The Immigrant Detention Apprehension Tips document, published by the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA), offers strategic guidance for noncitizens and their legal representatives in the face of heightened immigration enforcement. With the backdrop of aggressive immigration policies, particularly under the Trump administration, the document provides practical steps for immigrants at risk of detention. This analysis […]
By Brian Figeroux, Esq. In the United States, millions of lawful permanent residents (green card holders) are eligible to become U.S. citizens but fail to do so. Many delay filing for naturalization due to fear, procrastination, misinformation, or simply not realizing the urgency. However, waiting too long to apply could expose you and your family […]
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 […]
By Brian Figeroux, Esq. The Laken Riley Act represents a significant clarification and development in the context of mandatory detention under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). Specifically, it addresses the interpretation of certain crimes that trigger mandatory detention under INA § 236(c)(1)(E), elucidating how these terms should be understood within the legal frameworks of […]
By Esther Claudette Gittens | Editorial credit: a katz / shutterstock.com Click here to access document of your rights. It’s January 2025 and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has intensified its operations to identify, detain, and deport undocumented immigrants across the United States. This escalation follows policy shifts under the current administration, leading to […]
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 […]
By Brian Figeroux, Esq. Click here to know your rights. One of the most significant measures in Trump’s immigration executive orders is the mandatory registration of all noncitizens with the U.S. government. The order mandates that every noncitizen, including those with lawful status, provide their fingerprints and register under an obscure and rarely used provision […]
By Esther Claudette Gittens Click here to know your rights. On January 23, 2025, U.S. District Judge John C. Coughenour issued a temporary restraining order blocking President Donald Trump’s executive order aimed at ending birthright citizenship, labeling it “blatantly unconstitutional.” Background of the Executive Order President Trump’s executive order, titled “Protecting the Meaning and Value […]
By Brian Figeroux, Esq. The U Visa is a nonimmigrant visa in the United States designed to provide legal status to victims of certain crimes who have suffered substantial mental or physical abuse and are willing to assist law enforcement in the investigation or prosecution of the criminal activity. Established by the Victims of Trafficking […]
Editorial credit: Glynnis Jones / Shutterstock.com On January 16, New York State Attorney General Letitia James issued a letter, signed by herself, eight other state attorneys general, as well as various elected officials, law enforcement leaders, and clerical figures, urging the U.S. Senate to reject the Laken Riley Act. Access to PDf: FINAL – Laken […]