By Esther Claudette Gittens Immigration law in the United States has a long and complex history, particularly concerning when lawful permanent residents (LPRs), also known as green card holders, may be placed in deportation (removal) proceedings or subjected to expedited removal. One of the more controversial areas of immigration enforcement involves cases where an LPR […]
By Mary Campbell Bronx, NY: A Bronx-based immigration attorney was sentenced Wednesday, February 26 to 70 months in federal prison for his role in a large-scale immigration fraud scheme that defrauded his clients out of $16 million. Kofi Amankwaa, 70, was also ordered to pay restitution in the full amount of $16 million, along with […]
Editorial credit: Matt Gush / shutterstock.com 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 […]
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 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 […]
By Brian Figeroux, Esq. When a U.S. green card holder (lawful permanent resident) marries a spouse who is overseas, they face an important decision: Should they petition immediately for their spouse under their current status, or wait until they become a U.S. citizen to file the petition? The key consideration in this decision is speed—how […]
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 Reuven Blau and Gwynne Hogan | Photo credit: Secretary Kristi Noem/X Little is known about where many of those arrested are being held, and immigration lawyers tell THE CITY they have had difficulty locating and contacting those detained. Over 100 people in the New York City area were detained by federal authorities over the past week, […]
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. […]
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 […]