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. | Photo Copyright IQ INC.  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 […]

FWD.us Applauds the Reintroduction of the American Families United Act

FWD.us Applauds the Reintroduction of the American Families United Act

Editorial credit: Phil Pasquini / shutterstock.com | Photo of Congresswoman Veronica Escobar WASHINGTON, D.C. — FWD.us President Todd Schulte issued the following statement today after Congresswoman Veronica Escobar (D-TX-16) and Maria Elvira Salazar (R-FL-27) reintroduced the bipartisan American Families United Act (AFUA). The bill would help families facing separation by granting immigration judges and officials the authority […]

Trump Administration Wants Mandatory Social Media Disclosure for Immigrants in Green Card and Citizenship Applications

Trump Administration Wants Mandatory Social Media Disclosure for Immigrants in Green Card and Citizenship Applications

By Mary Campbell | Editorial credit: sdx15 / shutterstock.com In a move that has sparked concerns over privacy and free speech, the Trump administration has proposed a policy that would require immigrants applying for green cards, citizenship, and other immigration benefits to disclose their social media handles. The policy, part of a broader immigration reform […]

Why Green Card Holders Should Immediately File for U.S. Citizenship in Light of the DHS Interim Final Rule

Why Green Card Holders Should Immediately File for U.S. Citizenship in Light of the DHS Interim Final Rule

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) upcoming Interim Final Rule (IFR) on Alien Registration and Evidence of Registration, set to take effect in April 2025, introduces new obligations and potential penalties for non-citizens residing in the United States. Given the increased scrutiny, stringent registration requirements, and potential legal consequences for noncompliance, lawful permanent residents […]

The Economic Cost and Rejection Probability of Immigrants Self-Representing or Using Notarios for USCIS Applications

The Economic Cost and Rejection Probability of Immigrants Self-Representing or Using Notarios for USCIS Applications

By Brian Figeroux, Esq.  The process of applying for legal immigration status or work permits in the United States can be complex and costly. Many immigrants, due to financial constraints or lack of awareness, either self-represent or seek the help of unauthorized immigration consultants, often referred to as “notarios.” Unfortunately, errors in these applications can […]

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

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 […]

The Consequences of Getting Married After an Approval as a Child but Before Entering the U.S. for Green Card Purposes

The Consequences of Getting Married After an Approval as a Child but Before Entering the U.S. for Green Card Purposes

By Brian Figeroux, Esq.  The U.S. immigration system has strict eligibility requirements for family-based green cards, particularly for children of U.S. citizens or permanent residents. If a person is approved for a green card under the classification of a “child” (unmarried and under 21), getting married before entering the U.S. can have serious legal consequences. […]

USCIS Waives COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement for Adjustment of Status to Lawful Permanent Resident Applications

USCIS Waives COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement for Adjustment of Status to Lawful Permanent Resident Applications

By Janet Howard As of January 22, 2025, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has waived the COVID-19 vaccination requirement for individuals applying for adjustment of status to lawful permanent resident (green card) within the United States. This policy change means that applicants are no longer required to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination on […]

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 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 pending criminal cases or past convictions. […]

Indefinite Green Cards: Understanding Green Cards Without Expiration Dates and Their Validity Today

Indefinite Green Cards: Understanding Green Cards Without Expiration Dates and Their Validity Today

By Brian Figeroux, Esq.  Green Cards, officially known as Permanent Resident Cards, serve as proof of an individual’s authorization to live and work permanently in the United States. Prior to August 1989, the U.S. government issued Green Cards without expiration dates. These cards, often referred to as “indefinite” Green Cards, remain valid today. However, there […]