How to Protect Your Immigration Status During a Criminal Case Getting arrested or charged with a crime can seriously affect your immigration status, even if you’re not convicted. If you’re not a U.S. citizen, here are 5 critical steps to protect yourself: 1. Don’t Talk Without a Lawyer Anything you...
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Major Update: USCIS Announces New Changes to the Naturalization Civics Test for 2025
📢 Major Update: USCIS Announces New Changes to the Naturalization Civics Test for 2025 On September 17, 2025, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) unveiled the first set of changes to the naturalization civics test, marking the beginning of a multi-step overhaul aimed at strengthening the integrity of the American...
Expungement: Clearing your Record
“Expungement: Clearing Your Record” Did you know some criminal charges can be erased from your record? Expungement is the legal process of sealing or erasing a criminal conviction, meaning: It won’t show up in background checks It can improve your job and housing prospects You get a fresh start Every...
Visa Denied? Here is What You Need to Know (MN edition)
Receiving a visa denial can feel overwhelming, but it’s not the end of the road. Whether you’re applying for a family visa, work visa, or green card, understanding your options is key. If you’re in Minnesota, here’s what comes next: 1. Understand the Reason for Denial USCIS or the U.S....
Back to School Legal Tips for Minnesota Families!
The new school year is here! Whether your child is starting kindergarten or senior year, it’s a good time to make sure your legal affairs are in order, especially if you’re dealing with family, immigration, or juvenile legal matters. Here are some essential tips to keep in mind: 1. Custody...
How Automatic Conversion Saves the Conjugally Active Preference Category Immigrant to the United States
A preference category immigrant is an immigrant visa beneficiary that has been classified by her petitioner but cannot apply for an immigrant visa (Green Card) to enter the United States because no visa is yet immediately available to her. The Citizenship and Immigration Services (CIS) issues the immigrant beneficiary a priority...
Sometimes Voluntary Departure is the Best Option
Voluntary Departure is the departure of an alien from the United States because of an immigration offense without an order of removal from the immigration court. Once an alien is granted the voluntary departure, he gives up all rights to any other available relief and must depart the United States...
A US Permanent Resident Can Reside Outside the United States and Still Qualify for Naturalization
Residency and physical presence in the United States are among the centerpiece requirements for naturalization in the country. The applicant must reside in the country for the five year period immediately before he files his naturalization application. If married to a United States citizen, he must reside continuously in the United...
Deferred Enforcement of Departure Extended for Liberians in the United States
Deferred Enforced Departure Extended for Liberians in U.S. Release Date: September 28, 2016 USCIS Automatically Extends Validity of Employment Authorization Documents WASHINGTON—President Obama has announced an extension of Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) for certain Liberian nationals through March 31, 2018. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will automatically extend employment...
There is No U-Visa Without a Signed Certification
Without an executed and signed certification, the Citizenship and Immigration Services (CIS) cannot issue a U-Visa. Certification is where the U-Visa applicant requests and a law enforcement officer confirms that the applicant suffered from a qualifying U-visa crime, and is helpful or likely to be helpful in the prosecution of the...