We’ve had many clients who come into our office as lawful permanent residents eligible to become a United States citizen. We tell them the same thing, every time. Run, do not walk, to apply to become a U.S.C. Why? Because as a lawful permanent resident, the Immigration and Nationality Act…
Florida Immigration Lawyer Blog
Federal Government To Increase Prosecution of Immigration Related Crimes
Attorney General Jeff Sessions issued a memorandum (see bottom of this post to read the memorandum in full) to all federal prosecutors today demanding prioritization of immigration related prosecutions. Specifically, he calls for the increased prosecution of 8 U.S.C. 1324 (Bringing in or Harboring Certain Aliens), 8 U.S.C. 1325 (Improper…
What is an Aggravated Felony for Immigration Purposes?
Any criminal arrest or conviction will have some negative consequence for a non-citizen. Whether it is prolonged delay at the border while Custom and Border Protection (CBP) agents ask you questions, whether you are denied a bond in immigration court, whether you are denied the right to become a United…
ICE is Denying Bonds to Asylum Seekers
Despite Emma Lazarus’ poignant words inscribed at the Statue of Liberty suggesting a welcoming embrace to asylum seekers, a troubling new implementation of policy is in direct conflict with our nation’s ideological fascination with freedom. Immigration attorneys throughout the country are finding that people seeking asylum at our borders and within…
How a DUI Conviction Can Affect Your DACA Status and Lead to Deportation
Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (“DACA”) has been a saving grace for countless people who have no other form of relief from deportation. DACA is available to people who came into the United States without “admission,” when they were children. In its simplest form, it is a declaration by the…
What Will Happen At My Immigration Interview? Some Helpful Tips.
Whether you are applying for a green card, to become a United States Citizen, or for some other immigration benefit, you are bound to be nervous for your immigration interview. Most of that fear comes from the unknown. So, arming yourself with knowledge about the process will greatly decrease that anxiety.…
Don’t Always Believe Your Criminal Defense Lawyer (Especially About Immigration)
Criminal defense lawyers don’t typically know anything about immigration law. Immigration law is federal. Most criminal defense attorneys practice only state law in state courts. Even if they do practice in federal criminal courtrooms, it is a completely different area of law from immigration. Asking a criminal lawyer about immigration…
How Does President Trump’s Executive Order Affect Me If I Am Charged with a Crime?
There has been great fear rising within immigrant communities regarding the new policies directed at certain non-citizens. On January 25th, 2107, President Trump issued an executive order titled Executive Order: Enhancing Public Safety in the Interior of the United States. This Order provided guidance to federal agencies on how to implement…
What Immigration Benefits do I Qualify for if I entered the United States Illegally?
What am I eligible for? That is a very common question for many immigrants who call or visit our immigration office for legally advice. “I came into the country illegally,” how do I get a work permit or a green card? The truth is if you are in the United States…
How Does President Obama’s Changes To Cuban Immigration Policy Affect Cuban Nationals With A Final Order of Removal Or Deportation?
President’s Obama’s January 12, 2017 announcement about Cuban immigration policy changed the landscape for Cuban nationals. Along with all the official changes announced on January 12, 2017 on this subject, there was another document that contains two very important, but often overlooked paragraphs. The United States and Cuba released a…