Category Archives: Family Immigration
What is the 287(g) Program and How Does it Affect the State of Georgia?
The Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 added Section 287(g) to the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), providing the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) the right to partner with state and local law enforcement and deputize them so they can essentially act in a capacity similar to ICE. Through a… Read More »
6 Reasons Why It Is Taking So Long to Process Your Immigration Case
Taking the steps to start the process of immigrating to the United States may feel exhilarating. You can’t wait for everything to begin and to eventually have your unique immigration goals met. However, you know that the process can be challenging and even lengthy. Although, if you feel like your situation is taking longer… Read More »
3 Rights Non-Citizens Do Not Have When They Go to Immigration Court in the United States
When citizens of the United States violate the law, they are taken to criminal court, which is part of the U.S. judicial branch. Non-citizens who violate immigration law will go to immigration court, which is a civil venue. Immigration court is under the purview of the executive branch’s Department of Justice. When a U.S…. Read More »
What Are “Sanctuary States” and Which States Have “Sanctuary Status”?
In the United States, several states, counties, and cities have adopted what are known as “sanctuary policies.” Such policies vary and take many forms, but they are generally written and enacted to promote more trust and cooperation between immigrants (regardless of immigration status) and law enforcement. Some areas of the country promote and enact… Read More »
President Trump Formally Designates English as the Official Language of the United States
On March 1, 2025, President Donald Trump ordered English to be the national language of the United States. As a result, the mandate that Bill Clinton required during his time as President for government organizations that receive federal funding to provide language resources and assistance to non-English speakers has been rescinded. Under the provisions… Read More »
What to Know About the U.S. Registration Requirement for Immigrants
Recently, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that it will restore a federal immigration law (8 U.S.C. § 1302) that has largely been inactive. The law says that individuals who enter the United States without a valid visa must register with the federal government and carry proof of registration on them while… Read More »
What Countries Would Be Included in The USA’s New Travel Ban?
In the first Trump administration, a travel ban was enacted that was primarily aimed at countries with Muslim majorities. During the second Trump administration, another travel ban is being considered. If implemented, the new travel ban will affect far more countries. In specific, the administration is targeting countries with inadequate or sparse vetting practices…. Read More »
The Debate Over Ending Birthright Citizenship in the U.S.
On January 20, the Trump administration determined that birthright citizenship in the United States should end. As a result, President Trump signed an executive order (EO) that is scheduled to take effect on February 19, 2025. The EO would end automatic citizenship for babies born in the United States if neither of the parents… Read More »
Eligibility Requirements for Sponsoring Step Children In the United States Through Family Visas
If you are navigating the immigration process for your foreign spouse and stepchild, a question you may have is how you can ensure that you can sponsor your stepchild through a family visa in the United States. You love your foreign spouse and your stepchild, but because the child is not biologically your own,… Read More »
Family Visas That Can Help You Sponsor a Stepchild
If you are navigating the U.S. immigration system with your foreign-born spouse and your spouse has a biological child, figuring out how to use a family visa to bring your stepchild to the country is critical to keeping your family together. It is important to understand the immigration laws and rules for sponsoring a… Read More »