Facing Fear, Finding Strength: Confronting the Shadow of Deportation with Dignity and Hope

Facing Fear, Finding Strength: Confronting the Shadow of Deportation with Dignity and Hope

Undocumented immigrants and their families often live with a shadow that darkens the brightest of days: the fear of deportation. It’s not merely a legal concern—it’s a deeply human struggle, one that strikes at the heart of our sense of safety, belonging, and belongingness. In this article, we explore the raw emotional toll of deportation […]

U.S. Citizenship Applicants Face Heightened ‘Good Moral Character’ Scrutiny

U.S. Citizenship Applicants Face Heightened ‘Good Moral Character’ Scrutiny

By: Mary Campbell U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has officially intensified its evaluation of the ‘good moral character’ (GMC) standard for lawful permanent residents applying for U.S. citizenship. Under this revised policy, applicants must now substantiate not only the absence of disqualifying behavior, but also demonstrate active, positive contributions to their communities. Expanded GMC […]

ICE Detains Legal U.S. Resident of 50 Years, Sparking Debate on Immigration Enforcement and the Importance of Citizenship

ICE Detains Legal U.S. Resident of 50 Years, Sparking Debate on Immigration Enforcement and the Importance of Citizenship

By Mary Campbell A health worker who has lived legally in the United States for over five decades was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at a California airport, despite holding a valid green card. The incident has ignited renewed discussion about the legal vulnerabilities of long-term permanent residents and the crucial protections […]

We Fell in Love While on Vacation and Will Marry in the USA

We Fell in Love While on Vacation and Will Marry in the USA

By Brian Figeroux, Esq. Bringing a foreign partner to the United States with the intention of getting married involves navigating specific U.S. immigration laws and procedures. While the desire to be together “as soon as possible” is understandable, the process is governed by regulations designed to ensure compliance and can take considerable time. The concept […]

The Risks of Filing an Improper or Untimely Divorce After Receiving a Green Card Through Marriage

The Risks of Filing an Improper or Untimely Divorce After Receiving a Green Card Through Marriage

By Brian Figeroux, Esq. Divorce is a complex legal process, but it becomes even more complicated when one spouse has obtained a green card (permanent residency) through marriage. The timing of the divorce and how it is handled can have serious immigration consequences, including the potential loss of legal status and deportation risks. This article […]

Citizenship Applications in 2025 Amidst Heightened Scrutiny by the Trump Administration

Citizenship Applications in 2025 Amidst Heightened Scrutiny by the Trump Administration

By Brian Figeroux, Esq.  The process of applying for U.S. citizenship has always been complex, but in 2025, under the Trump Administration’s intensified immigration policies, the path to naturalization has become even more challenging. With an ongoing crackdown on immigrants, naturalization applications face increased scrutiny, particularly for those who obtained green cards through marriage. If […]

Does an Annulment Prevent a Plaintiff or Defendant from Filing a VAWA Application for Immigration Relief?

By Brian Figeroux, Esq.  The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) provides a pathway for survivors of domestic abuse to apply for immigration relief without relying on their abusive U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident (LPR) spouse, parent, or child. VAWA allows these individuals to self-petition for a green card if they can demonstrate they were […]

Precautions Green Card Holders Should Take When Traveling with Pending Criminal Cases or Convictions

Precautions Green Card Holders Should Take When Traveling with Pending Criminal Cases or Convictions

By Brian Figeroux, Esq. | Editorial credit: Roy De La Cruz / Shutterstock.com Click here to know your rights. Traveling with pending criminal cases or past convictions presents significant risks for green card holders. Introduction For lawful permanent residents (LPRs), commonly known as green card holders, traveling—whether domestically or internationally—can be risky if they have […]

How to Obtain a Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) for Filing a Tax Return: Process and Immigration Considerations

How to Obtain a Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) for Filing a Tax Return: Process and Immigration Considerations

By Brian Figeroux, Esq.  For individuals who are not eligible for a Social Security Number (SSN) but need to file a U.S. tax return, obtaining a Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN), specifically an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), is essential. This process is particularly significant for non-residents, immigrants, and undocumented individuals, but it raises important questions […]