Charge Rule
Adjustment of Status (green card) cases filed on or after February 24, 2020 will face much more scrutiny than earlier applications. This is because of a change in what is known as the “public charge rule.” The public charge rule has been around for a long time, but is...
A Brief Overview of the April 22, 2020 Proclamation Suspending Entry of Immigrants
On April 22, 2020, the President issued a Proclamation restricting immigration into the United States. The Proclamation is scheduled to take effect at 11:59 pm on April 23. While many people feared that it would be broad in scope, the Proclamation contains many...
10-year battle results in man’s deportation
To many people in Schaumburg, immigration might seem like a singular event. One arrives in their destination country, and that (as they say) is that. In reality, however, it is much more complex. Gaining access into the United States is just the first step in a very...
How would proposed USCIS Form I-864 Affidavit of Support Update impact family-based green card cases?
Most family-sponsored immigrants are now required to have a petitioner sign an Affidavit of Support (USCIS Form I-864) who becomes a sponsor for an intending immigrant. That form will likely become more complicated next month. Additionally, the new form will require...
Can a pending green card applicant apply for Unemployment Compensation under the CARES Act?
States and the federal government have not yet figured out how to administer supplemental unemployment benefits under the CARES Act. However, two things seem relatively clear; employment authorization is required to apply, and receiving benefits is not considered a...
Can I change my last name without a court order in Wisconsin when I apply for a green card?
If you are an intending immigrant and are going to live in Wisconsin, you should know some information about how to change your name. You can change your name without a formal court order at any time, as long as you meet two tests. You may be surprised to learn that...
The Importance of Documenting the Bona Fide Spousal Relationship
Marriages come in all different shapes and sizes. Couples enter marriage for several reasons. As we know, in order to navigate through a marriage-based green card process, a couple must undergo the interview process with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services...
Can I apply for a marriage license online and choose my own officiant in Cook County IL?
In Cook County, IL, you can apply and receive your Marriage License in two ways. The most common route has been the in-person marriage process. However, with technological advances and the demand for this timely process to be sped up, Online Marriage Licenses have...