The use of marijuana remains a topic of controversy in Illinois. It is true that 36 states, including Illinois, have legalized some forms of the medical use of marijuana. Illinois has also legalized recreational marijuana, subject to conditions. However, the rules are...
Immigration News
Migrants or Refugees? The terminology matters
It is a well-known fact across the nation that the United States has a problem at the Mexican border. The country has been flooded with refugees from Mexico and Central America who have made the trek completely across Mexico to arrive at the United States border in...
Is an E-2 investor visa right for me?
One of the ways that foreign nationals wishing to invest in a business venture and oversee it in Illinois is to acquire an E-2 investor visa. When considering this move, you should be aware of the specific requirements for this visa designation. Substantial investment...
Understanding the TN nonimmigrant designation
Many foreign workers come to Illinois and the Chicago area for jobs. Those holding Canadian or Mexican passports can seek special TN nonimmigrant classification permits to live and work for three years. Here is how the TN designation works under the North American...
What are Illinois’ laws regarding immigration reporting?
Although federal authorities typically handle the enforcement of immigration rules in Illinois, state and local jurisdictions have become increasingly involved with assisting in immigration-related offenses and issues. Some of the information that state agencies...
Immigration measure in recent budget bill shut down
As of September 19th, the attempt made by Democrats to use a $3.5 trillion budget package to grant millions of undocumented immigrants legal status has been ruled inappropriate for such a measure by the Senate parliamentarian. This is important news for anyone living...
Immigration reform hits a procedural roadblock
The Biden administration's attempt to grant legal status to certain undocumented foreign nationals in Illinois and around the country hit a snag recently when the highly-contentious infrastructure bill was evaluated in Congress before the vote was allowed. The...
Bias in immigration laws
Immigrant applicants for admission into Illinois and other U.S. states are scrutinized in an in-depth manner that can include a significant background check in their native country as well as any legal violations from previous stays in the United States. The truth...
Dreamers look toward the future
Many people in Illinois and around the country have been helped by the DACA program, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals. Known as "Dreamers," the future of these undocumented or out-of-status immigrants who came to the United States as children has become a...
Illinois lawmakers vote to end immigrant detention
The Illinois General Assembly passed a bill on May 31 that requires local authorities to cancel contracts to detain immigrants facing removal proceedings, and it prohibits them from entering into similar agreements in the future. The Illinois Way Forward Act gives...