How Does a Government Shutdown Impact Immigration Services?

Congress is preparing to break for the holidays, and it is apparent that the standoff over President Trump’s wall will result in a partial government shutdown. Unlike a full government shutdown, the current funding lapse only impacts certain aspects of the government. As of midnight on November 21st, funding expired for all non-essential employees in…

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What to Do if Stopped by Immigration and Customs Enforcement

At our California law office, Greco Neyland handles a number of immigration issues and cases. Our clients have questions about student visas and naturalization, but one of the more important issues we deal with every day is detention by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, also referred to as ICE. Investigation and detention by ICE have substantial…

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District Court Judge Blocks New Measures on Asylum

At least for the immediate future, the Trump Administration’s latest measures on asylum will go unenforced. As of last week, a district court judge in California has ruled that the new measures, which we covered in a blog post two weeks ago, were invalid and outside the scope of executive power. While this is a…

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What Is the Impact of the Government’s Asylum Proclamation?

Late last week on November 9th, the White House released an official proclamation from the President of the United States. The proclamation addresses the issue of “mass migration” to the southern border of the United States. It begins, “The United States expects the arrival at the border between the United States and Mexico (southern border)…

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Can Donald Trump Stop Birthright Citizenship?

The immigration news in the United States was dominated by a single topic this week: President Trump’s announcement that he intends to end birthright citizenship. He made the claim to the news outlet, Axios, in an interview released in part last Tuesday and fully on Sunday. His exact statement regarding the 14th Amendment’s guarantee of…

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Diversity Lottery Is Open: Questions on the Diversity Visa

Today is an important date for many individuals hoping to immigrate to the United States. October 3rd marks the first day that applicants can register for the 2020 Diversity Lottery. Despite being the source of some debate, and vast criticism by the current administration, the Diversity Lottery, officially called the Diversity Lottery Visa Program, will…

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How Recent Court Decisions Are Restricting Deportation Hearings

If you are detained in the United States as a suspected illegal or unlawful immigrant, your right to access the United States legal system and due process is incredibly important. Through a series of hearings and the right to legal counsel, an undocumented or illegal immigrant has an opportunity to show a claim for asylum…

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Green Card Marriage Interview: What Does the Government Ask?

For international couples, the first test of their relationship might not be doing the dishes or taking out the trash. It is likely that the first hurdle to a happy future is actually permanent residency approval by the United States government for a spousal Green Card. A spousal or marriage Green Card is necessary for…

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Is It Becoming More Difficult to Obtain a U.S. Entertainment Visa?

As the New York Times reported back in 2012, the U.S. system for obtaining an entertainment visa has long aggravated foreign performers. As the 2012 article indicated, the frustration with the requirements and approvals of an entertainment visa extends to all types of performers and foreign nationals. A flamenco dancer, orchestra, and rock theatre troupe…

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Making the Switch from Student to Worker as a U.S. Visa Holder

Many foreign students come to the U.S. just for the opportunity to study. A vast number of these students decide to return to their home country after graduation, where their education in the U.S. and command of the English language can add credence to their degree. Alternatively, some students want to remain in the U.S.…

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