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 […]

Why You Need Legal Representation When Going to Immigration Court – ICE Will Grab and Deport You

Why You Need Legal Representation When Going to Immigration Court – ICE Will Grab and Deport You

By: Mary Campbell Immigration court is one of the most intimidating places you can find yourself. Every case is high stakes—your future, your family, and your ability to remain in the United States are on the line. Yet too many immigrants walk into court without an attorney, thinking they can “explain their side” or handle […]

Why Are U.S. Consulates Denying Visitor Visas or Renewals When Someone in the U.S. Has Petitioned for the Applicant? An Analysis with Exceptions and Strategic Arguments to Overcome Denial

Why Are U.S. Consulates Denying Visitor Visas or Renewals When Someone in the U.S. Has Petitioned for the Applicant? An Analysis with Exceptions and Strategic Arguments to Overcome Denial

By Brian Figeroux, Esq. U.S. visitor visas (commonly B-1/B-2) are nonimmigrant visas granted to individuals who wish to travel temporarily to the United States for business or tourism. However, many applicants find their applications denied under Section 214(b) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA)—especially when a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident has filed […]

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. | 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 […]

Vacation Romance: Love or Immigration Opportunity?

Vacation Romance: Love or Immigration Opportunity?

By Sandy Connors Experiencing a vacation in the Caribbean often proves to be an enchanting journey filled with lush landscapes, vibrant cultures, and warm-hearted locals. It isn’t uncommon for tourists to find romance blossoming in such an inviting atmosphere. Yet, what begins as an idyllic love story can quickly become complex, especially when marriage and […]

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 […]

Enhanced Scrutiny in Family-Based Immigration Petitions: An Analytical Overview

Enhanced Scrutiny in Family-Based Immigration Petitions: An Analytical Overview

By Brian Figeroux, Esq. | Editorial credit: Ryan Rodrick Beiler / shutterstock.com In recent years, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has intensified its scrutiny of family-based immigration petitions. This heightened examination focuses on identifying factual inconsistencies, omissions, mistakes, or intentional misrepresentations within applications. Such rigorous evaluations can lead to petition denials, revocation […]

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 […]

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 […]